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CHARLOTTE, NC – Local officials, including a former Charlotte mayor, are weighing in on Patrick Cannon’s arrest and federal charges.
“I thought I was reading a dirty book or a script for a dirty movie, it just sounds awful,” said Richard Vinroot, a former Charlotte mayor and city council member. Vinroot felt disgust after reading the indictment against Cannon. “It just makes my skin crawl. This reflects so badly on everyone who is associated with our city, and that’s a terrible, terrible thing, because it’s wrong,” said Vinroot.
On Wednesday, Mayor Pro Tem Michael Barnes defended the city and staff. “Our history has been that we run a clean government, and my expectation and the expectation of my colleagues is that we will continue to run a clean government in Charlotte,” said Barnes.
Former councilman James Mitchell, who ran against Cannon in the democratic primary, says the allegations bring negative publicity to the city. But he says business must go on. “We still need to get funds for the light rail and the gold line, so there’s still a lot of work that the city manager and city council should focus on,” said Mitchell.
As we wait for all this to unfold, Mitchell has a message for residents who’ve supported Cannon.
“Let justice unfold on this issue. Reach out to Patrick if you care about him and his family, make sure you show some sympathy during this tough time for him,” said Mitchell.
“God help us. God help his family, and God help us get through this,” said Vinroot.
City Manager Ron Carlee says staff has turned over all records that have been requested by the FBI. He says they city is cooperating fully with the investigation.
