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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10 UCW AUGUST 9 - 15, 2023 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM City Council District 1 Candidate Frederick G. LaChance III Jose Alejandro "Alex" Rodriguez ELECTION 2023 City Council District 5 Candidate Two years ago I introduced myself to the voters of Fayetteville when I ran for City Council District 5 on the platform of combating homelessness, improving our police department, and promoting accountability among elected officials though town hall meetings. I am proud to announce that I am doubling down on that winning message by running again to be Fay- etteville's elected representative for District 5. Voters will remember that I am a local small business owner who is invested in Fayetteville. I attended Pine Forest High School and served my country in the United States Navy for 23 years, including in the Vietnam War. I now live in historic Haymount with my beautiful wife, Dixie, whom I met in high school. During the last election cycle as a first-time candidate, I secured nearly one-third of the vote by running on issues that matter to voters. My cam- paign succeeded thanks to grassroots messaging and dedicated volunteers. Despite being outspent 10 to one by a candidate who some say lives in Raleigh, my campaign was successful in connecting with voters and listen- ing to each residents' concerns about city government. I want to complete the work we started two years ago. Many voters have offered feedback that my campaign led the way in push- ing for a personnel change with the Chief of Police. Today we have a new Chief and morale within the department is improving (although there is work to be done). Like the turn of a ship, Fayetteville has begun to pivot steadily in the direction of public safety as residents demanded. Once in office I plan to implement town hall meetings so voters can address their concerns directly with me and other elected officials. is ac- countability is necessary for residents to have trust in city government again. As your representative for District 5, I will focus on solutions to the homeless problem, ensure effective administration of our public utilities, safeguard an affordable cost-of-living as Fayetteville grows, and promote unity in our community. e residents of District 5 are the core of Fayetteville. Together we can move Fayetteville ahead and make our community a decent place to live. Chance the Change! Alex Rodriguez Fred LaChance Fayetteville, are you better off this year than you were a year ago? Two years ago? Fayetteville continues to lack decisive leadership at City Hall. is wonderful town has continued its downward trajectory because of continuing failures in City Council. As a citizen, I owe it to my fam- ily, my friends and neighbors, to try and turn Fayetteville into a safe and prosperous city for them. It is for these reasons that I, Jose Alejandro "Alex" Rodriguez, have decided to run as a City Council candidate for District 1. is city is in dire need of conserva- tive leadership, and I am more than capable, experienced and willing to provide it. As a retired soldier and former police officer, I have served my country and community. I will con- tinue to do so should the citizens of my district bless me with the opportu- nity to serve them. I continue to believe that the suc- cess of our community lies in the following issues that I have made my platform: 1. Work with the Police Department leadership on effective solutions to reduce crime and homicides in a city that has established new records for both in the last two years. e safety and security of all citizens is of utmost importance to me. Nothing else can improve in the city if the safety of all citizens continues to erode. It is important that everyone feels safe and secure, so that everyone can succeed. 2. Cut unneeded and wasteful spending to avoid future tax increases that will adversely affect everyone, es- pecially during these tough economic times. e city and county continue to waste money on unneeded projects and "throw" money at problems that don't seem to go away. Add to the fact that they are now increasing taxes AGAIN, and in these tough economic times, continue to hurt Fayetteville residents. It is time to cut that un- needed spending and shift its focus to important problems that need imme- diate resolution such as the homeless, crime and public mental health. 3. Improve transparency and ac- countability at City Hall so that the public can review and stay informed of the actions of their public servants. Too often, the City Council and to some extent, the Fayetteville Police Department, refuse to release public information in a timely manner. is is public information that citizens are entitled to by law, so why do we have to wait? 4. e Formation of an Office of Public Safety to provide resources and assistance to the community and our first responders in difficult times and situations. Much of the crime and homelessness in Fayetteville derives from mental health issues. One of the things the city government should be doing is providing basic services to those in need to assist them in rehabil- itation and recovery. Part of my transparency plan is to be available to you. Please feel free to email me alex4faync@yahoo.com Up & Coming Weekly is accepting platform submissions from candidates for municipal office in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Email editor@upandcomingweekly.com or call 910-484-6200 for information