Fayetteville Observer Voter Guide: Colvin, de la Cruz in a rematch for mayor of Fayetteville

Fayetteville's mayoral contest will see a repeat of the 2022 race in the November election.

Incumbent Mitch Colvin, who is seeking his fourth term in office, faces a challenge from business owner and former mayoral candidate Freddie de la Cruz.

Here are the mayoral candidates' answers to a candidate questionnaire from The Fayetteville Observer. They have been edited for style and grammar.

Mitch Colvin

Age: 50

Immediate family: Three daughters

Occupation: Funeral home and business owner

Elected office held: Mayor

Contact information: hmitchellcolvin@gmail.com; www.mayormitchcolvin.com; 910-987-0590

For incumbents: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement or achievements in office?For challengers: What issue or issues compelled you to seek office?

Economic policies that have created nearly $500 million in new investment and nearly 5,000 jobs since 2017. To include a more diverse and inclusive economy.

What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the city of Fayetteville and/or your district?

Proliferation of guns caused by our change in policy of our state lawmakers. Lack of mental health resources and the increased pressure for the city to deal with this new challenge. Affordable and workforce housing availability. We have approximately 20,000 residents living in housing they can't afford.

Although Fayetteville’s reputation has come a long way, there are many people who still see the city in a negative light. What are your ideas as to how to change that perception?

We have to continue to continue to share the progress and the positive accomplishments of the city.I am proud to have participated in the new Can Do City rebranding.

What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the city, especially young families?

I led the effort to establish a policy board, Fayetteville Next, which advises the City Council on issues to improve the retention and attraction of young adults. We must continue to invest in cultural arts, parks and recreational projects, infrastructure and solidify our economic opportunities with next-generation jobs.

How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?

I am continuing to meet regularly with citizens and citizen groups to update them on the latest city initiatives and to get ideas on how we can make improvements to our community.

Freddie de la Cruz

Age: 61

Immediate family: Spouse, Venus; and children, Calista, Miranda, Sarah, E.j., Ethan and Olivia

Occupation: Retired Army lieutenant colonel; business owner

Elected office held: None

Contact information: 910-568-9699; Facebook: Freddie for Fayetteville - Mayor; FreddieForMayor.com.

For incumbents: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement or achievements in office?For challengers: What issue or issues compelled you to seek office?

Improve public safety: Fully support law enforcement, fire department and emergency services; Fairly enforce the law to reduce crime; Support effective community policing that makes you safe in your home.

Focus on economic development: Streamline permitting to reduce wasted time and money for businesses; Reduce barriers between the City and the County to better attract businesses; Actively support and work with the Fayetteville and Cumberland Economic Development Council (FCEDC) to attract new businesses and support current businesses.

Re-envision Fayetteville transportation system: Rework our city system so it actually serves the people who rely on it; ensure that the aged and disabled have convenient access to transportation.

What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the city of Fayetteville and/or your district?

Unity: Work with the County Commissioners to solve serious problems affecting our citizens, i.e. 911 call center and homelessness housing.

Gun violence: Educate people on gun safety and gun laws, consistent buyback programs.

Homelessness: Help create job opportunities for homeless with the city and local businesses.

Re-envision of Fayetteville transportation network system: In addition to FAST, I want to create an efficient shuttle transport (EST) program designed for employees, students, handicapped and senior citizens getting to and from their destinations expeditiously (FAST-EST program).

Jobs: Bring high-paying jobs for our citizens to be able to afford housing and a decent living.

Although Fayetteville’s reputation has come a long way, there are many people who still see the city in a negative light. What are your ideas as to how to change that perception?

Start with the area beautification of our city, fixing potholes, repainting the lines, letters and curves on our streets; landscaping. Fayetteville needs a facelift that will attract businesses and people to our city, especially at the entry corridors to our city. Increase police patrols to deter and reduce crime.

What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the city, especially young families?

I would work with industries that offer high-paying jobs that will attract young families to want to come to our city.

How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?

One-on-one direct contact; door knocking; attending community events; social media; radio ads; flyers; mailers; and debates.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville mayoral race: Mitch Colvin versus Freddie de la Cruz