Linda Devore
Occupation: Retired Attorney, Businesswoman
District you are running in 9
Campaign Manager: Harlan Devore
Daytime Phone Number: 910 484-8948
Address: 2616 Dartmouth Drive Fayetteville,
NC 28304
Campaign Website: http://www.linda4council.com/
List most recent political/community experience (provide
dates): FO Community Advisory Board 2005-2007
What business/civic organizations are you associated with
(list leadership roles):
Member, Fayetteville United;
Interim Executive Committee, We the People of Cumberland
County (metro study group);
Board Member, Fayetteville Duplicate Bridge Club
As a candidate, what are your top three policy issues?
1. Safe Streets and Neighborhoods (crime rate, aggressive
driving)
2. Smart Growth and Development
3. Responsible budget priorities (lower tax rate)
What specific NEW initiative would you suggest for economic
growth in Fayetteville? How would it be implemented? We need to
find a way to lower our city tax rate. The current city/county tax rate is one
of the highest in the state. The next general property re-valuation in
2009-2010 will reflect an increase is property values in excess of the
inflation rate during the time since the 2003 re-valuation was done. This will
provide an opportunity to reduce the ad valorem tax rate.
Can Fayetteville and Cumberland County successfully
consolidate/merge their governments? What would be the benefits/problems of
consolidating the two into one? I am a member of the Interim
Executive Committee studying the possibility of unified government/government
functions. If I could snap my fingers and make it happen tomorrow, I would. One
government would be a more efficient and effective means of delivering
services, while providing one-stop services for businesses and individuals. The
problem is getting there. It is a political quagmire complicated by the eight
small municipalities within the county. But we may be able to find efficiencies
with departmental consolidations.
What do you believe to be the city council’s greatest
accomplishments and disappointments in the last two years?
Greatest accomplishments:
1. Funding scheme for curbside recycling.
2. Progress on appearance standards.
3. Infill ordinance for residential development.
Greatest disappointment:
Failure to support the public's plan and desire for a city council
structure allowing for a mix of at-large and district representation.
How should the city best leverage the impact of the BRAC
process? Military Business Park and related development of commercial
properties for military-related business ventures.
How the city council and the business community can work
more effectively to build a better workforce? So
important. We must attract BRAC transplant families by building the livable,
attractive, and safe city that we want to be--for our families and ourselves
first. A city that our college-educated children will come home to.
What would you do to work cooperatively with the other
members of the city council? Knowledge and communication are
the keys. Learn the facts, communicate with other members of council, and build
consensus. Little is accomplished ending up on the losing end of a split vote.
