Education has been a hot-button issue in North Carolina, with state lawmakers at odds over funding for teacher assistants.

But it's now cropping up in Charlotte's race for mayor where two of the top candidates have advertisements saying education is a top priority.

But the mayor or city government do not have any direct control over funding or management of schools or teachers.

SECTION: Charlotte Mayoral Race - 2015 

Democrat Jennifer Roberts is airing a TV ad this week that says "she'll improve all schools."  
 
Yet it's Mecklenburg County and the state of North Carolina that provides funding and oversight of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. 
 
The city of Charlotte has responsibility for areas like police, fire and picking up garbage.
 
Robert said her ads tout her support because she plans to "be a tireless advocate for our children ... and for strong schools in every neighborhood."
 
Roberts isn't the only mayoral candidate talking about education.
 
Mayor Dan Clodfelter has radio ads running that call him a "champion of public education." 
 
His campaign said his years in the North Carolina Senate, which did have input on school funding, makes him determined to use the 'bully pulpit' of the mayor's office to push for better schools.
 
Some wonder if the real reason candidates are talking about schools is because, despite the fact that city government has little to do with it, it is high on the list of things voters care about. 
 
There's a practical aspect to the campaign strategy that makes is easier to understand, political expert Eric Heberlig said. 
 
"In a field with a number of very qualified Democratic candidates, having a way to separate yourself among voters on issues that are a really high priority to them, is something you have to look for ways to do," Heberlig said.  
 
Many voters don't know that the city has little direct input on improving schools and because of that candidates who tap into interest in education are making a calculated campaign decision that has plenty of upside, he said.
 
The primary election is Sept. 15. 

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/mayoral-candidates-tout-education-something-city-h/nnXKT/