Author Archives: crosscreekdivide
Don’t Pick the Player Without Knowing the Game
By: Andrew Porter
Last week, I wrote a post about how the local Democratic Party is setting fire to the “big tent” philosophy of the Party by endorsing judicial candidates with a questionnaire vetting process; instead of endorsing all Democratic candidates like they have in the past.
The folly of this approach can already be seen in the selection process for the vacant City Council District 2 seat. The Cumberland County Democratic Party executive board decided very early in the selection process, before all candidates were known, to support Fayetteville State Attorney, Patricia Bradley. A mistake that ultimately cost Democrats the seat. Don’t get me wrong; Mrs. Bradley is a fantastic candidate and more than qualified for the position. However, when you select your player without knowing the game, you’re bound to lose.
Setting Fire to the Big-Tent
By: Andrew Porter
Last week, I went to a town hall with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis and Rep. Richard Hudson at the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. The topics ranged from as broad as taxes and tariffs to as specific as Dodd – Frank. However, it wasn’t the content that struck me; it was Tillis’s demeanor and candor. Tillis had a fairly conservative, wealthy, and friendly audience in front of him, yet he spoke as a centrist. While Hudson was towing the party line, Tillis was challenging the folks in the room to discard extreme ideologies and to think of your fellow man when making business decisions; cautioning some of the wealthiest people in Fayetteville about the dangers of greed. I was stunned and dismayed. Dismayed because he’s going to be Senator for life if he wants it.
Poor timing: Why four-year terms are a bad idea
Guest Post by Bill Bowman
Come on, folks! Four years terms for our elected officials? Are you kidding? Is this community so sadistic and hell-bent on fulfilling that predetermined and haunting conclusion that Fayetteville and Cumberland County will always find a way to rip defeat from the jaws of victory?
No doubt Fayetteville is experiencing a growth spurt stimulated by the new $38 million baseball stadium and the Houston Astros’ 30-year commitment to play ball in the city. Currently, we have about $100 million of new economic development in downtown Fayetteville. This is a good thing, but the prevailing question in the minds of many residents is “does this community have the dedicated, intelligent and business-savvy leadership capable of managing growth of this magnitude?” Many think not.
Hearing Set for Senate 21
Read a breakdown of the vicious primary battle between Senator Ben Clark and his primary challenger, Naveed Aziz, using this link.
Cross Creek Divide 