Kenny Smith Tells WCCB Why He Wants To Be Mayor Of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Republican city councilman Kenny Smith is running against Democratic colleague Vi Lyles to be the next mayor of Charlotte.

WCCB Charlotte anchor Will Kennedy sat down with Smith to talk about why he wants to be mayor.

City councilman Smith is still a political newcomer.  The Republican is serving his second term in Charlotte’s sixth district.

Charlotte’s recent spike in violent crime will be huge on the campaign trail.  Smith has blamed the rising numbers on failed leadership from current Mayor Jennifer Roberts.

The councilman has also been part of the city’s efforts to address issues that led to last year’s protests and riots in the aftermath of the Keith Scott shooting.

Smith is trying to become the first Republican to occupy the mayor’s office since Pat McCrory.