Why Fayetteville's City Council must choose transparency over politics

In Fayetteville, trust in government is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. That trust is built on transparency, accountability, and the belief that our elected officials are working with—not around—each other. Recent events at City Hall have tested that trust, and we commend Council Members Mario Benavente, Kathy Jensen, and Lynne Greene for standing firm in their call for openness and clarity.
When Council Member Kathy Jensen asked why Mayor Mitch Colvin failed to share key emails and letters regarding the launch of a criminal investigation into allegations against Mohammad Mohammad’s construction company—including the use of a fake bonding company and the potential misuse of federal funds—she echoed a concern many in our community feel: How can our leaders lead if they’re not fully informed? “If we would have seen these letters when people were asking us questions, we could have been able to maybe answer them better,” she said. Jensen is right. That’s not politics—it’s common sense.
Council Member Benavente went further, calling out Mayor Colvin for what he describes as a tendency to obscure the truth. His push to publicly air a video statement from District Attorney Billy West was not a stunt—it was a principled stand for transparency. The public deserves to know what their leaders know, especially when serious allegations are involved.
Colvin claims council members were adequately briefed. But when multiple council members say otherwise, who should the public believe? Council Member Lynne Greene recalled only a vague and unsubstantiated mention of a “potential” investigation months ago—further reinforcing the need for clearer communication and transparency.
The council’s decision to move forward with a state audit was prudent. It signaled a commitment to accountability, regardless of political optics. The allegations at hand are serious: potential fraud across multiple cities and the misuse of federal funds. These are not issues to be handled behind closed doors or filtered through selective briefings. They demand full transparency and a united front from our city’s leadership.
Moreover, Fayetteville residents deserve answers. They want to know what happened, when it happened, how it was allowed to happen, and who at City Hall will be held accountable.
At Up & Coming Weekly, we believe in celebrating the best of Fayetteville—its people, its progress, and its promise. We also believe in holding our community and local government leaders to the highest standards. Council Members Benavente, Jensen, and Greene have demonstrated the kind of integrity and courage our community deserves. Their insistence on transparency is not a political maneuver—it’s a moral obligation. We hope that the newly elected city council members will be as diligent and assertive. Let’s support the community leaders who choose sunlight over shadows. Fayetteville’s future depends on it.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly. Comments and insights are always welcome.