William Milbourne III's Top Issues

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The citizens of Fayetteville deserve servant leaders in office who are honest, have integrity, and work for the best interests of the community they serve. When the media comes forth with news about fraud in government, it's a huge letdown and distraction, especially when it happens in Fayetteville.  

Recently a former council member has alleged there may have been side or secret meetings involving council member(s) and a corporation making a proposal to manage the cities utilities.  Secrecy creates an environment where there is the potential for lack of accountability and abuse of power. As a leader it is important to keep motives or intentions pure. Openness keeps it 100!   Secrecy fosters doubt.  

In addition, allegations of impropriety and corruption in Fayetteville City Council don't help our city.  These things apparently stem from alleged conflicts of interest. I don't know if these allegations are true or not however, I do know that when information about how a local government operates isn't forthcoming, it causes the public to be skeptical.  This must change!    

If elected, I will push to foster an environment of openness, transparency, honesty, accuracy and accountability on the Council. As leaders we must strive to be above reproach and not let our good be evil spoken of.  We cannot afford to allow the great things we are accomplishing in our city to be overshadowed by even the thought of impropriety or corruption.  

Transparency is a vital component to great government and strong communities.  Transparent leaders are what we need!

Votethe3rd and tell your friends too!!!

Good government, sound infrastructure and public safety are all issues we should be concerned about.  I believe our Police and Fire personnel deserve our full support and are first on my mind when I think of public safety.   I’m pro-police and I'd like to think the overwhelming majority of police officers do their jobs honorably, especially those who work for the City of Fayetteville.    

It is important to understand however, while I support the police, we need to hold officers accountable when they violate their oaths. All cops are not racist!  Yes, I said it... but some may be...but in my opinion, the issue is larger than race.  I believe we must encourage real and necessary police reform.  Perhaps the reform needs to be more about values, policies and procedures and less about race though. To make a difference, we must put aside politics and biases and solve the issues plaguing our city and dividing us.    

In conclusion, there is some work to be done in Fayetteville.  It is my intention if elected to ensure leadership in various departments to include, but not limited to the Police Department, are doing everything possible to have a department led with transparency, integrity and accountability. 

Votethe3rd and tell your friends too!!!

There is lots of talk these days about creating community taskforces of civilians to oversee public elected officials and other entities and or agencies for the purposes of transparency and accountability in Government.  This topic has resurfaced more in the wake of the recent shooting of Jason Walker by an off-duty Cumberland County Sherrif Deputy.  

 Request for civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies is nothing new. Police agencies have always had civilian oversight through elected mayors, city councils, prosecutors’ offices, court decisions, and state and federal legislation. The demand in Fayetteville for other forms of oversight is a clear indication our citizens have lost faith and confidence in the current leadership. This is shameful.  

My message to the citizens concerning this particular issue is simple.  Remove and replace any elected official who is not willing to serve with honor and doesn't have the courage or political will to be transparent, accountable and do whatever is necessary to earn the public's trust. Elections are soon and that is your power!  Get your community involved and Vote.

Lastly, I want a government willing to be integral, transparent and accountable to those they serve.  If when elected, I am not confident the council is not equipped to carry-out their duties, I will be the first to motion for any form of oversight necessary in hope of ensuring, not just greater accountability for our police department, but also for the City Council.  

I believe good governance entails keeping the best interests of the citizens at the forefront of decision-making for the community.  I believe the interest of our citizens should be above our own!

Votethe3rd and tell your friends too!!!

A safe and stable home is the foundation for health, well-being and prosperity. However, many residents and families in the Fayetteville lack reliable access to an affordable home. Where one lives can determine whether they’re connected to quality jobs and school, reliable transportation, and safe places for children to play and be active.

Preventing Homelessness

If elected, I will continue to support the initiatives through partnerships with community organizations the city already has and seek out more.  The homeless day resource center will be a great added resource for our community however we must recognize how important support from non-profits and churches are in our community also.

Preserving Affordable Housing

I recognize the importance of not just producing a sufficient number of affordable units, but also preserving the units Fayetteville already has.  If elected, I will look for more ways the city can partner for infrastructure purposes and affordable housing. 

Assisting Homeownership

Homeownership is a way of making sure that housing costs are predictable over the long term and can help low- and moderate-income residents save or build equity for pursuing education or retirement. It also gives owners the option of staying their homes indefinitely, which provides stability for them and for their neighborhoods. If elected I will support organizations who provide ownership counseling, build and rehabilitate ownership units and advocate for the Purchase Assistance Programs we have in place.

If elected, I will push for more investment in housing and homeless services, new projects to build affordable housing, and programs to help people into home ownership.

Votethe3rd and tell your friends too!!!