Summit scuffle underscores discontent over Charlotte's massive transit proposal

The latest: In an awkward moment during the city's Transportation, Planning and Development Committee meeting on Monday, council member Malcolm Graham pressed staff on whether the city was participating in the summit on Oct. 19. Graham, a former state senator, said he would be present.

• "Are we providing information or resources?" Graham asked.
• "I don't know who the 'we' would be," responded city manager Marcus Jones.
• "The city," Graham said. "CATS."

Catch up quick: Matthews is the only Mecklenburg municipality opposing drafted legislation for a transit sales tax. That's because the spending plan likely wouldn't afford the full Silver Line light rail all the way to Matthews.

• Matthews Mayor John Higdon wants to discuss alternate spending breakdowns for the revenue that may allow for more of the Silver Line to be built.
• Mecklenburg County commissioner Leigh Altman, who chairs the Metropolitan Transit Commission, recently called the summit a "political stunt." She said leaders would flesh out transportation plans over the next year, including their ability to make the Silver Line happen.

The big picture: State officials have stressed the need for unity in presenting a massive, pricey transit plan for new rail, road and bus projects. But the summit underscores discontent from an important player, and sympathy from those who are joining from other parts of the county.

The other side: Council member Ed Driggs, the transportation chair, told Graham there was "no consensus" among the region to host a summit.

• "I get that, but we're all in this together, right?" Graham replied.
• "On this occasion, we aren't," Driggs said. "They are acting on their own."

Council member Reneé Perkins Johnson also said she's going to the summit. LaWana Mayfield tells Axios it is on her calendar to go for a short time.

• Axios has contacted other city representatives to see if they're attending and is waiting to hear back.

What's next: The summit is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 at Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center from 10am to 1pm.

Editor's note: Of the council members who responded, Tiawana Brown also said she is attending.