Madam Mayor, members of council, city staff, my fellow applicants, and the people of Charlotte —

My mission is to build support and coalitions focused on connecting every member of our community to opportunity.

For me, service begins with EMPATHY. It’s meant the world to me to work with people from nearly every corner of this city. It’s their stories that define my hope to do my part and move Charlotte forward.

Given how quickly our city is growing, it can feel to many like we’re all along for the ride. I believe we can ensure a collective VISION for the future guides our decisions and priorities. From classrooms to job centers, and from grocery stores to kitchen tables, before we can realize our potential — we have to effectively understand our interconnectedness as a community.

For over 13 years I’ve worked across Charlotte as a small business advocate, a lead regional campaign staffer for Barack Obama, Anthony Foxx’s mayoral campaign manager, and for the past 5 years — I’ve led Charlotte’s digital equity efforts.

In this most recent role, I’ve led an alliance of partners to bridge the digital divide aiming to make Charlotte the most digitally equitable city in America. Core to that work has been the development of community based workshops for over a thousand families across 50 schools and dozens of nonprofits throughout Charlotte.

We can work together in Charlotte to build an economic and empowerment strategy that ensures everyone can thrive. Several key items on the agenda this year will move us in that direction, including the Charlotte Moves Task Force, Charlotte 2040 plan and the unified development ordinance. I’m ready to help drive these initiatives over the finish line in 2021, and to put as many plans in place to make sure a sustainable progressive agenda can start now — and continue helping people for years to come.

If we learned anything about the people of Charlotte over the past year, it’s that our RESILIENCE as individuals, families and a community may have no bounds. The strength of the human spirit is on display every day in our community, and we need nothing less to navigate the historic challenges that surround us, and whatever may come next.

You can count on me to be prepared for the role, to be a collaborative colleague, to remain focused on the will of the community, to protect the integrity of our local government, and to deliver tangible wins for my fellow Charlotte citizens.

Thank you.

Below are the materials I submitted, along with my resume, to fill an open at-large seat on the Charlotte City Council.

1. State your interest in serving as the At-Large City Council Representative.

I’m interested in serving because I care about doing everything I can to ensure that all people in our community are connected to opportunity and that we all can thrive in our modern culture.

I’m ready to get to work, collaborating with fellow council members, to execute on an aggressive and important agenda that serves everyone.

Over the last 13 years, I’ve worked in communities all across Charlotte. From helping lead the area’s efforts in the 2008 Obama campaign, to serving as campaign manager for Anthony Foxx’s first mayoral run in 2009, I’ve developed strong relationships across this city.

Five years ago I was hired as Charlotte’s first digital inclusion project manager. I led an alliance of partners and community members in drafting the first digital inclusion playbook in North Carolina that set out on a pathway of bridging the digital divide. Since then I’ve continued leading efforts to help make Charlotte the most digitally equitable city in America. The pandemic has thrust this issue to the forefront, but for many communities, the “digital divide” has been an obstacle to success for years.

As part of that work, I’ve built and ran community-based workshops with over a thousand families from over 50 schools, dozens of nonprofits throughout Charlotte, and including leading the first program in the country to teach digital literacy basic skills inside the Mecklenburg County Detention Center where residents earn a laptop upon their release.

I’ve collaborated with local, state, and national government agencies, the nonprofit community, and more recently with our business community. I’ve sat with and heard first hand the dreams, aspirations, and challenges of a diverse and growing community and I have the receipts to back it up.

The digital divide is just a part of the broader opportunity we have in front of us as a city — we must take bold action and design progressive policy that helps everyone thrive. I know there are several key items on the agenda this year that will move us in that direction like the Charlotte 2040 plan and the unified development ordinance. I’m ready to get to work to drive these key items, and others, across the finish line over the next ten months.

You can count on me to be prepared for the role, to be a collaborative colleague, to be always focused on the will of the community, and to do everything I can to to ensure that all people in our community are connected to opportunity and that we all can thrive in our modern culture.

Thank you.

2. Mayor and Council have established four Key Focus Areas: Develop an Integrated and Multi-modal Mobility Network; Evaluate Council Structure and Operations; Develop and Connect Pathways to Employment; and Strategic Investment in Key Corridors. As a Councilmember, what principles would you consider most important to shaping these policies?

• Courage — As we find our way forward as a city over the next ten months, there will be times when courageous decisions will need to be made. I’m prepared to, when called up or compelled, to act courageously on behalf of the residents of our community.
• Empathy — Over the last 13 years I’ve worked in communities all across Charlotte. I’ve spent time getting to know people from nearly every corner of this city. I feel a strong sense of empathy for my community and thus prepared to serve them and their interests as we advance these four Key Focus Areas.
• Resilience — As we seek to create new policy as a city, and in the face of such challenging times, the policy must be able to help our community absorb, recover from, and prepare for the next opportunities we have coming our way — even those we do not yet know about.
• Vision — In a rapidly growing city, I believe vision is not only a key principle, but one I possess. It is the ability to see the interconnectedness of it all. As an example, pathways to employment don’t just happen in job centers, but they happen in neighborhoods and often start around the kitchen table. From a rapidly growing University City area to placemaking efforts at the gates of Johnson C Smith University and Historic West End — we need visionary thinking to ensure the connectedness of our city.

3. Please describe your previous experience — volunteer, professional or advocacy — that has prepared you for a City Council appointment.

• Deputy Regional Field Director, Obama for America

Co-managed largest campaign staff nationwide, with 68 field organizers and 5,000+ volunteers in a 5-county region.

Led NC’s largest vote-goal region, facilitating a victory for the first Democratic presidential candidate in 32 years.

Headed staff effort to register 30,000+ new voters, exceeding regional goals by more than 25,000 votes.

Served as a front-line resource for organizer questions, staff training, and logistics.

Managed infrastructure and resource allocation for eight field offices.

Coordinated with national advance staff on crowd control, venue selection, and political outreach for surrogate visits from local politicians, national celebrities, Michelle Obama, and then Senator Barack Obama and Senator Joe Biden.

• Campaign Manager, Anthony Foxx for Mayor

Managed successful campaign to elect Charlotte’s first Democratic mayor in 22 years.

Hired, trained, and managed stakeholders from volunteers to director-level management.

Drafted and submitted press releases and advisories to various media outlets.

Represented candidates at both public and private events.

Focused on strategically targeting precincts, increasing turnout by 30%+.

Campaign Manager, Ken Lewis for United States Senate

Led core campaign team, including 10 staff and consultants, while developing strong relationships with community leaders at the local, state, and federal level and overseeing fundraising operations.

Developed and maintained ongoing relationships with local and national media outlets, specializing in print, online, and television communications; represented the candidate at both public and private events.

Drafted and submitted press releases and advisories to various media outlets.

Promoted candidate brand identification by using new, earned, and paid media as well as volunteer assets.

• Executive Director, The PPL,

Developed and promoted media internship opportunities and hired over 10 logistics employees and team representatives from Charlotte.

Collaborated with mainstream media channels, served 1,200 digital media content creators from across the globe, and cultivated strong partnerships with popular tech companies such as Ustream, Twitter, Reddit, and government organizations.

Produced a live television show and created a branded experience for DNC and government officials.

Secured media coverage such as the Voices of America PBS, Mediashift Columbia Journal Review.

Director, Marketing, Infobelt

Provided support in building the brand and B2B enterprise marketing operation for a Charlotte based big data startup.

Managed design and marketing communications specialists in developing the company logo, website, messaging strategies, and marketing materials.

Collaborated with sales teams on special events and business development plans.

• Executive Director, Digital Charlotte at the Knight School of Communication, Queens University of Charlotte

Manage stakeholder relations across a diverse network of partners including; the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, CM Library, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the John S./James L. Knight Foundation, Charlotte Works, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, the North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office, and several other regional non-profit organizations.

Served as the original convenor of the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance and produced cities first digital inclusion playbook.

Led efforts to attract the National Digital Inclusion Alliance Net Inclusion Conference to Charlotte in the year of 2019.

Provide oversight and strategic direction and mentoring to a team of staff, interns, and students, and engage with faculty.

Other related experience:

• Supported the City of Charlotte in producing its application for the Department of Transportation $50Million Challenge designing forward-thinking mobility solutions for our community
• Participant in the Transatlantic Cities of Tomorrow — American Council on Germany exchange focused on the future of work. Collaborated with teams from Nashville and Knoxville TN, along with teams from Magdeburg, Halle, and Leipzig, Germany. The focus of the exchange was exploring the future of work and what cities were doing to prepare their communities.
• Former Board Member, Generation Nation
• Current Board Member, CORE, an Inlivian (formerly Charlotte Housing Authority) subsidiary.

Links to additional relevant info:

• https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article33121896.html
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibclark
• https://partners.bizjournals.com/fintech-moshpit/bridging-the-digital-divide/
• https://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article241259261.html
• https://video.pbsnc.org/video/urban-broadband-2-pveh0k/?
• https://www.facebook.com/LivableMeck/videos/icymi-throwing-it-back-to-our-webinar-this-past-february-with-our-featured-partn/2308309056139683/
• https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/nearly-10000-cms-students-marked-absent-each-day-after-labor-day/JFBDBJSOWRHMVMGL25GQTDK5QU/
• https://www.charlottemagazine.com/broadband-deserts-trap-people-thirsty-for-access-to-our-digital-world/
• https://www.charlotteagenda.com/66794/like-getting-tear-gassed-wednesday-night-charlotte/
• https://www.charlotteagenda.com/185457/after-11-years-as-a-user-i-just-permanently-deleted-my-facebook-account/
• https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2019/06/01/digital-literacy-class-a-first-in-mecklenburg-county-jail-
• https://medium.com/@ibclark/my-vision-for-charlotte-the-connected-city-af4ca4789ed6

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Hello, my name is Bruce Clark and I am a candidate for Charlotte City Council At-­Large. I’m running to make Charlotte the most connected city in America by creating economic mobility opportunities, by growing and celebrating our diversity, and by building a 21st century city.

What does that mean?

I chose Charlotte about 10 years ago and at first, I was not sure where I fit in. In 2008, I was watching the first presidential debate in South Carolina and recognized Barack Obama from living in Illinois. I was captivated and felt called to get involved here in Charlotte. That feeling lead me to my role as 2008 Deputy Regional Field Director and the privilege to be apart of Obama for America.

One year later in 2009, I accepted the position as campaign manager for Anthony Foxx For Mayor and had the unique opportunity to engage with people from all corners of Charlotte. This particular experience taught me so much about this community, our history and perhaps most importantly, the immense potential we have as the 2nd fastest growing city in America.

I also noticed something else. Charlotte is one of the most politely segregated cities in America.

Our history as a buffer between North and South, a “don’t mess with us” hornets nest, provided Charlotte the space to grow into the city it is today. It was that same attitude and favorable banking laws that allowed our financial sector to grow into the juggernaut it is today. However, we face a new reality. Those segregated silos are failing because our challenges have grown beyond any one silos capacity.

In part, accelerated by a massive influx of growth in our community. Nearly 44 people a day move to Charlotte. They are bringing with them their ideas and expectations of what Charlotte should be.

Whether you were born here or made this your home, all Charlotteans have the ability to help mold our city and community into the most connected city in America. To me, a connected city is one that always seeks out the common interest of the people. It is my belief that the more we experience and understand Charlotte’s different communities, the better we become at relating to each other and helping solve our collective challenges.

The first way we can do that is by helping create and connect our people to economic mobility opportunities. It is the idea of investing in the people of Charlotte. One specific way we can do that is through the creation of a “Grown Here” fund that spurs investment in entrepreneurs targeting key growth sectors for our region like energy, fintech, data, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Beyond business, we need to connect our city’s diverse groups to make sure we include everyone in our growth. By engaging our citizens in local policy and local culture, we will stretch our breadth of possibilities and truly be able to see all that Charlotte has to offer. One of the most imperative ways we must exhibit our inclusive attitude is by passing an uncompromised nondiscrimination ordinance. Moreover, our city must value and respect all it’s people. This includes expanding our connection to the immigrant community by creating pathways for people to serve on boards and commissions and have a strong voice in the decision making process.

My approach isn’t complete without addressing Charlotte’s infrastructure. Together, we must continue to support our transit choices such as the light-rail expansion, the street car, and our trail systems. Infrastructure also includes how we digitally connect with each other. Over 40% of CMS students do not have high-speed internet in their home. How can we expect our children to be prepared for school and the jobs of the future? Charlotte’s digital divide is the issue of our time. If we can work together to reach every family across the city, the results will have a lasting impact on our community’s sustainability, quality of life, cost of living, along with a host of other key indicators that describe a healthy and vibrant city.

I believe that if we do these things we will build the most connected city in America. The results of which will have lasting impacts on our communities sustainability, quality of life, cost of living, and a host of other key indicators that describe a healthy and vibrant community.

Why I’m supporting Bruce

My name is Manoj Govindan. I am supporting my good friend, Bruce Clark, for Charlotte City Council At-Large.

I’ve known Bruce for over six years. During that time, I’ve seen him tackle tough challenges head on, in an honest, smart, and inclusive way. I can think of no better example than when he helped operationalize and organize the PPL, a digital media hub for independent media during the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Time and time again, I’ve seen how Bruce’s relentless energy creates and inspires big things in Charlotte.

Charlotte is in need of leadership with this combination of vision and energy to drive the city forward into the next generation. The decisions of the past have led us here, and now we are looking for the next generation of leaders to take us forward. Bruce has stepped up to lead, and I have stepped up to support him.

Now I need your help. I’m putting up $1000 of my money and asking you to help me raise another $1000 to support Bruce.

Here’s the link — I know I can count on your support.

This isn’t more of the same old campaigns with the same old politicians. We have an opportunity to inject someone with fresh ideas and a new perspective on to the City Council. I know Bruce Clark is that person, which is why I’m asking for your help in making that happen.

Please consider supporting Bruce by making contribution of any amount. From $10 to $100 to $1000, every contribution will be used to help more people learn about Bruce. It is that simple. I know when people have that opportunity — we win.

Cheers,

Manoj

#VoteBruce

Below are the first remarks that I prepared and delivered when declaring my intention to run for Charlotte City Council At-Large. We know our city is growing and changing rapidly. While we have come a long way, we now need to look forward and understand where we are going. I am working to engage communities across Charlotte, and am also looking to leverage mediums (pun intended) like this to directly and easily share my point of view with everyone.

If you find we have similar points of view and are interested in helping with the start of something new, you can plug-in at www.votebruceclark.com

My remarks as written:

Good Evening!

Thank you for being HERE. With everything else going on — you are here, and I am grateful.

You were invited today because I am excited to share with you that I am running for an At-Large seat on the Charlotte City Council.

I am running to close the gap between the choices of the past and the choices that will lead us forward.

The choices of the past have made us:

• 2nd largest financial center in America
• one of the fastest growing cities in America

but also

• the nation’s worst big city for economic mobility
• and one of the nation’s most segregated

While all at the same time — those like Hugh McColl, the Observer, and others have challenged us to identify the leadership of the future. A leadership that will answer this call and bring a fresh perspective to closing the gaps in our community.

Which brings us right to this moment, here, now — I stand before you answering that call.

Now we are here;

• here making the choice to create a city that provides opportunity for all its people
• here embracing what has made CLT our home and the good that exists in our city
• here ready to unleash the power of our diverse and worldly community with much to share.

Some of us were born here, and some of us were reborn here. but together we are all here now.

I arrived here almost 10 years ago to help set-up and grow a new business. When I arrived in Charlotte it was clear this is a city on the move. While my work was rewarding, I was unable to develop a connection to the city. I couldn’t figure out where I fit in.

This angst led me to become more involved in my community volunteering for and eventually working with the ’08 Obama campaign, Secretary Foxx’s first mayoral campaign in 2009, and the United States Senate Democratic primary in 2010 for Attorney Ken Lewis.

These years continue to have a profound impact on my life. Having had an opportunity to meet people from every corner of our city and many places around this state — I began to realize how I fit in — why Charlotte is the place for me.

While Abby and I do not yet have children — Charlotte is where we are going to raise our family. We care about the decisions that are being made today that will impact us 10, 20, 30 years from now. Not only will they impact us, they will impact our children.

We realize how the decisions of today have big consequences in the future. On my families future, on your family’s future, on OUR future.

Which is why I am here today — ready to lead us forward together.

However, a leader is only as good as those who support them — which is why I am committed to earning your trust and building a broad coalition across this city throughout this campaign.

Our campaign is made up of three phases;

Phase one starts now. Our goal in this phase is simple, listen and be present. Growing up in the information age, I crave data. And what better data than straight from the source. Between now and July we will be creating and attending opportunities to engage people from across the city.

Phase two begins when the board of elections opens filing in July. From shortly after that point until the September 15th primary day our goal is simple — activate! A majority of voters only begin to pay attention in the last 60–90 days. This is the time when the city will begin to feel the energy of our campaign. Building on that every day through the primary on September 15th.

After we win one of the four At-Large Democratic primary seats, and we are going to win, we will then begin Phase Three of the campaign. While we have already planned for this — we are squarely focused on Phase 1 — today — now — here.

Today as a small committed few — we turn a page and together start to write the next great chapter of our cities story. One that closes the gap by creating economic mobility for all parts of our city, one that creates sustainable growth, and one that celebrates the richness of our culture.

Together we will close the gap.

Thank you.

Join us www.votebruceclark.com

I am about to get married and start a family. I pictured myself sitting there, in that pew, with my grandchild. I absolutely do not want to be sitting there with my grandkids reliving similar moments either. Neither do you.

The consequences of being in this same position will continue to create challenges that overflow beyond the domain of race relations and impact every corner of our society. It is destroying the fabric that connects our communities and fuels our economic engines.

This is unacceptable. For far to long, many have used economic opportunity as a weapon to suppress people perceived to be different then them. It is time for a new approach.

I believe that approach should focus on making transformative change to create economic mobility for all of our citizens. We must create inclusive opportunities for all people so they can live to do more than just survive. The Charlotte I live in must find it unacceptable to be ranked dead last out of large cities for economic mobility.

That ranking is our current reality. It’s a fact.

The culture that suppresses economic mobility poisons the hearts and minds of generations, kills innovation, and is making our community more segregated. The weight of continued failure will crush our ability to grow, innovate, and provide opportunities for the people of Charlotte.

I believe undoubtedly that a sustainable economic strategy must include diversity and equal opportunity for all its people or we will fail to reach our full potential. While others worry about what our cities tag-line should be, I want to focus on creating equal opportunity for everyone in this city to succeed.

While some of you were born here, others of us were re-born here. Together though, we are here now. Facing what we face. I’m not foolish enough to think we can change everything right now, but it is my generation’s time to lead, we are on the clock now, and we must take this opportunity to bridge the gap between the choices that got us here, and those that will lead us forward.

We have seen momentous change in our country in the past few weeks. Within a few short years, marriage equality is now the law of our land. It took leadership and courage to reach this goal. I believe we can make the same type of progress to ensure all of our citizens can participate and enjoy the ability to prosper in our community.

Join me. Let’s make it happen.