Ed Driggs (is) The Problem With Re-Zoning (Opinion)

Over the past several months I’ve heard from many supporters of our Charlotte City Council District 7 Representative Ed Driggs. I’ve also heard from dozens of citizens who are not exactly fans of Mr. Driggs. 

Charlotte City Council District 7 Member Ed Driggs

But rather than just hyperbole, here are some facts:

In the last five years Ed Driggs has basically run unopposed in a strongly republican district, (he is unopposed again this year barring a legitimate write in candidate) yet he has raised $188,442.00 in campaign donations over the last five years according to NC State Board of Elections Records. 

Of the reported funds raised, as much as 70% came from individuals within Charlotte's real estate and property development industry.

The names of contributors read like the who’s who of Charlotte’s, most successful real estate investment firms and affiliated companies. Names like Fred Klein, Peter Pappas, Daniel Levine, Johnny Harris, and real estate attorneys like Bailey Patrick, Richard Vinroot, and John Carmichael who represents the Gillespie Property developers RK Investments, LLC. 

In fact, RK Investments, LLC (the developers behind the Gillespie Property rezoning request) have made frequent almost yearly contributors with funds received from principles Russell Ranson, Neil Kapadia, and others during the period of 2018-2022.  

Noticeably absent, however are contributions from those associated with RK Investments, LLC during the current (2023) election year, which is understandable as the optics would be somewhat unattractive. 

However, a contribution from Landworks Design Group, PA the lead design firm hired by RK Investments, LLC on the Gillespie Property stands out on the 2023 list of contributions as if the take the place of RK Investments..

 

In fairness there is nothing wrong or illegal with any Charlotte citizen, including developers contributing to a Charlotte City Council candidate’s campaign. 

However, when the council member refuses to commit to a no vote, and continuously stresses some sort of compromise even in the face of overwhelming opposition (more than 14,000 have signed the petition asking for a NO VOTE) to a project from a solid base of neighborhood taxpayers and citizens, something is strikingly wrong. 

If you're just an average taxpayer in Charlotte you need to understand, Mr. Drigg's continued support of the Gillespie project is simply saying not only does your voice not matter, but in fact you have no voice at all because you haven't paid for it.

Rather than pushing his "compromise" agenda on behalf of RK Investments, LLC Mr. Driggs needs to firmly commit to a NO VOTE and press other council members even the democrats for a NO VOTE as well. Anything less than 100% opposition and commitment to seeing that this proposal is defeated is disingenuous at best and clearly a failure to represent his neighbors the voters who reside in District 7.

Chip Starr