Al Hovey-King

Greetings! This week I wish to offer information and facts concerning economic development and respond to some of my opponent’s statements.

Mickey Edwards

No essay submitted by Edwards.f

----------

Al Hovey-King

During the time I have been out on the campaign trail, I have had the opportunity to talk to many people, some old friends, some new friends. Many of those I have visited with have asked the same question, “Why do you want to do this?” Some have even asked if I was “stable.”

Mickey Edwards

My name is Mickey Edwards, a long-time resident and a Georgia native. My wife, Marie and I have been married for nearly 40 years. We have two adult sons, both of whom served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

I am active in numerous community services efforts, including holding a membership and board of director position with the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club.

I am committed to keeping Fayetteville a great place to raise a family, start a business and enjoy life. With 45 years of small business experience, I have the expertise needed to improve public safety and attract new businesses in Fayetteville.

On the City Council, I would work to enhance Fayetteville’s law enforcement capabilities by finding new areas of support for the local police.

Businesses bring increased revenue, which helps keep taxes low for homeowners. Fayetteville now has too many empty retail and office spaces. My business experience gives me the insight needed to bring city and county leaders together to encourage economic investment.

I will establish new partnerships, devise sensible solutions and work to bring in new companies to revitalize and revive vacant commercial buildings.

This is my first time running for any public office. If you would like to see change, then I need your help! Vote Mickey Edwards for City Council on Nov. 6. Let’s all get involved and make this city even greater.

-----------

Al Hovey-King

I appreciate the opportunity The Citizen has provided to introduce myself, discuss issues and identify my priorities.

I have been a resident of Fayetteville almost 29 years. My daughter attended Fayette County schools, graduated from FCHS, and magna cum laude from Savannah College of Art and Design.

I am a Vietnam veteran and patriotic citizen of this great country. I retired after 30 years with a major Fortune 500 company. I have owned several successful retail businesses in Fayetteville since the early 1980s and been involved in the community itself since the mid 1980s. I currently have a consulting business that provides design, systems integration and project management to Fortune 500 companies.

I have been involved in efforts to encourage new business growth within the downtown district as well as preserving Fayetteville’s heritage.

This is reflected in the acquisition, relocation and renovation of the historic Hollingsworth House as well as the acquisition, renovation and creation of Fayette County’s only museum that is now the Holiday Dorsey Fife Museum.

I also was responsible for facilitating the funding that allowed renovation of the Travis House in Downtown Fayetteville and the move of the Arnold House (formerly Mowell Funeral Home) to Burks Square.

During the time I previously served you as your councilman, I was responsible for writing the first comprehensive sign ordinance as well as developing Fayetteville’s initial Land Use Plan.

I have supported the implementation of technology improvements within all areas of the city including specifically the installation of video equipment in police vehicles to help document officer-initiated stops as well as in-car computers that allow our officers to quickly access information as they work to insure our safety.

Our fire department has seen vast improvement in equipment, facilities and training over recent years and is a top rated and extremely professional organization.

That being said, improvements and upgrades are still necessary in many areas that provide services to the citizens. Rest assured that as these proposals are being studied and discussed, I will actively participate and ensure the maximum value is received for the dollar spent!

My business experience and community involvement offers a tremendous advantage when conducting city business or understanding the needs of a local small businessman.

In conclusion, I feel that Fayetteville is a superior place to live, raise our children and operate our businesses and I need your HELP and your VOTE on Nov. 6.