Every year, the Sts. Constantine And Helen Greek Orthodox Church offers the greater Fayetteville area a delicious spaghetti meal. And every year, thousands show up to partake. Nov. 15 marks the church’s 59th Annual World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale. This muchloved tradition lasts just one day, but it’s worth attending.

During the early years, the spaghetti dinners were dine-in affairs, serving about 400 meals each year. The event has grown so much that eating in is no longer an option, but still, thousands turn out to pick up the piping hot pasta in to-go boxes.

While the community is always eager to support this delicious endeavor, it’s a huge effort on the part of the Greek congregation as well. Dozens of church volunteers come together to make a couple of tons of pasta and 900 or so gallons of meat sauce – all topped with 200 or so pounds of grated Parmesan cheese – for their friends, neighbors and community.

Head chef Tony Kotsopoulis started helping with the dinner in 1989. By 1993, he was running the kitchen for the event along with the generous help of many volunteers. There is a lot that goes into making the dinner and pastry sale a success year after year. The planning, the prepping, the cooking and the serving all take time and energy. But as cars line up and the boxes of spaghetti start heading out the Hellenic Center doors, it becomes worth it. Few events receive this kind of support from the community, and that’s not lost on the volunteers who twice a year pull together to embrace Fayetteville. The other occasion is the Greek Festival, which takes place each September.

The delicious pasta is reason enough to support the spaghetti dinner, but the Greek pastry sale that happens alongside this event has a strong following, too. For anyone with a sweet tooth, the pastries are a treat not to be missed.

While the dinner and pastry sale is a boon for the community, it’s about more than filling stomachs with a hearty meal. The proceeds benefit local nonprofits that help people in this community. The beneficiaries change from year to year, but the generosity of the Greek congregation does not.

The spaghetti dinner and pastry sale runs Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave. Tickets cost $7 and can be purchased at the door. Call (910) 484-8925 for more information.

The Campbellton Youth Chorus, a choral music group, has no affiliation with any school or church. The organization is dedicated to fostering music literacy and giving children a lifelong love for music. As its website states, this group is open to “youth ages 9 to 14, regardless of school affiliation, ethnicity, socioeconomic background or religion.”

The group’s artistic director, Donna Jo Mangus, said, “It’s really a community choir and the only youth community choir in Cumberland County.”

The idea for a diverse, music-centered youth choir came from the Cumberland Oratorio Singers, a local adult symphonic choir of which Mangus is a member. The connection works well for both groups, providing the Campbellton Youth Chorus opportunities to sing three times a year as the opening act for Oratorio Singers concerts. Once a year, the youth are even given the opportunity to sing in a joint performance with their parent choir and learn about large group performances.

Those performances are in addition to the youth chorus’s three yearly concerts and other events. Mangus said the youth choir sings, “secular, sacred and patriot music.” She added that this spring they will also sing pop songs and some show tunes.

The choir is in its third year and second full season and is already scheduled to perform Nov. 10 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church; Dec. 16 at Anderson Street First Baptist Church; and March 1-3 they will be in Greensville as part of the 2018 Piedmont Invitational Children’s Choir Festival.

Also, the chorus will perform in a joint concert with the Cumberland Oratorio Singers at Haymont United Baptist Church April 27, and in July they will participate in the Independence
Day symphony concert at Festival Park.

Those interested in inviting the chorus perform for events, as well as those parents who would like to have their child join the Campbellton Youth Chorus, should send an email to Mangus at DonnajoMangus@gmail.com.

The chorus practices once a week, and yearly dues are $90 for what Mangus says is “almost like a private group singing lesson.” Interested children are not required to have any vocal experience or education. The group is devoted to inclusivity and music, so the only requirement is a love of singing.

More information about the group’s mission and their performance schedule is available at  www.campbelltonyouthchorus.org.

Vision 2026. Cool Spring Downtown District. A new artistic director for Cape Fear Regional Theatre. A new music director for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. These recent initiatives and changes reflect a growing, collective thought: Fayetteville is ready to grow, and that growth requires collaboration.  

Successful entrepreneurial collaboration is the message of Charlie Brock, keynote speaker for Methodist University’s third annual Reeves School of Business Symposium and Awards Dinner. The dinner will held Thursday, Nov. 16, at Embassy Suites Fayetteville/ Fort Bragg from 6:30-8:30 p.m. In addition to the keynote speech and dinner, seven awards will be presented to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in Fayetteville’s business community.

Pam Bierman, MU Center for Entrepreneurship instructor and co-organizer of the event, said this night is not only relevant to award recipients and those already entrenched in the business community.

“Entrepreneurism is everywhere, and I believe there’s a budding entrepreneur in each one of us,” she said. “I think a lot of people have had dreams of what they would like to do, but they don’t know how to do it.”

That’s where 20-year veteran entrepreneur Brock comes in. His speech for the night is titled “Transforming Cities through Innovation and Leadership.” Bierman said she first heard Brock speak at a regional pitch competition for students in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“A couple of things struck me about Charlie that I thought would be perfect for having a keynote here,” she said.

First was the evidence of Brock’s success in his own city – and how the mechanisms of that success could apply to Fayetteville. “Chattanooga has been transformed over the last 20 years,” Bierman said. “Twenty years ago, it was … really a rough city, a lot of problems with drugs and gangs. Some prominent members of the community decided to take back the community and make it a safe, prosperous and enjoyable place with a high quality of living. (Brock) was one of those people.” Through Brock’s work in organizations like Launch Tennessee – of which he is the president and CEO – early-stage investment in Tennessee has increased 100 percent, and Chattanooga now boasts the fastest internet and smartest electric grid in America.

“He’s very involved in developing what I would call entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout Tennessee,” Bierman said. “I kind of parallel Chattanooga to Fayetteville. We’ve really seen a need for better collaboration; we’ve got little pockets of it but not necessarily orchestrated at a higher level. … He’s doing that, and we want to know how to do that. He’s not only working with legislators in trying to have state legislation that’s business-friendly, he’s (also) mentoring, trying to create incubators and accelerators and those kinds of programs that help businesses get started.

“(He’s) an exciting person who is doing and has been doing what we want to do in Fayetteville.”

The seven awards of the night will honor community leaders who, like Brock, have laid and are laying the groundwork for the change their city wants to see, Bierman said. These awards are Alumni Business Person of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year; Business Person of the Year; Greater Good Award; SmallBusiness Excellence Award; Silver Spoon Award; and Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

“A lot of people attend to see the award winners,” Bierman said. “We make people wait until the end, because it’s kind of the climax of the event.”

Attendees will get to learn about each awardwinner’s work, ideas and passions in short videos that will play as recipients make their way onstage.

Tickets cost $75 each. To register or to learn more, visit www.methodist.edu/rsb-symposium.

PHOTO: Keynote speaker, Charlie Brock

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death in Cumberland County. One out of 10 North Carolinians are diagnosed with diabetes, and one out of five may have diabetes and not be aware that they have it. Better Health presents its fifth annual Red Apple Run for Diabetes Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Medical Arts Center at 8:30 a.m.

“This is a fundraiser for Better Health and our charitable programs. We want to help raise funds to support the programs that we offer to the community,” said Amy Navejas, executive director of Better Health. “But at the same time, we really wanted to have something that was applicable to what we believe in and what our mission is – and that is health.” Navejas added this event was the perfect opportunity to combine the two by presenting an opportunity for individuals to get out and get active.

The run features three races: a 5K run, a 10K run and the fun run. “This is our fifth Red Apple Run, and we will have a little something for everybody at all different levels,” said Navejas. “We are going to have the 10K run, which goes through historic Haymount, a 5K run, and we will also do a one-miler called the Haymount Hill Climb.”

Navejas added that the one-milers will get participation ribbons and the others will receive medals for first, second and third place winners in their age categories.

A DJ will be on-site as well as a variety of healthy food.     

The event is called the Red Apple Run for Diabetes because one of Better Health’s biggest programs is its diabetes management program. “In this program we offer clinics in our office three days a week where individuals can come and meet with a nurse and get educated on different topics related to diabetes,” said Navejas. “We bring in guest speakers, and we try to be very thorough. We also have diabetic supplies that we can offer for low-income clients, and we check blood sugar.”      

Diabetes is a complicated condition, and often people need that extra support. “It is hard to manage diabetes on your own, and we want to help individuals to get better at doing that and give them those tools to help work with their doctor,” said Navejas. “Our goal is to raise $23,000. We are excited and look forward to an outpour of community support.” 

Registration for the 5K is $25, the 10K is $35, the fun run is $20, and it is $15 for children ages 10 and under. Prices go up after Nov. 9. Free screenings for diabetes are available at Better Health’s weekly clinics.

For more information, call  (910) 483-7534.

At a recent meeting, Cumberland County Commissioners indicated they were prepared to settle an issue that has confounded Fayetteville City Council for weeks. Commission Chairman Glenn Adams said at a meeting of the joint 911 Task Force that the county had agreed to let the city operate the planned $30 million center. But, the financial formula was changed by county officials when they agreed to let the city run the facility.

Deputy City Manager Kristoff Bauer and Assistant County Manager Tracy Jackson have been the principle negotiators. Bauer said Jackson’s position is constrained by the board of commissioners.

“We do a disservice to the citizens of our community if we don’t move this thing forward,” Adams said. Commissioners want funding percentages for the center’s operation to be based on the pro rata share of population between the city and county. All parties agree it comes down to a 64/36 population split with Fayetteville shouldering the larger share.

“This is as close as it’s ever been,” said City Manager Doug Hewett, referring to the back and forth between agencies.

The details are contained in a 16page interlocal agreement that the jurisdictions have yet to agree on. The agencies aren’t far apart on percentages of operational expenses. But a city council subcommittee continues to propose that the cost of construction be based on calls for emergency services, not the formula the county has proposed. An acceptable formula the council subcommittee agreed to would cost the city $7.8 million with the county’s share being $5.2 million.

“We’re bending over for that,” Committee Chairman Bobby Hurst said. “We could play hardball, but we can iron this out with the county,” he added.

The subcommittee, comprised of Hurst, Councilwoman Kathy Jensen and Mayor Nat Robertson, voted 3-0 in favor of both funding formulas. The local governing bodies hope the State 911 Board of Directors will award local government $15 million toward construction of the communications center, which would be built on cityowned property off Fields Road.

There are still some ambiguities in the proposed agreement, noted Bauer, such as the structure of the communications center’s advisory governing board. However, all parties are in agreement that the city and county managers would have final responsibility for decision-making.

A grant application to the state for partial construction funding must be submitted by the city of Fayetteville no later than Dec. 15. An application submitted two months ago was turned down because the agreement outlining which local government would be the lead entity was not included in the application. In counties where joint centers have been established, such as Wake and Guilford, the cities of Raleigh and Greensboro were designated as the lead agencies with operational responsibility.

Admitted deserter goes free

The commander in chief of the U.S. military wasn’t at all pleased with a Fort Bragg judge’s decision to spare Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from serving a prison sentence. Bergdahl pleaded guilty to deserting his post in Afghanistan in 2009.

“The decision on Sgt. Bergdahl is a complete and total disgrace to our Country and to our Military,” President Donald Trump tweeted. Bergdahl won’t serve time in prison for endangering his comrades by walking off his Afghanistan post, the military judge ruled. Army Col. Jeffery R. Nance sentenced Bergdahl to forfeit $10,000 in pay, a reduction in rank to private E-1 and a dishonorable discharge, barring him from receiving any medical or other benefits entitled to most veterans.

Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban and endured brutal captivity for five years before President Barack Obama struck a deal to release the captured soldier in exchange for Taliban prisoners. Immediately after he was captured, the U.S. military conducted a massive search operation that resulted in the deaths of six American soldiers. Trump called Bergdahl a “no-good traitor who should have been executed” last year, during his presidential campaign. The president’s remarks could have played into Nance’s decision, although he publicly denied it.

Panhandling unresolved

Some Fayetteville City Council members were disappointed at the last meeting that the administration hadn’t recommended changes to the city’s panhandling ordinance. City attorney Karen MacDonald gave members some options based on what other North Carolina cities are doing. But, she said recommendations won’t be forthcoming until January. MacDonald, who reports directly to city council, wanted more council input and apparently needs time to research the law further.

Council members Bill Crisp and Chalmers McDougald like the idea of arresting people who give beggars money. They suggested fines and jail time for them. Councilman Jim Arp wants the city to launch an educational, public service outreach in the community asking people not to give panhandlers money.

Judicial review of alleged gerrymandering

The federal court has appointed a special master, Stanford Law professor Nathaniel Persily, to review proposed legislative districts from the latest Republican district map, which Democrats charge is just another gerrymander. The action suggests that the federal court believes the Republican Party is still illegally drawing districts based on race.

In its court order, the judges named Persily to sample and review North Carolina House districts in Sampson, Wayne, Wake, Guilford and Mecklenburg counties to address concerns that these districts failed to remedy the identified constitutional violation or are otherwise legally unacceptable. The judges and Persily will review the legality of the districts in question. The courts concluded earlier that districts mapped in 2011 were drawn for the sole purpose of facilitating and ensuring a Republican majority in the General Assembly, disenfranchising thousands of voters in the process.  

Fayetteville police commander arrested

A city police captain has been charged by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office with failing to report her husband’s recent sex offender violations. William Augurson, 47, is a registered sex offender. He allegedly violated terms of his registration by unlawfully attending at least three events on protected premises, said Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Sean Swain. The events were primarily intended for children, he said. Augurson’s wife, Captain Tracy Bass-Caine, attended the events with him and, “being a law enforcement officer with the Fayetteville Police Department had an obligation to report this offense,” Swain said. Bail bonds for both were set at $30,000. Police spokesman, Lt. Todd Joyce, said Bass-Caine had been suspended with pay.

Another Green Beret death  – this time, murder

Two Navy SEALs are suspects in the murder of a Fort Bragg Green Beret who was assigned to the western African nation of Mali. It’s the same part of West Africa where four other Fort Bragg special operators were ambushed and killed while on a surreptitious support mission in Niger. The Pentagon identified the fallen soldier as Staff Sgt. Logan J. Melgar, 34, of Fort Bragg’s elite 3rd Special Forces Group. The Army’s Criminal Investigation Command said he was strangled in a June 4 attack and was found dead in his hotel room in Mali’s capital of Bamako.Military medical examiners determined the cause of death was “homicide by asphyxiation,” The New York Times reported, citing unnamed military sources.

There have been five U.S. combat deaths this year in Africa – four in Niger and one in Somalia. Those are the only cases in which U.S. forces have been killed in action during the past 10 years, according to AFRICOM. There have been numerous other noncombat deaths attributed to malarial infection, driving accidents, and now, murder.

The Navy SEAL Team 6 members were quietly taken out of the country and placed in military custody on administrative leave, the Times reported. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is now leading the investigation, according to U.S. Africa Command. These incidents have provoked questions in Washington. Members of Congress have voiced complaints that they are ill-informed about military activities in the region, some admitting that they were unaware of special forces’ involvement in many parts of the world.

Let us now praise famous rats. Rats come in all shapes, sizes and species – both the rodent and the human variety. There are way too many human rats for this column to ponder more than briefly in passing; Benedict Arnold, Jane Fonda and Tokyo Rose, just to name a few. Today’s focus will be on the wonder and lore of the rodent variety of rats.

A recent article in The New York Times breathlessly described the discovery of a new variety of rat – the mysterious and now famous Vangunu giant rat. Just when you thought you had too many things to worry about – North Korea’s Little Rocket Man, the indictments on Manafort Monday or whether diet Coke is worse for you than regular Coke – along comes the Vangunu giant rat.

Once more elusive than Big Foot or a good nickel cigar, the Vangunu giant rat was rumored to exist on the island of Vangunu, which is part of the Solomon Islands way out in the South Pacific. You may recall that Lt. Commander Quinton McHale of the 1960s TV show “McHale’s Navy” was stationed in the South Pacific along with Ensign Parker and Capt. Binghamton during World War II. It is unclear if McHale ever confronted a Vangunu giant rat. We can only hope there is a video somewhere in the vaults of ABC that can solve that mystery.

But I digress. Back to the Vangunu giant rat. VGR, as his friends call him, is the royalty of the rat family. He is one big rat. VGR can weigh in at about 2 pounds, stretching 18 inches long from his nose to his scaly, bald tail. His dental prowess is legendary, despite never having been known to floss, use fluoride or participate in a regular program of professional dental hygiene. VGR can crack open a coconut using his bare teeth. He will drill a hole in his coconut and scoop out the coconut meat, discarding an almost completely empty coconut shell. If Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones had trained a pet VGR to retrieve coconuts, he would have never fallen out of that coconut tree, landing on his head in Fiji back in 2006. Like cockroaches and Twinkies, one day only Keith Richards and Vangunu giant rats will survive the coming nuclear apocalypse. It’s time we began to seriously think about the kind of world we want to leave behind for Keith Richards once we all have crossed the great divide.

Until very recently, VGRs were just rumored to exist on Vangunu. The only evidence they were real were the drilled, emptied coconuts and unidentifiable rat droppings that appeared on the jungle floor.

Enter professor Tyrone Lavery, the Indiana Jones of rat detectives. Lavery spent years of his life searching for proof of the VGR to no avail. The professor was the Inspector Javert in pursuit of the VGR. He was no quitter. He laughed at the danger of falling coconuts. He used every trick in the rat detective playbook to try to confirm the existence of the VGR; traps, cameras and hanging out under coconut trees at all hours of the day and night. A lesser rat detective would have given up years ago and gone back to studying the effect of gallons of caffeine on lab rats. Not our intrepid professor Lavery. He persevered in his rat detection.

On one tragic day in the jungle, a particularly unlucky VGR, Rodney, was imitating Keith Richards in a coconut tree when the tree itself fell to the ground. Rodney was seriously injured and unable to scamper away to the Rat Rehabilitation Clinic.

Lavery discovered the injured Rodney while on his daily rat patrol. Lavery attempted to nurse Rodney back to health. Unfortunately, the professor was fresh out of the tiny little rat veterinary instruments necessary to save the Rodney’s life. After a few hours of rodent hospice care, Rodney expired. Rodney went to dwell in the land of his ancestors in the Peaceable Kingdom of the Rat Havens, which is filled with soft-shelled coconuts and music by Keith Richards.

Rodney’s body was interred for the traditional 10-day period in a stone tomb, after which the stones were rolled away and his mortal coil was sent to the Queensland Museum in Australia where it remains to this day. If you have enough mileage points, you can fly Qantas and see Rodney.

The mystery of the existence of Vangunu giant rat is solved. We are left only to ponder one final question. If a coconut tree containing a Vangunu giant rat falls in the jungle and Keith Richards is not around to hear it, does it make a sound? As the King of Siam once said, “It is a puzzlement.”

Some mornings I can hardly wait to hear overnight news, and some mornings I dread it. As I write this, our nation is reeling after the terrorist attack in New York City, apparently timed to involve school children on Halloween day by a man who seems proud of his deadly work. Not all news, though, is bad. Some of it is just plain wacky, so much so that the only description I can come up with is, “You really can’t make up this stuff.”

Here are a few examples.

If it’s Tuesday, who is being accused of sexual harassment today?

Allegations against Harvey Weinstein continue to roll in, and he is hardly alone. More recently, Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey of “House of Cards” fame has been accused by a young actor who says he was a teenager at the time he was assaulted. For his part, Spacey took the opportunity to make it public that he is gay, something long-rumored in the industry. Netflix grabbed its opportunity to suspend production of “House of Cards.”

There have also been allegations against three Dartmouth College professors, a top NPR editor and actor Jeremy Piven. And lest North Carolina be left out, the Wilmington Star News reported that a candidate for the Kure Beach town council is the longtime author of a blog regarding all things sexual. A sample post read, “Her punishment went well. She left with marks and bruises that should remind her of proper behavior for quite a while.”

You really can’t make up this stuff.

From the annals of history, The New York Times reports that Michelangelo, one of the world’s greatest and most famous artists of all time, was in an artistic snit by the time he completed painting the exquisite Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, one of the most beautiful and iconic rooms in history. The Chapel was opened in 1512 after four years of painting during which Michelangelo lay on his back high above the floor as he painted the ceiling with God and Adam reaching fingers toward each other. Wrote the painter, sculptor and all-around Renaissance man:

“I’ve already grown a goiter from this torture, hunched up here like a cat in Lombardy  (or anywhere else where the stagnant water’s poison).  My stomach’s squashed under my chin, my beard’s pointing at heaven, my brain’s crushed in a casket, my breast twists like a harpy’s. My brush, above me all the time, dribbles  paint so my face makes a fine floor for the droppings. My haunches are grinding into my guts, my poor ass strains to work as a counterweight, every gesture I make is blind and aimless. My skin hangs loose below me, my spine’s all knotted from  folding over itself. I’m bent taut as a Syrian bow.”

Michelangelo goes on a bit more, but you get the idea.

I wish we were all so creative when we gripe about our jobs, but none of us could make up that one.

From Washington, the biggest and most serious news surrounds the indictments of President Trump’s former campaign manager, along with one of his lieutenants. Unbeknownst to everyone beyond the special prosecutor and his staff, a Trump campaign aide has apparently been spilling some serious beans. George Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for telling what he knows about campaign contacts with Russians. In doing so he went, in the words of a president whose relationship with the truth is challenging at best and seemingly nonexistent at worst, from “an energy and oil consultant … an excellent guy” to a “lowlevel volunteer” who “has already proven to be a liar.”

Finally, from The Associated Press comes a little item from Germany about a couple in the city of Kassel who will not under any circumstances be allowed to name their newborn son Lucifer. You read that correctly - Lucifer, a word connoting Satan and general evil. German parents are allowed to name their children, of course, but officials are allowed to step in if the name would expose the child to humiliation or offend others. Step in the officials did, and the parents decided to switch to Lucian, though there is no word on what the boy will be called at home. AP also reports that several countries have banned Lucifer and other names. Not so in the United States, where 13 little boys were named Lucifer in 2016, a record crop.

You really can’t make up this stuff.

 I’ve heard many opinions about how to create jobs and how Fayetteville is barely shuffling along and only creating “fast food” jobs; now if the hard-hearted politicians would only fund this program or that program, we’d solve poverty and create jobs for everyone. Well, if the solutions were that simple, we’d have implemented them by now. Perhaps the real answer isn’t that easy. This article is an attempt to share my conversations and experiences over the last five years as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and to point toward possible answers. Just to be clear, my opinions are not based on just one conversation. I’ve spoken with scores of outof-county and out-of-state businesses, and they all echo similar sentiments.

Step one: Let’s agree that the real answer isn’t easy. If you don’t agree, stop reading here. 

Step two: What are companies really looking for? There are hundreds of studies that try to answer this question by evaluating municipalities and regions against one other to come up with some magical ranking. When we’re near the top of the list, we congratulate ourselves, and when we’re near the bottom of the list, we blame one another for the perceived failings. These lists may be fine as a general guide, but they do not hold universal answers for municipalities and regions across the country.

Last year, I had a discussion with the vice president of Apple, who was in charge of selecting new expansion locations. The decision boiled down to one issue – the bottom line. Apple considers where it can make the most money. This is the spirit that continues to make America great: satisfy customer demand, provide new and innovative products and services, keep operating costs low and sell products and services at a profit to grow your business. 

So, what goes into the cost of doing business? Here’s what I’m continually told is near the top of companies’ concerns.

• State business taxes. We’re competitive in this area. Our corporate tax is at 3 percent and going lower. When you compare our tax rates to those of other states, compare apples to apples, no pun intended. This year, when we were trying to land Project Zeus, a $240 million potential investment in our county, the Legislature quickly changed a section of the Mill Machinery tax to make us competitive with other states. The Cumberland County Business Park was one of the final two sites on the East Coast under consideration, thanks to this change and the cooperation of the city of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. 

• Cost of land/buildings/facilities. Rural land is less expensive than land inside the city limits. We’re competitive in both the county and the city.

• Access to a trained workforce. We come in OK in this area for many industries not needing advanced college degrees. For those of you who continue to ask the question why we can’t attract high-tech pharmaceutical companies in Cumberland County, the answer is we just don’t have the job skills those companies are looking for. It would take decades to grow that base. For industries that require workers trained in specific skills – for example, special manufacturing processes or specialized computer skills (think cybersecurity) – our community college system is ready, willing, able and funded to set up whatever worker training is required. 

• Ease of hooking into utilities. Here, we fall short. Again, this is what companies are saying, not my opinion. If you remember back to the city of Fayetteville/PWC debate of just a few years ago, you’ll recall that an early version of the bill allowed the PWC to extend water and sewer into the county without being required to request “voluntary annexation.” One of the reasons that section was inserted into the bill was because 13 different companies over a two-year period did NOT select Cumberland County to build small manufacturing facilities (20 to 100+ employees) in the county because they didn’t want to pay city taxes and conform to city codes. The final bill “solved” the water issue, but not the sewer issue.

• Ease of doing business. Time is money. I’ve heard from companies that have locations statewide, and almost every one complained that dealing with the city and county are some of the worst experiences they have had. Both the city of Fayetteville and Cumberland County have come a long way in addressing this issue, but neither is competitive amongst their highest-performing peers.

Step Three: We need a brand. I ask people outside of our community how they would define Fayetteville and Cumberland County. I usually get blank stares or some mumbled response about Fayettenam. That’s a real problem. We need to define ourselves. But, before we can do that, we should be able to recognize and celebrate the economic development our community has achieved lately. If we’ve done something well, shouldn’t we tell that story?

Case in point: What’s the most significant economic development project with the highest number of well-paying jobs that has occurred in Cumberland County in the last five years? The answer is the new residency program at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, which began earlier this year. In the next three years, this program will generate 300 resident doctors, about 50 teacher, mentor and support positions and an additional 300 associated jobs. That’s at least 650 wellpaying jobs with the upside potential of increasing to over 900 jobs. This equates to a minimum new payroll of $30 million a year. This doesn’t address the increase in quality health care that will benefit the entire region.

So, where does all this fit in with our message to outsiders? We have “Visit Freedom’s Home,” promoted by the Fayetteville Area Convention and Business Bureau. “Building a prosperous and resilient community through business leadership,” from the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation highlights opportunities in defense, food, manufacturing, business and financial services and logistics on its webpage. How about the “History, Heroes and a Hometown Feeling,” signage at the entryways to the city? I understand that each of these organizations has a unique mission, yet, I have been unable to find any unifying theme among the various groups. While these are all positive messages, they are unrelated and disconnected.

Our community needs a unified message. We need to have a positive, accurate, realistic discussion regarding what we can do together to tell our story better and make our economic marketing message efforts more effective. I’m encouraged that there are some people and organizations in the community who share this view and are already coming together.

Whatever the results of these efforts, the message needs to be more than an empty slogan. Every business, organization and elected official needs to be able to explain the “mission” and “buying proposition” to everyone they meet, particularly the media. If the media hears it often enough, we will see more positive headlines about our community rather than stories and reports about how our crime rate is increasing, who murdered who in what parking lot, what drug deal has gone bad or what political candidate got a speeding ticket 30 years ago.

An overarching brand with a unified message for our community will surely help. But then, we must live up to it. Branding, advertising and marketing alone won’t convince industry and new companies to locate here.

I’ll finish the way I started, by challenging you to think about how we can advance our community both economically and socially. There is no simple answer. Are you willing to join with those who’ve begun an honest assessment of our community and are working toward making Fayetteville and Cumberland County more attractive to business and industry?

Join those of us willing to work.

The holidays are fast approaching, and UNC Pembroke’s Givens Performing Arts Center is ready to entertain well into the new year. Monday, Nov. 20, GPAC takes holiday showmanship to a new level with the 10th anniversary national tour of Broadway musical “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” The show includes a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree with 30 performers from seven countries as the ornaments. As stars, dreams and ornaments come to life, the stage fills with music, sparkle, song, dance and more.

“The only thing ordinary is the extraordinary,” Director Neil Goldberg said on the show’s website. “The thing that makes ‘Cirque Dreams Holidaze’ so unique and different than traditional holiday shows is you never know what’s going to happen next.”

Jill Winters is the creative content director of music and talent for “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” Part of her job includes attending circus and performing arts festivals all over the world to find fresh talent. “That is just amazing because these events are really big deals with red carpets and award ceremonies – and incredibly talented artists,” she said. “I get to pluck these amazing performers before other people even know about them.”

Having an international cast means many world views and a diverse talent pool, which is part of what makes the production so special. It also means working through language barriers. There are interpreters, but Winters has also become very good at charades. “We have a great team. They are usually very open to new ideas,” she said. “We have amazingly talented artists, and they work hard, but it takes time to put a show like this together. We start getting ready in May.”

Bringing the magic of the holidays to audiences means pulling out all the stops when it comes to what happens on the stage. Winters credits the team with making the magic happen. From handheld props to larger-than-life scenery to the performers, it all comes together to deliver that feeling that makes this time of year special.

“Everyone who comes to this show leaves with something different,” Winters said. “Anyone from ages 2 to 92 can sit in the audience and enjoy it. I think the kids love the spectacle part … we have slinky candy canes that come across the stage and angels and gingerbread cookies that do flips and soldiers walking on thin wires. We have snow onstage – and, of course, Santa. The show pays tribute to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve, too. I think everyone can have fun at this show and leave happy.”

“Cirque Dream Holidaze” starts at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 20. Tickets range from $21-$41.

Drawing on local talent, the UNCP music department hosts its Ninth Annual Holiday Extravaganza Dec. 1. The Holiday Extravaganza showcases virtually all the university’s ensembles and choirs in performing uplifting renditions of holiday favorites. The performance includes a sing-along of well-known Christmas carols.

“We’re happy to have this unique ‘Cirque’ performance just before Thanksgiving. We hope it helps put our audience in the holiday mood,” said GPAC Director James Bass. “Then, when we come back after Thanksgiving break, we’ll have our annual Holiday Extravaganza, which is not to be missed.”

A “Tuba Christmas” performance at 7:30 p.m. in front of GPAC will precede the Dec. 1 concert; the concert itself starts at 8 p.m. Tickets for the show are $12 for adults and $5 for children. The concert raises money for music scholarships at the university.

The GPAC season continues on Jan. 9 with a Derik Nelson and Family concert. Consisting of siblings Derik, Riana and Dalten, this group grew up performing together. Known for their three-part harmonies, the group has more than 3 million YouTube views. The show features “Derik clones” – electronic clones of Derik – a light show, and a 20-foot video display that takes audiences on a journey that includes landscapes, weather conditions and musical settings.

Derik’s singing has been included on FOX’s “Raising Hope” and “New Girl,” CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother,” and NBC’s “Go On” and “The Voice.”

Riana is no stranger to show business, either. She’s been a casting associate for FOX’s “Empire,” an onscreen vocalist for Renee Zellweger’s pilot “Cinnamon Girl” and the lead vocalist for Princess Cruises.

Dalten appeared on several episodes of television’s “Glee.” He also conceptualized, designed, filmed, edited and executed more than 150 separate videos in perfect sync to create the visual immersion footage that plays on the 20-foot video screen during the show. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $5 for students to $16.

Well-Strung string quartet comes to GPAC Jan. 23. Using vocals and strings, the group blends classical and modern pop music. The group is made up of Edmund Bagnell (1st violin), Chris Marchant (2nd violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) and Trevor Wadleigh (viola). The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $5-$16.

On March 12, “Amazing Grace: The Musical” takes the stage. Based on the true story behind the song, the performance tells a tale of romance, rebellion and redemption. John Newton must choose between following his father into the slave trade business or listening to his lover’s more compassionate voice. With his slave, Thomas, in tow, Newton sets out on a journey on the high seas where he has a transformative moment of self-reckoning. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10.

The iconic “Wizard of Oz: The Musical” will show March 19 at 7:30 p.m. This musical promises to blow audiences away with great acting, brilliant music and, of course, flying monkeys. Tickets start at $10.

“On Golden Pond” closes the 2017-18 season. Based on the Academy Award-winning film starring Henry and Jane Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, the show explores an estranged fatherdaughter relationship. It’s heartwarming and touching to watch as an unexpected relationship blossoms. Tickets start at $10. Showtime is 8 p.m.

For information about tickets and the full season lineup, visit www.uncp.edu/gpac or call (910) 521-6361.

Gavin Chavis

Terry Sanford

• Football

• Senior

Chavis has a 4.5 grade point average. He’s a three-year starter on the Terry Sanford football team and a captain. He’s the student body parliamentarian for the Student Government Association, a member of National Honor Society Leadership and a volunteer for the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society and Alma Easom Elementary School.

Emily Bresee

Gray’s Creek

• Volleyball

• Senior

Bresee has a 4.0 grade point average. In addition to volleyball, she’s active in the Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Academy of Scholars and the FayettevilleCumberland County Youth Council.

There’s one week of play left in the football regular season. After that, for at least one week and maybe more, football teams from Cumberland County that qualify for the state playoffs will be in action.

Meanwhile, on Oct. 30, official practice sessions began for winter sports teams at N.C. High School Athletic Association schools in the county.

We’ll be facing a similar situation in the spring, when conference basketball tournaments will still be in progress while spring sports teams start practice Feb. 14.

For years this has been a headache for coaches and administrators, especially in smaller schools where athletes are often shared between sports teams and there is sometimes competition for use of facilities for practice. The NCHSAA recently made some major changes in its off-season practice rules, allowing coaches in most sports greater freedom to work directly with their athletes when their sport is out of season.

This was a wise decision, and it will help keep athletes under the supervision of high school coaches and less in the hands of non-school coaches who may be less worried about academic success for athletes. Now the NCHSAA needs to take the next step in this process and do something to cut down on the overlap between the seasons.

If we’re going to allow coaches to work with athletes more in the off-season, let’s take advantage of that. Do we really need the extra time to get a team ready for play if the athletes are being coached up more frequently?

I don’t think so.

I’ve felt for the longest time that we could delay the start of basketball season until after Thanksgiving. That still gives you nearly three weeks in December to start the season before Christmas break sets in.

As for winter, there’s no reason not to delay the start of spring sports until at least the week of the state basketball tournament, which this year falls on March 10.

Both basketball and baseball are sports designed for multiple games in a week. If you include an occasional Saturday game, you can spread the competition out over a six-day period, which would make it fairly easy not to schedule consecutive games.

In the case of basketball in particular, this would allow coaches to develop depth and prepare their teams for the tournament run later in the season when they play multiple games in a week.

I see these changes as a win-win for the sports that are in season. Cutting down on having to schedule basketball games in the early weeks of November while some schools are still in the football playoffs would eliminate the need of moving a basketball game when it conflicts with an unpredictable state playoff game.

The bottom line is, if we’re holding regular practices in the off-season, it shouldn’t take a coach that long to get a team into playing shape when the time comes.

I think it’s time to give this serious thought, and I hope coaches and athletic administrators will voice this idea to the NCHSAA Board of Directors. It may be too late to consider it at the winter meeting later this year, but there’s plenty of time to get it on the agenda for next spring, and it could be implemented as early as next fall.

Let’s give this a try.

PHOTO: High School Highlights writer, Earl Vaughan Jr.

PHOTO: Alexa Solorzano

When the Patriot Athletic Conference was formed, Gray’s Creek found itself as the relatively new kid on a tough boys’ soccer block that included successful programs at Terry Sanford and Pine Forest.

But when the smoke cleared from the regular season, it was Gray’s Creek on top of the pack by the slimmest of margins, headed to the state 3-A playoffs as the No. 1 team from the new nineteam league.

Asked what the key to success for this year’s team was, head coach Bryan Pagan quickly pointed to chemistry.

“It was a little bit of an issue for us at the beginning of the year,’’ he said. “Slowly but surely, we started putting our tightness together.’’

Unfortunately, as the team started stringing wins together, Pagan found himself with another problem. “When you start having wins and success, it’s hard to keep teenagers focused,’’ he said. “We had a couple of hiccups with losses, but I’ve been really proud of a lot of the leadership and composure we’ve had this year.’’

Two of the younger leaders on the team have been junior Hayden Diaz and freshman C.J. Eley.

Diaz leads the Bears in scoring with 26 goals while Eley has 11.

“Hayden has come a long way,’’ Pagan said. “He started out playing defender, and he has gradually moved himself up the field. He’s a very quick, strong kid able to take people off the dribble and get a lot of opportunities for us.’’

At 6-foot-3 inches, Eley is unusually tall for a soccer player. He brings a physical presence to the team that has been a big asset. “That helps with set pieces and corner kicks,’’ Pagan said of Eley’s height. “He’s been able to find the back of the net quite a bit this year.’’

Like his coach, Diaz said chemistry has been a big factor in the Bears’ success. “Everybody hangs out with everybody,’’ he said. “We joke with each other and have fun with each other. To have that chemistry on the field shows.’’

Eley said the Bears felt a little intimidated early on, but it didn’t last. “As soon as we got into the swing of things, we got comfortable,’’ he said. “We just stayed determined and worked hard and wanted it more than the other teams.’’

Gray’s Creek was assured the Patriot Conference’s No. 1 berth in the state 3-A playoffs regardless of how it fared in last week’s conference tournament.

Now that the Bears are in the postseason, Pagan said maintaining composure is crucial.

“We’ve emphasized it all season,’’ he said. “There are going to be times you’re down. The first three or four games we were down and came back and won. From that point on, I didn’t see a lot of us being down.

“For us to be successful, we’ve got to keep organized and make sure we’re not giving up silly goals. We’ve got to make sure we’re able to react.’’

PHOTO: L-R: Hayden Diaz, Coach Bryan Pagan, C.J. Eley

Ten years ago, most of us had never heard the term “cybersecurity.”  Now, the term surfaces across our news feeds on a monthly, weekly, or – unfortunately – daily basis. As an instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College, I like to use the catch phrase “think before you click” with my students. With the influx of mobile technology combined with years of using computers, we tend to click away well before we have the chance to think about the possible repercussions of that action. Let’s face it, technology today is woven into American society from the home, the workplace, government and private-sector business. 

Every October, we computer nerds pay homage to this situation through National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. So I chose this topic to promote cybersecurity and remind everyone to think before you click.

One area we all deal with daily is email. Most organizations work hard to prevent malicious email from showing up in inboxes. But no matter how hard the good guys work to stop malicious email, the bad guys also work hard and are savvy. Eventually, some emails will make it through the system. Some of the most effective attacks have come from phishing emails. Just do a web search on this term, and you will be surprised. A phishing email is an email created to look like a valid email with the goal of tricking the recipient into sharing sensitive information or clicking on something that could allow malicious software to be loaded onto a computer.

What can you do to prevent becoming a victim of a phishing attack? 

1. If you do not recognize where an email comes from, consider deleting it or report it to your technology department before opening it.

2. Remember that no reputable bank is ever going to email you and ask you to click a link to reset your password. Some emails are sent out during tax season telling recipients they owe money to the IRS or were made to look like employee benefits would be lost if the desired action is not taken. The people who orchestrate cyber attacks know that fear is a powerful tool. If you receive an email about sensitive information (banking, taxes, insurance, etc.) and it looks legitimate, before taking any action with the email, simply call your company representative to speak with an actual person who can confirm that they sent the email. 

3. Make sure to use good passwords, change them frequently and do not use important banking passwords for leisure websites.

4. Have an antivirus program on your machine and keep it up to date. 

5. Most importantly, avoid clicking on any hyperlinks or popup windows unless you are 100 percent positive they are safe. The bad guys write software code that can launch malicious software on your machine even if you think you are simply clicking on that little “x” to close the window. 

Keep in mind that your phone is just as vulnerable to cyber attacks as your computer, so make sure to follow the same safety protocols no matter how you are accessing the internet.

Remember, a phishing email could look like anything. So how can you be sure you don’t become a victim of a cyber attack? Simply think before you click. For more information about cyber security, go to Stop Think Connect Toolkit from the Department of Homeland Security. You can learn more about FTCC’s Systems Security and Analysis program at www.faytechcc.edu.

Up & Coming Weekly keeps the community informed about elections. As in years past, we’ve reached out to the candidates to give them an opportunity to make their case to you, the voter.

In the following, you will find their responses. You will also find that not every candidate is represented. That was a choice by the candidate. The Fayetteville And Hope Mills candidates were all given the option to participate. Each candidate vying for similar office was asked the exact same set of questions. We have not altered or amended their answers.

Because we believe so strongly in the privilege of voting, we wanted to ensure that you have all the information you need – not only about the candidates and the issues – but also about where, when and how you can vote.

For Cumberland County voters:

•  Early one-stop voting is ongoing.

•  Saturday, Nov. 4, one-stop voting and same-day registration ends.

•  Tuesday, Nov. 7, is the big day. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

Learn more: www.co.cumberland.nc.us/election_board/voter_info/guide.aspx

Election 2017 Hope Mills Mayoral Candidates

Keith Bowen

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Bowen: What I’d like to bring to HopeMills, I’d love to make it a more family/ resident oriented town, meaning, our families have more places to go and enjoy their time together, safer streets to allow them the time together with no worries. Residential meaning, so our residents are always kept in the know, and they’ll see a working government that’s working for them. I want to bring public transportation to our people. I want to invite more small businesses to our town, coming up with a plan that’ll help them come to our town and flourish. I’d love to ger a lot of these sitting commercial buildings occupied. Bringing money to our town without having to raise taxes on our residents.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Bowen: My strong points. Im young, I like to execute using action, I’m a successful business owner of 10 years who brings great knowledge to the table as far as hiring outside contractors to perform work for us, and also great negotiating skills to assure we’re using our towns tax dollars for good use.

Jackie Warner

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Warner: I hope to complete projects that we have started and to continue the progress we have made during my term as mayor. Completion of the lake park, Heritage Park, our museum – creation of a strategic plan for our golf course property – strategic plan for our facilities to be funded and built – completion of a side walk plan and implementation of the multimodial congestion plan. Continuation of the support and funding for our police and fire department. Addressing our infrastructure needs to include storm water and roads – I encourage the application for grants that are available to assist in the cost of all projects.

I will continue to seek our fair share of sales taxes and will be a voice for Hope Mills at the Mayor’s Coalition, FAMPO and with our County Commissioners. I believe in transparency in government – keeping our citizens informed and involved in decision making. I fully support the Citizens Academy as a venue for our citizens to learn about our town. I will work with board and staff to provide unified leadership for our town.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Warner: My experience as an educator – teambuilding, budgeting, hiring and evaluating qualified personnel. and time management. Being a leader requires one to know when to lead and when to follow – to get goals accomplished or to complete a plan – the role I need to assume – My experiences as Mayor to include the successful settlement through negotiations and deposition for our dam – to working to save our sales tax revenues – and influence a traffic study for our town to providing leadership during tough times such as Hurricane Matthew or being a spokesperson for our town when times are good as well as bad – I appreciate the opportunity to serve Hope Mills – Hope Mills Proud – Hope Mills strong because this Mayor cares!

Election 2017 Hope Mills Commissioner Candidates

Jessie Bellflowers

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Bellflowers: Without any question, the top priority on my agenda is public safety. Over the years, both police and fire departments have out-grown their current facilities alongside our community’s fast growing population. This does not mean both departments lack equipment and technology to do the job, they just need new facilities in which to operate. We must find a workable, affordable solution to build at least one or two new satellite facilities, and a new “main” facility over the next several years. Another top priority is community recreational programs whereas the town must invest in improvements to existing facilities, programs, development of the Hope Mills Former Golf Course Community Recreational Project in order to maintain and enhance community quality of life. Finally, another “hot topic” priority in our community is massive growth and traffic congestion. We need a good balance of residential and economic growth. Therefore, we must continue to meet and work with the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Transportation Advisory Committee to find sustainable solutions. 

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Bellflowers: My experience includes: I currently serve as Chairman – Town of Hope Mills Lake Advisory Committee; Graduate, Town of Hope Mills Citizens Academy (Charter Class); Graduate, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners “How to be an Effective Board Member,” Graduate (Class Leader), Institute for Community Leadership Course; Past All-American State (North Carolina) Commander; District 8 Commander, and Post 10630 (Hope Mills) Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); Past Board Member, North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Committee; Past Board Member, Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Past Member, Town of Hope Mills Veterans Affairs Commission; Past Charter Board Member, Friends of Hope Mills Lake.   

My strengths include: I believe in a workable, open and transparent government. One that practices fiscal conservatism instead of wasteful spending. One that listens and understands citizen issues and concerns, values town employees, and One that seeks consensus while always moving our community forward in a position direction.

I believe in a strong fiscal conservative approach to spending taxpayer dollars while ensuring our community citizens continue to enjoy quality of life services in the most cost-effective manner possible while always moving our community forward in a position direction.

My vision is simple: “Continuous improvement of quality of life for our community that will naturally grow and progress in an economically sustainable and healthy environment.” We must focus every day on enriching the lives of our town citizens by creating an exceptional community to work and live in while providing exemplary town services that enables our community to thrive and prosper. Addressing the many challenges that face our community will require effective leadership and a tremendous amount of teamwork.

I bring to the table many years of strong leadership and pledge to listen to citizen issues and concerns, have an open mind on all decisions, and spend a significant amount of time researching community issues facing our community.

It is an honor and I would be humbled to serve the citizens of our community as a Town Commissioner on the Hope Mills Town Board of Commissioners. I am passionate and look forward in working closely with fellow Town Board members and our senior (staff) leadership team to address and solve the various challenges facing our community.

Tonzie K. Collins I

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Collins I: Communicately effectively and efficiently with the citizens of Hope Mills. Communicately effectively and efficiently with staff and other council members. Will do what is best for the town and its citiziens.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Collins I: 1. I have the ability to work with all the citizens of Hope.

2. Organization and planning

3. Problem solving

4. Team work

5. Communication

6. Prioritizing

7. Abilities to cope with failures and mistakes.

Pat Edwards

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Edwards: A transparent government, creative thinking, building cooperation and community team work. One commissioner or mayor cannot do it alone. We need to work together for the betterment of our town. Citizens working with our Mayor and Commissioners would be great.  A lot of great ideas are out there. Our retired Military and Seniors Citizens have a wealth of history they could share with us. I definitely recommend our citizens to attend (at no cost) our Citizens Academy offered by the town manager and town clerk. A great opportunity to get involved, meet the staff and learn exactly what goes on in your Town. What is required in the day to day operation is amazing. The Mayor and Commissioners rely 24/7 on our first responders, staff and employees. To stay involved with and work closely with our Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Edwards: I have served as your commissioner for six years,. We have had our ups and downs and we didn’t always agree on the same issues. All considered I feel we have accomplished a lot for the betterment of Hope Mills.  Our “Lake” is well on its way to completion.   It will be Beautiful!!  We will all be so proud. I have experience and strengths in some of the inter workings of Hope Mills by getting involved in Civic Groups and serving as liaison for several commissions (past and present) I am serving on the Board of Directors for the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the Hope Mills Kiwanis Club (twice past president) , Board of Adjustments, Cumberland County Community Grant Committee, Ft. Bragg/Pope AFB Regional Land Use Advisory (RULAC), Air Quality Stakeholders, Veterans Affairs, Special Events Nominating Committee and Appearance Committee.

Bob Gorman

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Gorman: Thank you to our Hope Mills citizens for allowing me to be one of your town commissioners for 7 terms. I have worked honestly and tirelessly for our community throughout much growth and change; but, there are many existing projects that I would like to see completed as follows:

*Historical Preservation Commission which will preserve our Historic District and set guidelines for future development in that district.

*Our Museum which has already collected artifacts and should be open  in 2018.

*Heritage Park which is in the third phase of our Lake Park Plan and will offer our citizens another recreational opportunity as well as education and remembrance of our community roots.

You are aware, I am sure that Hope Mills has outgrown our present police and fire facilities. Our board has prioritized our infrastructure needs with the results of a facilities study. The top priority is a new public service facility for our police and fire departments.

A plan for our former golf course is being developed with input from our citizens. This opportunity is to plan recreational facilities for our community and this a major priority for me.

There are areas that I believe are important and will work to see improvements: traffic congestion, transportation issues for our seniors, parks and recreation issues and veterans’ issues. These are important to our quality of life in Hope Mills.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Gorman: Over the years, I have been involved in my community by being active in the Hope Mills Planning Board (4 years served as vice -chairman) I have been committed to community volunteer work:

*Cumberland County Rescue Squad 12 years serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant Training Officer and Board of Directors (4 years)

*South View Band Boosters for 25 years serving as president and president elect

*Grays Creek Band Boosters for 3 years

As an elected commissioner, I have served on various committees as a liaison of the board, as Mayor Pro Temp, I have assumed the responsibilities for the Mayor if needed. As a member of the Finance Committee I have worked directly with the budgeting process. My experience in all areas of town government and a concern for our community and citizens is my priority #1. It would be an honor to serve our town for another term, I humbly ask for your vote.

Meg Larson

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Larson: If elected, I plan to work diligently towards responsible growth and development, wise use of tax dollars to plan, budget, manage and complete projects and the development of an atmosphere of cooperation and trust between citizens, local businesses and government. Hope Mills is growing by leaps and bounds and we must ensure that our decisions are
always in the best interest of the town. I want to work towards continuing to make Hope Mills a beautiful and enterprising community that will also attract people and businesses to relocate here. I plan to be accountable to the taxpayers when it comes to town spending. Taxpayers should expect wise use of their tax dollars and the completion of projects that are currently underway. Wasteful spending on consultants and unnecessary studies should be eliminated. I would like to work with the board to find ways to intentionally encourage, not discourage, citizen input through cooperation, trust and transparency, especially when it involves the use of tax dollars and decisions that will shape the future of our community.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Larson: If given the opportunity to represent the citizens of Hope Mills, I hope to bring new ideas, a fresh perspective, common sense and a lot of energy to the board. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Marketing and years of work experience in retail management and internal loss prevention. I also have experience working in education in Cumberland County Schools. I have been active in the community for years, regularly attend town board meetings and stay abreast of town issues through the town website. You can count on me to listen and thoroughly research issues in order to make logical, practical and fiscally responsible decisions that are right and fair. I am organized, self-motivated and a team player but I am also willing to stand alone and fight for what is right if necessary. I would greatly appreciate your vote for Hope Mills Commissioner.  https://www.facebook.com/votemeglarson 

Jerry Legge

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Legge: I would like to see:

The completion of the lake project and have water impounded in the lake.

Build a new Public Safety Center for the Police and Fire Departments,

Sidewalks in all new housing developments in town and in the areas around our schools.

The development of the golf course area with input from the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee along with ideas that we have received from some of our citizens.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Legge: I was the owner/operator of Better Built Builders for 30 years. I have served the town as a commissioner for over 12 years. During this time I had the opportunity to learn from the retreats that we have attended and being part of the town board as a whole. I take a lot of calls from citizens and listen to their concerns and take them to the board to be heard by my fellow commissioners.  I am business-minded and I apply that knowledge to the issues of our town. I have served on several committees past and present: such as the Planning Board and the Town Finance Committees. I was a member of the HM Zoning Board of Adjustments and a member of the Air Quality Control Committee. I have been involved with the HMYA for over 30 years teaching sports to our youth.

Bryan Marley

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Marley: I would like to see the current projects such as the new lake park, police/fire complex and history museum finished. Would also like to see progress from the stake holders committee in reference to the golf course. We need to also be able to maintain our current level of services to the citizens.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Marley: I have served the town as commissioner for the past four years. Before being a commissioner I served as a full-time employee for fourteen years in the fire department. I bring a desire to serve the town and make the best decisions that I can for the town of Hope Mill. I understand the importance of teamwork and look forward to keeping our town moving forward.

Kenjuana McCray

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

McCray: Hope Mills has been my home for 10 years. I love this town and I will help tackle infrastructure issues to include traffic congestion, sidewalks and storm water issues. I will ensure that our new recreational facility adds value to our community and serves everyone to include children, millennials, middle agers, the disabled, veterans, and senior citizens. Most importantly, it will offer teen activities to keep kids off the street and out of trouble. Finally, I will create a living environment that welcomes businesses that will add jobs that pay living wages to Hope Mills and create educational enrichment programs for children and adults.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

McCray: I am trained in researching best practice, critical thinking, and problem solving. I have the knowledge and willingness to collaborate with stakeholders to move the Town of Hope Mills forward. I work to connect Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community to our community. This is critical in educating and training our population to market themselves to employers. As I have taught at FTCC for 11 years and have been involved in the alumni association at FSU, the needed contacts are already in place.

My background makes me valuable, I have been a public school teacher, a retail manager, family consultant, and currently I teach and serve in a leadership position in higher education. All of my positions have been to serve and protect.

I am a board member and volunteer of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Fayetteville that strives to combat hunger in Cumberland County and seven other surrounding counties for over six years. This work is important as North Carolina is ranked as one of the “10 Hungriest” states in the United States and 20 % of individuals in our service areas are critically food insecure. A Hope Mills Commissioner usually serves as representative to work with Action Pathways and The Second Harvest Food Bank is under Action Pathways. I already have a relationship with Action Pathways. The Alms House in Hope Mills is one of our member agencies.

Mike Mitchell

UCW: What do you hope to accomplish for Hope Mills if you are elected?

Mitchell: As part of Team Hope Mills and a representative of our citizens,  I plan to assure: (l) Hope Mills Lake is returned to its original glory (pre 5/26/2003). (2) Completion of plans/funding  for our various parks (old golf course, Heritage Park, etc) (3) Completion of our Congestion Management Study and work with DOT to improve traffic. (4) Beautification of Hope Mills by working closely with our Town management and staff. (5) Citizens are heard  and  mutually  respected  in Town  Board  meetings as well as everyday. (6) Establishment of a Young Citizens Committee to help bridge the generation gap in Town.

UCW: What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?

Mitchell: (I) Previous Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner (12/2011 to 1/2014).

(2) Experienced Certified Public Accountant and  business consultant/trusted adviser.

(3) Current Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

(4) Extensive Town citizen committee and nonprofit board experience.

(5) Will complete the Citizens Academy for our Town on 10/26 /2017.

(6) Overall,  plan to continue to be a voice of the citizens.

• Nov. 2 Hope Meals See flyer, LEFT.

• Nov. 4-12 Heroes Homecoming V at the Hope Mills Public Library, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 4 is the first day of a nine-day ceremonious event to honor veterans. The focus will be on Vietnam veterans. Visit www.heroeshomecoming.com for more information. The event is free and open to the public.

• Nov. 4 - 12 Cumberland County’s display of Missing Man Tables The public is invited to tour these tables, thank the businesses participating and – most importantly – honor our MIA/POW soldiers. Visit www.heroeshomecoming.com for details.

• Nov. 5 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ceremony and Flag Display hosted by The Hope Mills Veterans Advisory Commission at the Hope Mills Veterans Memorial from 3-4:30 p.m. Special guest speaker will be retired Lt. Col. Walt Brinker. Free and open to the public.

• Nov. 6 Bench Dedication at Hope Mills Lake by the Hope Mills VFW Post 10630. The dedication starts at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Visit www.heroeshomecoming.com for details.                     

• Nov. 8 Veteran Movie Extravaganza Millstone 14 on Camden Road in Hope Mills will honor veterans by presenting an evening of military-themed movies. The event is free for veterans and their families. The event begins at 4 p.m., and space is limited. Call (910) 354-2124.                     

• Nov. 10 Building Dedication Ceremony by VFW Post 10630 honoring retired CW4 Edwin S. Deaver, former Hope Mills mayor and commissioner.

• Nov. 11 Veterans Day event at VFW Post 10630 3-5 p.m. Call (910) 424-4555 for details.

Friday, Oct. 20, Millstone Landing had its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The 88-unit apartment complex, located behind Stone Theatres’ Millstone 14, is an affordable housing complex and is already at full capacity. Millstone Landing is a manifestation of a public-private partnership that includes public and private investments but is privately owned and managed. 

Murray Duggins, chairman of United Developers, Inc., has been developing affordable housing for 40 years since his first one at Village Green. Duggins said he believes his company has developed over 100 different complexes. 

“We are committed to doing this and are pleased to be part of the Housing Finance Agency group,” Duggins said as he welcomed the guests. He introduced his wife, Nancy, and his children, Denise, Wade, Murray and his son-in-law, Jim Smith. Duggins said, “This is a family business, and I think it’s important to know that we’re in this for the long haul. We’re not in it just to get in and get out.”

Guests included Paul Kennedy, Board of Directors for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency; Nirav Shaw, Community Investment and Lending from Wells Fargo Bank; Mayor Jackie Warner of the town of Hope Mills; Mayor Nat Robertson of the city of Fayetteville; N.C. House Representative John Szoka, R-N.C.; Chris Maples from NC Representative Richard Hudson’s office, R-N.C.; and Janet Bradberry of Senator Richard Burr’s office., R-N.C.

Kennedy praised United Developers, Inc. on its level of quality and stated that these are the best properties because they are here to stay. He informed guests that Congress gives bipartisan support to developments such as Millstone Landing and that $1 private money is about equal to $5 federal with projects such as this. 

The development cost $10.6 million and has provided over 200 jobs. Sixty days after completion, the complex was completely leased with each unit filled.

Mayor Jackie Warner said, “We are very proud to have Millstone Landing here.” She continued by explaining that Hope Mills is in a productive and economic state of growth because “if you build it, they will come to Hope Mills, and that is wonderful for us.” Hope Mills is a community now because it is walkable and there are family functions on the weekends. Families that live in Millstone Landing will be able to participate in these functions because they have easy access and will also be in close proximity to the shopping district.

Mayor Nat Robertson said, “We are one community, and I’m proud to stand up here with Jackie and welcome such a great-looking project because of the great quality of work. It’s great to have United as a partner.”

Rep. Szoka said that public-private partnerships work and that he is happy to vote for budgets that put more money into the North Carolina Housing Financing Agency. He said he knows projects like Millstone Landing will not be around for just two or three years but for many years to come because of the quality of work and effort that United Developers, Inc. puts into its projects. 

Hope Mills is a town of 17,722, as of October 2017. Why is this significant? Well, as most of us know, the time for elections is again upon us, this time for municipal elections. We have heard a considerable amount about the election in Fayetteville; they even had primaries. In Hope Mills, we didn’t have that problem. We have two candidates running for mayor – Keith Bowen and Jackie Warner – and nine candidates running for five seats as commissioners: Jessie Bellflowers, Tonzie Collins I, Pat Edwards, Bob Gorman, Meg Larson, Jerry Legge, Bryan Marley, Kenjuana McCray and Mike Mitchell. So here is my problem: last municipal election, 1,092 people voted to place the Board of Commissioners. That is 6 percent of the population.

Have you ever thought that the town of Hope Mills is not doing the best it can for you? Who do you think they are working for? The answer is they are working for the citizens, but then again it was only 1,092 that decided who should be in charge. Can 1,092 people decide the correct path for 16,630 others? What is also alarming is that about 8,000 people voted in Hope Mills for the president – and he does not affect your wallet as much as the commissioners do.

I have attended Board of Commissioners meetings for the last five years and have been a participant in town governmental activities by serving on the Lake Advisory Committee and the Historical Commission. When something comes up that I agree with, or disagree with, and I think it needs comment, I am not above standing up and speaking during public comment sessions. However, I do feel alone, as many times there are only a few diehards who attend alongside me. There is little citizen participation. I would love to see that the plans for a new town hall will have a much larger auditorium so that more citizens could attend, but as of today, there are at least 30 seats empty every meeting. We have little publicity in the newspapers – business openings and dam updates are the best we can hope for. If citizens voted and came to meetings and made comments, we would see more reporting on our town and more people would be able to learn what is happening and act to promote the good things and help root out the bad.

So, I ask each of you to give up just a smidgen of your time and look at the candidates and make a choice as to who will bests represent you – and vote for them. I am not going to promote anyone here – that is not my intent – but I do want you to participate. Remember, if you don’t vote, you should not be allowed to complain.

As part of the commemoration of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial’s 35th anniversary, I was selected as a reader in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s Reading of the Names. This national event takes place in honor of the sacrifice and the last full measure of devotion to our great nation demonstrated by these service members. I am scheduled to read on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7:04 p.m. I will read one page containing 30 names from the time period of Feb. 1-3, 1966, on Wall Panel/Line 4E, 129-135, in approximately a two-minute interval.

In Washington, D.C., the reading of the names of 58,318 service members inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (commonly referred to as The Wall) will take place for 65 hours over a four-day period from November 7-10. The opening ceremony is Tuesday, Nov. 7, beginning at 3 p.m. The reading of the names will begin at 4 p.m. A large number of government officials and dignitaries will attend the opening ceremonies as speakers and continue as readers.

The VVMF is hosting the Reading of the Names as part of the special activities planned this November to commemorate The Wall’s 35th anniversary. The Reading of the Names has taken place just five other times in The Wall’s history, with the last event occurring during the 30th anniversary in 2012.

Based in Washington, D.C., the VVMF is the nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1980 to build a national memorial dedicated to all who served with the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. Incorporated on April 27, 1979, by a group of veterans led by Jan C. Scruggs, the organization sought a tangible symbol of recognition from the American people for those who served in the war. The result was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which has become one of the most visited memorials in Washington, D.C., with an estimated 4.5 million visitors annually.  

It is quite the honor to participate in the commemoration of The Wall’s 35th anniversary. The names on The Wall are more than just names. They represent a family, just like our families. One example is U.S. Army nurse 1st Lt. Sharon Lane, one of eight women to die in Vietnam, and the only one to die from hostile fire. These brave men and women left behind friends, brothers, sisters and parents. They represent courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty and country. They are the true heroes of the Vietnam War. By reading their names, we will never forget them and their families that were changed forever.     

I cannot express in words the personal honor and respect I deeply feel to be selected as a reader of the names during The Wall’s 35th Anniversary. I entered the U.S. Army in 1976, and all my military trainers were Vietnam veterans, including the military equipment for training. These combat veterans had a direct impact on my life and helped shape me into the 26-year career retired U.S. Army soldier, college instructor and active community citizen I am today.

Please take the time and attend the Heroes Homecoming V, a nine-day (Nov. 4-12) ceremonious event to honor veterans and an annual celebration hosted by Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the communities of Cumberland County.

This year, numerous events are dedicated to honor and acknowledge the sacrifices made by area Vietnam Veterans. These include, various Vietnam War exhibits, ceremonies and The Moving Wall dedication Nov. 11 at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Parade Field. For a full list of calendar events, visit www.HeroesHomecoming.com.

It is an honor to represent our community Vietnam veterans and their families during the commemoration of The Wall’s 35th Anniversary.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our nation. May God bless you and continue to bless our great nation!

Up & Coming Weekly keeps the community informed about elections. As in years past, we’ve reached out to the candidates to give them an opportunity to make their case to you, the voter.

In the following, you will find their responses. You will also find that not every candidate is represented. That was a choice by the candidate. The Fayetteville And Hope Mills candidates were all given the option to participate. Each candidate vying for similar office was asked the exact same set of questions. We have not altered or amended their answers.

Because we believe so strongly in the privilege of voting, we wanted to ensure that you have all the information you need – not only about the candidates and the issues – but also about where, when and how you can vote.

For Cumberland County voters:

•  Early one-stop voting is ongoing.

•  Saturday, Nov. 4, one-stop voting and same-day registration ends.

•  Tuesday, Nov. 7, is the big day. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

Learn more: www.co.cumberland.nc.us/election_board/voter_info/guide.aspx

Election 2017 Fayetteville Mayoral Candidates

Nat Robertson

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?

Robertson: Soon after being elected as Mayor in 2013, recognizing there are many issues between the City and County that needed reconciling, I re-established the City/County Liaison Committee.  A contingency of City, County, School Board and Ft. Bragg representatives who can talk about and present ideas back to our respective Boards. We have discussed many common issues and problem solved on issues involving both bodies.  A couple of successes from this Committee have been; the creation of the Fayetteville/Cumberland Youth Council and the red light camera agreement.

Both government bodies have different responsibilities, different chartered tasks and different missions to fulfill for our residents.  We come together and work toward a common goal when we can.  Often time, while best representing our own residents, our jurisdictional responsibilities don’t fit together. This may often appear that we are not able to get along, but that’s not true.  As two government bodies, I feel our relationship is as strong now as it has been in decades.  I look forward to continuing transparent and open discussions with the County Commissioners both on an individual personal level as well as collectively as governmental bodies.      

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Robertson: We have had many successes over the past couple of years with attracting jobs to Fayetteville.  Since being elected, we have lowered our unemployment rate from 8.9% to 5.6%.  This means more people are working and our local economy has picked up.  Good news!  But, we still have work to do…  I continue to work with the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation to court companies and industry to look at Fayetteville for their future home.  And for those business who are already here?  I continue my pledge to make our City a friendlier place for businesses to do business.  When our local businesses grow organically, we all win!

Mitch Colvin

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?

Colvin: A harmonious relationship between the governmental bodies is critical in any community. The problems of community are too large for any one  governing body to handle alone. In order for our city to be successful we must work together.

During my four years on Council I have witnessed first hand the disconnect between the City and the county. As a result I have made this my number one platform issue during the campaign. If

I am elected Mayor, I would propose a joint committee consisting of the leaders from the City Council, County Commission,School Board, Fayetteville State, Methodist College, Fayetteville Technical College, Cape Fear Valley Health system and Ft.Bragg to discuss the direction of our community.

Furthermore, I would encourage Council to ask the County Commissioners and the School Board to Annual Joint strategic planning meetings. Areas like joint purchasing in our procurement and service consolidation could save tax payers Billions of dollars over time.

This lack of coordination has and continues to cost our citizens millions of dollars in loss opportunities.

Projects like Rooms To Go and Sanderson Farms have cost us thousands of Jobs.

The divisive politics that has existed with some of our leaders has to stop. We must have leadership willing to build bridges not walls.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Colvin: To correct this problem we must use a comprehensive approach. We Must first begin by updating the 2012 Garner Report. This was an in depth analysis of our community highlighting our strengths and weaknesses. This report also tells us the areas and the industries that work best with our population’s skill set. We should begin to aggressively go after companies in these areas.

At the same time I would convene a Work Force Summit to begin to strengthen our work force. Thai is critical in the recruitment of industry. Our steady supply of trained laborers from the military has not been marketed in an effective way.

Also we have failed to take advantage of our location. We are only 83 miles from Wilmington. An inland terminal to distribute goods and cargo would provide a boost to our economy. For example, Atlanta/Savannah, Charleston/ Dillon, are a few examples.

Furthermore, I would also advocate for an expansion in the cargo flights in our airport. The ability to move merchandise around is very attractive to large industry.

Finally, the city must rebrand and redefine who we are regionally. All of our municipal peers have a regional identity. For instance, Charlotte/Mecklenburg is the Financial Hub, Raleigh/Durham Tech and Medical, etc. Once we define ourselves we promote the brand, nationally and internationally. After all we live in a Global economy. The Mayor should be on the front lines with our economic development team as an ambassador for our city. Let’s get started.

Election 2017 Fayetteville City Council Candidates

Curtis Brown

District 1

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?

Brown: While I fully understand the differences in the roles and responsibilities of city and county government. I would highly recommend, both city council and the county commissioners schedule an off-site summit to discuss unifying, synchroning and maximing our efforts to better serve all of the constituents we all represent. To help city and county government better understand that we are stronger and more effective together, I would strongly advocate for this summit to include the FLIPPEN GROUP with both city council and the county commissioners attending.

The FLIPPEN GROUP with over 25 years of experience has mastered the art and science of optimizing team performance. They have worked with some of the largest state and federal government agencies and organizations in the world. They fully understand how to help government leader’s work and serve more effectively together. The FLIPPEN GROUP further understands that people represent the greatest investment opportunity in any government agency or organization. Additionally, the FLIPPEN GROUP has identified that people are also the greatest challenge for leaders. Here’s how the FLIPPEN GROUP helps. Their behavioral analytics tools, combined with expert coaching, helps government leaders solve the complex people issues that make serving in the public sector challenging. Even the strongest government teams can perform better. The FLIPPEN GROUP combines the science of customized team behavioral analytics with the art of engaging in transformational workshops, all supported by intentional follow-up processes to maintain our teamwork momentum in both city and county government.

Upon the completion of this workshop we will be able to identify the seemingly “invisible” behaviors in our two governments that hinder performance, delay projects and slow down all progress. The process of optimizing the city and county team begins with understanding the needs of both entities and obtaining behavioral data on all city council members and county commissioner’s using the Flippen Profile. Through group workshops and 1-on-1 coaching sessions, both your team’s will develop a customized action plan to leverage individual and team strengths while also breaking constraints. The FLIPPEN GROUP craft a series of briefs, customized follow-up workshops and gradually empower city and county leadership to champion the identified processes internally. My vision for District 1, Fayetteville and Cumberland County is a growing and vibrant world-class place--proud of its diversity and full of life with amenities and activities. I envision a community of cooperative inclusion (Government and Citizens), a community that is flourishing economically with a pristine environment, where all people are safe, healthy and have equitable opportunities for success and happiness. With better communication and cooperation between City council and the County Commissioners we are better and stronger together!!

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Brown: The city in partnership with the Economic Development Alliance of Fayetteville & Cumberland County plays a vital role in our overall local economic development. One of the primary factors behind Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s continued economic health and growth is the unusually cooperative relationship between city and county government and the local business community. The work of the Economic Development Alliance of Fayetteville & Cumberland County is just one example of that partnership. When new companies considering our area, see that partnership approach right away they want to know more about our city. New companies are consistently impressed at how well everyone works to streamline the process of permitting, licensing, title work, and developing infrastructure to keep from creating delays. If you’ve ever thought that true cooperation between government and the private sector was impossible, you’ve never done business in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Having said all of the above, the city must focus on better opportunities to link our educational institutions and veteran administration(VA) to industries to provide viable skills through education and certification that maximizes our citizens’ capabilities. We must incentivize enduring companies and develop a decent incentive package for incoming industries/ businesses. Our city leadership must get out and visit successful cities like North Charleston, SC, to determine cause factors in their overall success in the area of economic development and job creation. We must review and reduce burdensome regulations, permits and codes on small businesses to promote smart economic and industrial growth. Our city government plays a very important role in our overall economic development and must continue to invest in the Economic Development Alliance of Fayetteville & Cumberland County as it has become the heartbeat of our success in the area of Economic growth.

Kathy Jensen

District 1

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?

Jensen: Communication and cooperation between the county and city happen on a daily basis.  We have had many successes through the City County liaison monthly meetings.  The Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council, Red light camera program for our school systems, economic development commission, working on homelessness and the merger of parks and recreation years ago are to name just a few.  The three subjects you have mentioned are not topics that are not easy fixes with easy answers.  I believe that we are very close to an agreement on all three.  I was asked to serve on the PWC negotiation committee, because of my willingness to listen with patience and to negotiate. I have said for the past four years, we need to make sure that the decisions we make today are the best decisions for our future. 

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Jensen: Four years ago, we made a commitment to the residents of Fayetteville to make Economic Development a priority.  We have done just that.  In collaboration with the county we have formed a new Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Commission.  I have had the privilege of serving on that committee for the past year.  Losing the Sanderson Farms manufacturing plant has made getting new manufacturing firms in Fayetteville an uphill battle.  But as you can see we are steadily making progress.  The announcement of our K3 Enterprise partnership that will bring over 30 jobs at approximately $91,000 salary yearly.  The addition of the baseball park will bring in over 65 million in new development.  Real economic balance is when everyone has the opportunity to work. Fayetteville is moving forward and is succeeding working with our partners, the county commissioners, PWC, and our local state delegation.

Dan Culliton

District 2

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?

Culliton: The city of Fayetteville’s 911 Call Center is a Center of Excellence and who’s accreditation’s far surpasses that of the county’s. We would need to ensure these superior standards are maintained if jointly operated. This holds true for the fire and emergency medical services as well, where the demand and higher service level expectations are much greater within the city. This is why the city took back over those services from the county in 2011. Currently, the county’s publicsafety answering point (PSAP) does not hold these same accreditations.

With regards to the county’s sales tax distribution, Fayetteville is by far the largest of the 9 municipalities located within the county. However, by state law, the county commissioners ultimately decide how the funds are distributed, despite that over %80 of the collected sales tax in the county is generated within the city limits of Fayetteville. Another critical factor is the recent annexations that now place a larger financial burden on the city. This includes things like city police protection of over 43,000 residents that the county’s sheriff’s department is no longer responsible for. Despite this, the Sheriff’s department budget increased and no funds from the county were diverted to the city to compensate for this. This is despite the fact that a primary factor for the “Big Bang Annexation” was to get the city above the 200,000 population threshold, which is the benchmark in order for major companies to consider investment in an area, which is mutually beneficial. The bulk of these economic initiatives have also been the burden only the city of Fayetteville has shouldered despite the obvious benefit to the rest of the county. 

So it boils down to fairness and an equitable distribution of funds. We need collaboration but in order to achieve that all parties need more objectivity and reasonableness in their assessments. All parties must realize that the city and county are involved in a very symbiotic relationship and therefore our goals should be on parallel paths as our combined future growth are inextricably tied together. All parties need to start looking past the short term and gain a bigger picture of that combined future growth. Only then, with that shared vision, can the city and county grow effectively and for the betterment of all. To this end I am for full financial transparency of each parties positions so that the voters of not only the city but the county can have to opportunity to evaluate their elected officials performance and effectiveness.

I have proven to be a leader who can bring this type of collaboration and consensus building within a diverse group of interests, by finding the common ground and keeping the discussions on track, in order to be effective.   This is the type of leadership that is needed, at like no other time in our city/county evolution, as we are experiencing significant growth and have an opportunity to finally realize our collective potential. We need to increase the frequency of face to face meetings with county commissioners and city officials in order to build a rapport both professionally and personally. Regular, combined budgetary meetings should also be the goal in order to keep everyone on the same page with open communication between all. I also believe that a combined bi-annual press announcement would go a long way to show solidarity and improve the citizens faith in their elected officials ability to work together.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Culliton: We need to take a serious look at limiting the burden of the city’s revenue off the backs of the property owners. The people, especially in district 2, already have a hard time making ends meet yet they are not being afforded jobs that allow them to earn a realistic, living wage. It is absolutely dependent upon the city to set an environment that allows job generation to occur. That is a complex process that entails various pieces of the “puzzle” to be in place, as well as collaboration and consensus between the citizens and city officials. It’s imperative that we as a community present a unified front when we are approached by major corporations for potential investment and job creation or we risk others passing over us the next time around. If we want jobs to come here we need to show, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Fayetteville, NC is Open For Business.

We have undergone a tremendous amount of growth and I wish to see that growth continue, however, I feel we need to ensure it’s “Smart Growth”. As the candidate experience in planning I am well positioned to offer insight and direction on the type of development that benefits the city the most, both in revenue generation and as a catalyst to future economic growth. We should look to promote multi-use projects like that of 300 Hay or the Prince Charles, as these can generate significantly more revenue for the city per acre then a sprawling single use project where the infrastructure investment and maintenance alone can produce a negative revenue situation.  The person District 2 picks to represent them on this next council, if they wish to have effective leadership occur, must not only possess the experience but an understanding of these complexities.

Further, we should look to support and stimulate small business as, collectively, they are major employers and economic generators in and of themselves. Small business allows a diverse range of employment opportunities as well. We are a diverse population that make up the All American City so these types of diverse employment opportunities are very important for those with unique or non-traditional skill sets. We need to look at expanding and improving access to vocational programs and ones like the PWC’s STEM program that can produce Job Ready high school graduates and help place them within our local workforce. These programs not only train our young people with needed skills but provide contacts within the community that they may later use upon entering the workforce.

I will also work continuously to encourage hiring Fayetteville First as well as working to encourage a percentage of minority participation. Finally, I will look to promote local businesses to be hired in order to secure those available contracts. I would also look to ensure regular notification of open contracts as well as classes and online resources so that local contractors can learn how these bid processes work in an attempt to level the playing field. I will always support initiatives that look to grow local small business.

As your next District 2 City Councilman, one of my top priorities will be working on multiple levels to attract a variety of both small and large businesses so that everyone can have an equal opportunity in moving their families forward in obtaining their piece of the American Dream.

Tyrone Williams

District 2

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?

Williams:  I would first want to meet with fellow members of the city council to discuss how we all should take part in collaboration meetings with the Cumberland County Commissioners.  I would then aim to create a standard meeting time and date between myself, fellow council, and all of the Cumberland County Commissioners.  In this meeting, I would also involve other key stakeholders such as the Cumberland County School Board members, when needed.  These meeting would be a part of our elected official duties, just as work sessions are conducted.  I would be transparent with the community on these meetings and make sure that official minutes are taken, recorded, and distributed if asked.  I will then update my district and community via email, social media, and any other means of communication to ensure clear messaging.  I believe that these proposed meetings must be conducted when there are any projects that cause for a city-county collaboration.  

I would push for these collaboration meetings to be open to the public and become a standard procedure when collaboration projects are on the agenda. As citizens you need to be able to hold each vote on City Council and the County Commissioners accountable all the time and not just when it is convenient.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Williams:  The city is the local economic development machine.  The city is responsible for planning and attracting business.  By doing so, we alleviate putting the financial pressure on homeowner’s who simply want a better quality of life.  The money that would be spent paying property tax could then be used to patronize a small business, company, or organization in the area.  This drives more development.

As a city, we must push for private and public funding to develop and grow small businesses and welcome large business.  But, I do think it should not be at the expense of the homeowner’s.  We have to look beyond Fayetteville for large funding and prepare our small businesses for expansion within our districts. CEED, FTCC, and the North Carolina Military Business Center are all great local organizations that help prepare small businesses for this growth.  We must lean on them to drive local economy and equip them with the tools to win. 

We also must prepare our districts for economic development.  Neighborhood educational programs, mentorships, interns, and other workforce programs should be planned to bring residents to the table.  For example, If we are attracting a technology business or corporate headquarters to come into the district, we should provide workforce opportunities for the residents within the district and the city to become fully trained and job ready to work in that specific business when it opens. This helps raise the average wage earned, lower’s crime, and eventually revitalizes the neighborhood.  If they are not homeowners, we want them to be able to be given a chance to buy a home.  And if they are already a homeowner, we want them to increase the quality of life in their neighborhood and enjoy their district.

Some areas of the district may not have a problem with wages, but rather need better options within their district to enjoy life.  We need to help provide this atmosphere.  Each area of my district is different, and as councilman, I can address every area of my district equally to provide a better quality of life for all.  My economic development goal will be to encourage residents and businesses to move into District 2.  And for the residents and businesses in District 2, my economic development plan is to provide a better life for you and your business.

Tisha Waddell

District 3

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?

Waddell: My experience as a conflict resolution coach would definitely be a plus in working to resolve communication issues and promote cooperation between both governing bodies. The number one recommendation when there is a standoff or obstacle preventing agreement is to encourage active listening. This is where each party makes a conscious effort to understand the complete message being sent by the other. There is an overlap in responsibility regarding the citizens in Fayetteville where the County Commissioners and City Council are concerned and we must maintain the ability to compromise when needed in order to make sure the needs of those citizens are always at the forefront.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Waddell: The City Council is responsible for creating an atmosphere that is conducive for economic expansion. Unfortunately we have not been strategic in planning to encourage growth and development beyond the call centers we have successfully acquired over the past few years. While these are accomplishments, they are limited in the impact they make on our economy, tax revenue and overall quality of life and demonstrate our need to take a close look at the factors that have stunted our progress. When elected, I will be diligent in advocating for the implementation of the recommendations that have been made through numerous studies commissioned by the City Council to determine how we move Fayetteville forward.

Jeremy Wright

District 3

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?

Wright: Often when observing share issue of the city and county, it involves a righteous rant about what is happening in our communities (city and county) and who is to blame. You can pick many of today’s current issues concerning the two and see fingers pointing and accusations of the “other side” being wrong. However, the leaders of both governing bodies are merely produces or our contentious society.

Whether it is conversations with people in line at Starbucks or seeing the headlines in our inbox, there is an underlying trend: we have stopped listening to people who have a different perspective. We are so sure of our own rightness (or “leftness”) that we no longer listen to others. Instead, we are smugly content in our own assumed correctness. This intellectual bullying erodes the sense of community and connectedness in our community.

When another person voices an idea that is different than our own, we fail to acknowledge that the other person may have some truth in what they are saying. I would first encourage both governing bodies to listen and keep an open mind. This will yield to an understand of the assets or benefit each body present to finding a resolve.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Wright: The city plays an important role in economic development. By achieving economies of scale, agglomeration, and localization and providing efficient infrastructure and services through density and concentration in transportation, communications, power, human interactions, water and sanitation the city establishes the substratum on which economic development is built.

D.J. Haire

District  4

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?  

Haire: It can sometimes be difficult to bring people together that have strong and different opinions on a subject matter that can be beneficial to both sides.  A few years back while serving on Council, both bodies came together and had several discussions on how the two boards could combine certain City & County Departments to include Parks and Recreation.

It was a long process, that took many conversations between the City, County, staff and residents, but we eventually moved forward.

I think that open dialogue is a “must” even where there are non-agreements. I would suggest that not only we have combine full body meetings, but also small meetings, or one on one meetings, and even social gatherings between the two boards. This can help build trust, better communication, and better mutual understandings. I have found in my on business negotiations that sometimes social gatherings help to open up better dialogue. I would pursue these actions.

There’s always give and take, but we have to continue forward progress for the citizens that we represent.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Haire: I feel that our city plays a major role in our local economic development. When negotiating with future investors or our own local stakeholder investors, we should stay open to tweaking existing policy’s that may hinder growth. We should continue to help create an environment of a business friendly city.

I was apart of the initiative to hire our very first Federal Lobbyist. I think we should continue with that investment on the State and Federal level. I also think that our economic development growth is not just seeking larger companies to our city. We should continue supporting our “Hire Fayetteville First” priority, where we invest in our local and future companies in every area so that they can grow, hire and expand.

We should also continue working with our veteran population that brings an abundance of skills to our workforce market. There should also be full collaboration with our Education System, working together on how to better equip our up and coming work force.

Chalmers McDougald

District 4

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies? 

McDougald: Better Communications start with simple discussion of what we see our respective bodies doing for the people we represent. At the end of the day the majority of people we all represent are all the same people. I believe we all want to do the best job we can for the citizens. However, until commonsense dialogue happen we will not see a coming together of the respective governing bodies. I will help in fostering a commonsense dialogue between the governing bodies, to assist us in developing a compromise, and thus meeting the needs of the people we all represent.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

McDougald: The role of the city in economic development is as vital as any other governmental or nongovernmental entity. We all want to create viable opportunities for our citizens to live, work and play. Economic development is a key part of that equation. Good jobs that pay healthy wages are more important than the industries that decide to locate in the city. The decision to locate in Fayetteville is not the city’s to make, but the business that has explored the opportunity to come here. I know first-hand that Fayetteville has given everything it has to give to attract those businesses that come looking. The major difficulty for the governing body is not knowing exactly why a company does or does not locate here in most cases. The city has many roles in local economic development, such as funding, negotiating terms, and helping business to achieve success.

Johnny Dawkins

District 5

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?  

Dawkins: The first thing the City Council and the County Commissioners must do, is to agree to meet monthly for the next year.  Then, after a year, we may be able to move to a quarterly joint  meeting, as was done when I was previously on the City Council.  I have proposed a dinner meeting, but if lunch works better, for the majority, then we should meet at lunch.  I’ve found that you shouldn’t talk, when you have food in your mouth.  We have two ears and one mouth, and we should use them accordingly.

Each member of the City Council and the County Commission must understand, and must appreciate, the needs of the city and the county.  With better understanding, and with mutual respect, we should be able to iron out our differences, and we should be able to create solutions, which will best serve all of our citizens.  Open and transparent meetings, on a regular schedule, is what I recommend.

On the issue of the 911 Emergency Center:  the city is fully accredited, and the county’s 911 center has a lapsed accreditation.  The city needs to operate the 911 center for the county, because the 911 center is a core competency of the city.  The county staff, earlier, even recommended the city operate the 911 center.

On the issue of the sales tax distribution:  I favor a multi-year phase out of the agreement made over 10 years ago, to go back to the distribution which will be most fair to Fayetteville.  The majority of the sales, generating sales tax revenue, in Cumberland County, occur in the city of Fayetteville.  Yet, the change should not be immediate, because the county and the other municipalities need five to seven years to prepare.  Plus, by that time period, the county and the other municipalities should have substantial sales and economic growth to offset any reduction in sales tax revenue, which they are receiving today.

On the issue of the new baseball stadium:  The property tax revenue amounts generated by the over $60 Million of new private investment, around the baseball stadium, will benefit the county by over 50% more than the city.  My hope is the county will realize this new property tax revenue, and offer to assist the city in paying for this new baseball stadium.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Dawkins: The city’s primary role is to create an environment for private enterprise to take risks, create jobs, and succeed in whatever business endeavor undertaken.  If we are hoping to bring new industry to our area, the city should support the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation.  The FCEDC must work closely with the federal Department of Commerce and the state of NC Commerce Department, the county of Cumberland, the Chamber of Commerce, and the city staff to create an attractive package to bring new industry and jobs to Fayetteville.  They must leverage our job-ready, highly educated members of the military, when they separate or retire from the US Army or the US Air Force.  Moreover, FSU, FTCC, and Methodist University are graduating highly educated, energetic young people, who are ready to start their careers.  If we don’t have job opportunities available for them or for the military separating or retiring, then they move to other cities.

Henry Tyson

District 5

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?  

Tyson: Government should be a community resource and use tax dollars effectively to not waste taxpayers’ money. It is most important for our residents to receive the services that meet the needs within their individual communities.  If there is a prudent possibility to merge services, the City and County must share the burden, responsibility, and services to save funds. Ongoing communication and cooperation between elected boards will improve our community and not overtax our city and county residents with duplicate services. The challenges with implementation are two distinct elected bodies with differing statutory and constitutional requirements, differing philosophies, and unique budget goals. The county is mandated by the state to provide funding and maintain: social service programs, hospital & EMS services, mental health services, our school system, health department, the sheriff’s department, and our judicial facilities. This mandated funding makes some of the county’s budgetary spending non-discretionary. Our city government provides key infrastructure like storm water control, city street maintenance, and other services like fire protection services.  I stand ready to work with our commissioners on the areas
of community where these services overlap, like our parks and recreation departments, to make sound fiscal decisions. My business success requires me to bring parties together. This experience will help facilitate agreement among all elected officials.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Tyson: If Fayetteville is to successfully compete with Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, and other major cities, our priority is to pursue and attract new job creators and new opportunities for our residents. Residents, stakeholders and leaders in the private sector must create opportunities, with a work strong work force and educational experiences that will attract and keep good paying companies. As we attract new businesses, provide new homes and develop new amenities, regulations must be tailored to meet our needs.  Economic development must engage the entire community, educational institutions, the private sector, and City and County governments to focus on government as an asset and not a hindrance to growth. Having a competitive tax base and structure, giving law enforcement tools to help make the city safe and providing needed amenities with our hard-working work force will provide us the advantage.

Toni Stewart

District 6

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?  

Stewart: Unfortunately, the city and county have had a reputation of being unwilling or unable to agree and communicate on matters that ultimately affect the citizens. What all the members of the county and city must keep in mind is everything that they do is about those that we serve and not about personal agendas, special interest groups, political advancement or who’s coming out on top. Effective productive communication with the best interest of the citizens should be at the forefront of each and every endeavor that requires a joint effort. To ensure that effective and productive communication takes place, I would use the teammate approach. It must be understood that on joint endeavors, we need to operate as a team. We all have a role to play, but our ultimate goal is for Fayetteville to win. Listening to our teammates, understanding what contributions each member brings and being willing to compromise will ensure a WIN for Fayetteville.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Stewart: When a business looks to expand or open in a new city it considers everything from the tax rates to the quality of life, therefore our city has played a major role in the lack of economic development in our city. As a city we have not done well in marketing our professional workforce. If we are going to attract  large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms we must do better at marketing our workforce, providing incentives for businesses and improving our quality of life in order to attract the businesses that we so desperately need.

Trevone McNeill

District 7

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?  

McNeill: I believe that we are responsible to the people when elected. The thing that will bring both governing bodies together to agree and make the progress needed will be both parties coming to the table with one goal in mind- the quality of life for those who elected us. I’ve stated many times since being on this campaign trail that I’m a firm believer of being a voice for the people. I believe that the people make the decision we are just the voice for the the resource to help push the decision that best benefits the progress of our communities. In the end, I must remain true to my constituents and my convictions which hold me accountable to every individual who’d vote me into office. Doing so keeps me in position to help see our governing bodies work together for the benefit of all the people.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

McNeill: I believe that our city not only plays a major role, but the primary role in our economic development. It should be the goal from this moment forward of our city government to provide economic security for families in our communities. We should focus on providing economic growth that will allow single parents to be secure in their ability to financially care for their families, build promising futures for their children, and bring to our communities a greater investment than they were first able to make. Our city should focus on paving avenues of opportunity and preparation for our citizens to be positioned for career focused economic development and expansion.

John Miner

District 8

UCW: Elected city officials and Cumberland County Commissioners have not been able to agree on who would operate a joint 911 emergency center and continue to be at odds over which sales tax distribution method the county should implement. And now, the county seems to be pushing back on how much money it should devote to the city’s baseball stadium. What will you do specifically to create better communication and cooperation between the two governing bodies?  

Miner: The first thing the City and the County must do is put their egos aside and remember why they hold the positions they were elected to by the people. Secondly, in order to create a better level of communication between the two governing bodies, each body must have a clear understanding of what its role is in the projects in question. The issue that I see is a control issue and that issue arises when clear expectations are not understood. The City and the County bring these matters again before the people and LISTEN to the voters.  What are the people saying about these items? How do the people feel? We constantly forget that we serve at the PLEASURE and DIRECTION of  the people.

It’s not about us, it is and SHOULD always be about the people. The people of this City were and still are hard pressed against the baseball stadium and the majority of them were not a part of the deliberation process and those who were and who voiced their objections were utterly ignored. There is a silent majority that demands to be heard, and if the City and the County would simply learn to listen to those voices crying out across this City and County we would have less friction between these two elected bodies. As far as the Joint 911 Center is concerned. The City’s 911 Center along with the County’s are both about $15M away from being compliant, which would place a roughly $30M financial burden on the two bodies combined, which will eventually be pushed to the people for repayment. However, the city’s system is fully accredited as is not the case with the County.

I believe that in this case, the City should maintain jurisdiction over the 911 Center if and when it was to become joined. If they come together that would alleviate about $15M worth of financial burden on taxpayers. I believe that they should also strongly consider Ft. Bragg in that partnering equation, which would help to minimize 911 misfires that take place when certain calls to 911 are made and are routed to the wrong dispatch center simply because the systems as with the City and County don’t communicate with each other. As far as which sales tax distribution the County should implement. Again, for me, it always goes back to the people. Which implementation would be less painful and more beneficial to the citizens and residents? The people should never suffer because those they elected are incapable of doing what they were tasked to do on Election Day.

UCW: The city’s tax base is more dependent on residential properties than any other major city in North Carolina. This is primarily because of Fayetteville’s lack of economic development and our continued failure to attract large corporate headquarters, technology companies and manufacturing firms. What role do you feel the city plays in local economic development?

Miner: I feel the City plays a Major role in the local economic development and/or the lack thereof. Fayetteville seems to have an inclusion problem. The reason I believe that Fayetteville can’t or has a hard time convincing major corporations to come to the City and headquarter here is that Fayetteville does not know how to capitalize on the resources that it already has. You have to be able to convince board members and shareholders and stakeholders that your municipality is conducive for growth. Are people coming to your city and planting there which is good for the corporate bottom-line or is this an environment with a high turnover rate.

High population turnovers are never good for the corporate bottomline because corporations have a fiduciary responsibility to shareholders and stakeholders and population instability makes them nervous. Also, what is the workforce comprised of? If it is too expensive to hire and train your employable workforce you will send corporations in the other direction. You must have a well-balanced workforce. When your workforce is too top heavy corporate leaders begin to fear your market and move on elsewhere to a move user-friendly market. If Fayetteville wants to be attractive to major corporations seeking a new place to call home we MUST ensure that they have something worth coming home too and that the people who will occupy positions within these corporations are properly, trained and ready to meet the corporate demands that accompany such a corporate transition.

“Wait Until Dark” delivers a solid production that showcases one of the things the Cape Fear Regional Theatre does best. It provides an opportunity for local audiences to see excellent collaboration from a talented cast and crew.

Director Talya Klein brings together a team of local, regional and national artists who present a story that engages the audience. We must pay attention to what is seen and heard, as the details are important – from the props themselves and their placement to the characters’ backgrounds and motives as revealed in the dialogue.

Susy and Sam Hendrix live in a basement apartment in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1967. Susy is blind, and her husband, Sam, is a photographer who unwittingly brings home a doll filled with heroin. While Sam is away, a trio of con artists tries to trick Susy into giving them the doll.

As more nefarious deeds are revealed, the situation gets increasingly dangerous for Susy, played by Leah Curney. She first works to clear Sam’s name and then must devise a plan to learn whom she can trust. With skill, Curney leads the audience from seeing Susy as a possible victim to a character who uses her disability to her advantage.

Perhaps the best part of watching “Wait Until Dark” was seeing local and regional artists work with nationally recognized artists, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Also delivering noteworthy performances are the actors playing the con artists: Patrick Falcon, Justin Matthew Toyer and Greg King. King is no stranger to the CFRT stage, last appearing in “Trip to Bountiful.” Toyer and Falcon are making their CFRT debuts.

The sound, lighting and scenic design create an environment that pulls the audience in while delivering clues as the story plays out. Scenic designer Jonathan Dahm Robertson, lighting designer Caitlin Smith Rapoport, sound designer Jon Fredette and scenic artist David Rawlins bring a wide variety of local and national experience to the stage. They are a credit to the production.

“Wait Until Dark” was written by Frederick Knott and premiered on Broadway in 1966 followed by a movie adaptation in 1967. The play is billed as a suspense-thriller, but aside from a few surprises, I didn’t find much suspense in the story.

The first act provides the exposition of the characters and some of their motives. It also establishes that our Susy is way too trusting for a blind woman who spends a good amount of time alone while her photographer husband is off on assignments.

The second act is where our clever Susy begins to orchestrate a plan to reveal the truth about her antagonists. What I could not reconcile with the story is how this same clever Susy would entertain visits from these questionable characters in the first place. I wanted to stand up from the audience and shout, “Lock your door, Susy, don’t let strangers into your apartment!”

“Wait Until Dark” is a good choice for anyone who wants to see a talented cast and crew deliver a solid evening of entertainment. The show runs through Nov. 12 and is recommended for audiences 13 and above due to some violence.

Ticket prices and show times are available at www.cfrt.org or by calling the box office at (910) 323-4233.