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Elections: Planning ahead

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Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Written by Margaret Dickson

Hope Mills Town Commissioners tiptoed way out on a limb earlier this month. They voted 3 to 2 to establish staggered 4-year-terms for board members, beginning with this fall’s election cycle. The vote came despite the fact that town voters turned down the same proposal 7 years ago. To no one’s great surprise, some angry constituents are threatening a petition drive to put the issue to the voters yet again on the November ballot, citing a need to keep the elected officials more immediately responsive to public pressures.
That is an understandable sentiment, but it may not be the most thoughtful and productive one. The School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has this to say about how most municipalities and counties in our state handle member terms.
“All terms, both for county commissioners and for city council members, are for two years or four, with the larger number of governing boards having four year terms. Most boards with four year terms stagger elections so that about half the members are elected every two years; of all the changes made to governing boards in recent years, initiating a staggered four-year term has been the most prevalent. This staggering ensures a degree of continuity in county and municipal affairs and a constant level of experience.”
Government at every level is complicated, convoluted, contradictory, and just plain difficult. It takes time to learn the ins and outs, if that is even possible. Issues and projects can take years to settle and complete. It makes little sense to risk the possibility of electing a totally novice board, whose members are more likely to be swayed by the loudest, least thoughtful constituents and the professional, though unelected, governmental staff.
That said, the 3 town commissioners who voted for longer, staggered terms care enough about Hope Mills to put their political futures in significant jeopardy.
Another related issue is term limits, especially at the Congressional level. We have all seen elderly electeds who freeze mid-sentence, cannot remember what was just said in a committee meeting, and are guided from place to place by hale and hearty junior staffers. Some states have indeed enacted term limits for legislators, though doing so for members of Congress would require a Constitutional amendment, a much higher bar than a legislative vote.
That said, support for term limits is also understandable, though it comes with even more complicated governmental issues than those facing a town of 18-thousand residents. Former electeds, particularly those who have served in Congress, readily admit that it takes a term or two to learn the ropes, make allies, and to begin being effective.
I once met a man, the leader of his party in the Arizona House of Representatives, a term-limited body. He was in his second elected term and readily admitted that he had little idea what he was doing, and that he would be “retiring” shortly when his term ended. He made the point that his legislature, and I suspect all those that have term limits, are actually controlled not by the electeds but by the professional staff for whom there are no term limits.
Americans live, at least for the moment, in a representative democracy, one in which the people elected to public office do what they believe is best for the community, whether that is Hope Mills, North Carolina, or the United States. Their decisions may or may not be exactly what the loudest among us are shouting at them.
That is why we should elect thoughtful and compassionate representatives, not people who merely spout the partisan positions of whatever party they might be.

Publisher's Pen:Mayor Mitch Colvin: Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

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Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Written by Bill Bowman

Leadership and integrity are two of the most essential qualities needed to move Fayetteville forward in the 21st century. Unfortunately, they are also two qualities our community continues to lack. This became abundantly clear when Mayor Mitch Colvin reversed his public decision not to seek reelection, filing for another term in the final minutes before the candidate registration deadline.
This last-minute reversal calls his integrity into question, and for many, confirms its absence. It leaves residents wondering about his true motivations and how his leadership will shape our city’s future. That concern cannot be overstated.
Mayor Colvin’s credibility has eroded. That’s precisely why a record-breaking nine candidates have stepped forward to run for mayor, each hoping to lead Fayetteville in a more positive direction after four terms under Colvin’s divisive leadership.
His deception speaks volumes. Trust and confidence are foundational qualities we expect from public servants entrusted with our community’s well-being and resources. Without integrity, trust deteriorates—and with it, the public’s confidence in ethical decision-making. This is where Mayor Colvin stands on the leadership spectrum. His tenure has made it increasingly difficult for civic leaders, businesses, and organizations to collaborate effectively. That breakdown in communication breeds apathy and resistance to public initiatives, making good governance nearly impossible.
The mayor’s decisions directly impact the daily lives of Fayetteville’s citizens. Integrity ensures those decisions are made in the public’s best interest, not for personal gain, political favors, or external pressure.
Mayor Colvin has consistently demonstrated a lack of these guiding principles. Integrity also fosters accountability. A trustworthy mayor is transparent, willing to admit mistakes, and accepts responsibility for their actions. Such openness is vital to democratic governance. Sadly, Fayetteville has not seen it.
Our elected officials must be held to the highest legal and ethical standards. Mayor Colvin’s leadership has undermined the rule of law, suggesting that ordinances can be bent or ignored for political convenience. No one understands this better than mayoral candidate and former City Councilwoman Tisha Waddell. In 2021, she resigned from the council, citing serious concerns she and her constituents had regarding Mayor Colvin’s conduct. She pulled no punches in her resignation letter, raising several red flags about alleged unethical behavior, including undisclosed negotiations (PWC), conflicts of interest, and irregular permitting practices involving his downtown property (Kress Building). She called for an independent investigation and urged the community to demand accountability.
Up & Coming Weekly published an article covering Waddell’s resignation by reporter Jeff Thompson on November 10, 2021. (https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/local-news-briefs/8123-tisha-waddell-resigns-from-city-council-seat) Thompson outlined Waddell’s specific allegations and published her resignation letter in full. Without a doubt, these issues will resurface. In fact, some election observers speculate Colvin’s reentry was a last-minute maneuver to defend himself against a challenger who has already gone on record advocating for trust, integrity, and transparency in city government.
We agree. When trust in leadership erodes, so does the ability to govern effectively. Trust, integrity, and transparency aren’t optional—they’re essential. As we enter the 2025 election season, every resident of Fayetteville must take responsibility for vetting the candidates.
Read local news publications, tune in to radio interviews on WFNC and WIDU, and attend candidate rallies and fundraisers to hear their platforms and motivations for leading our city. And, by all means, put no stock in what you see and read on social media. We all have a choice.
This writer hopes that we elect leaders who reflect our values and vision for the future—and above all—respect the citizens’ voice.
Our mayor and city officials should be visible, engaged, and principled figures in the community. Their actions—both in and out of office—shape public perception and influence Fayetteville’s brand and reputation. This election cycle offers a slate of promising, trustworthy candidates. We do not need to recycle the ones who’ve failed us. Choose wisely. Fayetteville’s future depends on it.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly, your community newspaper.

(Top Photo: Mayor Mitch Colvin. Photo courtesy of the City of Fayetteville. Bottom Photo: Mayoral Candidate and former City Council member Tisha Waddel. [File photo] )

Note from Troy Williams: Colvin's sudden flip flop

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Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Written by Troy Williams

On Friday, July 18, many voters in Fayetteville were shocked and some very agitated to learn that Mayor Mitch Colvin, who had previously announced on June 12 that he would not seek reelection, filed to run for mayor again just minutes before the deadline.
This decision marked his attempt to secure a fifth term in office. Politicians frequently change their minds, but this feels like betrayal, motivated by a desire for power for reasons that remain unclear.
The dynamics of potential candidates waiting for or responding to an incumbent's decision are a key factor in candidate entry into political races. Candidates often assess the likelihood of defeating an incumbent when determining whether to run for office. Mayor Colvin's "flip-flop" is not only unfair to the other mayoral candidates, but it's also unfair to the community.
Should Colvin's flip-flop come with reputational costs that prevent his reelection? It's difficult to determine, but timing matters, and Colvin's actions may be viewed with suspicion due to how he orchestrated the outcome.
Voters ultimately hold the power, and they may reflect on this: Political responsibility is essential to democratic behavior. When politicians often shift their positions, it erodes accountability and weakens political responsibility.
Which mayoral candidate is most affected by Colvin's change of position? District 3 Councilmember Mario Benavente announced his candidacy months ago, expecting Colvin to be his opponent.
Colvin's decision to run could prove to be a significant advantage for Benevante's overall campaign strategy. However, Colvin's presence is likely to be very damaging to Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen's campaign. Understandably, she wouldn't have entered the race if she had known he would be her opponent. I
n the grand scheme of things, this may mark the end of Jensen's political career.
Candidates Freddie del la Cruz and Paul Williams both have unsuccessful runs for the mayor’s office on their resumes. Before the Mayor's surprise visit to the Board of Elections on Friday, there was high drama as District 8 Councilmember Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and former Councilmember Tisha Waddle entered the race for Mayor.
Ten candidates are vying for the mayor’s office at City Hall, and it is likely to be a slugfest until the polls close on election day.
This election is likely to be one of the most closely watched in Fayetteville. I encourage all voters to participate.

The brave new world of NIL in college sports

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Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Written by Pitt Dickey

If you liked NIL money and its ugly stepsister, the Transfer Portal, you are going to love Revenue Sharing for college student athletes.
Remember the golden days of long ago when college players stayed at their schools long enough for fans of other schools to hate them? What Carolina fan did not enjoy wishing missed free throws on Dook’s Bobby Hurley or Christian Laettner? It was a wonderful part of basketball.
But on 1 July, 2021, all that delightful ill will ended when NIL came into effect.
Some background info about NIL and the Transfer Portal. For those who came in late, NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness for college players. They are officially allowed to be paid by third parties for endorsements, sponsorships, and business ventures.
Before NIL, none of these activities had ever occurred at any college. Not one. All colleges played by the same rules. Coincidentally, I have a bridge I would like to sell you.
Some soreheads contend that NIL stands for “Now It’s Legal.” The Transfer Portal is where college players go at the end of each season to auction off their talents to the highest bidder. School loyalty is a moldy artifact of the past. Money talks and everybody walks to the next school. It is hard to remember their names after one season when they are one and done, gone on to another school or the NBA.
The newest plan to turn college sports into free-range pro teams is Revenue Sharing. Colleges can now pay players in addition to third-party NIL money. Ponder what this portends.
UNC’s esteemed Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham issued a statement regarding what Revenue Sharing will mean for the Tar Heels.
Author’s Note: Bubba will soon be kicked upstairs to make room for a new UNC Athletic Director who has a 15-year background in NASCAR marketing.
Here is what Bubba sez: UNC will pay $20.5 million each year to athletes with most of it going to the revenue-generating sports of men’s football and basketball.
“Women’s basketball and baseball players are receiving some revenue share, as well.”
“ Some” in this context means “a whole lot less.” The cap on the number of scholarships is removed with UNC increasing all sports scholarships from 338 to 532 paid positions. The sports budget at UNC will increase from $150 million to about $180 million next year. That is a lot of bucks. From whence shall these dollars arise?
Funny you should ask about money? UNC recently appointed a new Money Czar with the colorful title of Chief Revenue Officer “to investigate and initiate new revenue opportunities, including naming rights, field sponsorships and jersey patches… More aggressive ticket sales initiatives (higher prices). Additional funding allocated by the State of NC from gambling revenues may also assist our efforts.” {Emphasis Added)
What does this mean in English? Lots of cool stuff coming down the pike to raise bucks. Naming rights mean the Bank of America-Tar Heel football team may be playing on the Preparation H Hemorrhoid Cream Field in the beautiful Tidy Bowl-Kenan Stadium.
Companies will jump at the chance to sponsor football penalties announced to TV audiences such as the Clearasil Acne Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Tampax illegal block in the back, Raid Roach Killer Roughing the Kicker, Charmin Toilet Paper illegal formation, Ex-Lax False Start, d-Con Rodent Killer Holding Penalty, and the Old Spice Antiperspirant Personal Foul.
Imagine the thrill of watching the Heels play basketball in the Weed Eater-Dean Dome! Basketball penalties offer similar sponsorship opportunities. Could we hear calls for the Oral-B Flagrant Foul, the Chanel Number 5 Fragrant foul, the Equate Flushable Wet Wipes Double Dribble, the Ozempic Traveling Penalty, or the Draft Kings 5 Second Inbounds Violation? The possibilities are endless.
Jersey patches on football players and basketball players are going to be a thing of beauty. The Heels will end up looking like NASCAR drivers with patches for Camel Cigarettes, Champion Spark Plugs, Bud Light beer, Smirnoff Vodka, etc., covering their baby blue uniforms. Pure class.
The most exciting thing is Bubba’s passing mention that the Tar Heels may end up getting Gambling Money from the State. What could go wrong? Gamblers never try to fix games. If you are older than dirt, you might remember the old Dixie Classic Basketball tournament back in the ‘50s when UNC, Dook, Wake Forest, and NC State played 4 really good out-of-state teams. It ended ingloriously when players were caught shaving points. Of course, that could never happen again.
Bring on the Fan Duel NIL sponsorship of players. Place bets at your seats. It’s gonna be yuge.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)