Name as it appears on the ballot: Freddie de la Cruz
Previous elected offices held: N/A
Age as of Election Day: 63
Occupation (employer, where you work, what you do): CEO, Venus Vogue
Weddings & Formals
Best phone number and email for voters to reach you. Website and campaign social media:
- 910-426-2009 / 910-922-8585
1. Give us your elevator pitch in 200 words or less. Why are you running for this office? What makes you the most qualified candidate?
I’m a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, former MP Battalion Commander, local business owner, husband of 42 years, father of six, and grandfather of 15. I attended Spring Lake Jr. High, Pine Forest Senior High, and an alumnus of Fayetteville Technical Community College. After two years as an enlisted Soldier, I enrolled in the Army’s Green to Gold program at Campbell University where I graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After 32 years of service in the U.S. Army, retirement left a void that reignited my passion to serve—this time as a public servant. On May 19, 2020, I committed to running for office to use my leadership and compassion to serve all people. I don’t claim perfection, but I promise integrity, purpose, and heart. I’m here to represent every resident with fairness and respect. Learn more at FreddieforMayor.com.
2. What do you view as the three most pressing issues facing the city as a whole? How will you address them as mayor?
Lower Property Taxes: Transparency, accountability, and accessibility are essential—and the reason I’m running. Residents deserve clear answers about how tax dollars are spent. I’ll push for a full state audit of federal, state, county, and city funds from the past 5–10 years, like Spring Lake’s audit. Questions like why Chief Hawkins was paid $200,000 or why unvetted contractors received millions must be answered. I’ll work closely with all levels of government and keep citizens informed. My goal is to restore trust by making government transparent, responsive, and accountable to the people it serves.
3. What’s the best or most important thing the Fayetteville City Council has done in the past year? Additionally, name a decision you believe the council should have handled differently. Please explain your answers.
Sadly, I cannot think of one best thing the Fayetteville City Council has done in the pass year. Recently the council voted against the will of the people to put up a 7-11 in College Lake Neighborhood. I believe the Mayor and District representative should have demonstrated leadership by mustering the support from the other council members to vote no. As the Mayor, I would have asked the council to support their fellow council members who know what’s best for their district and to support the will of the people. As Mayor, I will work closely with council members to accomplish what their constituents determine is best for their community.
4. Last year, the City of Fayetteville sued a contractor for abandoning over $6 million in construction projects. The city has since hired new contractors to finish the projects. What steps will you take to ensure Fayetteville is able to successfully complete capital projects in the future?
While in Saudi Arabia, I was the Senior Security Advisor and a contracting officer representative for 3-years. I wrote the scope of work and managed the execution of numerous multi-million-dollar contracts which gives me the experience to validate and oversee the contracts being awarded by the city. First and foremost, we need to ensure the city is protected by guaranteeing the contractor is legally bonded. Once the contract is granted, the program and project managers, inspection and permitting personnel need to oversee projects to confirm they are on schedule in accordance with contract and state statutes. I would include early completion bonus and delay penalties in the contract. Bottom-line, we need reliable local contractors to complete city projects, even if the cost is a little more, in the long run we will save.
5. While overall crime in Fayetteville has decreased by around 13% this year, the number of homicides and incidents of juvenile crime have increased. The Fayetteville City Council recently enacted a youth curfew ordinance. Would you have voted in favor of it? How will you work to improve public safety and reduce crime in the city?
Public safety is currently impacting our community the most. I have over 28 years of experience in law enforcement, anti-terrorism / force protection, physical security, and safety. I would like to apply my knowledge and experience to assist the new chief of police fight crime in Fayetteville. I want the city to strategically rotate police vehicles parked in the motor pool in different neighborhoods, increase walking and motorcycle patrols, use non-invasive security technologies and more to stop and mitigate crime. We need more recreational outlets and events for our youth. Assist youth with transportation to and from recreational events. I would support organizations whose mission is helping the youth. Cumberland County already has a curfew ordinance. I don’t support a youth curfew. The idea of an 18-year-old person who looks under 17 years old getting carded or harassed every time a police officer suspect they are underage is a violation of their 4th Amendment rights, and I believe can lead to a situation that puts the 18-year-old and law enforcement into a confrontation, leading to an unwarranted arrest or lawsuit against the city.
6. How will you work to attract and retain new businesses and other development to Fayetteville? Name another municipality you believe has made smart decisions about sustainable growth and development, and describe what it has done that could be implemented in Fayetteville.
As Mayor, I would like to focus on completing the ongoing projects the City Manager and staff are already working on. I’d like to hire more personnel for the inspections and permitting office. By expediting permitting and inspection process, we will be able to attract and retain new businesses and industry to our city.
7. The county and city have often struggled to determine who is responsible for addressing homelessness. How would you work with the Cumberland County government and other community partners to decrease homelessness in the city?
Homelessness in Fayetteville is an ongoing problem the county and city need to work on. I believe the county needs to take the lead with the city and other municipalities in direct and general support. Let’s help the county tackle the problem. Transportation is key elements I believe the city can help with, additionally, we can also assist the county with housing, mental health assistance, and job training for the homeless. I would also provide support to organizations already helping the homeless.
