When is the last time you heard a quasi-government agency broadcast they are not raising your rates or taxes? Well, from the press release from the Public Works Commission last week, their utility customers' electric rates are not expected to increase during 2023. This update reflects the staff at our hometown utility doing a great job and looking out for their Fayetteville customers. Together, they provide leadership by example, not being afraid to make decisions, take action, roll up their sleeves and get the necessary work done to better the community.

The nearly $400 million 2023 proposed budget calls for more than a 10% decrease from the current budget. Yes, decrease! Water rates, however, will increase slightly. According to PWC's President and CEO, Elaina Ball, higher water rates will take effect in 2023, and average water and sewer customers about $3 a month. These water rate increases were postponed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kudos to PWC. They are setting the example for both our city and county governments. This kind of responsible strategic planning and high-level leadership is sorely needed at all levels of our local government. And, in today's economic climate, it is more important now than ever before. As we approach the upcoming 2022 city and county elections, voters must pay special attention to the character, leadership skills, abilities and vision that local candidates are touting.

Several days ago, I was at a meeting with four businesses that started here in Fayetteville/Cumberland County 25 to 30 years ago. We all adamantly agreed that the foundation of our success came from the leadership and support we received from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, the Chamber of Commerce, Fayetteville Visitors Bureau, and the office of Economic Development. Today, not so much. Our reputation has become that we are not a business-friendly community. That is why it is so important to vote in the upcoming elections for candidates who will again provide the vision and leadership that will move this community forward. We have plenty of opportunities here that need cultivation and development, and our current leadership has failed us in so many ways. Look no further than the last 8 to 10 years if you need proof. Look around, ask your own questions, make your observations and draw your own conclusions.

Here are a few to get you started: Is it easy doing business with the city and county? Does our homicide rate have you concerned that Fayetteville is quickly becoming the murder capital of North Carolina? Why can't our City Council make the most straightforward decisions like what downtown Fayetteville paid parking hours would best benefit the downtown businesses and encourage visitors, guests and residents to frequent historic downtown Fayetteville. Or, how should Fayetteville repurpose the historic Market House without involving the Justice Department and conducting countless (and fruitless) meetings with the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Community Relations? These decisions should be relatively easy to make, but there are not being made. Yet, these same bodies can approve an expenditure of $450,000 of taxpayer's money on an impromptu request for a study on an African American Museum followed the same impromptu approval from the Cumberland County Commissioners. Together, on a whim, they approved $900,000 for this project when the unhoused, those facing mental health crises and panhandlers, aimlessly roam our streets. Deadly carcinogens were creeping dangerously close to contaminating our Cape Fear water supply. Recently PWC took the initiative to seek financial assistance from the Cumberland County Legislative delegation and received $200 thousand to address this problem. PWC matched it and came up with the solution to clean up the site and avoid such a disaster. Reaction from the City of Fayetteville? Honestly, I'm not sure many city council members even knew they owned the property or were aware that our region's water supply was in severe danger.

And, with Gray's Creek homes and schools still having to drink bottled water because of GenX contamination, Cumberland County Commissioners seem to be slow-walking solutions with an attitude of "well, want to you want us to do about it?"

In my opinion, these are misplaced priorities by both the city and county. Ask yourself what's more important? Preventing a regional contaminated water supply disaster or a government-funded festival? Providing housing and care for the homeless and mentally ill, or contracting for another downtown museum? Having our school children continue to drink bottled water or fund repurposing a historic building?

I own a business downtown. I see a great community suffering from poor decisions and inadequate leadership every day. Only involved caring citizens can change this situation. I urge everyone I come in contact with to get involved and make their voices heard. Vote. There are many good people in our community that are willing and able to do the right things for the right reasons. For this, I am grateful, and they need to be encouraged and supported. This is a good community; however, it can be a great community with fantastic potential and endless opportunities with exemplary leadership. The leadership at PWC, our Hometown Utility, gets it. City and county leadership should follow in their path.

Thank you for reading the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.