Vote 2022: Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles talks reelection in sit-down interview

CHARLOTTE — In less than two weeks, voters will decide who will represent the city of Charlotte. That includes who will be the city’s next mayor.

Republican Stephanie de Sarachaga-Bilbao is trying to unseat Mayor Vi Lyles, who is seeking her third term.

“I just can’t imagine not being engaged with this community. We’re doing so much amazing work here. And we’ve started a lot of things,” Lyles said. “And it would be great to cross the finish line, even on the controversial ones like the UDO, racial equity -- all of these things we started, and I want to be a part of the success that we’re going to see.”

Lyles is seeking reelection while trying to tackle a number of issues in the Queen City.

“Our community doesn’t feel as safe. We need to do something about that,” she said.

Is the city better off now than it was when Lyles first ran in 2017?

“When I think about what I’m doing as mayor, I think about every person in this community as if they are like me, they want the very best for what we can do. And I work hard to deliver that,” she said.

>> In the video at the top of the page, the Political Beat’s Joe Bruno talked to Lyles about her time in office, why she’s seeking another round, and what she plans to do differently if reelected.

(WATCH BELOW: Vote 2022: Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles talks reelection in sit-down interview -- PART II)