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Leuchtenburg made us friends with presidents

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by D.G. Martin

The president of the United States today sends troops to fight in distant lands for long periods, enters into binding agreements with foreign powers, and takes other extraordinary actions, all without prior approval from Congress.
Presidential candidates promise to reverse their predecessors’ agreements on the first day they take office. And they confidently promise to take other dramatic and costly actions unilaterally on that same first day.
We have come to expect, even demand, such power plays from our presidents. So, it is fair to ask what explains the enormous growth of presidential power from its lowly state in the late 19th century to the imperial presidency of today.
One man, retired UNC-Chapel Hill history professor William Leuchtenburg, who died last month at the age of 102, spent much of his life explaining the growth of presidential power. For example, ten years ago, he gave us one response to this question in the form of a book, “The American President: From Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.”
That book follows the expansion of presidential power during the 20th century, showing how it grew in periods of reform to responses to domestic challenges and during the two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the War on Terror.
Reviewing this book in “The American Scholar,” Michael Sherry wrote that Leuchtenburg “is perhaps today’s greatest presidential historian, and not of the presidency as some insular realm, but as it intersected with national life, which makes this book also a history of the nation in the 20th century.”
Not surprisingly, Leuchtenburg’s answer to the question about the growth of presidential power is not a simple one-liner. In fact, it is a big 800-pager. That might be bad news for readers of other books, but this author’s great story-telling gifts and a long lifetime of thoughtful study make each instructive page a pleasure.
Filmmaker Ken Burns, himself a great storyteller, explains Leuchtenburg’s contribution better than I can.
"This is a riveting narrative, written by someone with a deep knowledge of the presidents and our complicated country. It seems an almost effortless work, but, of course, it's not. William Leuchtenburg has spent the better part of a century studying the mechanics of this republic and the men (so far) charged with leading it. The result here is a fast-paced, dramatic literary achievement that will be around and used for centuries."
Critics of Barack Obama’s use of executive agreements to bypass Congress on the Iran-nuclear arms and the Paris climate deals can blame Teddy Roosevelt. When the Senate refused to ratify a pact in 1905 with Santo Domingo, he simply made an executive agreement with the same terms. Later he explained. “The Constitution did not explicitly give me power to bring about the necessary agreement with Santo Domingo. But the Constitution did not forbid my doing what I did.”
Woodrow Wilson also expanded the role of the presidency, but surprisingly, according to Leuchtenburg, “he conducted a minimalist operation in the White House.” Wilson’s chief of staff was his only staff, “save for employees such as clerks.”
“With no speechwriters and very little technical support, the president had to handcraft documents. On an old portable typewriter, he banged out diplomatic notes to be sent over the signature of the secretary of state.”
Both Wilson, during the First World War, and Franklin Roosevelt, during the Second, took extraordinary actions as commander-in-chief that resulted in increased power for the office.
However, both of them got congressional authority before committing troops in those wars. But, Leuchtenburg writes, “after Truman’s unilateral action in Korea, the power vested in Congress alone to declare war became almost a relic.”
Important as understanding the origins of increased presidential power was to me, the book’s exploration of each president’s background, character, and family kept me turning the pages and, at the end, made me believe that I knew each of them as a close friend.
Thanks to William Leuchtenburg who made every reader a close friend to presidents.

Editor’s note: D.G. Martin, a lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

Up & Coming Weekly Dining Guide

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Staff Report

This month, in honor of Black History Month, we are spotlighting Black-owned restaurants in the area.

BARBARA ANN'S SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
3740 S. Main St., Hope Mills
Mon.-Sun 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
910-491-5859
https://tinyurl.com/bdfabhv2
Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken serves up homestyle comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring their signature crispy fried chicken, smoky turkey BBQ, and freshly baked golden cornbread.

BARRY'S PIZZERIA
8200 Cliffdale Rd.
Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun. Noon-5 p.m.
910-491-2692
https://www.barryspizzeria.com
Visit Barry's Pizzeria for their mouthwatering selection of hand-tossed pizzas, available by the slice or whole pie, plus delicious subs, crispy wings, and other Italian American favorites.

CROWN FRIED CHICKEN
2013 Murchison Rd.
Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-488-3034
3404 Ramsey St.
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-Midnight
Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-779-2261
https://tinyurl.com/48bmjwsv
Crown Fried Chicken, with its two convenient locations, has established itself as the go-to destination for casual dining enthusiasts seeking delicious fried chicken and hearty comfort food.

DAB'S SOUL FOOD CAFE
412 N Bragg Blvd.
Mon. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tues.-Fri. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
910-436-0110
https://tinyurl.com/yunjvjaa
Dab's, a charming local cafe, is the creation of Alabama-born Antonia Adams. The cozy establishment delights customers with homestyle comfort food favorites, including creamy mac 'n' cheese, traditional shrimp and grits, and perfectly seasoned wings served with Southern hospitality.

FOOD 4 THE SOUL
6829 Fillyaw Rd. #102
Wed-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun. Noon-6 p.m.
910-302-0116
https://tinyurl.com/4k9zh5fk
Food 4 The Soul is a full-service restaurant offering convenient take-out, prompt delivery, and comfortable dine-in options. A welcoming destination, known for authentic southern food prepared with care and tradition.

THE GARDEN CAFE
3421 Murchison Rd. Suite A
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-619-5956
https://www.thegardencafes.com/
The Garden Cafe offers distinctive sandwiches, colorful salads, flavorful flatbreads, and premium Granny Smith apples. They prioritize freshly baked dishes and top-tier, natural ingredients that transform traditional favorites into exceptional meals.

HENLEY'S VINTAGE KITCHEN
1911-A Murchison Rd.
Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
910-745-9816
https://henleysvintagekitchen.com/about/
Henley's is a cozy, welcoming dining establishment that combines traditional American dishes with Southern comfort food, creating a delightful menu that satisfies both classic and regional taste preferences.

LIBERTY ISLAND FOODS
5197 Bragg Blvd.
Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-491-1990
https://libertyislandfoods.com/
Stop by Liberty Island Foods to experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, featuring zesty jerk chicken and caramelized plantains, all prepared using premium quality ingredients.

MELVIN'S AT RIVERSIDE
1130 Person St.
Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
910-339-3059
https://tinyurl.com/3z55ync8
Melvin's at Riverside offers classic Southern dishes including crispy fried chicken, simmered collard greens, and homestyle cornbread in a relaxed dining atmosphere. 

NITA’S KITCHEN
8200 Cliffdale Rd. #102
Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun. Noon-5 p.m.
910-867-9550
https://www.nitas--kitchen.com/
Nita's Kitchen is a beloved soul food restaurant specializing in comforting Southern classics like creamy mac 'n' cheese, perfectly seasoned fried chicken, and crispy, flavorful wings.

THE SALAD BOX & MORE
132 Person St.
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-339-5701
https://thesaladboxeatery.com/
The Salad Box & More offers a diverse menu featuring build-your-own salads, fresh sandwiches, nutritious grain bowls, and refreshing smoothies for health-conscious diners.

SIMLO'S ISLAND CAFE
3057 Boone Trial Ext.
Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
910-965-7783
https://tinyurl.com/4ej7eyyk
Simlo's, a proud veteran-owned and family-operated restaurant, serves genuine Jamaican cuisine, featuring traditional favorites like curry goat and tender oxtail in a welcoming atmosphere.

UPTOWN'S CHICKEN & WAFFLES
1707 Owen Dr.
Mon.-Tues. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wed 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
910-676-8039
https://tinyurl.com/7kebu47a
Uptown's Chicken & Waffles is a welcoming establishment that specializes in Southern comfort cuisine. Their menu features signature dishes like crispy fried fish, creamy grits, and their famous chicken and waffles combination.

Search for missing former Green Beret still a mystery

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Bill Kirby Jr., CityView Today

Twenty-six days since Clinton “Clint” Bonnell disappeared, and his whereabouts remain a mystery. “Sadly, he is still missing, and the case is actively being investigated,” says Lt.  Patrice Bogertey with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. “The entire Sheriff’s Office is looking for him,” Bogertey says about the 50-year-old retired Green Beret, who last was seen on Jan. 27 at the Fit4Life Health Club on Owen Drive.
He was wearing, according to a news release, a plaid button-up shirt, a black hoodie and brown pants. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 195 pounds. A student in the Physician Assistant Studies program at Methodist University, Bonnell reportedly was headed to the university and then to his Gray’s Creek home. “This case is currently in the hands of one dedicated detective, but the entire agency is looking for him,” Bogertey said. “We ask anyone with information to please come forward.”
Bonnell’s sister, Stefanie Firkins, is asking, too.
“I believe someone out there has information that can help us find him,” she wrote on her Facebook page on Monday.
You can be assured, Mrs. Firkins, someone knows something. If you have any knowledge about Bonnell’s whereabouts, contact Detective Sgt. J. McLeod at 910-677-5548. Or you may contact Crimestoppers on fay-nccrimestoppers.org or call 910-483-TIPS (8477).

Cumberland property tax values leap nearly 65%

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Paul Woolverton, CityView Today

Cumberland County property tax values have risen an average of 64.7% since 2017, Tax Administrator Joe Utley told the Board of Commissioners.
Unless the county commissioners, the Fayetteville City Council and other town boards change their tax rates this summer when they pass their new budgets, property owners will pay significantly more in property taxes.
According to the Zillow real estate service, the average value of a home in Cumberland County is $217,492. If that home is in the Fayetteville city limit, the homeowner pays just under $3,000 in annual property taxes. If the city and county do not change their tax rates, the homeowner’s new property bill will be about $4,938 this year.
The new valuations take effect July 1.
Public expected to respond, and to appeal
“You’re going to get a lot of phone calls. All of us will,” Commissioner Marshall Faircloth said. “But until the tax rate is changed — hopefully lowered in our case — we won’t really know what the end result’s going to be.”
If history is a signal for the future, the county commissioners and city and town leaders are likely in June to reduce their property tax rates in light of the new values.
In 2009, when that year’s revaluation showed an increase in property values, the Cumberland County commissioners cut the county tax rate, The Fayetteville Observer reported then. In 2017’s revaluation, property values dropped and the commissioners increased the tax rate.
The county has more than 143,000 properties, Utley said.
But each property is different. Some tax appraisals went up more than others, and some may have gone down.
In the upcoming week, Cumberland County property owners will start learning how much their property values have changed. The county plans to begin on Friday mailing the notices of the new values.
Property owners can appeal their property’s new appraised value if they disagree with it.
“With the increase that we’re gonna see in our county, there are going to be quite a few appeals,” Utley said.
New tax appraisals required by law
State law requires counties to re-appraise all homes, businesses and other properties at least once every eight years, Utley said. The revaluation “is to ensure property values accurately reflect fair market value, and ensuring the property tax burden is spread equitably amongst all taxpayers,” he said.
“And contrary to popular myth,” Utley said, “revaluations are not conducted to raise revenue.”
When reviewing residential and commercial properties, he said, the appraisers reviewed real estate sales data, assessed how much income the properties could earn and what it would cost to build the property.
Some details of the new valuations:
• Residential values rose 86.2%. (In 2017, residential values fell 4.9%.)
• Commercial real estate values rose 27%. (In 2017, these rose 4%.)
• Single-family homes rose 84.2%, multifamily homes rose 167.1%, condominiums rose 121.2%, and residential vacant land rose 63%.
While residential properties grew quickly since the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial and industrial properties have seen less increase in value and less new construction, Utley said.
“With people staying home, some of the stores may be closed, people ordering more online — we just did not see the growth in the commercial that we saw in residential.”
The property value increases in the municipalities:
• Fayetteville, 61.1
• Hope Mills, 70.8%
• Spring Lake, 62.0%
• Stedman, 62.6%
• Wade, 74.8%
• Falcon, 57.7%
• Godwin, 107.0%
• Linden, 73.0%
• Eastover, 64.9%