What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?

None to date

If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry? (RPAC, BuildPAC etc.)

I will accept legal contributions.  Note that aggregate cash contributions over $50.00, all anonymous contributions, and contributions from corporations, business entities, labor unions, professional associations, insurance companies and non U.S. citizens are prohibited and are respectfully declined.

With crime being the #1 City Council priority, what solutions would you bring to the table and how would you fund them?

Correction, public safety and crime is our #1 community problem.  This requires help of citizens and the community, and help from the county, state, and federal governments.  Resources needed this fiscal year to support Chief Medlock’s plan must come from internal reprogramming, state, and federal grants and other opportunity sources while preserving individual rights and liberties.

What is your opinion on the recent issues between the City of Fayetteville and the Public Works Commission?

I will look at all sides of the Public Works Commission (PWC) and City of Fayetteville consolidation of services issues and support a common sense position and solutions that benefit the residents of Fayetteville.  There appear to be some areas that should be considered for consolidation.  We have heard the City of Fayetteville side of the issue and now look forward to learning the PWC view.  I support solutions and not a turf battle.

What are your thoughts on a new city sign ordinance?  What would you like to see in the ordinance?

The basic document and several amendments provide a mind-boggling list of conforming and nonconforming sign rules, fees, procedures, and penalties on signage permitted in the city.  In my view, what happens within the walls of the business, including signage on exterior windows and doors, so long as not violating the law, is the responsibility of the business owner and their customers – not the City of Fayetteville.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

Work with county, state, and federal government representatives to establish a criminal justice legal system with the capacity to function quickly and efficiently.  Work with volunteer and government agencies to reduce the high school dropout rate and protect our children from today’s threats which may influence whether a child becomes a productive and responsible member of society or the next generation of career criminal.

What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?

It’s still pretty early in the 2013 campaign cycle.  In the last election, I was endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus and the Police Benevolent Association.

If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry? (RPAC, BuildPAC etc.)

Yes.  I would be honored to have the endorsement and support of the real estate community.

With crime being the #1 City Council priority, what solutions would you bring to the table and how would you fund them?

Crime is a top priority for the City and we should fund the Police Department as if we recognize that.  While we wait on the Chief’s recommendations as to his needs and the cost, we can start the education processes and begin working with other shareholders to wage a WAR on crime and protect our residents.  On July 18th, I released our 90 day plan that outlines the actions that will take place once we take office.  Listed in the plan, we will do the following:

• Meet with Mr. Voorhees & Chief Medlock to assess the needs of the FPD and begin prioritizing budget needs.
• Meet with Chief Medlock and Sheriff Butler to establish a common plan of attack on local crime.
• Host a quarterly Crime Summit open to the public with ALL local, county and state professional and political Law Enforcement representatives that will bring light to common resources that may be available.  This Crime Summit should open conversation regarding our overall crime rate and ways to reduce it and ways that all agencies can come together.  We must present a unified front on the WAR on crime that can no longer be ignored.  Invitations will also go out to the District Attorney’s office, Chief Judges, Probation & Parole and Mental Health.

What is your opinion on the recent issues between the City of Fayetteville and the Public Works Commission?

PWC is not your typical City department and should not be treated that way.  They operate very well being independent and because of this, they are able to assist the City and Community with non-traditional funding.  I do believe that as a Community utility, they have a responsibility for being more responsive and fair with their government partners and rate payers.  Since 2007, PWC’s net assets have increased by almost 260 million dollars and they currently have almost 90 million dollars liquid.

I would like to see our Community utility start to reduce the cost to the City as well as the rate payer when it comes to hooking up new services.  We are currently being charged 8% interest rate on our money when PWC has the assets to cover the cost.  PWC must be more user/rate payer friendly and encourage growth, not hinder it.

What are your thoughts on a new city sign ordinance? What would you like to see in the ordinance?

I believe our current ordinance is too restrictive.  Again referring to my strategic plan released on July 18th, I would take the following steps;

• Call for each Council Member to appoint a representative to serve on a newly established Business Council to further advise the City Council on enterprise and economic development issues and present items/actions that will assist local businesses in growth and long term prosperity.
• Call for each Council Member to appoint a representative to serve on a committee that will reassess the utility and usability of the Unified Development Ordnance.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

I am attaching my strategic plan to this questionnaire that will detail the direction that I believe we as a City should be headed in.  Not listed in the plan is an idea for a National Cemetery to be located within the city limits specifically in the Shaw Heights area.  I am also attaching my June 29th release detailing my Bragg National Cemetery idea.

I would ask that you and every member of the Board to closely consider each of the candidates background, business experience, character and voting history when it comes to supporting local businesses, realtors and developers.  In your research, I also invite you to visit our website at www.natrobertson.com  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me.  I may be reached at 910-835-0835.  Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in your questionnaire and thank you in advance for your support and vote on October 8th and November 5th!

Sidebar: The strategic plan and the Bragg National Cemetery concept mentioned above can be sent to you on request from the FRAR office

What endorsements have you received for your candidacy?

I have not sought the traditional “photo op” endorsements.  I have consistently volunteered and contributed to local organizations that work, often behind the scenes, to build a better Fayetteville.  Being re-elected on November 5 would mean I have the endorsement of my constituents, and that is what I want most.

If offered, would you accept contributuons from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry (RPAC, BuildPAC etc.)?

Yes.  I would appreciate the financial support of the REALTORS.  They work hard every day to “sell” Fayetteville and create better neighborhoods in which to live.

With crime being the #1 City Council priority, what solutions would you bring to the table and how would you fund them?

Public Safety is our top concern.  I fully support Chief Medlock’s proposal for an Electronic Monitoring Program for frequent felony offenders.  But let’s be frank: Fayetteville cannot win this battle alone – we need support from other players on the “Public Safety Team.”  And that means assistance from, and closer communication with the Court System, District Attorney, County Commissioners, and Sheriff’s Office.  Additionally, I serve as Liaison to Operation Ceasefire, a network of partnerships to reduce gun & gang violence.  I will continue to encourage Community Watch Organizations.  We will apply to Federal COPS grants and find money in the budget to support more officers on the street.  And finally, we need to encourage our faith-based community in seeking solutions to crime.

What is your opinion on the recent issues between the City of Fayetteville and the Public Works Commission?

I support the progress that has been made thus far with negotiations between the City of Fayetteville and our Public Works Commission.  There are opportunities to gain efficiencies through the consolidation and reorganization of support services.  We should seek out such efficiencies in order to lower costs for both the utility ratepayers and the City taxpayers.

What are your thoughts on a new city sign ordinance?  What would you like to see in the ordinance?

There is not a new city sign ordinance.  It failed two years ago in the Planning Commission and it is to be reviewed next year.  Whenever the sign ordinance is reconsidered, we need to have ALL of the stakeholders involved in drafting it.  We all want an aesthetically attractive city and to be sensitive to the business needs of our local employers.  Also the City of Fayetteville should not be exempt from its own codes on signage!

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

Economic Gardening was developed in 1989 in Littleton, Colorado.  This is essentially an entrepreneurial approach to regional prosperity, a “grow from within” strategy that helps existing companies within a community grow larger.  In contrast to traditional business assistance, ecomomic gardening focuses on strategic growth challenges, such as developing new markets, refining business models and gaining access to competitive intelligence.  Since The Alliance is our economic development partner, this concept could-and should- be developed there.

What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?

I’ve received endorsements from citizens across our community.  I’m humbled by the number of citizens that have already allowed me to place a “Ted Mohn” campaign sign in their front yard and have pledged to vote for me to get back onto the Fayetteville City Council so I can be….”Your Voice at City Hall”.

If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry? (RPAC, BuildPAC etc.)?

Yes.

With crime being the #1 City Council priority, what solutions would you bring to the table and how would you fund them?

-I would vote to add more police officers as recommended in the 2010 Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Final Report.  The final numbers might be revised given our current Chief of Police is conducting his own internal evaluation and scheduled to report to city council in the coming months.

-I would ask to expand the pre-trial release monitoring system for repeat offenders that are continually granted low bail or unsecure bail and while out on bail commit more crimes.

-I support Chief Medlock’s new initiatives and would vote to fund his initiatives.

-I would seek to have expanded partnerships with our various local organizations that help mentor our children and guide them away from a life of crime.

FUNDING:  These initiatives should and can be paid for with existing revenue streams the city receives on an annual basis.  When a city council lists crime as its top priority during successive strategic retreats, those top priorities, need to be funded with existing resources before looking to raising our property taxes.

What is your opinion on the recent issues between the City of Fayetteville and the Public Works Commission?

PWC is an extremely well run utility provider and has many customers outside Fayetteville city limits.  I support Fayetteville and its PWC working together to find efficiencies within their organizations that benefit both, the PWC rate payer and ad valorem city taxpayer.  Extreme care must be given as these are two distinct and separate revenue streams and one revenue stream should not suffer from the other.

The North Carolina General Assembly, through Fayetteville’s charter, gave PWC the authority to expand its utility services throughout Cumberland County.  Therefore, I don’t necessarily agree with the current requirement that any new development(s) outside Fayetteville city limits and within the Municipal Influence area (MIA) must first be voluntary annexed into Fayetteville before receiving PWC utility services.

I personally find it curious that the recent Davenport Lawrence Study glossed over a most important section of our city’s charter.  The working from our city’s charter is below:

Sec.6.19. Sale of electricity, water and sewer [service] in Cumberland County.

The public works commission of the City of Fayetteville is hereby authorized and empowered to extend its electric system, water system and sewerage system anywhere in Cumberland County, and to sell water, sewer service, and electricity anywhere in Cumberland County.

What are your thoughts on a new city sign ordinance? What would you like to see in the ordinance?

Like much in the UDO I believe the sign ordinance needs to be a living document, crafted with stakeholder input and updated when our business community identifies problems.  I’d like to see an ordinance that meets the needs of the business owner and simultaneously addresses concerns of visual blight.  Sign technology has made huge strides over the years and business owners should be allowed to capitalize on new sign technology to enhance their business.  Each business is unique and must be allowed to sell their brand.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

I will once again bring the teamwork mentality and approach to city government.  This includes buy-ins from our citizens, local businesses, city staff, government agencies, the chamber, private organizations and the collective city council.  During my four years on city council we worked as a collective team and we made several positive gains for our community.