2023 Fayetteville Voter Guide: Meet the candidates & get info on voting
What’s new about Voter ID in NC?
Learn about the new Voter ID requirement in North Carolina and get ready to vote
About the 2023 Fayetteville Primary Election
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS OCT. 10
This year’s Primary Election for Fayetteville Mayor & City Council will be on Tuesday, October 10. Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Primary Election Day. Find your Election Day polling place.
EARLY VOTING FOR THE PRIMARY RUNS SEPT. 21 – OCT. 7
Early voting for the Fayetteville Primary Election will run September 21 – October 7. Early voting for the Primary Election will be available at the Cumberland County Board of Elections office – learn more.
Meet the Primary Election candidates further down on this page. And see the Voting Tools at the bottom of this page to find important voting information.
Questions about Fayetteville’s election? Contact the Cumberland County Board of Elections at 910-678-7733.
What’s new about Voter ID in NC?
Learn about the new Voter ID requirement in North Carolina and get ready to vote
WHAT DOES THE CITY COUNCIL DO?
The Mayor and the other members of the Fayetteville City Council make a wide range of decisions affecting your life. The City Council sets policies and priorities, and oversees the many functions of local government, including:
• The Police & Fire Departments
• Economic & Community Development
• Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
• Appointments to Boards & Committees
• Water & Waste Disposal
• Tax Rates & the City Budget
• Affordable Housing
• Streets, Sidewalks & Road Repair
• City Govt. Employee Wages & Benefits
• Recreation, Parks & Arts Programs
Fayetteville City Council Districts
(click map to enlarge)
Members of the Fayetteville City Council are elected in nonpartisan races. The Mayor is elected citywide, while the other members are elected from districts.
Click here to find out which City Council district you live in.
PLEASE NOTE: The Oct. 10 Primary Election includes races for Mayor, as well as for City Council District 2 and District 5 because there are more than two candidates in each of those races.
Because two or fewer candidates are running in each of the other City Council Districts (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9), those candidates automatically advance to the November General Election. We will post information about the candidates in those City Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 after the Oct. 10 Primary Election.
All candidates running in the Primary Election for Fayetteville Mayor or City Council were invited to complete a brief profile to inform voters about their background, priorities and views on important issues for the community. The candidates’ responses can be seen below.
Primary Candidates for Fayetteville Mayor
ALL Fayetteville voters can choose one candidate in this race
Mitch Colvin
candidate for Mayor
Background: I am a small business owner, two-term city council member, former Mayor Pro Tem, and currently serving in my third term as Mayor.
Why are you running for this office? I have worked diligently over the last 6 years as Mayor to move our city forward and prepare our citizens for the future. Together we have made tremendous progress in improving and expanding job opportunities and investment, rebranded our image and made the city more equitable for everyone.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: 1. Next Generation Work Force Development. It is critical we continue to plan and prepare our workforce for the future. 2. Housing – To expand the availability of workforce housing. 3. Public Safety – Investment in community programs and expand the number of police and fire stations throughout the city.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Expand targeted programs in areas most impacted by violence. Collaboration with partners specializing in prevention. Increase Police and Fire Substantiations throughout the city, with expanded community policing programs.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: Incentives to builders and contractors to build and renovate more workforce housing. Expand homeownership programs by expanding down payment assistance programs and lease to own incentives. Increase the number of work required transitional housing for the unsheltered.
Police accountability: Continue a zero tolerance policy for those violating employee policies and misconduct. Separate internal affairs review process from being conducted by their colleagues.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? I started the Fayetteville Millennial Commission (Fayetteville Next) to advise city council on policy to attract and retain. Increase outdoor programming and entertainment throughout the city. Finally connect college students and interns to concrete local career opportunities.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? Economic Development – City and county should expand their economic collaboration. Both bodies should develop a long-term plan. This will include developing a regional identity. Our peers have successfully developed this, technology, financial, logistical for example. We have to work to develop ours.
Website: MayorMitchColvin.com
Freddie de la Cruz
candidate for Mayor
Background: Retired Army LTC w/32 yrs of service. 7 yrs of direct leading, supervising, planning & training security personnel; over 20 years of developing & improving processes & systems to transport personnel, equipment, & execute multiple competing objectives. Managed a $4.5M budget. Earned 48 decorations.
Why are you running for this office? I have a strong passion for helping people. And as the Mayor, I can use this position to help the elderly, autistic, homeless, impoverished communities, transportation enhancements & for people who are trying to make a difference in their lives and to those who are helping the community progress.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Economic development: streamline the permitting process to reduce waste of time & money for builders and contractors, & reduce barriers between city & county to attract businesses. Develop an Efficient Shuttle Transport program designed to help people get to and from work & school & for elderly.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: I will work closely with the Chief of Police, county commissioners, schools & the community to ensure that we leverage all the resources available to help mitigate crime and gun violence. Educate our youth on gun safety, gun laws, and the consequences for a concealed carry.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: I would consult with local developers, builders, local real estate experts, county commissioners, City Council and staff to determine what is best for solving affordable housing for our city. Work with the county to leverage city assets to help expedite the housing for the unhoused population.
Police accountability: It is imperative that the city manager hires a Chief of Police that will enforce the laws without political influence regardless of the circumstances. The Chief has the sole responsibility for ensuring the supervisors are training recruits to the standards & treating people with dignity & respect.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? As the mayor, I would visit learning institutions and discuss with the students the importance of their voice as it relates to government and seek their advice on what would make their lives better.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? I will respect & work with the county as we share the same constituency. For me is not about self-interest, it’s about selfless service to serve the people. I am asking for your Vote on Oct 10, 2023 for the primary & Nov 7, 2023 for the general election. Go to FreddieForMayor.com to learn more.
Website: FreddieForMayor.com
Charles Evans
candidate for Mayor
Background: 2005 – 2009 Fayetteville City Council; 2010 – 2022 Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. Served as Vice Chairman and Chairman; Vice President – North Carolina Association of Black County Officials; Chairman of North Carolina Association of Black County Officials
Why are you running for this office? For fairness and equality for all.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Better working relationship with County Government and to make sure our citizens are safe in their respective communities as well as throughout the city of Fayetteville. It’s important to have a relationship with the county to expand our appeal to attract businesses as well as residents.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Working with all governmental agencies, County Commissioners, Sheriff’s department, School system, and with our citizens to bring realistic ideas regarding solutions to engage all to buy into the idea of a better city for all.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: Work with developers, nonprofit agencies, and others to provide affordable housing as well helping those individuals that are unhoused to be provided with the opportunity of being housed.
Police accountability: I believe it’s the responsibility of the City Manager and Council to work to make sure that we have qualified Police officers that have the mindset to protect and serve. I’m a fan of community policing. It’s a win for all that our officers build relationships with our communities.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Have personal conversations with our college students, as well as to start a local chapter for students for better government. It’s all about building meaningful relationships. When Mayor, I look forward to meeting with our citizens that attend our local Colleges, Universities.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? As a former County Commissioner and knowing the importance of how a great relationship between city and county government will be for all. I would work extremely hard to bring my experience with both governments to the table and pray that all egos will be left at the door.
Website: none
Quancidine Hinson-Gribble
candidate for Mayor
Background: For the past twelve years, I have been working with individuals in Fayetteville, North Carolina to help them to get “JUSTICE”! My travels, my education and my experiences have helped me to be the right choice for The City of Fayetteville’s next Mayor.
Why are you running for this office? To continue to help individuals in The City of Fayetteville NC. To create and implement laws, to make sure that our City Employees get the education and tools that they need to perform their jobs. To request money for much needed projects. To make sure that the money is being spent correctly.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: First. Making sure that my constituents have what they need to be prepared for the new jobs that are coming to The City of Fayetteville. Second. To eliminate “Homelessness” in Fayetteville, NC.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: EDUCATION. Education will eliminate 80% of Public Safety and gun violence, starting at home first and early education second.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: We can provide affordable housing. The programs have already been created and the money has been awarded. The same answer for the city’s unhoused population. This is a very high priority for me. I will get it done!
Police accountability: There is none. The State of North Carolina opted out of the “BRADY LAW”. The “BRADY LAW” allows persons to make complaints about Law Enforcement. It also allows the public to see disciplinary actions made against Police Officers by their Supervisors.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Make your voice heard on “Social Media.” Young people, College People and anybody can be the change that they are looking for in their own community.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? Actually, I am not counting on this Union. It’s going to be us. Each and every one of us.
Website: tiktok.com/@quancidinehgribble
Primary Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 2
voters who live in District 2 can choose one candidate in this race
Janene (Dublin) Ackles
candidate for City Council District 2
Background: I am a community advocate with extensive experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in grant writing. I previously served as the Cross Creek 2 precinct chair and founded the Cumberland County Community Watch Coalition, demonstrating my commitment to community engagement and civic leadership.
Why are you running for this office? I believe normal citizens are often excluded from decision-making processes that affect their daily lives. Improved information dissemination and advocating for those who struggle to voice their concerns are essential to ensuring a more inclusive and equitable city.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: 1) Gun violence/safety. 2) Vulnerable populations (unhoused, senior citizens, ex offenders, veterans, etc). 3) Viable/affordable housing.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Promote comprehensive gun control measures, including background checks, waiting periods, and mandatory safety training. Additionally, I’d support community-based violence prevention programs such as OCS and mental health services to address underlying issues contributing to gun violence.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: I would prioritize temporary shelters while working to increase permanent housing options. Additionally, I recognize the urgent need for women’s shelters and would allocate resources to expand and improve these facilities to support vulnerable populations.
Police accountability: I’d prioritize bridging the gap between law enforcement and communities during the OCS director hiring process. Building rapport through community involvement is key to rebuilding trust and fostering transparency in the police system. I also support a Citizen’s Review Board.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? We have to actively engage with young people, including college students, by having accessible platforms for their input on local issues. Encouraging civic participation and involving them in decision-making processes ensures their voices are heard and valued in shaping our community.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? I aim to enhance city-county collaboration through open communication and joint initiatives on shared challenges, such as infrastructure and public services. I’d improve relations with regular meetings, identifying common goals, and prioritizing cooperative solutions benefiting both jurisdictions.
Website: ElectJanene.com
Malik Davis
candidate for City Council District 2
Shakeyla Ingram
candidate for City Council District 2
Background: Being blessed to have grown up in the District 2 and lived elsewhere – understanding the long-life residents and transient communities’ issues & needs. Knowing that I have the experience and knowledge due to serving 2 terms and delivering results.
Why are you running for this office? I am running for re-election for District 2, because I believe while we have made significant investments to the advancement of District 2, but we have more work to accomplish. District 2 is my home and the residents are my partner and I look forward ensuring that we work together.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Housing & Rent Stabilization, Youth Crime, Equitable City Amenities
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Boost programs combating youth violence, fund proactive community responses to gun violence, and support public safety through the Office of Community Safety.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: Working with our state legislature to focus on rent stabilization. Supporting projects that will bring in additional transitional housing for our unhoused community and actively supporting the Day Resource Center.
Police accountability: Supporting office of community safety to help alleviate the pressures on law enforcement.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? As Fayetteville State University is in District 2, I always engage the students to be a part of local government in many ways. I’ve held meetings to learn their thoughts and invite to council meetings and to be a part of Fayetteville Next.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? In a great way I would appreciate for the council to work together on addressing our unhoused community and juvenile crime.
Website: VoteSIngram.com
Larry Marshall
candidate for City Council District 2
Background: Go getter with politics
Why are you running for this office? It’s time for a change.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Crime, homeless, community safety
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Talking about the issue as a whole.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: To see how we can address that together.
Police accountability: Better policing in the neighborhoods.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Everyone should be able to voice their opinion.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? By better community understanding.
Website: none
Gail Morfesis
candidate for City Council District 2
Background: I have not run for public office before but have been a public servant for Fayetteville Non for Profits for 25 years. I am an active member of the business and arts community, Retired UNC professor, Arts Council grantee and volunteer for many deserving service organizations and local business owner.
Why are you running for this office? For far too long I have followed local politics where decisions are made which are not fiscally responsible. I am committed to our city witnessed thru my work with nonprofit organizations thus rather than complain I am willing to roll up my sleeves and work for change.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: We Need to be : 1. Responsible to the Voters 2. Accountable to spend tax dollars wisely. 3. Transparent to keep taxpayers informed and give Equitable treatment to all. How can Fayetteville be the “Can Do City” if we don’t have A “Can Do City Council.”
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: I would work for Public Awareness and Education as well as strengthening the family unit and providing counseling services for drugs and alcohol dependence.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: Work to form a consortium of local agency who would work together to rehabilitate existing affordable structures as well as build new affordable units. We already have the workers and businesses here in our own community without continually outsourcing for these services.
Police accountability: We have a New Police Chief who is just beginning to make a difference and we need to support his work while holding all officers responsible to the community. We also need to enforce the law as to bail and consequences of criminal acts.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Yes, we need to work toward a more Unified Government including the young and old in decision making. We have made some progress with the institution of youth Councils recently created.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? We do not need to duplicate services and must work together for the community wherever possible. We missed an opportunity with the 911 call center. I see the same thing happening with the New Fine Arts Center which will be located in the downtown area but who is being called a county only project.
Website: Gail Morfesis on Facebook
Laura Rodrigues-Mussler
candidate for City Council District 2
Background: I moved here in 1996. After a few years I found myself a single mother of 3 kids struggling to get by. Many times, I went to local food banks so we could eat the last couple days of the month. So, I understand the struggles many families are facing as they try to make ends meet.
Why are you running for this office? The 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.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Crime Prevention – provide a safer community. Increase Affordable Housing Options – decrease the homeless in our streets. Enhance Transparency & Accountability – foster a more engaged community.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Support a multi-faceted approach addressing socioeconomic factors, mental health issues, & public awareness. Invest in community outreach, mentorship & diversion programs to provide alternatives to the cycle of violence. Create a gang council to foster positive relationships with community leaders.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: Collaborate with developers, non-profit organizations, & county agencies to expand affordable & low-income housing opportunities. Ensure a shared effort between the city and county by providing job training opportunities to support citizens in becoming contributing members of our community.
Police accountability: Change the law to allow body cam footage to be accessible without a court order. If body cam footage is readily available, we can ensure our police are treating our citizens with dignity and respect. We will hold them accountable by seeing exactly what is happening in our community.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Hold town halls on each college campus and provide a safe space for them to voice their opinions, ask questions and engage with local representatives. Establish feedback mechanisms to allow them to track the progress and impact of their input on local policies and projects.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? Collaboration between a city and its county can lead to more efficient resource allocation, improved services, and a better overall quality of life for residents. Representatives from the city and county should be meeting quarterly to assess progress and adjust goals as needed.
Website: LauraForThePeople.com
Anastasia J. Vann
candidate for City Council District 2
Background: Most recently, I held a position with the United States of America Census Bureau to help record the population in Fayetteville for the State of North Carolina. This is in addition to being the Anchor of the Podcast that I own named the BLACKONYX (pronounced Black Onyx) Podcast.
Why are you running for this office? I am a focused leader who is ready to work with everyone and bring forth resolutions through problem solving and encouraging the citizens of Fayetteville, North Carolina to show what they are worth.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: (1) I would like to help create strategic planning towards training for Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) and purchase forensic science equipment. (2) Focus on infrastructure. (3) Implement mapping for expanding transportation options.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: I believe that Gun Violence should be addressed by the Governor and a Bill should be written that reflects greater penalties for crimes committed with illegal use of firearms and deadly weapons.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: Currently the city of Fayetteville, North Carolina is working on projects that involve assisting the homeless. Whereas, affordable housing can be addressed by the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority. I’d like to promote the city for grants and housing investments.
Police accountability: Police accountability should be addressed through means of Office of Professional Standards. Police officers should be evaluated on a regular basis (every quarter) for physical fitness, mental health and actual performance of task as also duties.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? I would give an invitation to have students to attend Town Meetings at City Hall and visit their campus to meet with their Student Government. I’d also be willing to accept invitations to attend Extra Curricular Organizational meetings held by high schools in addition to colleges.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? I would like to see the city and county collaborate with the city on planning a curfew to help decrease the crime rate. Though the city and county are effected by annexation (territorial properties) and remain to be separate entities but have meetings regularly.
Website: Anastasia J. Vann on Facebook
Primary Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 5
voters who live in District 5 can choose one candidate in this race
Johnny Dawkins
candidate for City Council District 5
Background: Lifelong resident of Fayetteville, started two successful businesses from scratch. Led the Military Affairs Council, and served as Chair of the Chamber of Commerce. 42 years of business experience. Active on non-profit boards of directors: Care Clinic, Urban Ministry, and many others.
Why are you running for this office? Running for my fifth term on the council b/c we must improve Public Safety, we must continue our Economic Development to create good-paying jobs to keep our young people in Fayetteville, and we must improve our streets and roads infrastructure, along with improving our stormwater infrastructure.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Focus on reducing crime by fully funding police, since public safety affects our quality of life and the economic development of our city. Build more sidewalks, pave more streets, and improve our stormwater infrastructure.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Fully fund police, enhance mental health services for our citizens. Lobby the NC legislature to commit a Billion Dollars a year for Mental Health Services.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: Continue to seek out federal grants for affordable housing, as we have done. Work with the County of Cumberland on paying for our Day Resource Center and our coming Homeless Shelter on Eastern Boulevard.
Police accountability: no response from candidate
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? We created the Millennial/Next Commission and it is a vehicle for our young people to get involved. Create better-paying jobs by working with FTCC, FSU, Methodist, and Ft. Bragg/Liberty so that young people have more choices for jobs.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? The city and county need to collaborate on the county landfill. The city and county need to go to the NC legislature, together, to get funding for a county-wide water system.
Website: JLDawkins.com
Lynne Bissette Greene
candidate for City Council District 5
Background: I live in Fayetteville and have no plans to move. I own a business and understand budgeting. As a former PWC Commissioner I know its impact on our city. Board appointments were opportunities to teach me collaboration. These experiences have given me the skill set needed to lead the city forward.
Why are you running for this office? Fayetteville matters to me. District 5 needs a new voice and we need to have confidence in our leadership. We all want to feel safe. We all want better opportunities. I have a heart for our community and I believe that I can be a catalyst for the changes that are needed.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: We all deserve to feel safe at home and in our community. Safety for our citizens matters. We also need to recruit “real jobs” to our community. Our citizens need to be able to provide for their families. We need intentional planning and common-sense strategies to ensure our future.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Gun violence in our city is rising alarmingly. We need to provide funding to our police department to enable them to fill the 80+ vacancies and invest in officer training and retention. We also need to offer opportunities to our youth that are more appealing than crime.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: It is important that we identify those in the unhoused population who are desirous of housing. I believe the recently opened resource center is a great first step. The continued efforts need to be in collaboration with the county, so that the city does not bear all of the costs.
Police accountability: Our problems did not occur overnight and will not be fixed overnight. We need to understand the policies that govern police conduct and begin transparent lines of communication with the leaders of the department and the neighborhood officers. Discuss expectations and follow up until changes occur.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council is a youth organization thats mission is to “serve as a voice for the youth in the betterment of our community.” This group has stood the test of time and could be a model for a program focused on local government and inclusion of local university students.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? We need to focus on Fayetteville’s future. This should start with a new vision plan to improve our community identity. The county and all relevant voices need to participate in developing our new vision. All spending and resources should be in line with the new vision plan.
Website: LynneBGreene.com
Justin Herbe
candidate for City Council District 5
Background: Retired U.S. Army (Major, Logistics). Own and operate 2 small businesses and have been a real estate investor for 20 years. I serve on the City Zoning Committee, coach Soccer and Baseball with the Cumberland County Recreation, and lead educational tours at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens.
Why are you running for this office? Alongside my wife, we are raising our 5 young boys here inside the city. Fayetteville is growing into a very large city and without the right leadership, it will grow haphazard. We need business focused leaders who can attract corporations into our region in order to raise our quality of living.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: I want the city to increase the pay for First Responders by 30%. They deserve to be paid for what they are worth. I also want our city to provide more mental health counseling and social services for the homeless. This keeps them off the street permanently and saves the city money by avoiding hotels.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: Increase First Responder pay in order to attract and retain more Police Officers so they can focus on violent crimes and the drug trade. Implement the OCS program so that mental health professionals can respond to mental health emergencies instead of the Police.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: Build more affordable housing near public transit systems. Also decrease the minimum required parking spaces for apartment developments thereby allowing more units to be built. Streamline the process for Builders/Developers going through the Zoning Committee so they build homes faster.
Police accountability: Require every Council representative to conduct a Police ride along at least once every 6 months so that they can experience what goes on in a Police Officer’s day. Make Body Cam footage public record so that the footage is released as soon as possible to maintain transparency.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Hold meet and greets, forums, and question and answers on the local college campuses so that the students know their representative. Encourage the students to get involved in school and local government.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? Enforce current truancy laws, get kids back in school so they graduate. Build a housing facility that is large enough for the current homeless requirements. The county collects a majority of its taxes from city residents but unfairly re-distributes them to those living in the county.
Website: Justin Herbe For District 5
Fred G. LaChance III
candidate for City Council District 5
Background: Retired Navy Chief 23 years, small business since 1993. Ran for city council 2022, first time getting involved in politics. Making a second run 2023. No past experience holding any public office.
Why are you running for this office? I feel like we do not have any representation in our district. Seems like once elected, the city council member forgets who he is representing.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Wasted spending, homeless and crime
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Public safety and gun violence: I support in letting the police do their job without outside interference from the public. We have a shortage of over 50 police officers. With a full police force, crime would come down drastically.
Affordable housing and the city’s unhoused population: The answer is communication between the city and landlords of Fayetteville. Unless you open up a dialog between the two, nothing gets accomplished.
Police accountability: I believe that most police are straight when it comes to the law. You will always have that 10 percent of bad police, just like 10 percent of bad teachers, doctors and other professional people. It is the job of the police chief to weed out the bad police. He is fully responsible for his personnel.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Students need to learn about local government in their schools of education. I am a believer in town hall meetings and forums to get new ideas from the young and old voters in Fayetteville. Communication between groups can go a long way in making decisions.
In what ways would you like to see the city and county collaborate? How would you help improve the city’s relationship with the county? I would like to see the county and city become one standing government. This would greatly improve the safety of the area and services for all voters.
Website: Fred G. Lachance for City Council District 5 on Facebook
Voting Tools
Questions about the election?
Contact the Cumberland County Board of Elections at 910-678-7733.
