Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon Files To Run For Charlotte City Council
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon, who was convicted for accepting bribes while in office, has filed to run for city council Friday.
Cannon has filed to be on the ballot alongside Dimple Ajmera, Braxton David Winston II, Larken Egleston, and more as a democratic candidate in the race for Charlotte City Council At-Large, according to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections.
The former mayor is making his way back into local politics after serving two years in jail after pleading guilty to voter fraud.
Cannon served time at the Federal Correctional Institution in Morgantown, West Virginia starting in November 2014. He was convicted of accepting bribes while he was the mayor of Charlotte.
He was sentenced to 44-months in prison.
The former mayor was elected to office in November 2013 and stepped into the role the following month.
Before his time as mayor, Cannon served in the Charlotte City Council in 1993. At the time, he was the youngest council member to be sworn into the role in Charlotte history at the age of 26.
Cannon released a statement in reference to his filing:
From the outset please know that there is nothing perfect about me, not even this statement.
Due to a mistake made by me that would cause me to voluntarily resign my Mayoral post 8 years ago and be sentenced for Honest Services Wire Fraud, business remained unfinished for the citizens of Charlotte under my leadership. To date I still take responsibility for my actions then, remaining sorry for those shortcomings, and continue to ask for forgiveness of you and our community in its totality. A chance for redemption is all I can ask for and pray that you might provide it in a fall that was taken, with the hope of getting up and starting a new beginning with your support.
Can we as a community send a message to anyone that has fallen short to say, we are a city and/or a people of second chances? That question is before us, and can be answered in April during early voting and during May for the primary election as I offer myself to be of service once again as a member of one of the four at-large seats for the Charlotte City Council.
Leadership thatβs βInclusiveβ from a diversity standpoint that addresses equity in parts of the city getting whatβs due itself, along with economic opportunities that ensure women and minorities are engaged, is important.
Leadership that is βIntentionalβ in simply getting things done from a mere citizen service request, to instituting policies and ordinances that creates positive impact, is important.
Leadership that is βInvolvedβ in creating a viable city for future generations to live, work, recreate and raise a family, is beyond important.
Leadership thatβs Inclusive, Intentional and Involved should be our aim collectively as a city.
In the end, working together still works. Might we do it together for the betterment of our city?
Letβs go!
