What are your top three priorities for enhancing economic growth opportunities throughout the city?
My Top Three Priorities for Enhancing Economic Growth in Fayetteville
Economic growth in Fayetteville must be inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered. For me, that means focusing on three priorities: strengthening small businesses, preparing our workforce, and investing in our neighborhoods.
1. Strengthening Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Small businesses are the backbone of Fayetteville’s economy, and they are often the first to hire locally and reinvest in our neighborhoods. I will push for policies that make it easier for entrepreneurs to start, grow, and sustain their businesses. That includes cutting unnecessary red tape, streamlining city processes, and expanding access to capital and technical assistance for minority- and women-owned businesses. Supporting local business development also means the city should intentionally buy local and encourage residents to do the same. When small businesses succeed, our entire community benefits.
2. Preparing and Expanding Our Workforce
Economic growth depends on having a workforce ready to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s employers. Fayetteville has the advantage of being home to talented students, FTCC, Methodist University, a strong HBCU in Fayetteville State, and veterans transitioning out of Fort Liberty. I will work to expand partnerships between schools, higher education, and local industries to create job training pipelines in areas like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. By equipping residents with in-demand skills, we not only attract employers but also ensure that Fayetteville families can access good-paying jobs right here at home.
3. Investing in Neighborhood Revitalization and Infrastructure
A thriving economy requires safe, attractive, and connected neighborhoods. Too often, economic opportunity bypasses areas that need it most. I will prioritize infrastructure improvements, like storm water issues, sidewalks, lighting etc., while also investing in beautification and property preservation. Revitalizing commercial corridors and neglected neighborhoods will not only improve quality of life but also attract businesses and new development. Fayetteville must grow in a way that lifts every community, not just a few.
In conclusion, my approach to economic growth is about more than numbers, it’s about people. By supporting small businesses, preparing our workforce, and investing in our neighborhoods, we can create an economy that works for everyone. As your City Council representative, I will work every day to make sure Fayetteville is not just a place where businesses want to invest, but a city where families want to live, work, and thrive.
What are the most pressing issues facing the City of Fayetteville, and how will you work to solve them?
The Most Pressing Issues Facing Fayetteville and My Plan to Address Them
Fayetteville is a city full of promise, but we also face challenges that directly affect the daily lives of our residents. From public safety to economic opportunity to neighborhood revitalization, we must focus on solutions that put people first.
1. Public Safety and Community Trust
Safety is foundational to everything else we want to achieve as a city. While crime has decreased in some areas, gun violence and neighborhood safety remain real concerns. I believe we must strengthen community policing, build deeper trust between law enforcement and residents, and expand youth programs that keep our young people engaged and off the streets. Prevention, mentorship, and opportunity are just as important as enforcement.
2. Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development
Fayetteville families deserve access to good-paying jobs and an economy that works for everyone. Our challenges include supporting small businesses, preparing workers for the jobs of the future, and ensuring that growth reaches every neighborhood. I will work to streamline business processes, support minority- and women-owned businesses, and strengthen partnerships between our schools, Fayetteville State, FTCC, and local industries. By connecting education to employment opportunities, we can prepare our residents for careers in technology, healthcare, and skilled trades.
3. Neighborhood Revitalization and Infrastructure
Too many Fayetteville neighborhoods have been overlooked when it comes to infrastructure and investment. From potholes and broken sidewalks to abandoned properties and beautification needs, these issues impact quality of life and discourage business development. I will champion property preservation, infrastructure improvements, and targeted neighborhood revitalization that make every part of Fayetteville a place people are proud to call home.
4. Government Transparency and Efficiency
Residents deserve a city government that works efficiently and puts their tax dollars to good use. Federal funding cuts may force us to make tough decisions, but accountability and transparency must always guide the process. I will push for smarter budgeting, greater accountability, and stronger community engagement so residents feel confident in how their city is managed.
The most pressing issues facing Fayetteville require leadership that listens, collaborates, and acts with people in mind. My approach will always be community-first: protecting public safety, expanding economic opportunity, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and ensuring an efficient, transparent city government. By working together, we can make Fayetteville not just a growing city, but a thriving community where families feel safe, supported, and proud of where they live.
What makes you the best candidate to represent your district on the City Council?
I have lived in Fayetteville for 35 years, raising my family here, building relationships, and investing in the future of this community. District 3 deserves a leader who not only understands its challenges but also has the vision, experience, and determination to create solutions that put people first.
I have spent years serving Fayetteville through community initiatives, faith-based efforts, nonprofit leadership, and business development. Whether it has been mentoring young people, partnering with local organizations, or building opportunities through Brother Strong, I have demonstrated the ability to bring people together across different backgrounds to achieve real results. I know how to listen, build consensus, and take action.
My professional experience includes leadership roles that required managing budgets, making strategic decisions, and ensuring accountability. These skills are critical for City Council service, where we must balance competing priorities and make wise decisions with limited resources. I will bring both fiscal responsibility and creativity along with me to City Hall.
I understand the concerns of District 3 residents because I have walked these neighborhoods, listened to families, and participated in community watch meetings. The issues that matter most, public safety, economic opportunity, infrastructure, and neighborhood revitalization are the issues I will champion on City Council. I will work tirelessly to ensure District 3 receives its fair share of resources and investment.
What sets me apart is my belief that politics should be about people. That means listening before acting, being accountable to those I serve, and ensuring every voice in District 3 is heard. My vision is not just about short-term fixes, but about long-term growth, building stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and ultimately, a stronger Fayetteville.
I am the best candidate to represent District 3 because I combine experience, community commitment, and a people-first vision for the future. Fayetteville needs leaders who will be accessible, transparent, and relentless in their pursuit of progress for our residents. That is the kind of leadership I am ready to bring to City Council.