'Now it's time to step up'

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'Now it's time to step up'

By Michaela L. Duckett – February 2, 2011

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Charlotte’s political leaders were all smiles and back-slapping Tuesday over news that the 2012 Democratic National Committee convention was heading to the Qcity.

In her email announcing the decision, First Lady Michelle Obama said it would be a “grassroots convention for the people. With that in mind, Qcitymetro hit the steets to see what the people are saying about Charlotte’s date with destiny.

Here is a sampling:

Ray Thomas, 40, writer: “I read that it was some NAACP leaders trying to prevent it from coming here because of something political, but I think it’s a good thing for the city. It will bring attention to the city… It will boost revenues, and as a supporter of the President and Mayor Anthony Foxx, it‘s inspirational.”

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Tyra Candelaria, retired military: “I think it will be good for the city and maybe change some the thoughts that people have about the President’s points of view. Maybe if we have the [DNC] here, more people will get to hear what his views are. It may give them a better outlook on what he is trying to do.”

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Sherry Williams, 35, nurse (new to Charlotte from Buffalo, NY): “I think it will be great. I went to the inauguration. Besides having my children it was the best experience I’ve had in my life. It was nice to see all the people united together. I don’t know a lot about Charlotte, but I think it will be good.”

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Bob Jackson, 38, security officer: “I think it is great. Anything that will bring in revenues and create jobs is a great thing.”

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Erica Judd, 32, case manager: “I think it’s a good thing for Charlotte. I think it will bring more attention to our city. We are growing. We are bigger, but we are still looked at as a small city.”

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Maxine Swain, consultant: “I think it’s a great opportunity for Charlotte to showcase itself and for everybody in the city to get involved in the democratic process. People need to vote. They need to understand that it’s not just an opportunity to come here and showcase Charlotte, but it’s [also] important to vote and select people you care about to be in office and represent your ideas. That’s why the committee is coming here. They chose the city for that reason.”

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Timothy Anderson, 38, surgical assistant/student: “I think it’s a positive thing for the city. I think the mayor did what he had to do to get it here. I think that if all of us who are Democrats come out and show support, not just for Barack but for the Democratic Party in general, it will be a good outcome. Those young and old need to get out and show their support. When Congress was taken over by Republicans it was because nobody went out and voted. Now it‘s time to step up and show support at the right time.”

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Rick Byrd, 37, security: “It’s a positive thing…The NAACP tried to boycott the convention. I don’t understand how that helps us. Charlotte has a large African American community, and I don’t see Charlotte as being more racist than any other city.”

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Pam Hall, CMS employee: “I will put a good spotlight on Charlotte, instead of the negative. I think it’s going to be good for the economy too. I’m looking forward to the experience.”

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Ms. Williams, Carolinas Medical Center employee: “I think it’s a really good thing for Charlotte… not only the economy but for our entire city and the Democratic Party. Hopefully it will get a little more people on the band wagon and help people to understand more that it’s not just about race or economics. Really, the Democratic Party is for any and everybody. Many white people I talk to say, ‘white folks aren’t Democrats.’ That’s what they believe because they don’t know better. Hopefully it will give people a chance to get a little more educated.”

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Lena Simmons, 27, claims adjuster: “I think that it’s great that it’s coming. It’s a great opportunity for Charlotte, and it’s a good opportunity for black people to become more involved in politics.”