Fayetteville mayoral candidates lean on their strengths as race enters final days

Both candidates talked with WRAL News on Thursday and stated their case for why they should get the job.

There is only one place in the city a resident can go for early one-stop voting. It's the Board of Elections building on Fountainhead Lane in Fayetteville.

On most days, that's where you'll find Colvin, who is seeking his third term in office as mayor.

"I think the case has been made that we need a mayor with experience," said candidate Freddie de la Cruz. "We need a proven track record. With the hurricanes and pandemics, you definitely need a mayor who's gone through the fire in some of the most difficult challenges."

de la Cruz may be new to the political scene, but said his experience in being a military police officer in conflicts around the world make him qualified for the job.

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"The reason why I decided to run was because after I retired from the military, I saw the direction the city was going in and everything just happened and it just seemed like I needed to do something."

Both men are heavily invested in their respective businesses. de la Cruz and his wife own and operate a bridal and formal wear shop on Bragg Boulevard. Colvin is a mortician and funeral director. He's been in charge of his family-owned business for years.

Colvin said his candidacy is based on creating jobs for Fayetteville residents.

"Over 3,000 jobs created over the last four years under my administration and we've had Amazon, a global company, invest in our community twice," Colvin said.

de la Cruz wants to use his background as a military police officer to make Fayetteville a safer place for all of its residents.

One-stop voting at the Board of Elections building closes at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on 3 p.m. on Saturday. Residents can vote at their normal voting precincts on Tuesday until 7:30 p.m.