With Democrats controlling NC House, Charlotte is optimistic about getting city’s priorities passed – WSOC TV

With Democrats controlling NC House, Charlotte is optimistic about getting city’s priorities passed  WSOC TV

Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina, but it’s the General Assembly in Raleigh that holds the legislative power. CHARLOTTE — Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina, but it’s the General Assembly in Raleigh that holds the legislative power. Now, with Democrats assuming control of the North Carolina House, Channel 9 Government Reporter Joe Bruno is learning that could help the power dynamics between the two cities. If you ask Charlotte City Councilmember Malcolm Graham, he’d tell you, “The dog has caught up to the car.” Graham served in the North Carolina General Assembly when the Democrats lost the state House. Now that the Democrats are getting it back, the city council is optimistic it can get some of its priorities passed.

When state lawmakers passed House Bill 2, cracking down on the city of Charlotte’s nondiscrimination ordinance, it was a stark reminder for the Queen City: Raleigh has the power. But starting in January, most of the people in power in Raleigh will play for the same team as 10 members of Charlotte City Council. “Go out to lunch with our delegation now because they have a lot more influence than they do Monday night,” said Councilman Malcolm Graham of District 2. Graham says city leaders shouldn’t pop champagne just yet, though. As of now, Republicans