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VOTE411 Voter Guide

CITY OF CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 05

Charlotte has a council-manager form of government with a Mayor and 11 Council Members elected every two years in November, and a professional city manager to run the day-to-day operations. The Mayor and four Council Members are elected at-large (city-wide) in partisan elections for two-year terms. Seven Council Members are elected from districts in partisan elections for two-year terms. District Council Members must reside in the district they represent.The Charlotte City Council responsibilities are: Police, Fire, Water and Sewer services for the entire County; -Garbage, Transportation, Infrastructure, Zoning, Land Use, Planning and Economic Development for the City of Charlotte.

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  • Candidate picture

    Juan Diego (J.D.) Mazuera Arias
    (DEM)

  • Candidate picture

    Marjorie Molina
    (DEM)

Biographical Information

What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)

Identify your top three (3) issues that you wish to address during your tenure in office and rank them in order of priority. (Max. 750 characters)

How will you address the top issue once you are in office? (Max. 750 characters)

Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)

Position/philosophy statement From East Charlotte. For East Charlotte.
Current Occupation Government Relations & Policy
Age (optional) 27
Campaign Mailing Address 2109 ZEPHYR WIND WAY
CHARLOTTE, NC 28212
Campaign Phone 7042189896
Campaign Email team@jd4clt.com
Campaign Website http://jd4clt.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @jdmazuera_
Campaign Facebook URL http://www.facebook.com/jd4clt/
I bring both lived experience and professional expertise to this role. As the son of Colombian immigrants who grew up in East Charlotte, I know firsthand the challenges working families face. Professionally, I’ve spent over a decade in public service—working on affordable housing, economic mobility, education, immigration, and labor rights at the local, state, and national level. I’ve written on advanced policy, built coalitions, and delivered results for communities like ours. My skills in policy analysis, coalition-building, and community engagement, combined with deep roots in District 5, make me uniquely prepared to serve and deliver for our residents.
My top three priorities are: 1) Transparency & Communication — restoring trust by holding regular community meetings, creating a public dashboard to track city spending, and ensuring residents have a real voice in decisions. 2) Public Safety — addressing corridor crime with better lighting and infrastructure, focusing CMPD on violent crime, and expanding youth and wraparound services to prevent crime before it starts. 3) Economic Development — revitalizing District 5’s corridors, supporting small and minority-owned businesses, and attracting jobs by ensuring our neighborhoods are safe and welcoming for workers and employers alike.
Transparency and communication will be the foundation of everything I do. I will hold regular town halls in every neighborhood of District 5, create a public dashboard that tracks city spending, housing trust dollars, and capital projects, and provide clear updates on how decisions are made. I’ll establish consistent two-way communication channels—whether through newsletters, social media, or office hours—so residents know they’re being heard and can hold me accountable. By putting the community at the center, we rebuild trust and ensure every decision reflects the voices of District 5.
District 5 deserves a representative who shows up, listens, & delivers. Unfortunately, our current leadership has too often fallen short—failing to prioritize communication and transparency, not standing with airport workers, voting to give $650 million in public funds to a billionaire, opposing affordable housing, & neglecting to fight for better transit options in East Charlotte. I offer a different approach: as someone who grew up here, the son of immigrant workers, I’ve built my career on public service, coalition-building, and accountability. I will center transparency, hold regular community meetings, fight for safe and thriving corridors, stand with workers, and ensure our city invests in District 5’s families and small businesses. My campaign is rooted in one belief: the people of East Charlotte deserve a councilmember who works for them—not for special interests. I want to bring the voices of District 5 back to City Council, and the power of City Council back to District 5.

Position/philosophy statement I’m running to continue delivering real, visible results for District 5 through transparent, accountable leadership. In two terms, I’ve championed affordable housing, led the Eastland Yards redevelopment, and ensured our community is heard and served
Current Occupation Councilwoman, District 5; Senior Business Development Executive
Campaign Email votemolinaclt@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://www.votemolina.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @vote_molina
Campaign Youtube URL
I offer a proven track record as a two-term Charlotte City Council member and a seasoned Business Development Executive. I’ve led major initiatives like the Eastland Yards redevelopment and championed affordable housing solutions that deliver real results. I’ve been lazer focused on turning community priorities into action, fostering partnerships, and maintaining transparency and trust. I am committed to inclusive, accountable leadership that uplifts every voice in District 5.
    1.    Housing Preservation & Affordability: Ensuring that growth does not displace long-time residents, expanding affordable housing, and preserving neighborhood character.

    2.    Infrastructure & Mobility: Improving transportation infrastructure, advancing pedestrian and public transit options, and ensuring safe, accessible streets for all.

    3.    Economic Inclusion: Supporting local businesses, promoting workforce development, and ensuring that economic opportunities reach every part of our district.
I’ll address housing preservation and affordability by building on what we’ve already achieved: protecting existing affordable housing and leveraging successful partnerships. We’ll continue practical, proven approaches to keep residents in their homes and ensure that new development aligns with our community’s needs. It’s about practical steps, not empty promises—using the wins we’ve had as a foundation for the future.
I believe leadership is about service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the people we represent. My commitment is to stand up for every resident, to ensure that our city’s growth benefits all, and to lead with the clarity and courage to make tough decisions. Together, we can build a Charlotte that honors its history, embraces its diversity, and creates opportunities for generations to come. Thank you for the chance to earn your support.