Office sought: Cumberland County Commissioners, District 2
Party affiliation: Democrat
Previous office held: State Senate - 2 Terms; Fayetteville City Council - 1 Term
Lives: Fayetteville
Age: 54
Works: 219 Group - Advertising, Marketing & PR, President & Owner
What’s your motivation for seeking office? My desire to serve our community has not diminished since leaving the state senate but has grown stronger. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get back to work. Now more than ever we deserve leaders focused on strengthening our community not dividing it and ensuring that everyone has opportunities for a better life. I have always believed in “Deeds Not Words”, and I hope my consistent actions as a state senator and city councilman have proven that I am the leader who will continue to put the people of this community first and deliver results not promises.
What uniquely qualifies you to serve? Over the next several years our community will make major investments in moving forward and we need steady, experienced leadership. experience matters now more than ever and I will bring my experience at the state and local levels to the board of commissioners at a time when two long-term incumbents have chosen not to seek another term. I will continue championing clean water, job growth, infrastructure growth, mental health, education, veterans, quality of life, and ensuring people have better opportunities. In previous elected positions, I have delivered for our community and will deliver again as your county commissioner.
Fill in the blank: The top three issues in my municipality/district are ____, ____ and ____; and I would promote positive change by _____. The top three issues in my district that I can affect as a county commissioner working with my colleagues are contaminated drinking water, economic security/growth, and mental health and healthcare resources; and I would promote positive change by tackling the most critical issues in our community with a collaborative strategy that understands how our local economy, workforce, infrastructure, environment, quality of life, and health services are all linked together.
Ensuring clean, safe drinking water is non-negotiable. I'll spearhead the establishment of a Water Quality Task Force to eliminate contaminants like GenX, collaborating with the Cumberland Soil and Water Conservation District Board. Additionally, I would advocate for an outreach program that will keep residents informed and engaged in our clean water initiatives. We should ensure we have a plan for our aging septic tanks throughout our community as well.
Attracting diverse industries and nurturing entrepreneurship is crucial. I'll streamline regulations, provide incentives for small businesses, and ensure adequate resources are available, fostering a robust business climate that creates a pathway for better jobs and diversifies our local economy, making it more resilient.
Strengthening mental and public health resources is imperative. I will advocate for increased funding for mental health services, support initiatives that bring awareness to healthcare options, and ensure our veterans have access to the services they deserve.
I am dedicated to empowering our workforce through vocational training and continuing education, in partnership with local businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits. This initiative ensures that our workforce is prepared for tomorrow's jobs, enhancing economic security.
Affordable housing is the cornerstone of a thriving community. I'll work with various stakeholders to increase housing availability and explore innovative models. Recognizing the essential role of digital connectivity, I'll advocate for the expansion of high-speed broadband, ensuring every household and business is well-connected.
Recognizing the importance of childcare, I'll work to increase local funding for programs and support childcare providers, ensuring that every working family has access to affordable, quality childcare services.
Enhancing the quality of life is a priority. I am dedicated to investing in recreation and arts facilities like parks, sports complexes, and community and performance centers. These spaces are essential for fostering physical health, mental well-being, and community pride, benefiting residents of all ages.
Reducing homelessness requires a collaborative approach. We must have a clear, resourced plan to partner with local shelters, non-profits, community stakeholders and social service agencies to provide housing, support services, and resources to individuals and families experiencing or on the verge of homelessness.
The growth and prosperity of our smaller towns are vital. I am committed to ensuring these communities are not left behind by investing in infrastructure and ensuring they have the necessary services to thrive. By addressing these issues collaboratively, we will see a community that is not only thriving economically but is also resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking. It's about building a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and no one is left behind.
What new policies or practices would you bring to your municipality/district that do not already exist? As a former state and local elected official, I understand that you must work with your colleagues for new or updated policies/practices. Initially, I would focus on policy areas where I feel my experience would be impactful. I will advocate the establishment of an oversight committee comprising county officials, environmental experts, and community representatives to monitor GEN-X mitigation and develop comprehensive policy recommendations to eliminate water contamination and provide county-wide water. Additionally, we'll initiate a dedicated outreach program to equip residents with available resources for protecting their families from Gen-X contamination in wells.
I will fight to make quality, affordable childcare more available. I'll work on increasing financial help, creating a flexible voucher system, getting funds for better facilities and staff training, and building partnerships with businesses. This effort aims to improve childcare, help kids grow, and assist parents in balancing work and family.
I will champion a robust plan dedicated to the growth of our smaller towns. This plan will focus on critical areas such as infrastructure enhancements, broadband expansion, and the improvement of local services. I will foster public-private partnerships to ensure our efforts are targeted to each community's growth and needs.
For more:
kirk@kirkdeviere.com; 910-273-8388; www.kirkdeviere.com; FB - /kirkdeviere; X - /kdeviere; IG - /kirkdeviere
