Get to know N.C. Rep. John Autry
November 23, 2022 at 11:20 a.m.
Rep. John Autry, D-Mecklenburg, is in his third term representing a section of Charlotte east of the city center. He’s known for sponsoring legislation on clean energy and other environmental issues as well as affordable housing.
He served on the Charlotte City Council before joining the legislature.
Age: 69
What are the current and past jobs you’ve held outside of politics? I am a filmmaker. A public service announcement I directed won the Emmy for Best PSA in 1999. I served as chief technology officer for W.A.R.N. Calling from 2001 to 2012. Before that I was director of creative services for iXL. The last five years that Coach Dean Smith was at Carolina, I was the associate producer and post production editor for the Coach’s Show.
What lessons from those roles have you applied to your elected position? Given enough time and resources anything is possible.
If you could enact a single piece of legislation into law today, what would it be? Climate Action Now.
Where do you most enjoy taking an out-of-town visitor in your district? Common Market, Carnitas Guanajuato (best mole in town), or any ethnic restaurant. A person could get a taste of the world in District 100.
What is your favorite hobby outside of work? Film, music, cycling
Who do you most admire, and why? My grandchildren. They inspire me, energize me and keep me motivated. Being a grandparent is the one thing in life that isn’t overrated.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about how to get legislation passed? That would have to be… no not that. It’s likely to be… no that didn’t work either. It’s probably… Maybe you’d like to make a recommendation?