Thriving, Safe, and Healthy Communities
Growth & Progress
Quality of Life & Well Being
Public Safety & Security
Growth and progress are vital to the long-term success and vitality of our city. Steady development brings new opportunities for residents and businesses alike, fostering economic energy and innovation. Responsible growth ensures we can upgrade infrastructure, improve public services, and enhance our neighborhoods, making our city more
Growth and progress are vital to the long-term success and vitality of our city. Steady development brings new opportunities for residents and businesses alike, fostering economic energy and innovation. Responsible growth ensures we can upgrade infrastructure, improve public services, and enhance our neighborhoods, making our city more attractive for newcomers while preserving the unique character that makes our community special. Embracing progress also means investing in sustainable practices that balance development with environmental preservation, ensuring that our growth benefits future generations.
Growth is a reflection of resilience and adaptability. It demonstrates our city’s ability to evolve in response to changing needs and challenges.
Public Safety & Security
Quality of Life & Well Being
Public Safety & Security
Public safety is the cornerstone of a thriving and vibrant community. Ensuring the safety of all residents must be a top priority as it directly impacts quality of life, economic growth and community trust.
High quality Public Safety, Neighborhood Security, Emergency Preparedness, and
Response Services are important considerations for res
Public safety is the cornerstone of a thriving and vibrant community. Ensuring the safety of all residents must be a top priority as it directly impacts quality of life, economic growth and community trust.
High quality Public Safety, Neighborhood Security, Emergency Preparedness, and
Response Services are important considerations for residents and businesses as it fosters a sense of security and stability. This involves not only effective law enforcement but also investments in community programs, crime prevention initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
By working collaboratively with law enforcement, local organizations, and residents, we can develop comprehensive strategies that reduce crime, address root causes, and create a supportive environment for everyone.
Quality of Life & Well Being
Quality of Life & Well Being
Quality of Life & Well Being
Prioritizing quality of life and well-being is essential to fostering a healthy community. Promoting green spaces, parks, and recreational facilities can enhance physical and mental health, offering residents opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and social connection. Additionally, supporting local businesses and economic developmen
Prioritizing quality of life and well-being is essential to fostering a healthy community. Promoting green spaces, parks, and recreational facilities can enhance physical and mental health, offering residents opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and social connection. Additionally, supporting local businesses and economic development initiatives can create job opportunities and reduce economic disparities, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous community. It's important that we continue to invest in our parks and recreation centers. And support local festivals, arts and cultural activities. .
Continuing to advocate for policies that prioritize sustainability, safety, and social cohesion will help elevate the quality of life for all residents, ensuring the city remains a vibrant, healthy place to live, work, and grow.
Questions & Answers
What are your top three priorities for enhancing economic growth opportunities
throughout the city?
My top priorities for enhancing economic growth opportunities are fostering a stronger workforce through training and support for existing businesses and entrepreneurship, revitalizing neighborhoods and affordable housing, and enhancing transportation and infrastructure connectivity. With these three things working together simultaneously, we would create a more attractive community for businesses and residents, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and stable economy.
Workforce Development and Business Support: I would focus on the continuous building of a skilled workforce and provide resources to support existing businesses and foster new ones. We must be committed to preparing individuals for career success. I would continue to work closely with the city’s Economic and Community Development department, which supports small businesses through loans, grants, technical assistance, and programs, focusing on job creation and economic growth. I would also work closely with the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, which serves as a catalyst in growing a healthy business community.
Neighborhood Revitalization and Affordable Housing: The city has made affordable housing a key part of its 2025 legislative priorities. Addressing the growing need for affordable housing is central to ensuring economic stability and a good quality of life. I would continue to support this effort. Investing in and revitalizing existing neighborhoods to make them more desirable for residents and businesses is vital.
Transportation and Infrastructure Connectivity: I would focus on continuing to improve the city's transportation networks and overall connectivity. This includes evaluating and expanding transportation options, which helps businesses and residents connect more effectively and encourages economic activity. Improved infrastructure aids in public safety and helps to attract and retain businesses, leading to job creation.
How would you grade (from A-F) the quality of life in Fayetteville and why?
Grade: B+ . Fayetteville’s overall cost of living is lower, and in some areas much lower than the state and national average. We have some great recreational facilities and beautiful green spaces with opportunities for rest and relaxation, exercise, and social connecting. The abundance of parks and trails, such as the Cape Fear River Trail, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, picnicking, and enjoying nature. Cultural activities range from visiting one of our fine museums to experiencing live performances at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. There are several annual events and festivals throughout the year.
A greater focus on mental health, reducing crime, and enhancing our infrastructure are key elements that make for a better quality of life grade.
What makes you the best candidate to represent District 1 on the City Council?
Experience I have great experience working closely with the city of Fayetteville, from serving as a charter member of the Fayetteville Ethics Commission to most recently serving on the Fayetteville Planning Commission. I am a graduate of Leadership Fayetteville where I was elected class mayor, The Institute for Community Leadership – elected class leader, Cumberland County Citizens’ Academy, and Fayetteville PD’s Citizens Police Academy. I am a lifelong resident of Fayetteville and honorably served our nation as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army here at Fort Bragg. I worked as a news reporter for nearly a decade at Fayetteville’s first radio station, WFNC (W-Fayetteville North Carolina) covering and reporting Fayetteville news as Steve Blackmon.
Relationships
To get a lot of things done at the city level, it takes collaboration and working with our community leaders and elected officials at the county and state levels. Establishing a relationship with them is vital. My past work as a journalist and news reporter covering Fayetteville news and serving on various city boards and commissions over the years has afforded me the awesome opportunity to gain many great relationships with local leaders – solid relationships that would serve me well as a member of the Council.
Dedication to Service
I chose to serve in the U.S. Army to preserve our freedom and defend our nation. I chose the medical field because of my concern for the health and welfare of people. I was known for getting things done. I was given the name “Top Dog” in the military, which was inscribed on the Iron Mike I received upon leaving service. I focused on solutions, as I did on the several boards I’ve been honored to serve on, and as I would as a member of the Council. Over the years I’ve been honored to receive three Presidential Volunteer Service Awards and in August of 2023, I was honored to receive from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest recognition for service.
