Fayetteville and Cumberland County can learn a lot about common-sense leadership by observing recent events in our state.
On Tuesday, July 29, the North Carolina Senate demonstrated their commitment to the people by overriding twelve of Governor Stein's vetoes. This action successfully halted a series of policies that many believed would have pushed our state toward radical progressive governance.
These veto overrides signal a renewed focus on common-sense principles and respect for individual liberties. One significant achievement is the passage of the "Freedom to Carry NC" Act, which will make North Carolina the 30th Constitutional Carry state.
This measure respects the rights of law-abiding citizens to self-defense during an era of rising crime and violence. Another significant override eliminated "DEI" (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives in public and higher education. This ensures our schools can focus on traditional S.T.E.M. subjects, reading and comprehension, and academic excellence rather than on divisive social and political issues.
The Senate also took a firm stance on public safety, sending a clear message that the security of North Carolina residents is of paramount importance.
These actions are an encouraging sign of the positive direction our current state leadership is taking by both Republicans and Democrats. This is the confident and responsible leadership that we should demand of our local Fayetteville and Cumberland County elected officials.
Honest, intelligent, and common-sense leadership works, and doing the right things for the right reasons has always benefited all constituents. We saw this firsthand when the new Cumberland County Board of Commissioners was elected.
As municipal election time draws near, it is vitally important that residents vote for individuals who put the overall welfare of the community as their highest priority. Voting is the only opportunity we have to influence the future direction of our community.
What our state leadership is accomplishing in Raleigh must be duplicated locally to ensure prosperity, common-sense leadership, and good governance.
I encourage U&CW readers to vet all local candidates thoroughly. Candidates will be emailed a questionnaire from our editor, and their answers will be published in an election guide put together by the U&CW team.
I encourage both readers and candidates not to rely solely on Facebook and other social media outlets for accurate information or to get their message out.
When it comes to politics, seeing is believing. Look around Fayetteville, and you be the judge. Ask yourself: What positive changes have you really seen in the last decade? And do you want more of the same? Then, compare Fayetteville and Cumberland County to the growth and prosperity of surrounding counties. In the end, it all comes down to integrity, honest leadership, and vision.
So, trust your instincts and vet all the candidates thoroughly to do your part in creating a better community for future generations.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

(Candidates running for local offices in Fayetteville attended the Greater Fayetteville Chamber's Candidates Academy on Aug. 1. The Chamber put on the event to help inform those who are running for office. This year, seats on the Fayetteville City Council and Mayoral positions across the region will be voted on in November. For more information about the Candidates Academy, see page 8. Photo courtesy of Jami McLaughlin)