Local News

Government Watch: Fayetteville, county, liaison committee updates

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Tuesday, 04 March 2025

Written by Jami McLaughlin

City of Fayetteville Update
The Fayetteville City Council met with members of the Cumberland County delegation on Thursday, Feb. 6 for dinner and discussion on state needs.
The Cumberland County NC state delegation includes state Rep. Mike Colvin, Rep. Frances Jackson, Rep. Charles Smith, Rep. Diane Wheatley, Sen. Val Applewhite and Sen. Tom McInnis. Also present were Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Kirk deViere, who serves as chair, and Commissioner Henry Tyson.
$29.5 million in state funding was requested for the 2025 with prioritized requests including:
• $4 million for mental health co-response, homeless support, and community-based violence interruption programs within the Office of Community Safety;
• $2 million for Affordable and Workforce Housing Initiatives;
• $500,000 for a transportation connectivity study (I-685, rail and surface transportation)
• $5 million to expand sewer and water infrastructure;
• $10 million for pedestrian and safety projects;
• $1 million for workforce development initiatives including STEM and NextGen workforce growth opportunities;
• $3 million for planning and feasibility of a regional public safety training center;
• $2 million for Cape Fear River Park Trail Extension Phase II;
• $2 million for Solid Waste & Transit facility modernization and improvements.
Discussions also included an equitable tax distribution, a direct flight to DC from the Fayetteville Regional Airport, public safety personnel recruitment and retention, a Rail to Raleigh initiative and the need for affordable and workforce housing.
Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen said that the City of Fayetteville was also exploring other flight paths to add to the schedule at Fayetteville Regional Airport.
McInnis said that there needs to be less regulation in permitting in order to build housing.
At their Feb. 10 meeting, the City Council approved an intergovernmental service agreement with Fort Bragg for solid waste. Fayetteville will now manage solid waste services on post.
They also approved $1.9 million to pay a local contractor M&E Contracting Inc. to finish the Mazarick Park Tennis Center on Filter Plant Road.

Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners adopted a Federal Legislative Agenda at their Feb. 13 meeting. These are county priorities to be advocated for on a federal level and include:
• Secure funding for safe, regulated drinking water in contaminated areas;
• Secure funding and services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse challenges;
• Seek funding for infrastructure improvements, PFAS removal, and organic waste processing;
• Prioritize funding for specialized training, detention facility improvements, and modern technology for the Sheriff’s Office;
• Secure funding to maintain services and expand breastfeeding programs;
• Support legislation for stronger child welfare services and improve funding for key programs;
• Strengthen infrastructure for senior services and support aging-related federal initiatives;
• Advocate for USDA payment reforms;
• Support childcare tax credits and provider assistance;
• Support the I-685/I-295 Cumberland County connection project;
• Secure additional funding for Veterans Services Offices;
• Funding to ensure compliance with DOJ’s mandate for ADA-accessible content by April 2026 deadline.
At their Feb. 17 meeting, the board adopted a resolution supporting $93.5 million in funding requests on a state level after a meeting with the Cumberland County state legislative delegation on Feb. 10. The priorities included:
• $5 million for public water infrastructure for the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District water expansion project and $50 million for public water and sewer county-wide infrastructure;
• $30 million, including $15 million of direct State appropriations for infrastructure needs and $15 million for a new state-of-the-art school;
• $4 million to expand comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment services for youth;
• $2 million for Regional Aquatic Center preconstruction needs;
• $2 million for a Mobile Incident Command Unit for Emergency Services and $500,000 for Digital Dispatch Equipment for Cumberland County’s Fire Chiefs Association;

Joint City of Fayetteville — Cumberland County Liaison Committee
Members of the Fayetteville City Council and Cumberland County Board of Commissioners met on Feb. 17 to discuss public safety with presentations from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association, the City of Fayetteville Fire Department and the City of Fayetteville Police Department.
The city and county meet jointly to discuss ways they can further collaborate and communicate effectively. Committee members include Board of Commissioners Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones, Committee Chair; Chairman Kirk deViere and Commissioner Pavan Patel; Fayetteville Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen, Committee Co-Chair; Mayor Mitch Colvin; and Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin.
The next meeting will be held on March 17 in the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests.
With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice in shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com.

(Photo courtesy of Cumberland County NC Government Facebook Page)

FTCC’s Military, Veterans Program went extra mile

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Christian "Nate" Valentin

Success in life requires determination, resilience, and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence. For military service members, success also requires a strong support system like the one offered by Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Military & Veterans Program.
I’m Christian "Nate" Valentin, and my story is a prime example of how FTCC’s MVP can make a difference while serving those of us who serve or have served in the military. With the team at both the Fort Bragg Training and Education Center and the All American Veterans Center on the Fayetteville campus, FTCC is genuinely dedicated to helping military and veteran students, along with their families, succeed.
I was born in the Philippines, and growing up, my family instilled in me strong values like character, knowledge, and a solid work ethic — values that have shaped both my military career and my academic pursuits. These principles stuck with me when I moved to Los Angeles in 2017. I worked odd jobs while attending high school and stayed involved in sports to help build leadership skills and a sense of teamwork.
In July 2019, I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 92R Parachute Rigger. While serving, I stayed committed to my education, constantly pushing myself to improve both professionally and academically. FTCC made it possible for me to excel while balancing my active duty service with higher education. FTCC’s flexible programs, supportive environment, and encouraging instructors were the keys to my success.
FTCC’s support has gone beyond helping me earn my degree. The team here was crucial in helping me get accepted into the Army Green to Gold program, a program that allows enlisted soldiers to earn a commission as an officer. This is a major step for me, as it will allow me to become an Army officer, and eventually pursue my goal of becoming a pilot. I’m also working on short-term goals, like earning my Jumpmaster and Free Fall certifications and aiming for the rank of Staff Sergeant. I have a clear vision for the future, and my next step is to complete my bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, I plan to retire from the U.S. Army with a fulfilling career.
I hope my journey can inspire other military and veteran students. FTCC has provided me with an amazing support system, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. If you or someone you know is military-affiliated and interested in higher education — whether in-person or online — FTCC’s All American Veterans Center is ready to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them at military@faytechcc.edu or vso@faytechcc.edu, or call 910-678-8580 for more information. You can also visit the All American Veterans Center at the Fayetteville campus or the military services office located at Fort Bragg. The MVP team is here to help make your success story a reality.

(Photo courtesy of FTCC)

Leuchtenburg made us friends with presidents

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by D.G. Martin

The president of the United States today sends troops to fight in distant lands for long periods, enters into binding agreements with foreign powers, and takes other extraordinary actions, all without prior approval from Congress.
Presidential candidates promise to reverse their predecessors’ agreements on the first day they take office. And they confidently promise to take other dramatic and costly actions unilaterally on that same first day.
We have come to expect, even demand, such power plays from our presidents. So, it is fair to ask what explains the enormous growth of presidential power from its lowly state in the late 19th century to the imperial presidency of today.
One man, retired UNC-Chapel Hill history professor William Leuchtenburg, who died last month at the age of 102, spent much of his life explaining the growth of presidential power. For example, ten years ago, he gave us one response to this question in the form of a book, “The American President: From Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.”
That book follows the expansion of presidential power during the 20th century, showing how it grew in periods of reform to responses to domestic challenges and during the two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the War on Terror.
Reviewing this book in “The American Scholar,” Michael Sherry wrote that Leuchtenburg “is perhaps today’s greatest presidential historian, and not of the presidency as some insular realm, but as it intersected with national life, which makes this book also a history of the nation in the 20th century.”
Not surprisingly, Leuchtenburg’s answer to the question about the growth of presidential power is not a simple one-liner. In fact, it is a big 800-pager. That might be bad news for readers of other books, but this author’s great story-telling gifts and a long lifetime of thoughtful study make each instructive page a pleasure.
Filmmaker Ken Burns, himself a great storyteller, explains Leuchtenburg’s contribution better than I can.
"This is a riveting narrative, written by someone with a deep knowledge of the presidents and our complicated country. It seems an almost effortless work, but, of course, it's not. William Leuchtenburg has spent the better part of a century studying the mechanics of this republic and the men (so far) charged with leading it. The result here is a fast-paced, dramatic literary achievement that will be around and used for centuries."
Critics of Barack Obama’s use of executive agreements to bypass Congress on the Iran-nuclear arms and the Paris climate deals can blame Teddy Roosevelt. When the Senate refused to ratify a pact in 1905 with Santo Domingo, he simply made an executive agreement with the same terms. Later he explained. “The Constitution did not explicitly give me power to bring about the necessary agreement with Santo Domingo. But the Constitution did not forbid my doing what I did.”
Woodrow Wilson also expanded the role of the presidency, but surprisingly, according to Leuchtenburg, “he conducted a minimalist operation in the White House.” Wilson’s chief of staff was his only staff, “save for employees such as clerks.”
“With no speechwriters and very little technical support, the president had to handcraft documents. On an old portable typewriter, he banged out diplomatic notes to be sent over the signature of the secretary of state.”
Both Wilson, during the First World War, and Franklin Roosevelt, during the Second, took extraordinary actions as commander-in-chief that resulted in increased power for the office.
However, both of them got congressional authority before committing troops in those wars. But, Leuchtenburg writes, “after Truman’s unilateral action in Korea, the power vested in Congress alone to declare war became almost a relic.”
Important as understanding the origins of increased presidential power was to me, the book’s exploration of each president’s background, character, and family kept me turning the pages and, at the end, made me believe that I knew each of them as a close friend.
Thanks to William Leuchtenburg who made every reader a close friend to presidents.

Editor’s note: D.G. Martin, a lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

Up & Coming Weekly Dining Guide

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Staff Report

This month, in honor of Black History Month, we are spotlighting Black-owned restaurants in the area.

BARBARA ANN'S SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
3740 S. Main St., Hope Mills
Mon.-Sun 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
910-491-5859
https://tinyurl.com/bdfabhv2
Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken serves up homestyle comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring their signature crispy fried chicken, smoky turkey BBQ, and freshly baked golden cornbread.

BARRY'S PIZZERIA
8200 Cliffdale Rd.
Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun. Noon-5 p.m.
910-491-2692
https://www.barryspizzeria.com
Visit Barry's Pizzeria for their mouthwatering selection of hand-tossed pizzas, available by the slice or whole pie, plus delicious subs, crispy wings, and other Italian American favorites.

CROWN FRIED CHICKEN
2013 Murchison Rd.
Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-488-3034
3404 Ramsey St.
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-Midnight
Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-779-2261
https://tinyurl.com/48bmjwsv
Crown Fried Chicken, with its two convenient locations, has established itself as the go-to destination for casual dining enthusiasts seeking delicious fried chicken and hearty comfort food.

DAB'S SOUL FOOD CAFE
412 N Bragg Blvd.
Mon. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tues.-Fri. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
910-436-0110
https://tinyurl.com/yunjvjaa
Dab's, a charming local cafe, is the creation of Alabama-born Antonia Adams. The cozy establishment delights customers with homestyle comfort food favorites, including creamy mac 'n' cheese, traditional shrimp and grits, and perfectly seasoned wings served with Southern hospitality.

FOOD 4 THE SOUL
6829 Fillyaw Rd. #102
Wed-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun. Noon-6 p.m.
910-302-0116
https://tinyurl.com/4k9zh5fk
Food 4 The Soul is a full-service restaurant offering convenient take-out, prompt delivery, and comfortable dine-in options. A welcoming destination, known for authentic southern food prepared with care and tradition.

THE GARDEN CAFE
3421 Murchison Rd. Suite A
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-619-5956
https://www.thegardencafes.com/
The Garden Cafe offers distinctive sandwiches, colorful salads, flavorful flatbreads, and premium Granny Smith apples. They prioritize freshly baked dishes and top-tier, natural ingredients that transform traditional favorites into exceptional meals.

HENLEY'S VINTAGE KITCHEN
1911-A Murchison Rd.
Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
910-745-9816
https://henleysvintagekitchen.com/about/
Henley's is a cozy, welcoming dining establishment that combines traditional American dishes with Southern comfort food, creating a delightful menu that satisfies both classic and regional taste preferences.

LIBERTY ISLAND FOODS
5197 Bragg Blvd.
Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-491-1990
https://libertyislandfoods.com/
Stop by Liberty Island Foods to experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, featuring zesty jerk chicken and caramelized plantains, all prepared using premium quality ingredients.

MELVIN'S AT RIVERSIDE
1130 Person St.
Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
910-339-3059
https://tinyurl.com/3z55ync8
Melvin's at Riverside offers classic Southern dishes including crispy fried chicken, simmered collard greens, and homestyle cornbread in a relaxed dining atmosphere. 

NITA’S KITCHEN
8200 Cliffdale Rd. #102
Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun. Noon-5 p.m.
910-867-9550
https://www.nitas--kitchen.com/
Nita's Kitchen is a beloved soul food restaurant specializing in comforting Southern classics like creamy mac 'n' cheese, perfectly seasoned fried chicken, and crispy, flavorful wings.

THE SALAD BOX & MORE
132 Person St.
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-339-5701
https://thesaladboxeatery.com/
The Salad Box & More offers a diverse menu featuring build-your-own salads, fresh sandwiches, nutritious grain bowls, and refreshing smoothies for health-conscious diners.

SIMLO'S ISLAND CAFE
3057 Boone Trial Ext.
Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
910-965-7783
https://tinyurl.com/4ej7eyyk
Simlo's, a proud veteran-owned and family-operated restaurant, serves genuine Jamaican cuisine, featuring traditional favorites like curry goat and tender oxtail in a welcoming atmosphere.

UPTOWN'S CHICKEN & WAFFLES
1707 Owen Dr.
Mon.-Tues. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wed 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
910-676-8039
https://tinyurl.com/7kebu47a
Uptown's Chicken & Waffles is a welcoming establishment that specializes in Southern comfort cuisine. Their menu features signature dishes like crispy fried fish, creamy grits, and their famous chicken and waffles combination.