I learned why the [Mayor Mitch] Colvin administration is so very much against electing council members by the city rather than a multitude of so-called districts.
If the City Council were elected citywide the current cabal of racist, politically corrupt members would be out of office.
There would be people in those positions who would be expected to consider the welfare and benefit of the city rather than their own political interests.
The case of the PWC Commission position would be decided on the qualifications of the candidates rather than race or political connection.
After the original six candidates for the PWC position were announced, a lifelong Fayettevillian told me at a civic organization meeting that I should tell Joe Hallatschek to not waste his time, that former Councilman Davis would be chosen for the position.
I asked why he thought that. He said it was the way politics are done in this town.
Full disclosure: Joe Hallatschek is my son-in-law. I know his character and his technical qualifications for the job. A probable majority of the City Council knows that too.
But that’s not the way they voted. Joe is a West Point graduate, an Eagle Scout and a solid rock for me as I struggled through the loss of my wife of 64 years.
As Bill Bowman said in his editorial Actions speak louder than words: “That behavior speaks volumes to the leadership they are NOT providing ... the Council lacks integrity, intelligence and common sense ... I see bias, racism and good ole boy politics taking precedence over what is right and good for the citizens of Fayetteville. Fayetteville deserves better.”
The city has a lot going for it that is being wasted. A beautiful baseball stadium, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, the coming Civil War and Reconstruction History Center, the Dogwood Festival, Methodist University and hundreds of very committed citizens who want the best for our community.
As long as Colvin and company have political control of our city we won’t get what is the best. Just more of the same shenanigans and self-serving acts.
We are in desperate need of more and better investigative reporting. With elections coming in November we need to spread the word about what is happening in city government.
Let’s encourage more people to get involved and question their so-called representatives. We do deserve better.
—Pat King, Fayetteville
Editor’s note: The referenced Publisher's Pen by Bill Bowman ran in the March 1 issue. It can be found at https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/views/9578-mayor-actions-speak-louder-than-words