Welcome! I am Neil Cooksey and I am running for Mecklenburg County Commissioner in District 5. My goal is to bring Republican values –-common sense values -- to county government. I humbly and enthusiastically ask for your support. Let me briefly introduce myself. I have lived in the South Park area for over 20 years. My wife and I are raising three great kids who attend CMS. We are active in our schools, community and church. Professionally, I have worked in a large, uptown law firm, served as general counsel to a $500 million per year corporation, and most recently, together with two partners, started a law firm. I know what it’s like to work hard, pay taxes, raise a family and run a business. Briefly stated, my political philosophy is this: I am a common sense conservative. I believe that although government has a role in addressing many of the issues facing us, it is not the solution to every problem. Government’s primary role is to create the conditions that make it possible for each of us to achieve the American Dream. This includes keeping our neighborhoods safe, providing adequate transportation systems, giving each child a quality education, and creating an economic climate that fosters entrepreneurship. However, government, if permitted, can also prevent individuals from achieving their full potential by failing to provide these services effectively or by unduly interfering in issues that are better addressed by the private sector. Click here to learn more about my views on issues. Please take a moment to explore this site. I believe that as you find out more about me and my vision for Mecklenburg County, you will find that I am ready to represent you on the Mecklenburg County Commission. To do that, I will need your support and your vote. If you would like to volunteer, please click here. If you would like to donate to my campaign, please click here. “Your Voice for Common Sense” |
Neil Cooksey believes in the importance of quality education, the value of hard work and the necessity of giving back to the community. Neil was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. Neil’s family owned a water treatment business and Neil started work in the family business at age 13, doing the jobs that no one else wanted. He learned from an early age that to whom much is given, much is expected. When he graduated from high school, Neil’s family moved South and Neil followed them to Davidson College. At Davidson, Neil studied political science and did internships in Washington with the Department of Commerce and in Atlanta with the Georgia Governor’s Office. He graduated with honors in 1983. From there Neil went to the University of Michigan Law School where he received his law degree in 1986. He returned to Charlotte to practice law. Upon his return to Charlotte, Neil met his wife Allyson, a Charlotte native. They have been married for 20 years and have three children, all in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Neil and his family are active in their schools, church and community. Neil is a long time member of Carmel Presbyterian Church and has served as a Deacon, Elder and Sunday school teacher there. Neil has been active in youth sports, has served in leadership positions in the United Way, Y-Guides and Boy Scouts, and formerly served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Seigle Avenue Preschool Cooperative. For the past twenty years Neil has practiced law in Charlotte. From 1986 to 1992, Neil practiced in the business section of Moore & Van Allen in Charlotte, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. In 1992, he joined the legal department of J. A. Jones Construction Company where he served as Corporate Secretary and assisted multiple operating divisions, including the power and project finance groups. Neil eventually became Vice President and General Counsel of J. A. Jones Services Group, Inc., a global provider of facilities management services. In 2004, Neil and two partners started Smith, Cooksey & Vickstrom, PLLC. The firm focuses on assisting clients in the construction and government contracts industries. Neil’s background and experience give him unique insights into the requirements for running a multi-billion dollar entity, as well as what it’s like to be an entrepreneur in today’s marketplace. As a certified mediator, he knows how to bring people together in contentious situations to provide solutions for complex problems. |
Married: Allyson McWhirter Cooksey (1988)
Education: Professional: Association/Civic Involvement: |
||
