It's a vote for the region and the state of North Carolina. Without it, we will watch a professional sports franchise walk away, and with it, millions of dollars in income, sales and entertainment taxes, as well as name recognition and exposure for the city. Without it, we will watch Charlotte join a host of other cities content to let opportunity pass it by, and along with it, young professionals and growing companies that contribute to our economy and have helped boost local communities such as Concord, Rock Hill and Salisbury. The vote will improve this region's quality of life, provide jobs and opportunities, and ensure those who visit us will return. The vote is for all of us in the Charlotte region.
Advocates speak of increased taxes to Charlotte as a reason to build the arena.
But there is no return that would cause a private company to build it. It's a tired campaign that seeks to put those against the referendum as being against children. This only indicates the depths to which the advocates sink. Opponents have given no alternative to ensuring Charlotte remains a can-do city. It means Charlotte remains a city where companies continue to relocate and stay, ensuring unemployment is low and job opportunities abound for all of us.