For Immediate Release: Stone Calls for Transparency from DNC Convention Organizers

Candidate for Mayor Charges Charlotte Host Committee Lacking Transparency

Charlotte, NC – Republican nominee for Mayor Scott Stone called today for DNC convention organizers to be more transparent regarding the convention’s costs, logistical requirements, fundraising, and likely use of union labor. 

“The people of Charlotte have a right to know what to expect from next year’s Democratic National Convention,” said Scott Stone, Republican nominee in this fall’s election for Charlotte mayor. “We have a tremendous opportunity for positive national and international exposure for Charlotte. The last thing we want is to turn this positive event into a liability by hiding costs and facts.” 

Stone called on Mayor Anthony Foxx to personally hold himself accountable for ensuring transparency. “The mayor does not hesitate to go on CNN to discuss the convention, but neither he nor his Press Czar are available to local press for questions about convention costs or the Host Committee’s fundraising progress. If he wants to take credit for the convention, he must also be accountable for the details.”

Stone called on the Mayor and the DNC Host Committee to address the following aspects of next year’s convention:

• What role will union labor have in contracts and projects? The new Host Committee website, which allows businesses to register for convention opportunities, specifically requests information about union affiliation.
• Who is donating to the Host Committee and how much has it raised to date? Charlotte residents have a right to know who is financing the convention and how much has been raised.
• Who is on the hook for cost overruns? The DNC contract does not address any “what if” scenarios. The Mayor and the Host Committee must answer the question: do cost overruns fall to the city to cover expenses?
• What additional costs and impact to existing businesses will be required? There are already reports that the Transit Center will be moved, portions of Light Rail will be closed, and new capital projects are being planned or accelerated in preparation for the convention. What other hidden costs are Charlotte residents unaware of?

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