Fayetteville Observer Voter Guide: Meet the candidates for Spring Lake Board of Aldermen
Five incumbents and four challengers are vying for the five at-large seats on the Spring Lake Board of Aldermen in the Nov. 7 election.
The candidates are incumbents Robyn Chadwick, Soña L. Cooper, Marvin Lackman, Raul Palacios and Adrian Jones Thompson and challengers Katrina Bell Bratcher, Daniel B. Gerald, Jackie Lee Jackson and James P. O’Garra.
Here are their answers to a candidate questionnaire from The Fayetteville Observer. The answers have been edited for style and grammar.
Katrina Bratcher, Daniel B. Gerald and James P. O'Garra did not respond to the Observer's questionnaire.
Robyn Chadwick
Immediate family: Son, Jakari Chadwick
Occupation: Educator
Elected office held: Mayor pro tem
Contact information: Mirajak03@gmail.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?
A few of my greatest achievements are regaining the trust of the community, building relationships with Fort Liberty, and working strategically with the Local Government Commission to regain control of the town's finances. Through strong financial controls, the general fund has gone from a negative balance to a positive $2 million in less than two years.
What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the town of Spring Lake?
The top three challenges facing Spring Lake is the water infrastructure; we currently purchase water from two different sources and citizens have seen an increase in water bills. Another issue is the transportation system to help transport citizens to work, appointments and etc. and lastly having a lack of competitive jobs that pay livable wages.
What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the town, especially young families?
Spring Lake is in the process of building new housing developments. This would surely help attract new residents to the town. Also, last month the Spring Lake Chamber and Town of Spring Lake started First Fridays on Main. This is a great way to enjoy music, family and fun. Spring Lake is also having a beautiful mural painted that will visually attract citizens to inquire how can I make this beautiful town my home.
What does Spring Lake need that it doesn't have? This could be people, resources, organizations, business or infrastructure.
Spring Lake needs more attractions for the youth such as a movie theater, skating rink or a bowling alley.
How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?
I will engage my constituents every opportunity I can by attending community events, speaking to citizens at board meetings or in and around the town. A week ago, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Pink Dymons 5K Cancer Walk and Festival. This was a great conversation piece and community event. It included the local schools, Spring Lake citizens, surrounding areas, as well as community leaders. I will continue to be a voice of power for all citizens.
Soña L. Cooper
Age: 59
Immediate family: Three adult children: one son and two daughters
Occupation: Consultant/corporate travel professional
Elected office held: Alderwoman, Town of Spring Lake
Contact information: cooperforalderman@gmail.com or sona.cooper@townofspringlake.com; 910-759-9847;facebook.com/sonalcooper
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?
Some of my achievements in office have been restoring the public's trust in government, promoting transparency, and implementing effective fiscal management. The board successfully worked with the Local Government Commission to pass a balanced budget and eliminate wasteful spending. Through regular town meetings, social media, and accessible online platforms, the voices of our community are heard and their concerns addressed.Furthermore, I am proud to have represented the town as a member of the NCLM Board of Directors. This position has allowed me to advocate for the interests of Spring Lake on a larger scale, collaborating with other local leaders to shape policies and initiatives that benefit all North Carolina municipalities. Through my active involvement, I have been able to bring attention to the unique challenges and opportunities that our town faces, ensuring that our voice is heard and our needs are met.
Through my dedication and commitment, I have made a positive impact on our community, and I am confident that I will continue to serve as a strong advocate for the people of Spring Lake.
What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the town of Spring Lake?
One of the most pressing challenges Spring Lake faces is the need for sustained economic development. Lack of economic growth hampers job creation, limits opportunities for residents, and affects the overall prosperity of the community. Another significant challenge confronting Spring Lake is the state of its infrastructure and the increasing traffic congestion. Spring Lake must invest in upgrading its infrastructure, expanding public transportation options, and implementing smart traffic management solutions. Lastly, the preservation of Spring Lake's natural resources and the protection of its environment is crucial for the long-term well-being of the town. Spring Lake should prioritize conservation efforts, promote renewable energy sources, and implement eco-friendly practices.
What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the town, especially young families?
Create a compelling and visually appealing marketing campaign that showcases the town's natural beauty, invest in improving the town's infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and recreational facilities, and encourage entrepreneurship and the establishment of family-friendly businesses in Spring Lake.
What does Spring Lake need that it doesn't have? This could be people, resources, organizations, business or infrastructure.
The town needs public transportation, access to medical care of all types, county resources, low and moderate-income housing, and mental health resources.
How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?
I believe in utilizing every available form of communication available to me. I can connect with face-to-face interactions, email, phone calls, community events, church events, Board of Aldermen meetings, and social media.
Jackie Jackson
Age: 58
Immediate family: Three children and two adopted
Occupation: Founder of Teens Do Care
Elected office held: Alderwoman
Contact information: 910-261-1444
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 development
What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the town of Spring Lake?
Economic development, public transportation, recreation
What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the town, especially young families?
Marketing, and improving the infrastructure of our Main Street
What does Spring Lake need that it doesn't have? This could be people, resources, organizations, business or infrastructure.
Transportation
How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?
By responding quickly to concerns or questions and being very transparent.
Marvin Lackman
Age: 56
Immediate family: Wife, Janine Lackman
Occupation: Compliance officer, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Elected office held: Alderman, Spring Lake Board of Aldermen
Contact information: Facebook - Alderman Marvin Lackman; phone: 910-703-5026; email: marvin.lackman@townofspringlake.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?
1. Working with the Local Government Commission, getting out of a $1.8 million disaster of bad decisions and mismanagement to having a balanced budget in two years2. Utilizing ARPA funds wisely to purchase vehicles, tractors, mowers and a ladder truck to replace worn-out equipment to accomplish town responsibilities/functions3. Surplus old broken-down equipment, thus cleaning up the maintenance area and turning those funds in to purchase necessary equipment.4. Empowering our town staff to be leaders in their departments for our town
What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the town of Spring Lake?
1. Hiring qualified personnel for the town manager and finance officer positions for the salaries we have allocated for2. Transitioning to the Cumberland County Ad Valorum tax change which will result in a net loss of $1.4 million in Spring Lake tax redistribution per year3. In order for Spring Lake to grow, we will need to make improvements to our infrastructure/wastewater treatment facility (sustaining improvement)4. Involving the residents in their local government, town committees, neighborhood watch programs, etc.5. Righting our wrongs while writing our future. Learning from our past and not repeating our failures
What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the town, especially young families?
1. Promoting our land use plan to developers and investors; building quality developments, businesses and places to live 2. Promoting our proximity to Fort Liberty and working with the military to serve as the gateway to Fort Liberty 3. Improving our schools. Families seek good school districts for their children and that is a driving factor where they choose to live 4. Bringing in medical facilities to provide quality medical care for our residents 5. Cleaning up the appearance of our town, our parks, our businesses and our properties
What does Spring Lake need that it doesn't have? This could be people, resources, organizations, business or infrastructure.
1. Long-term infrastructure improvements (wastewater treatment facility is near its capacity) 2. Natural gas pipeline into the town of Spring Lake. This will bring businesses into Spring Lake that require larger amounts of gas. 3. An Economic Development Program, one that does not operate on an unlimited budget nor unrealistic promises to new businesses.
How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?
I engage the residents of Spring Lake via a number of options, in person, phone/text, via social media on Facebook, Spring Lake North Carolina Matters, before or after town meetings, always available to talk during my monthly town clean-ups on the first Saturday of each month
Raul Palacios
Age: 38
Immediate family: Wife, Allison; Levi and Emma
Occupation: Personal finance manager
Elected office held: Alderman since 2021
Contact information: raul.palacios@townofspringlake.com; 910-703-9095; facebook.com/aldermanraulpalacios
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?
We’ve been able to reengage our citizens, restore our pride, replenish our general cash fund and are working to revitalize our town!
We have saved $ 12 million of your tax dollars since I’ve been elected.
We have reinvigorated our residents to join our citizen committees via Appearance Committee, Military Committee, etc.
We have continued to learn, study and try new methods to increase the quality of town services we provide!
What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the town of Spring Lake?
1. Ensuring we do not go backwards in our positive momentum. Do not give the keys to Town Hall back to previous leadership.
2. Infrastructure is reaching 50 years and will need repairs and replacement.
3. I anticipate a recession is coming and we need to safeguard the town's finances and assets.
4. Taking care of our town employees by giving them the funds and training they desire.
What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the town, especially young families?
Revitalizing Main Street is a great way the town can change its landscape. We need to show investors that we mean business. We will have a new mural and are working on grants for funding to continue to revitalize our town.
What does Spring Lake need that it doesn't have? This could be people, resources, organizations, business or infrastructure.
Spring Lake needs an attraction. The town was gifted property that has sadly sat untouched. The Muntzburg Park project will help bring trails and a park that will bring visitors from near and far to enjoy a new way of life for all to enjoy.
How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?
I am proud of the way I’m able to engage and inform our citizens. I create and handout, email and post online, a monthly newsletter of town business, I do a livestream after meetings on my Facebook page, I speak to neighbors and business owners constantly, and I welcome any and all phone calls.
Adrian Jones Thompson
Age: 52
Immediate family: Two adult children
Occupation: U.S. Army retired, sergeant first class
Elected office held: Board of Aldermen, Town of Spring Lake
Contact information: adrian.thompson@townofspringlake.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?
Gaining some trust back from the community. When change happens it often times makes it difficult to trust again. We, as a new board, came in, rectified some of the past issues in order to work toward positive changes. A little trust from the citizens of the community goes a long way!
What do you consider to be the top three to five challenges facing the town of Spring Lake?
• Infrastructure
• Filling vacant key positions
• Revitalization
What are your ideas for attracting new investment and new residents to the town, especially young families?
New or renovated schools
What does Spring Lake need that it doesn't have? This could be people, resources, organizations, business or infrastructure.
Economic development, hospital, public transportation, homeless shelter, and natural gas just to name a few.
How have you or how will you engage with your constituents?
• Being accessible
• Revitalize civic engagement
• Active listening and fostering positive interactions
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Meet the candidates for Spring Lake Board of Aldermen
