https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/


  • 07 wpns testing 1Operational testing of the Army’s newest generation sniper system — the MK-22 Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) — marks the project’s final hurdle before fielding.

    “The modular nature of the PSR allows it to be tailored to meet mission requirements and is appealing to airborne Snipers who are typically armed with long-barreled precision rifles of a single caliber offering,” said Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Love, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, Test Noncommissioned Officer.

    Because of the single-caliber offerings, snipers requiring additional capabilities must deploy with additional weapons. The PSR can be configured for multi-calibers by the sniper in the field and requires no higher level maintenance to reconfigure. It will also extend engagement ranges for both anti-material and anti-personnel target engagements.

    “The increased engagement range will keep snipers safer and increase the options for the local commander employing these combat multipliers,” said Sgt. Austin Stevens, a sniper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

    “With a folding stock and removable suppression system, the PSR will provide airborne Snipers a more compact load during airborne infiltration operations without reducing their lethality while providing a precision rifle platform more conducive to their combat environment,” said MK-22 Project NCO Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Copley.

    Spc. Michael Liptak, a sniper with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment immediately identified the attributes of accuracy in regards to the MK-22. “I was surprised at the accuracy and the straightforward approach to testing the PSR,” he said.
    Prior to testing, snipers from across the airborne and special operations community took part in new equipment training which included familiarization with
    the system, maintenance, target engagement, system configuration and zeroing procedures.

    For Spec. Nathanael Keffer, a sniper with 2nd Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment, the PSR’s versatility to adapt to multiple mission sets was a marked advantage. “The PSR is a very versatile weapon system that can be tailored to meet multiple mission requirements,” said Keffer.

    Larry Harris, ABNSOTD Deputy Chief of Test said, “The critical task in testing any small arms platform intended for use by airborne forces is ensuring zero retention of the primary optic subsequent to airborne insertion. “This is a critical gauge of the paratrooper’s lethality during airfield seizure and other follow-on operations.”

    To evaluate this performance measure of the PSR, the ABNSOTD test team applied the organization’s mobile weapons boresight collimator to the rifle after jumping to make sure the sniper’s pre-mission zero was not degraded by shock during the jump.

    “This process establishes a baseline for sight reticle locations prior to and post airborne insertion,” said Miles Crawford, Test Technology Branch Chief, ABNSOTD. “Testers can monitor any shift in the weapon sight reticle that may have been induced by shock associated with static line parachutes,” Crawford said.

    The Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate is based at Fort Bragg. It plans, executes and reports on operational tests and field experiments of airborne and special operations forces equipment, procedures, aerial delivery and air transportation systems to provide key operational data for the continued development and fielding of doctrine, systems and equipment to the warfighter.

    The U.S. Army Operational Test Command is based at West Fort Hood, Texas, and its mission ensures systems developed are effective in a soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which they train and fight. Test unit soldiers provide feedback by offering input to improve upon existing and future systems soldiers will ultimately use to train and fight.

    Pictured above: A sniper conducts post-drop live-fire test trials of the MK-22 Precision Sniper Rifle at Range 61 on Fort Bragg. (Photo by James Finney)

  • 06 voteEarly Voting in Hope Mills will kick off on Oct. 14 and run through Oct. 30. as residents of the town start voting for their next Mayor and five Town Commissioners. The winners of the election will serve for the next two years.

    The candidates for Mayor are Jessie Bellflowers, a current commissioner and military veteran, and Jackie Warner, the current Mayor. Warner has served as Mayor for the past ten years. Bellflowers has been a town commissioner for the past four years.

    Up & Coming Weekly will conduct a joint Q&A session with the two candidates. That interview will be published in the Oct. 27 edition.

    There are seven people running for Town Commissioner. Only five will be voted in. The candidates are: Sally Bailey, Jerry Legge, Bryan Marley, Kenjuana McCray, Grilley Mitchell, Jim Morris and Joanne Scarola.

    No photo identification is needed to vote unless you are a newly registered voter.

    If you want to register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, you will need to bring an ID with your name and your current address. The document may be a digital image on your cell phone.

    When entering the polling location, you will be asked to state your name and your address.

    Curbside voting will be available at all voting sites for those who cannot enter the polling location due to age or physical disability.

    Voting sites have designated parking indicating curbside voting and will have an alert system that will notify the election officials. An election official will come to the vehicle to obtain the voter’s name and address. Before a ballot is issued, the voter must swear an oath affirming his or her qualification to use curbside voting.

    During early voting, voters can go to the Cumberland County Board of Elections at 227 Fountainhead Lane in Fayetteville to cast their ballots. The poll is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Monday through Friday.

    On Oct. 30, the poll is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    On Election Day, Nov. 2, there will be six polling locations which will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    For those who live in the Cumberland 1A, 03 and 04 precincts, the polling location is E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School.

    For those who live in the Hope Mills 1A precinct, the polling location is at the Hope Mills Recreation Center.

    For those who live in Hope Mills 1A or Hope Mills 1B precincts, the polling location will be the Cotton Fire Department.

    For those who live in the Hope Mills 3, Pearces Mill 2A and Pearces Mill 2B precincts, the polling location will be at the Hope Mills Middle School.

    For those who live in the Hope Mills 4 precinct, the polling location will be at C. Wayne Collier Elementary School.

    For those who live in the Stoney Point 1 or Stoney Point 2 precincts, the polling locations will be at the Lighthouse Baptist Church.

    If you don’t know your precinct, look it up at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/election-group/elections/resources/polling-sites or call the elections office at 910-678-7733.

    The last day to hand deliver an absentee ballot will be Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Board of Elections office. Absentee ballots that will be sent by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 2 and the Board of Elections must receive it no later than Nov. 5.

  • 04 fayetteville police departmentIn August, Fayetteville City Council created a citizen police review committee.

    The mission of the Community Police Advisory Board is to provide advice and recommendations to the Council, City Manager and Police Chief to improve the quality of policing.

    Applications to serve are being taken through Oct. 20.

    The agency is described as a cooperative effort between the community and the police to review and recommend policy changes and enhancements to better meet the needs of the community.

    The idea is to support a training curriculum that allows police and the community to share public records to improve the perception of law and order and enhance trust of the police.

  • 05 05 Horizontal County LogoThe Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc., recently awarded the Cumberland County Department of Public Health a $64,000 grant to support the department’s Improving Health Outcomes through Mobile Clinics and
    Social Determinants of Health program. Over a two-year period, the Health Department will identify patients with high unmet needs by screening all patients for social determinants of health with a focus on patients with food, transportation and housing needs and those experiencing violence.

    Identified patients will meet with a public health social worker on an ongoing basis for case management, care coordination and referral through NCCARE360, the statewide coordinated care network.

    Money from this grant will be used for direct payments to vendors to provide services for Health Department patients’ unmet needs including transportation to appointments, utilities, rent and childcare. This will allow clients to improve health outcomes by meeting basic needs. This support will be provided when clients are in a situation which they are unable to receive financial support from other sources.

    “We look forward to using this grant to assist those citizens of Cumberland County currently in need,” said Dr. Jennifer Green, the Health Department Director. “Our goal is to make Cumberland County a better place to live for each of our friends and neighbors, and this grant will go a long way to make that a reality.”

    Funding will also support communication strategies and small incentives to help improve access to health services by implementing mobile and outreach clinics in underserved areas.

    For more information about the Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc., please visit their website at https://www.cumberlandcf.org/

    Find out more about Cumberland County Department of Health programs by visiting cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health-group/public-health

  • 03 elk 1Each year the male Elk, called a "bull," will fight another bull to collect a female elk called a "cow" into his herd. When a bully bull threatens a dominant bull, the fight is violent. These fights only have three outcomes: surrender, a tie or a kill. The tie is the most brutal of the battle. The antlers of the two bulls lock together and they cannot get free. Eventually, fatigue leads to collapse, starvation, and finally, death. The other bull may still be alive only to watch his opponent die in his clutches. His end is near and his victory is in vain, but a win is a win.

    That is America these days. During the election, America locked antlers, and America is now fatigued — exasperated by the pressures of inflation, government spending, overregulation, open borders, Afghanistan, increasing taxes.

    At the same time, people are getting paid to stay at home (aka "the Great Resignation”) and COVID restrictions, mandates, bipolar mask rules and rules which make absolutely no sense at all.
    The COVID data shows that the vaccines are working, but the virus is still spreading. The Delta variant has caused new concerns. Hospitals are reporting that most life-threatening cases are in non-vaccinated people.

    Advocates for the vaccine question why people do not want to get the vaccine. On the other hand, many people think it should be their choice. Many people have gotten the vaccine but believe that it is their right to keep their information private and resent the idea of showing a COVID card to go into an event or business.

    On Sept. 9 President Biden announced an Executive Order for mandatory vaccines. He is issuing this order with a needle in one hand, holding a gun to your head in the other while waging war on the Second Amendment. The order lacked details, but behind the scenes, Biden is using the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to draft an "emergency temporary standard."

    According to news reports, officials said the agency would begin enforcing the rules: collecting reports of violations and sending out inspectors who will be empowered to impose $13,650 fines for violations and up to $136,500 for those that are willful or repeated.

    Biden and his administration are working on implementing his new policies to address some form of a vaccine mandate for employers with 100 or more employees and in most Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulated workplaces. This means that if you work at less than 100 employees and your business receives Medicare or Medicaid payments, everyone must be vaccinated or lose that revenue. Military, federal executive branch workers and some federal contractors will be required to have the vaccine. He wants military personnel who refuse to get the vaccine to be dishonorably discharged. That is the discharge usually held for those convicted of murder, treason and other serious crimes. So good luck with getting a decent job with that discharge but thanks for fighting and keeping us safe for all these years. Note: The Legislative branch and Federal Courts are exempt.

    Last year millions of health care workers, teachers and first responders were the frontline heroes of the COVID pandemic. With this Executive Order, these same courageous, frontline workers and millions of others are being told to get vaccinated or LOSE YOUR JOB!

    Now, the government uses employers to be "Great Terminators," the enforcers of his vaccine. As with many socialist countries, starvation will be the root motivator to get you to comply. You will not get unemployment, no insurance, no way to pay your rent or mortgage.

    Here is the potential career-ending question. How is it that some of the most intelligent people in our society (doctors and nurses) choose not to get the vaccine after working in this since the beginning? Is it because they know something we do not? Is it because they have had COVID and have antibodies? Is it because they have been around it so long that they believe they have natural immunity? Is it because they think that medical choices should still be a choice?

    Last month on CNN, Dr. Sanjay Gupta spoke with Dr. Fauci. Dr. Gupta said that a study in Israel showed that natural immunity showed that it was better than the vaccine; Dr. Fauci's response was, "You know, that's a really good point, Sanjay. I don't have a really firm answer for you on that. That's something that we're going to have to discuss regarding the durability of the response … So, I think that is something that we need to sit down and discuss seriously, because you very appropriately pointed out, it is an issue, and there could be an argument for saying what you said."

    Dr. Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President, and he hasn't studied natural immunity.-Does it seem that my mom knew more about viruses when she sent me down the street to play with a kid who had chickenpox?

    Here are why some people struggle. We have watched Dr. Fauci change his story so many times that if he were in your high school science class, you wouldn't cheat off him because you know he will change his answers.
    Where in the Constitution does it say it is the government's job to keep you safe? If that was the case, they should outlaw cars, cigarettes and the 8,000 other ways a person can die.

    How does this work out? How does a doctor see patients without a staff? Will teachers go to 100 students per class? How do first responders save lives with less people?

    Like the mighty bull elk, the courageous, the cowards and the bullies who are hell-bent on a fight, the government, business and the people are in the process of locking horns with their employees and in the process will kill themselves while winning the battle for the cows, but a win is a win.

  • 02 Pitt IMG 8766Remember when Lou Reed sang, “Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side?” Not so much? Is your memory balky? What did you have for lunch yesterday? Remember in your twenties when you wondered what was the meaning of life? Now you just wonder where you parked your car? Is your Remembrance of Things Past getting more difficult? You have come to the right place. Today’s column will help you restore your memory without the use of Prevagen.

    Mr. Science says think of your memory as a bucket. At the bottom of the bucket are your first memories, childhood pets, childhood traumas, first dates, that sort of thing. As you get older more events pile into your memory bucket squashing the long-term memories down at the bottom of the bucket. The new events float on top of the bucket. Unfortunately, long term memories are not infinitely compressible. Eventually the new memories fill the bucket up to the rim and splash out. The old memories remain at the bottom of the bucket and are easily retrievable. The new short term memories splatter onto the floor and can’t be recalled. That is why you can remember the name of your first-grade teacher but can’t remember what you had for lunch.

    Can your fading memory be saved? Read on, MacDuff, have we got a deal for you. Today we are going to literally take a walk down Memory Lane. We go right to the source of all things memory related. We are going to visit the Greek Goddess of memory herself, the right honorable Mnemosyne. This is another one of those irritating columns that explore the curious world of Greek mythology. If mythology is all Greek to you, stick around. You can dazzle your friends if you find yourself on TV playing "Jeopardy" and Greek mythology is the Daily Double. Once you meet Mnemosyne and pay her proper respect, your memories will become shiny and new as a hot Krispy Kreme donut.

    First, some family history for Mnemosyne. Her friends could never remember how to pronounce her name. They just called her Mimi which is what we shall do in today’s lesson. Mimi was born into Greek God royalty; her Baby Daddy was Uranus the God of the sky and her Momma was Gaia the Goddess of Earth. Mimi turned out to be the Goddess of Memory. Mimi got together with her nephew Zeus on Spring Break. Zeus thinking his aunt Mimi might not cotton to sleeping with her nephew, changed himself into a mortal shepherd. Mimi fell for the handsome shepherd and spent nine nights with Zeus making whoopee. Mimi ended up in the family way as a result of her time with Zeus. She had to drop out of Goddess college to have Zeus’ nine daughters. These kids were the nine Muses. The Muses served as inspiration for creative types ever since then. According to Mr. Google, the Muses were Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Euterpe (music and lyric poetry), Erato (love poetry), Mepomene (tragedy), Polyhymnia (hymns), Terpsichore (dance), Thalia (comedy) and Urania (astronomy). Mimi’s kids were arty, not a warrior in the bunch. The moral is that if you get Mimi on your side, you will find inspiration in the arts and possibly win "America’s Got Talent."

    Mimi wasn’t just a vessel for producing children, no Sirree Bob. She also worked outside the home. However, with nine kids she must have had domestic help. Mimi was a lifeguard for a pool in Hades where dead Greeks go. Hades has the river Lethe where dead Greeks would drink to forget their past lives when they got reincarnated. The river that fed Mimi’s pool was named for Mnemosyne which was the river of memory. Drinking from Mimi’s pool had the opposite effect on dead Greeks causing them to remember their past lives thereby preventing them from being reincarnated.

    Mimi’s name is the basis for our current word “mnemonic” which our pal Webster defines as a device such as a pattern of letters or associations that assists in remembering something. If you ask Mimi to put in a good word for you, she can help you remember where you parked your car, what you had for lunch or your anniversary. Unfortunately, not all memories are good ones, so be careful in your requests to Mimi for help. Do you really need to know what you had for lunch yesterday?

    Randy Newman wrote a song called “Potholes” about when he was a kid pitching in a baseball game and walked 14 batters in a row. He started crying and walked off the field going home in humiliation. He did his best to forget this event by turning it into a song. He wrote: “God bless the potholes/ Down on Memory Lane/ God bless the potholes/ Down on Memory Lane/ Hope some real big ones open up/ Take some of the memories that do remain.”

    Have we learned anything today? Nothing we can’t forget tomorrow. Some of those potholes on Memory Lane are our friends. No memories were harmed in the writing of this column.

    Pictured: Reviewing the story of Mnemosyne in Greek mythology can offer explanations on modern memory troubles.

  • 01 vote No on YesOur city is currently being flooded with a disingenuous campaign to change the structure of our City Council. You might have received a mailer asking for your signature in support of changing local elections from district-based to a hybrid model of district and at-large elections.

    To recap, district elections mean that individuals within specific neighborhoods will elect someone to represent them downtown. At-large means that the whole city gets to vote for a candidate.

    Fayetteville does NOT need to change how we elect our local representatives. Let's not fall victim to the arguments presented by the Vote Yes Fayetteville committee.

    Let's talk about those arguments.

    To begin, there is no connection whatsoever between crime in Fayetteville and the way we elect our municipal representatives. There is crime in cities and towns regardless if they have district or at-large elections. This is a scare tactic to make you think that the city is out of control which is not.

    According to the 2020 Fayetteville Police Department's Annual Report, crime in our city has been in a five-year decline. This report was compiled by a Police Department that received an increase in their budget this year.

    Citizens in Fayetteville can contact and share their opinions with ALL members of City Council. Our elected officials constantly discuss issues outside their own district. Changing our elections will not fix the issue of priority focus, it will worsen them.

    Running a political campaign at-large versus a district wide campaign requires BIG MONEY. This means that at-large representatives will focus more on obtaining sufficient finances for an election that happens every two years rather than the needs of our city.

    Besides, who do you want to represent YOU? Someone that lives and understands your community or someone who simply has the money to run and win? The financial interests of at-large candidates will overshadow the interests of marginalized communities.

    There is a criticism about our district maps and how they are gerrymandered and confusing to voters. According to the Census Data and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, our city districts have to be redrawn anyway based on population changes. This issue can be fixed by showing up to the City Council's redistricting meetings and advocating for our communities.

    Changing the structure of our elections is not needed at all. The institution that creates the biggest confusion among voters is the N.C. General Assembly, not how we elect our local leaders.

    The purpose behind this push is to take away the power of communities across our city. It is insulting to utilize the election of our two African-American mayors as a talking point. Marshall Pitts Jr. and Mitch Colvin have a combined leadership of 8 years in a city first settled in 1783.

    Do not sign the petition.

    Vote "NO" to "Vote Yes."

    Jimmy Buxton is the President, Fayetteville Chapter, NCAACP.

  • 22 Casting CrownsIn a recent conversation with songwriter Mark Hall, we laughed over the irate response to their first single to Christian radio back in 2003. The song was, “If We Are The Body” which asks us — the church — if we are collectively here as the hands, the feet, the heart of Jesus, why are we not reaching, touching and going to everyone, everywhere?

    Within weeks of the very first time the song played in Fayetteville on WCLN, we received a call from a missionary home on sabbatical who asked “...who is this band, and what gives them the right to level this sort of judgment?”

    No more an affront to Christians than saying “We need to clean up this city” to a town council, the song was as much a surprise to the band as a first radio single as anyone else. During our phone call, the man who penned the song commented that the record label made the decision, and that they just realized the band would be coming out swinging.

    The band is Casting Crowns, and after nearly 20 years of Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, Grammy nominations, and number one songs, they are bringing their unique sound — now a staple of Christian radio and playlists far and wide — to Fayetteville's Crown Theatre on Oct. 9.

    Lead man Mark Hall and his wife Melanie still serve as youth workers at their home church in south Atlanta, and they only do so many dates per year — always ending up back home for their weekly gatherings on Sunday.

    Casting Crowns began as the student worship band that Hall formed while he was serving at First Baptist Daytona Beach in 1999. Since then, they have moved their home base to Georgia, amassed a string of chart-topping songs and albums, and developed a musical following others merely dream of.

    Singer/songwriter Matthew West joins Casting Crowns for the “Only Jesus Tour." He brings his share of radio hits and accolades to the table.

    West, who came on the scene about the same time as Casting Crowns, has scored numerous top ten singles, and has to make room on the mantle for yet another award. In September he was named American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Christian Songwriter of the Year. For the fourth time.

    Originally scheduled for March 14, 2020, the Fayetteville stop on the tour has been rescheduled several times for reasons circling the pandemic, and is truly a stellar package wrapped in a spirit of humility. Come expecting an evening of stories and songs that have touched a generation of listeners. The “Only Jesus Tour” with Casting Crowns and Matthew West lands in Fayetteville for one night only on Saturday, Oct. 9.

    Pictured above: Christian music group Casting Crowns will be at the Crown Theatre Oct. 9. (Photo courtesy www.castingcrowns.com)

  • 06 McLITIG datesSweet Tea Shakespeare, a theatre and music company in Fayetteville, continues their raucous take on drunk Shakespeare, the LIT series, this October. “McLIT” is a stripped-down version of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy of murder, guilt and rebellion combined with improv, games and a pub-like atmosphere.

    “McLIT” will visit a variety of venues including Hugger Mugger Brewing in Sanford, and the Church at Paddy’s Irish Pub in Fayetteville. “McLIT” imagines the writer, director and actors of Macbeth know the story they want to tell, but get lost at a frat party on their way to the show. Performances feature live music, drinking games and a lot of heart.

    LIT performances are recommended for adults 18 and up only. “McLIT” performs Oct. 16 and 23 at Paddy’s Irish Pub, and Oct. 22 and Nov. 12 at Hugger Mugger Brewing. All events start at 7:15 p.m.
    Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s 2021-2022 season is possible due to a generous grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Additional season partners include the Capitol Encore Academy, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, Paris & Potter Management and Napkins.

    General Admission Advance tickets for McLIT are $20; seniors/military advance tickets are $18; student Advance tickets are $10. All tickets at the door are $25. Tickets can be purchased at sweetteashakespeare.com/tickets/.

    Call the Sweet Tea Shakespeare Box Office at 910-420-4383 or email tickets@sweetteashakespeare.com for more information about upcoming shows.

  • 100DollarBillsHC1404 02 source"A President's greatest responsibility is to protect all our people from enemies, foreign and domestic. Here at home the worst enemy we face is economic — the creeping erosion of the American way of life and the American dream that has resulted in today's tragedy of economic stagnation and unemployment." President Ronald Reagan said these words in 1982. However, they ring as true today as ever before.

    As the crisis on our southern border worsens and inflation reaches new highs, last week Washington liberals ignored these problems and continued their reckless spending spree. The House passed legislation which would once again raise the debt ceiling in order to pay for their $3.5 trillion liberal wish list. Keeping our government open is critical. However, I opposed this move to allow more debt. Democrats — who control the House, Senate and White House and who have spent trillions already this year — should not have a blank check to recklessly spend even more of your tax dollars. Their bill will raise taxes on everyone, give the federal government more control over your life from the cradle to the grave, and only make our inflation crisis worse.

    Despite this, their bill did have one good provision — funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. However, Washington Democrats caved to racist, anti-Semitic factions and stripped this funding from the bill. Later that day, we forced a second vote to approve the funding for Israel. Once again, radical, racist Democrats opposed it.

    America should always stand with Israel at every opportunity. Failing to do so is shameful and our allies, as well as our adversaries, are watching.

    As threats increase around the world, I was glad the House was able to come together and pass our nation’s bipartisan annual defense bill last week.

    This year’s National Defense Authorization Act is not perfect. But I was proud to support this bill which included much needed funding for Fort Bragg and our men and women in the military.

    Overall, it provides a 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers and reverses dangerous cuts to our military proposed by President Biden. It also adds resources to secure our border, holds the Biden administration accountable for its withdrawal from Afghanistan, and protects servicemembers’ personal liberties.

    I am especially proud that the bill includes provisions I have worked on throughout the year. For Fort Bragg, $27 million was included for needed construction projects on the base. For military families, my bill to expand and improve education funding was included. I also championed included provisions to increase PFAS testing on bases, combat sexual assault in the military, and modernize the Basic Allowance for Housing.

    There are several provisions in the bill I am concerned about, including red flag laws that threaten the Second Amendment rights of servicemembers. However like last year, I will now work to ensure these provisions are removed as negotiations continue between the House and Senate.

    I will never waiver from my commitment to support our troops, their families, and our veterans. The NDAA is an example that we can still come together and solve problems for our nation. Now we must do the same on issues like growing our economy, supporting our allies like Israel, and ending the crisis on our border. I will stay focused on common sense solutions on behalf of you and your family.

  • 12 IndigoMoonWhiteCir The 6th Annual Indigo Moon Film Festival will be held in-person and virtually Thursday, Oct. 7 through Friday, Oct. 15.

    “The purpose of the Indigo Moon Film Festival is to showcase films from around the world before a diverse audience,” said Pat Wright and Jan Johnson, co-founders of Indigo Moon Film Festival.

    “Film is an underrepresented cultural art in our community and by bringing it here we allow people to see the world through different eyes, enjoy entertainment, and be inspired and informed more than they normally would.”
    Wright added that they are independent films that you would not see in regular movie theaters.

    “Last year the event was 100% virtual due to COVID-19, but this year we found a way to safely social distance so we are having two in-person events at Segra Stadium and the rest of the event will be virtual,” said Wright.

    The event kicks off Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. with a free Family Film Night in downtown’s Segra Stadium.

    “We are screening Disney’s ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ and we hope that everyone will come out,” said Wright. “We will safely social distance and we are giving away free masks at the door.”

    The opening night film, “Peace by Chocolate,” takes place Friday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in Segra Stadium. It is the story of a young Syrian refuge and his family who come to Canada to try to start over. The young refuge wants to become a doctor, but his family wants him to stay and help run the chocolate business.

    “It is a really uplifting great film and it falls right in line with our theme this year ‘Diversity and Resilience,’” said Wright. “We will have a live question and answer session with the filmmaker, Jonathan Keijser, of ‘Peace by Chocolate’ after the showing of the film.”

    “He has several short documentaries of this type of film and this is his first feature length film,” said Wright. “He is really excited about coming and helping to promote the film and I think they are getting a distribution deal with one of the big distribution groups too, so we are interested to hear more about that.”

    Saturday, Oct. 9 thruugh Friday, Oct. 15 is the Virtual Film Festival. More than 80 films will be represented and their categories entail Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Student Films, Documentary Short, Narrative Short and
    Animation.

    Some of the films include “Dreams of Emmett Till,” “Adventures in the Time of Covid,” “In Jesus’ Name,” “Love & Coffee,” “Validation,” and more.

    “The films will be available by website and you can purchase an individual ticket or buy a pass to look at all of them,” said Wright. “You can watch them on your computer, digital device and download the app on Roku, Fire TV Stick and Apple TV so you can watch it on your television.”

    She added, “You get to watch it from the best seat in the house — your own, it is definitely safe from COVID-19, and you can watch all of the films you want for an entire week.”

    GroundSwell Pictures is a 501(c)(3) with a mission of engaging and inspiring diverse communities by producing films, showing films, teaching filmmaking and supporting films that make a positive difference. “GroundSwell is the umbrella organization and Indigo Moon is one of the programs of GroundSwell,” said Wright. “We also create films that are of social significance, but right now we are focused on the Film Festival and creating films to make a positive social difference.”

    Even though the film entry deadline has passed, the process of entering a film for the contest is done through a portal called FilmFreeway.

    “The films that we are looking for are Narrative Features, Documentary Features, Student Films, Animation, Narrative Shorts, and Documentary Shorts,” said Wright. “We are going to open a new category next year for strictly North Carolina films.”

    “We have received some awesome grant funding from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, Cumberland Community Foundation, and we have got so many great sponsors and supporters,” said Wright. “It is great because last year we hunkered down, did everything mostly in house, and had a couple of stalwart supporters, but this year we are reaching back out and people are happy to support us.”

    “This event is our way of saying thank you to the community for their support,” said Wright. “We are looking forward to the film festival’s comeback.”

    Ticket cost is $100 for VIP, $15 for a student pass, and $14 for three films or a film block. There is also a pay what you can option. Tickets are $5 for each film but you can pay as little as $3.

    Masks will be required inside Segra Stadium. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

    For more information call 910-309-6580 or visit the interactive website at www.indigomoonfilmfestival.com.

  • 10 249853 1520696195Bright Light Brewing Company has been a member of the downtown Fayetteville community since November 2016 and opened its doors to the public in April 2017. They call a remodeled-gym-turned-taproom home. Joining forces, BLBC, AOP Orthotics and Prosthetics and Silverback Fitness, all local veteran-owned downtown businesses, are offering the Fayetteville community an avenue to remember 13 fallen U.S. service members.

    The fallen include Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California; Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California; Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska; Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California; Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio; Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee.

    The 13 service members above were killed outside Hamid Karzai International Airport Aug. 26. They were in Kabul “while supporting non-combatant evacuation operations,” according to a U.S. Department of Defense press release.

    “We decided to do this to honor these soldiers as all three of us are veteran-owned businesses,” said Olivia Caughey, event manager, BLBC.

    “We believe … honoring late soldiers, current soldiers, military mental health and spreading awareness of those who risk their lives for our freedom are incredibly important.”

    Community members will meet at the BLBC taproom at 444 West Russell St. as early as 1 p.m., Oct. 10. BLBC will be offering their American Lager for $4 a pint as opposed to $6 in honor of the event. The 13-block memorial walk will commence at 2 p.m. As the group walks through downtown Fayetteville, they will encounter a flag on each block they pass bearing one of the names of the fallen 13.

    The walk will close with a moment of silence at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum’s 14th annual Field of Honor installation. The Field of Honor Installation is on display until Nov. 14.
    One of the service members who plan to be in attendance recently returned from Kabul and will attend with their family. This service member was near enough to feel the blast at HKIA, according to AOP Orthotics and Prosthetics co-owner Nick Rahl.

    This event is near to these businesses’ hearts.

    “It’s an honor to do it,” Rahl said.

    BLBC will be hosting two additional events over the next few weeks. Beers and Bouncing is a free fitness event co-sponsored with 9Round Fitness, Oct. 16, from 1 to 2 p.m. and a Halloween event is planned for Oct. 30 at 1 p.m.

  • 04 07 Cumb CtyThe National Parent Teacher Association recently designated Seventy-First High School and Stoney Point Elementary School as 2020-2022 Schools of Excellence for their "commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming school-community." They join nine other North Carolina schools and 351 schools nationwide to be recognized as schools of excellence.

    The objective of the School of Excellence program is to encourage best practices for improving family engagement, building inclusive school communities and increasing local PTA participation.

    "We congratulate Seventy-First High School and Stoney Point Elementary School, along with their PTAs, for receiving this recognition," said Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., superintendent of Cumberland County Schools.

    For more information about the National PTA School of Excellence program, visit the program's website.

  • 07 trolleyThe Cool Spring Downtown District and Coldwell Banker Advantage are bringing a new ride to the streets of downtown Fayetteville. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bianca Shoneman, CEO and president of the Cool Spring Downtown District, approached Ralph Huff, founder of H & H Homes and co-owner of Coldwell Banker Advantage, with an idea to bring trolleys to downtown Fayetteville.

    “I told her it was a fabulous idea and that I would be interested in helping,” Huff said.

    Three months ago, once restrictions started to loosen, Shoneman revisited the trolley idea. Two 2004 “Molley Trolleys” have been selected. They have 36-person seating capacities, Cummins diesel engines, wooden benches, internal PA system, Shoneman said. “One of the trolleys is wheel-chair accessible.”

    The Cool Spring Downtown District will be responsible for scheduling, operating and maintaining the trolleys. The trolleys began test runs Sept. 24 to gain input on routes and scheduling.

  • 09 candle vigilThe ”Remember My Name” candlelight vigil will be held Thursday, Oct. 7, at 5:15 p.m. on the steps of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse at 117 Dick St., to raise awareness for domestic violence.

    Kelly Taylor will be the keynote speaker. She is a Womack Army Medical Center registered nurse and advocate for victims of domestic violence.

    Others scheduled to speak at the event include Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Charles Evans, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, District Attorney Billy West, Chief District Court Judge Toni King and Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Col. Scott Pence.

    The U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus will perform.

    This ceremony will memorialize the victims of domestic violence homicides in North Carolina over the past two years since “Remember My Name” was not held in 2020 due to COVID-19.

    Retired Chief District Court Judge Beth Keever will read the names of the victims.

    Cumberland County Family Court, the CARE Center Family Violence Program, The Phoenix Center, Army Community Services, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Hope Mills Police Department have collaborated to hold the event.

    Community resources available for domestic violence victims include:

    • Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office: 910-323-1500; victim assistance 910-677-5454 or ccsonc.org
    • Cumberland County Family Court: 910-475-3015 or www.nccourts.gov/locations/cumberland-county/family-court-administration
    • Cumberland County Clerk of Court Lisa Scales, Safe-Link Domestic Violence Assistance Program: 910-475-3000, Cumberland County Courthouse, Room 340, 3rd floor
    • Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office: 910-475-3010
    • Fayetteville Police Department: 910-433-1529; Victim Assistance 910-433-1849 or fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/police
    • The CARE Center Family Violence Program: Crisis Line 910-677-2532 or office 910-677-2528
    • Army Community Services: 910-396-8262 or myarmybenefits.us.army.mil
    • Legal Aid of North Carolina-Fayetteville Chapter: 910-483-0400 or legalaidnc.org
    • The Phoenix Center Hot Line: 910-485-7273
    • U. S. Army Family Advocacy Program: 910-322-3418 or hotline 910-584-4267
    • Hope Mills Police Department: 910-425-4103; Victim Assistance 910-705-3560
    • Spring Lake Police Department: 910-436-0350

    In the event of inclement weather, the vigil will be held inside the courthouse in Courtroom 4A with Courtroom 4B serving as an overflow room with a television monitor so participants can watch the event live.

    For more information about “Remember My Name,” contact Family Court Case Manager Bobbi Mattocks at 910-475-3225 or Bobbi.L.Mattocks@nccourts.org.

  • 17 cybersecuirty digital lockFighting cyber threats on the firewall frontlines has become increasingly more challenging as a result of heavy workloads due to the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, unfilled job openings, and limited time for workers to learn the latest security technologies.

    Cybercriminals are sophisticated in their attack schemes, which means that security techniques must become more vigorous. Employees’ skillsets must align with the progressive expertise needed by companies as they combat the persistent cyber-attacks faced daily. Without this specialized skillset, cybersecurity teams are ill-equipped to protect companies — the same companies we entrust with our personal and financial information — from being compromised by cybercriminals who have every intention of stealing data for their personal gain.

    Fayetteville Technical Community College and Montreat College have partnered to establish the Carolina Cyber Network to correct the cybersecurity workforce gap in North Carolina. The idea behind the initiative is to revamp the talent pipeline of workers to better align with the needs of employers. CCN created a unique triadic approach in response to this situation by providing support to K-12 educators, collaborating with neighboring colleges and universities, and partnering with businesses.

    As high school students complete an Information Technology track, they can progress through the talent pipeline as they pursue higher education. CCN connects universities and colleges across the state to create a collaborative environment for students to receive specialized training to enhance their technical and essential skills. The initiative will help provide college students with real-world experience through work study, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities. With coveted skills and entry-level experience, students will be well-equipped, work-ready, cybersecurity professionals.

    In addition to FTCC’s involvement with CCN, FTCC’s Small Business Center, the Cyber Defense Education Center, and the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg Chapter ISSA are presenting two free webinars:

    Protect Your Business from Cyber Attack!
    Oct. 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register at www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=200410069

    Build a Company or Career in Cyber Security! Oct. 12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register at www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=200410070
    The spotlight on cybersecurity awareness during the month of October reminds everyone about the importance of cybersecurity and the demand for individuals to be properly trained to fill in-demand jobs in the field. FTCC’s Cyber Defense Education Center and involvement with the CCN represent a unique training opportunity for individuals wishing to pursue a rewarding career in the field.

    FTCC provides students with expertise through many training options to pursue a great career in cybersecurity. FTCC is working to strengthen the existing workforce and decrease the employment gap. FTCC is also helping cyber-compliant businesses become better staffed and skilled in cybersecurity to handle attacks by malicious hackers.

    Learn more about cybersecurity and other areas of study in the Computer Technology program area at FTCC. Fall 8-week classes begin Oct. 14, and Spring classes begin Jan. 10. Find your way forward at FTCC with a career in the high-demand field of cybersecurity.

  • 19 women breast cancer awareness(StatePoint) October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual opportunity to spend your dollars on products and services that benefit breast cancer advocacy, research and patient care services.

    However, experts say that the clutter of pink products on store shelves and online can make savvy shopping a challenge.

    “Determining if a given product sold during October actually benefits a breast cancer charity, is not always easy,” says Sarah Rosales, vice president of Corporate Partnerships at Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization.

    One way to ensure that your purchases are making the impact you think they will is by shopping with Komen’s Annual Live Pink program.

    This year, Komen has partnered with more than 25 companies, and the lineup of products and services available includes everything from specially designed clothing and skin care products, to bagels and bikes.

    By shopping with the brands in the Live Pink portfolio during October, you can help fund research and care services that support people through their breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

    Program details are transparent on the Live Pink site. To learn more and to shop, visit www.komen.org/livepink.

    For other purchases you make this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month that make charitable claims, Susan G. Komen recommends asking the following questions:

    What charity is the program supporting? Do promotional materials about the product or service clearly and conspicuously state this information?

    How will the benefitting charity use the donation? You should be made aware where your money is going and what charitable programs your purchase will support. Funds raised to benefit Komen, for example, go to support the organization’s advocacy for breast cancer patients, investments in research and a number of direct patient care services.

    How is the program structured? What percentage or exact amount of the proceeds will go to the charity? Will the company be making a minimum or maximum donation to the charity? Shop only with companies that offer transparency with regards to program details and how donations are structured.

    By shopping savvy this October, you can support the fight against breast cancer and ensure your purchases are making the biggest impact possible.

  • 05 Horizontal County LogoCSX Transportation has awarded Cumberland County Emergency Management a $5,000 Community Service Grant.

    The funds will partially offset the purchase of a damage assessment drone to enhance the county’s ability to evaluate property damage in the wake of disasters. It will also help first responders with search and rescue operations.

    The drone’s features include a thermal imaging camera, high visibility strobe light, and a loudspeaker for communicating instructions to victims or responders.

    “This drone will provide an additional way to support our community as well as our first responders before, during and after disasters,” said Cumberland County Emergency Management Coordinator Garry Crumpler. “Our goal is to find new and innovative ways to respond to emergencies and improve the safety of our citizens.”

  • 03 vote yes3 copyYou can’t grow and become a great city if you leave entire segments of the community behind.

    I remember those words from our city council’s budget message for the 2012-2013 City Budget.

    Sadly, we have continued to see that the current structure with nine single-member districts has precisely done that over the past twenty years. By only focusing on the needs of nine individual districts, not enough attention is given to the major issues that face our entire city. Some are often more complicated and expensive. And increasingly, the issues that only face a few of our districts, making it even more difficult to gain support from other districts that fight for their own issues.

    Fayetteville’s growth is not keeping pace with the rest of the larger cities in the state. At the same time, this structure leaves entire segments behind, often our poor and powerless.

    The continued shortage in sworn police officers, still over 50 officers or more than 10% of the staff, threatens our citizens. But especially the ones in those neighborhoods that aren’t getting the coverage they deserve. These citizens are more likely to have an encounter with a police officer who is tired and stressed from overtime.

    In a city with 45% black registered voters, why are 81% of the murder victims this year black?

    We have identified over $100 million in stormwater needs to protect us from the next Hurricane Matthew or Florence. Again, this year the city council failed to add to the stormwater fees to help address these significant issues. What parts of our city are likely to be impacted by a flood? It is most often those living in the low-lying lands, often our poorest and most powerless.

    There is no better example of this failure than Shaw Heights. Stuck right between our city, our state university, and the most significant economic engine in southeastern North Carolina, Shaw Heights continues to be an unincorporated area. Shaw Heights residents are deprived of essential city services like sewer and urban police protection.

    If Shaw Heights had a different demographic, it would have been annexed years ago. But it doesn’t, and we should be ashamed to perpetuate a system that continually overlooks the least of us.

    Ironically, some defend a system of nine single members districts as better for the vulnerable and poor in our community. The facts tell a different story.

    Let’s have six city council members directly accountable to those who fear the next flood.

    Let’s have six city council members directly accountable to those who worry about the crime in their neighborhoods.

    We can’t become a better city by continuing to leave people behind.

    Suppose you would like to vote for 6 members of the City Council instead of the current 2.

    In that case, I encourage you to sign the Vote Yes Fayetteville petition and give every citizen the opportunity to vote on this critical issue.

    Editor's Note: Bobby Hurst is a former five-term City Council member and former business owner.

  • 11 N1506P22010HThe Cumberland County Department of Public Health will host a “Vax Your Pet, Vax Yourself” event Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Health Department located at 1235 Ramsey St.

    Rabies vaccinations will cost $5 per pet. COVID, flu and back-to-school immunizations will be free.

    Organizations will distribute free items and information about programs and services. The Cumberland County Public Library, Positive Parenting Program, the public health education team and tobacco cessation education program will participate. Gift Cards of $100 to various grocery and retail stores will be raffled off every hour.

    North Carolina Law states requires cats and dogs over four months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Dog and cat owners in Cumberland County who have not vaccinated their pet in accordance with this law are subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $100. Cash is the only accepted method of payment. Please bring exact change to pay the $5 per animal fee. Please do not bring rolled coins.

    North Carolina Law requires students K-12 to receive necessary vaccinations to attend school. The Back-to-School vaccination list can be found at https://immunize.nc.gov/schools/k-12.htm.

    North Carolina requires parents to present the required immunization record for their student within 30 calendar days from the first day of their child’s attendance. After 30 calendar days, students will not be allowed to attend school. This deadline has been extended to Nov. 1.

    Flu shots are free to everyone regardless of insurance status. If insured, a copy of insurance cards will be made, and the insurance company will be billed.

    Children 18 and younger can receive a free flu vaccine through the Vaccines for Children program. Anyone accompanying a minor must show proof of custody.

    The Department of Public Health administers Pfizer and J & J COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccines are free to all regardless of insurance status. Anyone aged 12 and older is eligible to take the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

    CDC now recommends people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings to receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their primary series.

    People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their primary series.

    People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

    People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their primary series. This is based on their individual benefits and risks.

    For now, boosters are only for those that had the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility criteria for individuals seeking an additional third dose or booster shot can be found on the Department of Public Health website.

    The CCDPH Sexually Transmitted Disease clinic will also be open during this event. Confidential testing for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and other STDs will be available. Testing is free, regardless of insurance status. Walk-ins are welcome.

    For more information about Cumberland County Department of Public Health programs visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health-group/public-health.

  • 16 BnB Logo and Socials 2Cape Fear Regional Theatre invites the communty to “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Party: A Live Listening Experience” generously hosted by the Cape Fear Botanical Garden as a one-night-only special event on Friday, Oct. 15.

    Organizers say if you loved the books, the smash Netflix hit, or the new concept musical album by Barlow & Bear, you are sure to love this themed special event.

    Directed by Artistic Director Mary Kate Burke and featuring choreography by Emmy Award winner Tyce Diorio (“So You Think You Can Dance,” CFRT’s “Music City”), this party-meets-performance is sure to delight “Bridgerton” newcomers and devotees alike.

    “This event provides an exciting way for the theatre to celebrate current trends and share an exciting new work with our audiences. The album is a fantastic re-imagining of the ‘Bridgerton’ characters and story. We’ve added our own flair to create this evening of entertainment, including Tyce’s incredible choreography, period costumes and an awesome company of performers. Our Listening Experience will be a hybrid of camp, costumes and choreography, interwoven with narration for those who aren’t as familiar with the original content.

    Performers will be dressed to “Bridgerton” standards, and, while not required, audiences are invited to break out their hats, gloves and party clothes too!”

    Tickets are $25 and include a specialty cocktail. CFRT offers military, first responder, teacher and SNAP discounts.

    After experiencing supply-chain delays for their auditorium renovation, CFRT announced last week that their scheduled production of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” has been postponed to the opening of their 2022-2023 season.

    Subscribers can use their Flex Tickets for “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Party: A Live Listening Experience” among other options. Tickets can be purchased or redeemed at CFRT.org or by calling the box office at
    910-323-4233.

  • 08 Emerg Services smoke alarm grantIn September, Cumberland County Emergency Services received a $4,989 grant from South River Electric Membership Corporation’s Operation Round Up program. The funds will go towards smoke alarms which will be distributed to residents for free in the county.

    Residents can request a smoke detector for their home by contacting the volunteer fire station in their district. To find the closest one, visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/emergencyservices/fire-marshal and use the Fire Station Lookup tool, then call the station to schedule a day and time to have a smoke alarm installed.

    “We’re so grateful for this grant which will allow us to get about 350 additional smoke alarms,” said Fire Marshal Kevin Lowther. “Emergency Services is planning to canvass various neighborhoods within the county to ensure residents can have a smoke alarm.”

  • 01 Report Card Mock UpOver 200 people representing the best of the best businesses, institutions, and organizations in Fayetteville and Cumberland Country assembled at the Crown Coliseum for our 24th Annual Best of Fayetteville Awards Party. In attendance, showing appreciation and extending congratulations to the honorees, were Shari Fiveash of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Randy Fiveash, interim President of the Fayetteville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Jackie Warner, Mayor of Hope Mills. No one representing the City or Cumberland County was there. Personal invitations were not issued, nor were they required.

    Over the years, our elected city and county officials were more than anxious to attend any prestigious local event that showcased the people, businesses, institutions and organizations that define the quality of life in our community. After all, it is a congregation of their constituents. Or is it? Fayetteville is currently struggling with that question, even though everyone is quite aware of the answer.

    And, that is NO!

    With our city divided into nine separate and distinct districts, I'd wager each council member wouldn't find six attendees living or working in their specific section. And, with this being the case, why bother showing up all? Unfortunately, this thought process has become the mindset of most of our current elected officials of the Fayetteville City Council. This situation and mindset must change if Fayetteville as a community is to grow and prosper.

    You can't grow and become a great City if you leave entire segments of the community behind.

    Bobby Hurst, a former five-term City Councilman in District 5, recently reminded us of this dire warning and prediction that resonated nearly a decade ago from the Fayetteville City Council's 2012-2013 budget meeting. Sadly, that prediction has become a sad reality as nine individual districts try to govern over 210,000 residents by focusing only on the needs of their ward while ignoring major issues and situations affecting the entire city.

    It's a matter of record that Fayetteville's growth is not keeping pace with the rest of the cities in the state. There is a reason for that. The City of Fayetteville has an inferior and embarrassing Report Card when it comes to leadership and management:

    We cannot become a better city by continuing to leave people behind. By focusing on each of the nine individual districts, they are collectively ignoring major citywide issues.

    Image above by Dylan Hooker.

    Ultimately, our horrific statistics will continue to worsen unless collective voices are heard regarding the future of our city. Fayetteville residents from all districts will suffer and die due to this poor governance, unabated homicides and neglected infrastructure maintenance like stormwater unless the citizens vote to change the structure of city government by designating four of the nine citywide districts as At Large districts. This would give Fayetteville residents six votes when it comes to elections rather than two. What's not to like about that? A Fayetteville resident gets to vote for five council members and the mayor rather than just voting for the mayor and one district representative. Common sense dictates that it's a shame we even have to make such an argument. However, I just did.

    I encourage you to sign the Vote Yes Fayetteville petition at www.voteyesfayetteville.com and give every citizen (Black, white, Asian, Hispanic, rich or poor) the right to vote on this critical issue. Fayetteville's future depends on it, and you can rely on that.

    In closing, let me say that even though we currently have a terrible report card, it definitely can be improved just like any other academic institution: i.e. Get a better curriculum. Hire better teachers and, if need be, replace the principal. We have plenty of options. The best one yet: 6/4 Vote Yes Fayetteville.

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Latest Articles

  • Gallery 208: Beyond Surface: Abstractions by Kellie Perkins
  • Kindah Temple No. 62 hosts annual Spring Ceremonial
  • FTCC Foundation invests in students’ futures
  • Unique Easter traditions from around the globe
  • Flawless Touch Detailing celebrates new location
  • CFRT: The Play That Goes Wrong...Again
Up & Coming Weekly Calendar
  

Advertise Your Event:

 

Login/Subscribe