Good morning. Forty-two of North Carolina’s 100 counties spend local tax dollars on lobbyists who ask the state legislature for money and try to convince lawmakers to vote yes or no on specific legislation.
Cumberland County is not one of these 42 counties, according to a lobbying directory the Secretary of State’s Office published July 14. The Electus Governmental Affairs lobbying firm, founded in 2024 and based in Clayton, would like to add Cumberland County to the list. Read more in today’s top story.
Welcome to CityView Today. In today’s newsletter, Fayetteville City Council member Mario Benavente, who is known for advocating for police reform, is running for mayor. Two candidates are vying for his District 3 seat. And columnist Bill Kirby Jr. shares his notes from the week — including a tribute to Bill Passick, the honorary “Mayor of Massey Hill” who died this month.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Nagem
Editor for CityView
Should Cumberland County hire a state lobbyist? Commissioners may consider idea
The county already spends $120,000 a year on a Washington, D.C., lobbyist. Fayetteville spends $60,000 on a Raleigh lobbyist.
More from CityView
As City Council Member Mario Benavente makes a bid for mayor, here’s who could replace him
Fayetteville will be represented by three new council members, and possibly a new mayor, after the municipal elections this fall.
THE KIRBY FILE: Once upon a time, kids from ‘the hill’ remember late honorary ‘Mayor of Massey Hill’
Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. shares his notes from the week.
Events
RISE YOGA FRIDAYS
- Where: Lake Rim Park, 2214 Tar Kiln Drive, Fayetteville
- When: 8-9 a.m. today
- What: Join us for Rise Yoga Fridays — a free, refreshing outdoor yoga experience at Lake Rim Park every Friday!
BEAT THE HEAT AT 7 BREW’S CHILLER NIGHTS
- Where: 7 Brew, 200 S. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
- When: 7 p.m.-11 p.m. today
- What: As the summer heat ramps up, come cool down with 7 Brew! From July 21 to July 25, 7 Brew invites guests to Chiller Nights—an evening event with buy-one-get-one chillers from 7 p.m. until close.
PADDY’S PUBLIC HOUSE PARTY
- Where: Paddy’s Irish Pub, 2606 Raeford Road, Suite B, Fayetteville
- When: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. today
- What: Join us for something different — Paddy’s Public House Party on Friday nights in the pub, with some of your favorite guest DJs playing your favorite tunes!
Obituaries
Minister Belva Wilker
Minister Belva Wilker, 74, of Fayetteville, passed away on Saturday, July 19.
William “Bill” Micheal Passick Jr.
William “Bill” Michael Passick Jr., 94, passed away on Saturday, July 19.
Paula Wilhelm Wooden
Paula Wilhelm Wooden, 68, of Fayetteville, passed away on Thursday, July 17.
Until tomorrow!
𖣘 Several government buildings in Cumberland County and Fayetteville will serve as cooling centers today through Monday as temperatures are expected to reach up to 103 degrees. Residents can cool off at the Cumberland County departments of Social Services and Public Health, Cumberland County Public Libraries, recreation center lobbies and the main lobby of the Fayetteville Area System of Transit. For more details, click here.
~ Sarah Nagem
