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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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2023 UCW 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR e heart-wrenching loss of a child to gun violence is an unimaginable tragedy that no parent should ever endure. As a mother who has suffered the devastating loss of a son to a senseless attempted robbery, I have chosen to channel my grief and anguish into action by running for Fayetteville City Council, District 2. I am now a member of a club that I wish no other parent would ever have to be a member of. Our government's chief job is to keep us safe. ey have failed me, my son, and many other mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters in our city. My mission is clear: to be a voice to spearhead a combination of solutions that address the multifaceted issue of crime and gun violence that will make our community safe for all. To combat crime and gun violence effectively, a multifaceted approach is essential to recognize that the issue is complex and deeply intertwined with socio- economic factors, mental health concerns, and public awareness. One critical component is investing in community outreach and support programs. By bolstering educational and mentorship initiatives, we can offer at-risk youth a way out of the cycle of violence. By creating diversion programs, we can teach young adults viable skills that will not only deter them from engaging in criminal activities but also foster a sense of belonging and self-worth. Our entire Fayetteville City police force has taken de-escalation classes; if we implement a younger community watch, these classes given to each community watch meeting would not only enhance safety but emphasize conflict resolution over resorting to violence. Fostering trust between police and the city residents is integral for the officer to better understand the unique challenges each neighborhood faces. I also want to prevent families from experiencing the loss and displacement of becoming homeless. While the county bears the primary responsibility for this matter, it is a shared effort that requires everyone's involvement. We are a community, and our shared responsibility is to work towards becoming better together. A pivotal aspect of my strategy to reduce homelessness involves investing in an affordable housing initiative. By continued collaboration with developers, non-profit organizations, and county agencies, we can increase the availability of affordable housing units, giving individuals and families a stable foundation to rebuild their lives. One of the core tenets of effective governance is the ability to listen and respond to the voices of its citizens. I recognize Fayetteville's progress hinges on its residents' diverse perspectives and experiences. When elected to the Fayetteville City Council to represent District 2, I pledge to establish open lines of communication, ensuring everyone has a platform to express their opinions, share their ideas, and voice their concerns. I plan to do this by holding a town hall twice a month to empower citizens to actively connect with me to foster a more informed and engaged community. My journey, which includes facing adversity and overcoming challenges, has instilled a deep sense of empathy in me. I understand the policies and decisions made at the city level have real-life implications for individuals and families. By taking time to listen to the stories and experiences of our citizens, I can make informed and compassionate choices that address their needs and reflect the realities, and have a more profound positive impact. My aspiration to become a Fayetteville City Council member is driven by a genuine desire to create positive change and represent our citizen voices authentically. I am confident in my ability to work collaboratively with the community to forge a path toward progress. I look forward to serving the citizens of Fayetteville and, more specifically, the citizens in District 2. —Laura Rodrigues-Mussler Candidate for Fayetteville City Council District 2 Why am I choosing to run for city council? I'm Johnny Dawkins, and I am running for re-election to the city council seat for District 5. I am serving in my fourth term on the city council, and I have been a part of many success stories in our city. I was born at Highsmith Hospital (that fact probably dates me!), and I reside on Millan Drive, off of N. Virginia Avenue. I'm happy to show anyone my NC Driver's License, and I'll show you my checkbook with my Millan Drive address, if you want to see that! My platform goals are to continue to provide Leadership, Experience and Vision as the District 5 councilmember on the Fayetteville City Council. It took my Leadership to make the council motion for PWC to forgive the millions of dollars of debt on the ASOM, so that the US Army would take over the ASOM, in perpetuity. I gathered the votes, and I got it passed. e ASOM represents our "ocean" in our city, it is a beautiful jewel for our citizens and our visitors. Whether it was working our Baseball Stadium through all of the hurdles to get it built, I was there, and I helped get it done. Whether it was our Homeless Day Center or the forthcoming Homeless Shelter, I provided leadership, and I'm getting those projects done. Whether it is dealing with the NC Dept of Transportation, and getting roads widened or intersections made safer, or getting License Plate Reader cameras approved, I was there, and I am helping get all of that done. If it is supporting our Police and Fire First Responders, I am there, and there is no stronger supporter on council for Public Safety. If it is using my 42 years of business Experience, owning and operating two successful businesses, started from scratch, I have done it. Experience matters, and I provide experience every day I serve. If it involves helping manage our Stormwater system, and fighting for improvements, I led the Council Stormwater Committee for five years as Chairman, and the fruits of that labor are now happening: Mirror Lake Dam restoration, and the Drainage Assistance Program for our citizens are just two examples. I continue to serve on the Council Stormwater Committee, and FEMA just awarded the city $14 Million for stormwater improvements, which will begin next year, in our city. During my time on council, thousands of new jobs have been created for our citizens; Amazon "Last Mile" Facility, Amazon Distribution Facility, hundreds of new home construction projects approved, hundreds of new apartments approved near Ft. Bragg/Liberty, and existing business and industry expansion has occurred. It takes Vision, and I provide that vision for our citizens. I also work hard to protect our neighborhoods, and when citizens call or email or text me with a problem, I get the right city staff involved to provide direct help. Going forward, it is very important we support our neighbor, Ft. Bragg/Liberty in their mission to protect our nation. I have done that, and I promise to continue to do that. It is very important we protect the safety of our citizens, and I promise to always support our Police and Fire Departments. It is also important we continue to grow our economy to be able to provide good jobs for our citizens. I promise to use my business experience to help grow our economy. I ask for your vote for Johnny Dawkins for City Council District 5. Primary election date is October 10, and General election date is November 7. My campaign email is Dawkinsforcouncil@gmail.com. My city email is johnnydawkins@ fayettevillenc.gov . ank you for your consideration. —Johnny Dawkins, Councilman, District 5 City of Fayetteville, NC Experience Matters Photo courtesy of Pexels.