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.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1143175
8 UCW JULY 17-23, 2019 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM City Councilman Dan Culliton declines to run in next election Fellow Fayettevillians, For those who know me, they know that I am first and foremost a husband and father who puts his family above all else. I have balanced my personal responsi- bilities in addition to my profes- sional responsibilities, along with the civic responsibilities of holding the District 2 City Council seat, and I have no regrets. However, I believe it's impor- tant to listen. So, when (I was) discussing the upcoming election with my family and my daugh- ter innocently asked, as only a 6-year-old can, "Dadda — if you don't get elected, does that mean you'll have more time to spend with me?" I had to listen to what that question was really saying. I have always placed a demanding schedule on myself, but very recently, we had a physician at our practice relocate out of the state. Due to this, I had to take on even more professional responsibility to ensure continuity of care within our practice, which also employs a very dedicated and loyal staff. I have a responsibility to those people and their families as well as the patient base we care for. I have always been a man of my word and live up to my responsibilities to the best of my ability. I am proud that I have been able to serve the people of District 2 and this city honorably and ef- fectively. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that my constituents have had a strong voice on the council that could be heard out of the other nine I had the honor to sit amongst. I am but one vote of 10; however, I have tried to make sure that vote was the people's vote and not my own. During my representation, I, along with the rest of the council and city staff, have made great strides in moving our city forward. We have accomplished much in a short time and at a very critical juncture in our city's growth. I look forward to continu- ing that service until the end of my term and will remain steadfast in ensuring other projects and initiatives I am involved with progress on schedule. However, as I said in my last cam- paign, actions speak louder than words. And upon much reflection, I must take action for what my heart is telling me. erefore, I will not be running for another term at this time, so that I may better balance my time with my family and my pro- fessional responsibilities. I am hope- ful to be able to offer my time and dedication to our city in the future should that path open again, and I will continue to remain engaged in our local community organization. It truly has been an honor to serve under such an overwhelm- ingly broad base of support that has come from all sides of the community. Fayetteville, we truly are one. And although there will always be those who wish to divide, do not let them. I have faith that my district will choose wisely in a replacement. I will work with that choice to ensure a smooth transition so that District 2 and our great city continue towards its immense potential that I believe has yet to be reached. TO THE EDITOR DAN CULLITON, Fayetteville Councilman, District 2. COM- MENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200.