Anthony Foxx’s mayoral lesson plans (Charlotte Observer)
Now that you’ve won, Mr. Foxx, you surely won’t lack for advice.
As the first Democratic mayor of Charlotte since Harvey Gantt left office in 1987, as only the second African-American mayor in this Southern city’s history, and as the first mayor in 14 years not named Pat McCrory, you’ll be in the klieg lights for months.
So, first, congratulations on a strong campaign and your win. But as you well know, after you and your supporters finish some well-deserved back-pats, you’ll have to get to work. We offer some thoughts on the task lying ahead for you:
You campaigned on a theme of bringing the city together – a good theme for this era. You’ve talked about focusing community attention on the public schools – a much-needed initiative – and your intent to tutor at a school, as an example you hope will inspire others to do the same.
But as a new mayor, age 38, in public office only since 2005, we hope you’ll find some tutors of your own. Your predecessor can offer significant lessons. So can other former Charlotte mayors.
McCrory, for instance, offers a powerful example of the importance of learning. He, too, was young when first elected mayor – a few weeks after his 39th birthday. But he became an expert on transportation and used his mastery to enduring effect, championing the humble sidewalk as well as more glamorous mass transit. You’re well-schooled already in transportation, among other areas. The point here: Don’t stop learning.
McCrory’s example also proves that a mayor can have the courage to take a stand opposed by a chunk of his constituency – and survive. For years conservatives in his Republican Party have fought mass transit and the tax that funds it here. Yet his support has been steady. Another example: A decade ago, braving heavy developer pressure and a council that caved, McCrory backed a proposed ordinance to beef up sidewalk requirements in new developments. Your constituency differs, but you, too, will be challenged on key issues. You, too, can stand firm and survive.
From former Mayor Richard Vinroot, learn the value of being true to yourself. Vinroot was a widely respected and popular Republican mayor who swerved sharply to the right when he ran for statewide office. In doing that, he lost the respect of many moderate Charlotte voters who had previously admired his integrity.
Gantt, an architect who was mayor 1983-87, can probably show you plenty of scar tissue from the city’s thwarted attempts to adopt smart growth management tools. Learn from his scars. The city still needs smarter growth management.
Gantt can also be a valuable guide in helping deepen your knowledge of urban design and planning. It’s important, for instance, that you publicly let city staff planners know the mayor has their back, that you don’t expect them to sacrifice sound planning in order to avoid angering developers and displeasing politicians.
You’ve talked about listening and collaborating. McCrory did that, too. But you can raise the ante on governmental collaboration, and not just with schools but with regional environmental initiatives.
You’re a smart man. We saw you work and grow during your campaign. Now, test time is here. Study hard. Learn well.
Lessons from his City Hall forefathers: Stand your ground.
Posted: Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009
