Qualifying time is fast approaching and so far two candidates have announced their intentions to run in Fayetteville. Incumbent Mayor Kenneth Steele announced last week his plan to seek re-election.
And this week, Cathy Cochran, a political newcomer, says she is running for City Council. Cochran, who has served for several years with Al Hovey-King on the Fayetteville Main Street board, is seeking the Post 2 council seat currently held by Hovey-King.
Hovey-King has made no announcement of any plans to seek re-election as of Tuesday. Official qualifying begins Aug. 29 and continues for three days through Aug. 31 for mayor, Post 1 and Post 2.
A 10-year Fayetteville resident, Cochran in a letter to the editor said she was excited to announce her candidacy for the Post 2 seat.
With previous time in the local banking industry and more recently as marketing director for CAMM Home Inspections, Cochran said she has acquired great respect for the community’s leadership, noting the importance of “creating continuity in the leadership of our community as we have one of the best-run cities in the state.”
Cochran said serving in community leadership roles will help bring a fresh perspective to the City Council, adding that she believed her interaction with council members through various civic events would be valuable in creating that continuity in the leadership of the community.
“I feel my leadership in the Rotary Club of Fayetteville and my service on the Main Street Board has afforded me the opportunity to gain knowledge of the needs of the community. I believe it is important to form relationships with people who can help address those needs with the result that Fayetteville will continue to be a desirable place to live,” Cochran said. “Despite challenges that the current economy has posed on all facets of our community, Fayetteville has continued to attract new business, remain good stewards of their resources and maintain a positive working relationship among themselves.”
Cochran in the letter said she intends to hold to the Rotary pledge to lead in truth and fairness in building goodwill and friendships and is committed to both residents and business owners.
Cochran is a member of Liberty Baptist Church where she serves on the Daycare Ministry Team and Capital Expansion Team.
Qualifying around the county will take place next week.
