Derrick Thompson

What are your top three priorities for enhancing economic growth opportunities throughout the city?

Small businesses are the backbone of the city economy. They create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and
contribute to the growth and sustainability of our community. Their success helps drive investment and build
wealth in our beloved city. We have a program called the Can Do Performance Program. This empowers
individuals to facilitate growth of their own business within the local economy. The city invest in work force
development to enhance opportunities for sustainable employment. This investment is designed to reduce
barriers to capital for businesses located in Loe-to Moderate Income tracts especially those with women,
veterans, and minority ownership. Im proud to support this program and I look forward to the positive impact
it will have on our local economy work force and future growth. The city is working hard bringing jobs that pay
well to support our strategic growth. We have created over 5,000 jobs to our economy from small businesses
to Amazon, the Dome Plant, and soon the Titanium plant. These major projects bring others to the table, we
need to expand our readiness by preparing now for what’s to come. The north side of Fayetteville and the
southwest ares of Fayetteville are currently seeing the growth our city needs. North Carolina is the 2nd fastest
growing state in the Country and we need to capitalize on that growth. We need to make sure that we
collaborate with Schools, County, public Works Commission, and others to ensure when these opportunities
are available we are ready to answer the hardship questions, whether it’s Crime, Infrastructure, housing, etc.
Public-Private partnership designed to enhance job growth and prosperity across the city by attracting new
industries and expanding existing one are key to growth. Most cities that are growth at a fast rate( Atlanta,
Salt Lake City, Detroit, Tampa) all have private investors contributing to that development. We need to attract
this partnership, with multi-use, mixed development areas that can bring residential, Commercial, and green
spaces to our area. We have to change our mind set about what was, what is, to what could be. I’m about
forward thinking and want to see our future of what we can become vibrant, attractive, producing a decent
living wage. Our greater Fayetteville Chamber does a great job welcoming our new businesses to the
community and getting them connected to resource that help them thrive.

What are the most pressing issues facing the City of Fayetteville? How will you work to solve them?

I'm dedicated to tackling the most pressing issues facing our community with a holistic and collaborative
approach. The key priorities for this term include: Increased Public Safety: I approved crucial funding for the
first-ever installation of license plate readers (LPRs) in District 6, providing a new and effective tool for law
enforcement to deter and solve crimes. This technology is a key tool in supporting our police officers
especially when they are operating short handed. This will close gaps in new roads (295 extention) that do not
have servalence cameras. I established new community watch groups, empowering residents to take an
active role in improving the safety and security of their neighborhoods. I will focus on reducing youth violence
and improving the overall quality of life for young people in District 6 and around the city. I will advocate for
programs and initiatives that provide opportunities and support for the youth. Our new Office of Community
safety with a 3 million dollar budget will play a Hugh role in combating youth violence in our community. They
will work in tandem with multiple non profits collaborating efforts, ideals, and resources building a safer,
smarter, and productive youth population. I initiated and championed a new supplementary pedestrian plan,
which specifically improves sidewalks around all public schools in the city to ensure children have a safe
route to and from schools. Our children are our future, when we see kids walking to and from school on a dirt
path, in the street, or where sidewalk run out something need to be done! We have many issues around safety
in school zones, either speeding, driving through stop signs or driving past buses picking up kids. Soon our
school buses will be equipped with cameras videoing cars making infractions in school zones. These
offenses will be documented, and fined for the infractions. We have filled every position for traffic control
office at every school (crossing guards). By January we will have a School Resource Officer in every high
school in the city, and will eventually have one in every school. SAFETY, SAFETY, and SAFETY will always be
my priorities as long as Im on Council.

What makes you the best candidate to represent the City of Fayetteville?

In order to be a good candidate you need certain qualities, you need a servants heart it has to be about the
people and the city and not personal interest. You need compassion, you have to have a vision and that
comes from talking with your residents and address their needs. You need to be mature, you wont always get
everything you ask for, you need to be able to work with others it takes a majority to pass anything. Being a
strong communicator and a team player shows the public that you can get things done. You also have to have
a good character integrity, morals, ethics, being truthful and transparent is key in how you get things done.
The bottom line is you have to be in it for the RIGHT reasons. I believe I have the qualities to serve my district
and my city. I was trusted serving over 21 years of military service, I will trusted in delivering your mail for over
15 years, I was trusted as the Homeowners Association President for over 5 years. Now I hope and Pray Im
trusted to serve another term as your District 6 councilman.