Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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6 UCW FEBRUARY 12-18, 2020 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM DIANE WHEATLEY, Candidate for N.C. House Representative. COM- MENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com. 910-484-6200. North Carolina is experiencing an economic boom. Forbes ranks North Carolina as the best state in America to do business. CNBC ranks North Carolina third of all 50 states in the same category, and North Carolina has ranked in the top five years now. Much credit must go to the Repub- lican majority for their efforts on tax reform and fiscal restraint. Despite being the fifth most populated county in the state, Cumberland County doesn't seem to be sharing in this boom. While the state's economy grew last year by 2.4%, we lagged behind at 1.7%. Unemployment in Cumberland County is 4.6%, 35% higher than the state average, and while the aver- age income for the state is $46,117, here in Cumberland County it is only $38,780. ere are a number of factors that go into making a vibrant economy, but I think three of the most impor- tant are education, transportation and quality of life. While I was on the board of education, we started the academy system, which gave students the opportunity to choose a school based on their interest in a specialized curriculum, such as finance, health professions or a clas- sical education. We also built 12 new schools. I would now like to go to Raleigh to gain additional state sup- port for students attending school in less affluent areas like ours. Commerce also needs good trans- portation. Wake, Durham, Guilford and Mecklenburg counties seem to constantly have major road con- struction in progress. Cumberland is the fifth largest county in the state, yet our area seems to never get its fair share of infrastructure fund- ing. Maybe it's time for the state government to combat the urban sprawl in the Triangle and Char- lotte areas by diverting some at- tention to Cumberland County. With my experience as a County Commis- sioner and chair of the Joint Planning Board, I feel I can make a strong case for that. Certainly, quality of life has a lot to do with a company's decision to invest in an area. is is something we can point to with pride. e prog- ress we have made in the past few decades is truly impressive. ere is nothing that can be mentioned, whether it be theater, museums, entertainment, sports teams, din- ning, parks, a revitalized downtown or whatever, that we do not have. e only thing we don't have is an image that matches up with reality. People who are not from here do not ap- preciate what a vibrant community we are. ey don't know the many wonderful people who have worked so hard to get us to this place. We are an untapped resource, a diamond in the rough that can be a tremendous economic asset to the whole state. at's a message I would be honored to take to Raleigh. All my adult life I have tried to help make Cumberland County a better place to live. I have volunteered on over 20 boards and served on both the school board and as a county commissioner. For the first time in my life, I am in a position to give it my full-time attention. I know I have the desire to do it. I feel I have the experience to do it well. All I need is your help to get there. I humbly ask you to vote for Diane Wheatley for the North Carolina House of Repre- sentative in the 43rd District. ank you and God bless, Diane Wheatley Taking the fight to Raleigh by DIANE WHEATLEY There are a number of factors that go into making a vibrant economy, but I think three of the most important are education, transportation and quality of life. OPINION Product not available in all states. Includes the Participating Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/ certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-888-799-4433 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN). Rider kinds B438/B439. 6154-0120 Call today for all the details. 888-491-5108 Get the dental care you deserve with dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. It can help cover the services you're most likely to use – Dental Insurance l l Here's the information you requested on Dental insurance FIRST-CLASS MAIL Fillings Crowns Dentures X-rays Cleanings Call now to get this FREE Information Kit! dental50plus.com/ucweekly Preventive care starts right away Helps cover over 350 services Go to any dentist you want – but save more with one in our network No deductible, no annual maximum 4251 Legion Rd. Suite #123 Hope Mills, NC 28348 Open Tuesday through Saturday Appointments Appreciated, Walk-Ins Welcome Instagram @moxie.hair.studio Facebook @moxiehairnc 910.491.4542 10% off your first visit with mention of this ad.