Fayetteville Observer Voter Guide: Meet the Fayetteville City Council District 9 candidates
Freshman City Councilman Deno Hondros faces a challenge from Fredlisha Lansana for the Fayetteville City Council District 9 seat.
Here are their answers to a candidate questionnaire from The Fayetteville Observer. They have been edited for style and grammar.
Deno Hondros
Age: 47
Immediate family: Wife, Lizamarie Hondros; and son, James Dean Hondros
Occupation: Realtor
Elected office held: City Council District 9
Contact information: denohondros@fayattevillenc.gov; 910-433-1992; Re-Elect Deno Hondros - City Council District 9 Fayetteville, NC on Facebook; fayfirst.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?
This is a toss-up between gaining consensus to hire a director of our Office of Community Safety and/or resources for the homeless in the way of the Day Resource Center where the community can go to work with the city’s partners and be connected with various resources, and the several public-private partnerships this council approved that will provide over 200 transitional housing units, which I campaigned on last year.
What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the city of Fayetteville and/or your district?
Breaking and entering cases; murders; not enough proactive youth intervention programs; and speeding.
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?
Fayetteville has progressed light years since my childhood. Nevertheless, I believe we could and should be doing a lot more to develop programs that provide positive choices for our youth, particularly from the ages of 15-16 when they begin to age out of rec league sports and programs and the age of 21. With our nonprofit partners, business community, our schools and citizens, more mentorship programs can be developed that will help mold our young generations into the change we wish to see.
What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the city, especially young families?
We must first foster an environment that is appealing to young families and new residents. To do this we must continue to address public safety, quality of life, and housing issues. We must continue to build on the police chief’s vision to positively impact crime, especially with our youth; we must continue to expand our parks and recreation offerings; and we must do more to facilitate attainable housing. Two ways to help facilitate attainable housing for all is by streamlining processes and (re)development ordinances, and by incentivizing the development of the types of housing our market desires.
How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?
I love attending as many citizen advisory boards as I possibly can and that my schedule allows. I am a HUGE advocate of the city’s advisory boards and commissions. With over 26 to choose from (planning, zoning, stormwater, airport, senior, towing, police, even the Woodpeckers) there is something for everyone. Also by attending community meetings, and volunteering with nonprofits like the Salvation Army of the Sandhills, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber (which includes a lot of ribbon cuttings, coffee hours and business after-hours), and of course my home church, Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church (come visit with us at ... our annual Spaghetti Dinner Nov. 15).
Fredlisha Lansana
Age: 47
Immediate family: Maileyna, 16; Albert, 15; and Alan, 12
Occupation: Community service chaplain
Elected office held: None
Contact information: Committeetoelectfreddielansana@gmail.com; cell: 984-977-9109; Facebook: Committee to Elect Fredlisha Lansana
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?
I was approached to consider a candidacy for this position. After much reflection, I recognized that my passion for service and my extensive experience in representing diverse viewpoints uniquely positioned me for this role. In my capacity as a soldier and dedicated social worker, I have consistently championed social change and justice. I believe this commitment makes me a suitable candidate to hold an office that is fundamentally about service to our community. The impetus for my candidacy wasn't solely the challenges facing our community, but rather the recognition that I possess the requisite skills and expertise to address the needs of our constituents.
What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the city of Fayetteville and/or your district?
Funding for our educators, equity in education, homelessness, unfair wages, and a space for our youth. (This has been echoed throughout the community)
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?
With persistent and genuine efforts of collaboration across district lines, it's possible to change the perception in several ways. Engaging the younger generation; their fresh perspective and innovative ideas can help in reshaping the perception. Promoting local art and culture like the recent folk festival, transparency and accountability to issues, community involvement, safety initiatives, public relations campaigns, and more to get community onboarding and/or buy-in.
What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the city, especially young families?
By creating an environment that prioritizes the needs of young families, cities can become more appealing destinations for both residents and investors. Examples would be flexible workspaces; education and skill development; create platforms for residents to voice their concerns and allow them to be involved in the cities’ development; economic incentives; along with a host of other initiatives.
How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?
I am currently walking through neighborhoods randomly on any given day and people tend to be happy that someone cares enough to listen. I would like to be able to host events each month and I will be conducting surveys.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville City Council: Deno Hondros versus Fredlisha Lansana
