NCDOT’s Warren Cooksey responds to a question while a skeptical Commissioner Puckett listens

​July 29. Jim Puckett, the well-known District 1 Mecklenburg County Commissioner, who lost his re-election campaign last year, says he will go after his old seat next year. The president of Electro Painters was exploring a run for Lt. Governor or NC Commissioner of Labor, but ​”​with the recent irrational and indefensible actions of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners​” he announce​d plans to run​ well in advance of next year’s election season.

​The reason is pure Puckett: “​I am hopeful my early announcement to file will give the current District One commissioner reason to reconsider her fiscally irresponsible philosophy along with her willingness to thwart transparency going forward.​”

The object of his ire is current District 1 Commissioner Elaine Powell, as well as the Democratic vise-grip on the commission—voters in November sent 0nly Democrats to seats on the nine-member board. Elections are held in November of even-numbered years with six commissioners elected by district and three commissioners elected at-large.

Puckett has served on the Board of Education as well as the County Commission. “If my candidacy can alter her path it would positively impact the people I have served for over two decades and this alone would be worth the time and effort of running.”

Puckett was an early and ardent opponent of the toll lanes on I-77. He was one of the first to outline the impact on economic development, explaining that the toll lanes, which forbid 18-wheelers, will do little to alleviate congestion.

The worsening traffic on I-77 over the long term means epic delays for truckers—and better economic development options by far in northern South Carolina.

Puckett already has endorsements from three former Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce chairs as well as Tricia Sisson, the current chamber chair. He has also been endorsed by the mayors of Cornelius and Huntersville.