Valencia Applewhite

Occupation:  U.S. Census Bureau, Fayetteville Local Census Office Manager

District: 7

Campaign Manager:  Denise Jones

Daytime Phone Number:  910-354-0808

Address:  5813 Mondavi Place Fayetteville NC  28314

Campaign E-Mail: vapplewhiteccd7@yahoo.com

Campaign Website:  valapplewhite.com

List Most recent political/community experience: Anne Chesnutt Middle School, President of Parent Teacher Student Organization, 2006-2007

 

What business/civic organizations are you associated with:  National Association of Realtors and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)

 

As a candidate, what are your top three policy issues?

1. Economic Development

2. Safety & Security of Neighborhoods

3. Improved Public Transportation

 

What specific NEW initiative would you suggest for economic growth in Fayetteville?  How would it be implemented?

The Workforce Development Plan submitted by the Fort Bragg Regional Task Force, Cumberland County Workforce Development Board, and Fayetteville Technical Community College provides a relatively clear picture of the types of jobs and services that will be needed as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure. A forum to encourage local small business development and growth to specifically meet BRAC related demands should be established.   City officials, business leaders, military representatives, etc. would collaborate to make “small” business owners aware of the details of what will be needed and how to successfully prepare and compete for military contracts.  While Fayetteville must continue to encourage businesses to come to our area, we must make a concerted effort to encourage the creation of new, and growth of existing small businesses.

 

Can Fayetteville and Cumberland County successfully consolidate/merge their governments?  What would be the benefits/problems of consolidating the two into one? As stewards of tax dollars, we must continuously look for ways to improve efficiency and ways to make optimum use of our resources.  The City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County have demonstrated the successful consolidation of services.  I would only consider a proposal to consolidate government if it can clearly demonstrate that it would streamline services and lower costs while maintaining a superior level of service to our citizens.  The city will experience tremendous transformation and growth over the next 5-10 years.  I think it would also be very important to explore how a consolidation of government would impact the Base Realignment and Closure process. 

 

What do you believe to be the City Council’s greatest accomplishments and disappointments in the last two years?

The Council’s collaborative efforts to revitalize downtown Fayetteville are commendable. Although the city has many areas that need the same attention, it does provide a wonderful example of what the City and business community can accomplish when they work together.  The reputation of a divided City Council that seems to be more concerned about individual agendas is disappointing. The Council should collectively and individually be about the business of the citizens of Fayetteville.  It’s a negative reflection on our city and simply sends the wrong message.

 

How should the city best leverage the impact of the BRAC process?

While the BRAC process may be new to Fayetteville it isn’t a new concept.  I believe we should look for best practices and unsuccessful initiatives from other cities that have experienced similar growth from the influx of military personnel or other government agencies.  This would allow us to develop and establish realistic benchmarks based on actual successes.  Also, as Fort Bragg’s host city, we must be certain to utilize all of our resources and make every effort to include all aspect of our community to support this process.  We should be able to articulate the importance of BRAC to our citizen that have no connection with the military, but more importantly articulate how it will affect their quality of life.

 

How the city council and the business community can work effectively to build a better workforce.

Absolutely crucial, and should be near the top of everyone’s agenda!  In addition to the efforts of Fayetteville Technical Community College and Fayetteville State University, we need opportunities for people who do not view college as an option.  I believe a work-study program for high school students is a viable option.  Local businesses, the county school system and local government would work together to allow “on-the job” training for students with a local business in an area of specific interest.  There could be the potential for full time summer employment, as well as permanent employment after graduation. Students would be able to enter the workforce with marketable skills.   The city could choose to allocate funds to help offset the cost to businesses.  I personally benefited from this type of program as a high school student in Connecticut.   A similar program already exists within the Department of Defense for summer hires. I believe it could be as successful here in Fayetteville.