Candidate Michael Pinkston – District 8

What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?

I have not received any official endorsements; however I have been encouraged to run by several important groups.  I am open to endorsements, and would consider it an honor if the Fayetteville Regional Association of Realtors would like to endorse my campaign.

If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry? (RPAC, buildPAC etc.)

Yes I would.

With crime being the #1 City Council priority, what solutions would you bring to the table and how would you fund them?

There are at least three things that I would like to see happen immediately when elected.  First, I would like to see more emphasis placed on the program called “citizens on patrol.”  This is a valuable tool for law enforcement in identifying crimes that are taking place or about to take place.  The deterrent aspect of this program should not be under played; “citizens on patrol” is a valuable asset to our community.  Second, we need an increase in number of our community watch programs.  This is where council can make a big difference.  Council can go into an area and help jump start new community watch programs and provide them with the tools to help get them started, as well as programs strategis, necessary to become a successful long term organization.  Third, as a newly elected councilman, I fully intend to take the opportunity to ride along with our policy and fire fighters in our city.  It will become my job to observe and support both local law enforcement and fire fighters wherever possible.  By riding along with local law enforcement, not only will I gain a better understanding of just what our police go through on a daily basis, I will also be able to make better informed decisions regarding the Police Department.

Additionally, I am committed to keeping criminals off Fayetteville streets.  Criminals need to know that when they are caught that there WILL be consequences for their action.  They need to be put in jail until their trial date, not sent home to commit more crime.

I am going to work hard to see that criminals are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, no more slaps on the wrist, no more catch and release.

I will push hard for both the city and the county to corroborate in all matters regarding law enforcement, as well as the prosectution of criminals.

We will need to speed up trial dates; this will mean that we may half to to to night court and/or Saturday court in order to deal with the large back log of criminal cases.  If crime is as serious as we say it is, and I for one believe it is, then it is going to take the consolidated efforts of a lot of people across the city and county to stamp out crime.  I have never thought of myself as a crime fighter, however, if that’s what it takes to make Fayetteville a safe place to live in I am in for the fight.

As to the funding, many of the programs already exist, and those that don’t we will haft to dig deep.  I liken it to cancer, if your child was diagnosis with a serve form of cancer you would stop at nothing to find a cure.  Fayetteville is our child, and we as a people and the citizens of this great city need to do whatever it takes to eradicate this cancer from our city.

What is your opinion on the recent issues between the City of Fayetteville and the Public Works Commission?

Of all the possible issues during this campaign season, this is the one which could easily derail a candidate; with that said, I don’t want to skirt the issue because it is important and it is an issue which will work itself out.  Anything which takes away from the issue of crime and jobs for Fayetteville is one I am just not willing to jump into at this time.  I believe that the Davenport Lawrence Study has raised some serious concerns and I believe that any issues between city council and PWC can and will be amicably worked out to the benefits of our citizens.

What are your thoughts on a new city sign ordinance?  What would you like to see in the ordinance?

One of the reasons this is such an important question is because it has to do with the economic growth and development of Fayetteville as well as all existing businesses in the city.

Like manly well-meaning ordinances, this is one which can’t meet the need of many businesses.  Fayetteville has been described as an UNFRIENDLY place to do business, and the “one size fits all” attitude does not help the image of Fayetteville because we are NOT a “one size fits all” city.  The city needs to be flexible to meet the needs of each business.  This is going to mean a little more work on the part of the city employees who are tasked with the responsibilities of working with new and existing businesses.  We must at all cost change the perception that Fayetteville is not a friendly place to do business.  Change the perception and we change the way people and businesses view our great city.

 What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

We need to upgrade our airport, this is a high priority for infrastructure, and it will attract more business.  It also gives the perception as well that in reality Fayetteville is on the move.

There has been an idea floated that since Arlington National Cemetery is rapidly filling up, a new cemetery for our nation’s heroes could be developed in Fayetteville, after all we are inescapably a military town.  A new national cemetery would not only provide hundreds of jobs, it would also bring conservatively 500 new people to Fayetteville per day.

The Alliance, the economic development arm of the chamber of commerce has developed a short list of companies which could potentially look at Fayetteville as their new home.  Along with the Alliance, I will work tirelessly to bring as many new businesses to Fayetteville as possible in an effort to raise the standard of living for our citizens and improve the economic environment of our city.

 

Candidate Curtis Worthy – District 7

What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?

none

If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry? (RPAC, buildPAC etc.)

Yes, I am pro business.  Our economy of prosperous business will follow safe communities and vibrant neighborhoods.  We must address the crime rate because it has a direct impact on our residents and business owners.

With crime being the #1 City Council priority, what solutions would you bring to the table and how would you fund them?

As an accountant and business owner, I would line by line look over the budget for money to fund what Chief Medlock sees as the answer to work out the problems.

What is your opinion on the recent issues between the City of Fayetteville and the Public Works Commission?

PWC is the public utilities company and we should allow them to do that which is best for the rate payers.  Go slow.

What are your thoughts on a new city sign ordinance?  What would you like to see in the ordinance?

Not user friendly.  We should start with the same standards as the County of Cumberland.  We should have REALTOR member to serve on ordinance committee to change and consider new ordinance – how they effect business.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

Ask management to operate within the city fund revenue fixed means.  Citizens have no choice but to live within their fixed means.  City government must be made to do likewise.  No tax increase.

Candidate Bill Crisp – District 6

What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?

None, and I have not sought endorsement from groups or organizations.  I am very careful that I represent the citizenry and not simply district 6.  I am dedicated to what is best for the entire city.

If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry (RPAC, BuildPAC etc.)?

Yes, from RPAC or BuildPAC,  but nominal (small) amounts.  I don not accept sizable contributions except from private citizens.  I am careful to not become indentured to partisan causes or some special interest groups.

With crime being the #1 City Council priority, what solutions would you bring to the table and how would you fund them?

I alone initiated a plan for a Crime Task Force and a Citizen’s Economic Task Force.  Both concepts have been approved by City Council and now we (council) are moving towards volunteers to serve.  The Economic Task Force will consist of share holders and business leaders, university leaders, HOA’s, youth leaders and non-profit leaders to “chart” courses of action to combat crime and facilitate growth and development.

What is your opinion on the recent issues between the City of Fayetteville and the Public Works Commission?

I am confident that city staff, council and PWC will reach agreement and resolve any problems existing.  It is encourage to note all parties are willing to come to the table.

What are your thoughts on a new city sign ordinance? What would you like to see in the ordinance?

Needs more work.  While we need to control signage, we need to be careful that we do not hinder business in advertising.  Standards are necessary, but I believe city ordinances must not be so rigid as to limit the ability of a business.  Aside from Ft. Bragg, small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

I have already initiated the formulation of two task forces which are critical to future development and growth.  Currently crime is our greatest hindrance.  I intend to re-examine the city’s incentive (attracting businesses) program.

Regional Land Use Advisory Commission – Solar Farms

RLUAC Quarterly Meeting
August 15, 2013

Speakers:
Stephen Kalland – Executive Director, NC Solar Center at NCSU
Mark Locklear – Harnett County Director of Planning Services
Randy Baker – Harnett County Senior Zoning Officer

Topic: Benefits of Solar Farms as an Industry in North Carolina

The complete power point link is located at the bottom of this report

Talking Points:

  • Currently a model ordinance for solar farms is being written
  • Solar farms are making an economic impact in NC by 1) creating jobs 2) prestige 3) positive economic outlook
  • NC is now ranked 5th in the US for installation of “ground mounted systems.”  Two years ago NC was ranked 9th
  • In 2012, the clean energy sector generated over 3.7 billion in NC annual gross revenue
  • NC’s clean energy sector accounts for over 15,200 full-time employees as of September, 2012
  • “Solar developers” are living high on the hog
  • There is no standardization on permitting, zoning and inspections
  • In Moore Coounty, the planning board rejected a proposed ordinance regulating farm development (created an effective moratorium on large-scale development), the planning board disagreed with federal and state subsidies.  On June 18th, 2012 an ordinance was passed by the Moore County Commissioners
  • There are 52 ordinances on a county or city level
  • On property tax values – don’t know the residential impact…there is no data
  • Abandonment is a key issue
  • Hoke County has recently approved 3 conditional use solar farm cases
  • Hoke County will hold an open house on their NEW solar run middle school.  The school will also sell solar power off their grid

Q & A:

Q – In Hoke County there are different quotes, it depends on the land

A – The main externalities are the environment, fire hazards and property values

Q – Could solar farms be developed with swine and poultry?

A – Sometimes a conversation trend is to see solar water heaters installed

Q – Pushback from energy producers?

A – It is “us versus them”…renewable versus traditional.  What’s happened is now there is value to the system.  We know we have won when the utilities buy us out.

What’s Next: On September 23, The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association will host a forum for the development of a solar ordinance for North Carolina.

Tuesday, September 24
4:00 – 8:00pm
Carolina Civic Center
315 North Chestnut Street
Lumberton, NC  28359

NCSEA Slides and Presentations

NCSEA Slides and Presentations:

Forum on Solar Energy Siting and Permitting in North Carolina – Raleigh, May 31, 2013

Template Solar Ordinance Forum Presentation – Asheville, August 8, 2013

Your District Information

 District Information

 

Weekly Recipe

Former First Lady Pat Nixon’s Meatloaf

President Nixon was a fan of his wife’s famous meatloaf.  Her meatloaf was served at the White House once a month.  The White House started receiving so many request for her recipe that eventually it was printed on official stationery and mailed to those that requested it.

Mrs. Nixon once said…”Dick eats everything but he likes my meat loaf”

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup finely chopped onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 slices white bread
1 cup milk
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
2 tablespoons tomato puree
2 tablespoons bread crumbs

Directions:

  • Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan
  • Melt butter in a sauté pan, add garlic and sauté until golden, do not brown, let cool
  • Dice bread and soak it in milk
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix beef by hand with sautéed onions, garlic and bread pieces.  Add eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, thyme and marjoram and mix by hand in a circular motion
  • Turn mixture into the baking pan and pat into a loaf shape, leaving at least one inch of space around the edges to allow fat to run off
  • Brush the top with the tomato puree and sprinkle with bread crumbs.  Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate and to firm up the loaf
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  • Bake meatloaf on lower shelf of oven for 1 hour, or until meat is cooked through.  Pour off accumulated fat several times while baking and after meat is fully cooked.  Let stand on wire rack for five minutes before slicing.  Makes 6 servings