CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Plaza Midwood businessman Billy Maddalon, owner of the VanLandingham Estate and Morehead Inn, was sworn-in to his new Charlotte City Council District 1 seat today.
Maddalon, 46, was approved, 7-3, by Council to fill now-Mayor Patsy Kinsey’s vacant seat at their meeting on Monday night. Kinsey stepped in to fill former Mayor Anthony Foxx’s term after he was confirmed as the new secretary for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me, and I’ve always considered myself a public servant, although not necessarily in an elected capacity; so this opportunity will truly be a challenge, ” Maddalon said in a press release from the city. “I look forward to serving my neighbors in District 1 and fortunately I’m pretty engaged with the issues in our area. Balancing the dual imperatives of livability and affordability for our citizens is a constant challenge and at the end of the day, that’s the essence of the job. Four months isn’t a long period of time to be in the role, but I’m committed to doing the very best I can while I have the chance.”
Maddalon, who now becomes the city’s second openly gay or lesbian Council member, will be formally sworn in during a public ceremony on Monday, July 29, 4 p.m., at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.