Brawley and Budd face off in NC House district race

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — A longtime lawmaker is eyeing a comeback, while a newcomer is trying to make a name for herself in the North Carolina State House race for District 103, which includes Matthews and South Charlotte.

The southeastern Mecklenburg seat could determine whether Republicans have a supermajority in the House.

The Political Beat’s Joe Bruno talked to Republican candidate and former state representative Bill Brawley, and Democrat Laura Budd about why they’re running and how they plan to help Charlotte reach its transit goals.

As Channel 9 has been reporting, the city of Charlotte wants to pursue a penny sales tax increase to fund an ambitious transit plan. It would create new light rail lines, expand the streetcar system and increase bus pickup times. But Charlotte City Council needs the legislature’s approval to put it on the referendum.

Budd said she is prepared to advocate for it.

“When I moved to Matthews in 2002, they were talking about bringing the light rail to Matthews and they were talking about having it done, if I recall correctly, somewhere around 2020,” Budd said.

“Transit is a big issue when you look at the congestion on the roads, the busing system and the need for light rail to help move people uptown and around the beltway,” she added.

Brawley said he has the relationships necessary to give the city a seat at the table

“The saying in Raleigh is if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” Brawley said. “And I was in the leadership, and when these things were discussed, I was at the table. I was one of the budget writers for four years.”

>>> In the video at the top of this page, watch Channel 9 reporter Joe Bruno’s full interview with the candidates.

(Watch below: What you need to know about mail-in voting)

Mail-in voting: What you need to know (NCD)

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