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.

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Hurricane Matthew wiped out dozens of dams in Cumberland County and Eastern North Carolina.  Many Fayetteville residents with empty community lakes have called on the City of Fayetteville to assist with repairs.  After all, the city is spending thousands on storm-water maintenance and collecting fees from taxpayers to address flooding issues.

The city has declined direct assistance to the affected residents, stating repeatedly through its leadership that it can’t use public money to repair their private dams:

City staff emphasized that its hands were tied as far as how much the city could do.

Deputy City Manager Kristoff Bauer emphasized that the city could not spend public money on private dams.

Councilman Jim Arp, who represents Loch Lomond, said he wants to find a solution to restore the lake. But he and Crisp said they are concerned about spending city money on private dams.

“It has to benefit all the taxpayers of Fayetteville,” Arp said.

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