Position/philosophy statement
Morris “Mac” McAdoo is a civil rights and business attorney, small-business owner, and community advocate running for Mecklenburg County Commission in District 1. Mac brings over 20 years of experience fighting for families and equitable growth.
Current Occupation
ATTORNEY
Age (optional)
47
Campaign Phone
704-464-4425
I bring more than 20 years of experience as a civil rights and business attorney, small-business owner, and community leader. I have litigated medical and mental health cases across North Carolina on behalf of thousands of families, holding institutions accountable and advocating for fair outcomes, experience that directly informs my approach to county oversight and budgeting. As a small-business owner, I understand fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth. I am prepared to serve on day one, making informed decisions that strengthen mental health services, affordability, community development, and quality of life for all Mecklenburg County residents.
The most important issue facing the Mecklenburg County Commission over the next two years is maintaining essential services while navigating uncertainty in state and federal funding during a period of rapid growth. Mental health services, affordability, and public health cannot be treated as optional when budgets are tight. The Commission must make disciplined, equitable decisions that protect vulnerable residents, prevent displacement, and ensure growth benefits all communities, especially those historically underserved. How we prioritize resources now will determine whether Mecklenburg County emerges stronger or leaves too many behind.
The County Commission’s most effective role in improving local schools is providing strong, predictable funding that supports teachers and the learning environment. I will advocate for competitive local supplements to help recruit and retain educators and reduce burnout. I will also support county investments in school-based mental health services, counselors, nurses, and social workers so teachers can focus on teaching. In addition, policies that expand affordable housing, transportation access, and family stability directly improve student readiness and attendance. When the County aligns education funding with health, housing, and human services, we create classrooms where teachers are supported, and students are set up to succeed.
I will propose policies that strengthen Mecklenburg County’s economy by focusing on economic mobility and shared opportunity. This includes investing in workforce development aligned with high-growth industries, expanding job training and career pathways, and supporting small businesses and minority-owned enterprises through county contracting and access to capital. I will also support county initiatives that remove barriers to mobility, such as affordable housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health services, so residents can fully participate in the economy. By aligning economic development with education, health, and housing strategies, we can create lasting pathways out of poverty and ensure growth benefits all communities.
I would propose policies that strengthen social services by expanding access, improving coordination, and ensuring equitable service delivery across Mecklenburg County. This includes investing in County Health and Human Services, particularly mental health, substance use, and crisis response services, to reduce wait times and improve outcomes. I will advocate for regular evaluations to ensure residents in District 1 have equal, convenient access to services based on location, transportation, and hours of operation. Where gaps exist, the County should expand mobile crisis units, satellite service locations, and partnerships with community providers so residents can access timely, high-quality support close to home.
I am running for Mecklenburg County Commission because District 1 deserves experienced, accountable leadership that understands both policy and people. For more than 20 years, I have worked as a civil rights and business attorney and small-business owner, advocating for families, holding institutions accountable, and navigating complex systems to get results. I believe county government must focus on what matters most: mental health, affordability, and strong communities, especially as we face growth, funding uncertainty, and increased pressure on essential services. I am prepared to serve on day one, make tough but fair decisions, and ensure Mecklenburg County’s progress includes every community, not just a few.
