I’m recommending to all my friends—Democrats and Republicans alike—that they read former Senator Joe Manchin’s new book, Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense.
It’s a compelling and timely reminder that in politics, listening, compromise, cooperation, and civility are essential to progress. Sadly, these qualities are becoming increasingly rare at every level of government.
For nearly 30 years, my focus has remained squarely on the quality of life in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, with a consistent emphasis on leadership in local government. Unfortunately, this past week has not been our proudest moment.
On Sept. 29, a video went viral showing a female supporter of Mayor Mitch Colvin verbally attacking a female poll worker for mayoral candidate Mario Benavente. The barrage of obscenities was shocking, and the confrontation escalated to the point where the abused poll worker charged the aggressor with intent to cause bodily harm. Thankfully, Benavente intervened and restrained her, preventing physical violence. This behavior is totally unbecoming of our local Democrats.
However, not to be outdone, Cumberland County Republicans hosted their own “fight night” on Oct. 2 at Peter Pappas’ converted Baldino’s restaurant, now the Republican Resource Center on Owen Drive. There, two factions of the local GOP exchanged insults and accusations, exposing their internal divisions and contradictory agendas. These are the same individuals who organize prayer vigils and solidarity marches in honor of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, while shamelessly promoting his doctrine. Unfortunately, they “talk the talk” but fail to “walk the walk.”
Thursday evening may well have been their own “turning point,” as two prominent GOP women—Cumberland County GOP Board Member Laura Mussler and Calista Cuevas, local director of Moms for Liberty—engaged in a heated exchange that turned physical and ended with police intervention and both parties filing misdemeanor assault charges against one another. You can read the full account of the melee in Paul Woolverton’s October 3rd article in CityView. Spoiler alert: it reads like a supermarket tabloid. Both women are scheduled to appear before a judge in November. One can’t help but imagine Judge Judy presiding.
These incidents are just two recent examples of the toxic discourse plaguing politics today. There’s no communication, no empathy, no willingness to listen or compromise. It’s become a race for power and control, rather than a pursuit of public service..
“It’s not about power—it’s about people. Civility, compromise, and common sense must return to the center of our politics.”
A recent poll found that 82% of Americans believe political discourse has gone too far and that both major parties have become too extreme—abandoning the common-sense middle ground.
We’re seeing this firsthand in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, and that’s why this Nov. 7, we must vote for candidates who prioritize humanity, civility, and cooperation. Our future depends on it.
This being said, I strongly recommend to everyone who loves our community, state, and nation to:

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