2/9/06 Kan
Frances Vinell Jackson
Media Report
Draft
March 31, 2020
Part I Introduction
This report reviews electronically available news stories on Frances Vinell Jackson, a candidate for the NC House.
The Table of Contents in Part II of the report is a useful guide to the entire report and can be used as a stand-alone summary. In one section, it surveys the bulk of the news file, through the headlines we have assigned to each item.
Part III, the Greatest Hits section, identifies key points taken from available media articles.
Parts IV, The News File, contain edited copies of the most relevant electronically available stories.
We hope you find this useful.
Part II Table of Contents
Part I Introduction 2
Part II Table of Contents 2
Part III Jackson - Greatest Hits from Media Review 3
Background 3
Transit Analyst 3
Three Time Loser for Board of Commissioners 3
2009 3
2011 4
2015 5
Appointed to Vacant Seat, Then Forced to Quit 5
Church Property Legal Case (Illegally Transferred Property) 6
Issues 8
Part IV Jackson – The News File, 2007-20 10
2007 10
OCT 2007 Transit Analyst 10
2009 12
JUL 2009 Files For Board of Commissioners 12
OCT 2009 Board of Commissioners Race 12
2010 14
FEB 2010 Angling For Vacant Seat 14
2011 15
JUL 2011 Running Again 15
SEP 2011 Interview 15
OCT 2011 Candidates Forum 19
OCT 2011 Board of Commissioners Race Again 19
NOV 2011 Loses Again 22
2015 23
JUL 2015 Files For Hope Mills Town Commissioner 23
AUG 2015 Interview 23
OCT 2015 Letter to Editor on Candidacy 25
OCT 2015 Hope Mills Race 25
NOV 2015 Loses Commissioner’s Race 27
2017 29
FEB 2017 Illegally Transferred Church Land 29
FEB 2017 Appointed to Vacant Commissioner Seat 30
MAR 2017 Resigns After Just One Month Due to Conflict of Interest 32
2020 33
FEB 2020 Watauga Watch Liberal Blog Profile of Race 33
FEB 2020 Overview Of Primary 33
MAR 2020 Wins Primary 35
MAR 2020 Participates in Protest at Chem Plant 36
Part III Jackson - Greatest Hits from Media Review
Background
From a 2015 profile (while running again unsuccessfully in a Board Commissioner race)
• Town Commissioner candidate Frances “Vinell” Jackson is a native of Fayetteville. She graduated from E.E. Smith High School in 1980 and from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1984, where she received a bachelor's degree in transportation. In 2005, Jackson graduated from Fayetteville State University, earning a master's degree in political science. She is working toward a doctorate in public policy and administration, specializing in law.
• Jackson has more than 20 years of experience in local government, working for Cumberland County, the city of Fayetteville, Hoke County and the North Carolina State Department of Commerce. Jackson also is a member of Kingdom Impact Global Ministries.
Transit Analyst
In 2007, she was working as “a transit analyst with Fayetteville Area System of Transit” and took part in a forum where she echoed complaints about the bus system schedule.
• Frances Jackson, a transit analyst with Fayetteville Area System of Transit, fielded questions on the bus service. One person said the bus service is useless to third-shift workers because it stops running at midnight.
• ”I’m with you on that,” Jackson said. She said routes were determined by funding, which could only be changed by working through city or state-level politicians. (Fayetteville Observer, 10/30/07)
Three Time Loser for Board of Commissioners
Jackson has run three times for the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners, in 2009, 2011 and 2015. Each time she’s lost.
2009
In 2009, she stressed transportation.
• Frances Vinell Jackson, a first-time commissioner candidate, is a transit analyst for the city of Fayetteville. She also is a former planner for the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board. She said the process to expand roads or build new ones is competitive and long. ”When I was a planner for the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board, there were some roads I introduced that are just now being looked at,” she said. (FO, 10/26/09)
2011
In an interview, she said she was against new revenue taxes on businesses.
• Q: Would you request the implement of additional revenue taxes, from revenues such as the Hotel/Motel Tax, Food & Beverage Tax, etc… that would generate additional tax revenue income for the town? Do you have any other ideas/suggestions of additional sources of revenue, other then property taxes?
• A: No, I would not consider taxing the businesses, if anything we should commend them on coming in our community. At the recreation center meeting a discussion of commercial diversity was very interesting to me. Our community has so many attractive areas that would attract business such as specialty shops. Why not offer incentives to them to come to us. The resident mentioned commercial diversity, guarantee the business that no other chain will be allowed to come within Hope Mills town limits and compete with them. Strategies to retain and recruit new industry by providing incentives in the form of waving permitting fees, extension of water and sewer lines, providing useful data such as population and workforce labor statistics and special utility rates for a specific period of time. (FO, 9/6/11)
At a candidates forum.
• Jackson, 49, is a transit analyst for the city of Fayetteville who ran unsuccessfully for the Hope Mills board in 2009. She said she wants to use her knowledge in planning and local government to serve the town.
• Jackson said the big issues are infrastructure, crime and communication, “letting people know they have a say in what’s decided.” She said the town should look into changing the meeting times of advisory commissions so more people could participate.
• Jackson said the town should more closely weigh the impact of future development. ”We’re not looking at these things; we’re just saying, ‘Yes, let’s do it,’ “ she said. “We need to future plan and look down the road.” (FO, 10/23/11)
She ended up finishing far outside the Top five for election.
• In the Nov. 8 election, Mike Mitchell was the top vote-getter for a seat on the five-member board. Incumbent Tonzie Collins was second, followed by incumbent Bob Gorman, Jerry Legge and Edwards. Clark was sixth. Before the recount, Edwards led him by 453 votes to 444.
• Board of Elections director Terri Robertson said the votes that were picked up were provisional ballots. Incumbent Doris Luther and challengers Frances Vinell Jackson, Deric Reed, Ron Starling, Ronnie Strong and Clark failed in their bids for a seat on the board. (FO, 11/16/11)
2015
She ran again in 2015 and outlined her philosophy in an interview where she also took reader questions.
• Q: If elected, what objectives would you like to see achieved during the next two years? What issues are most significant to you?
• A: “I would like the following achieved: implementation of a Minimum Housing Ordinance, development of policies to address vacant buildings and the creation of an Economic Development department at town hall. Projects I am committed to include the completion of the lake restoration, Heritage Park, the salary reclassification study that the town manager has reported is underway and the building of a true state of community.”
On the subject of new revenue.
• Q: With the increased population growth and additional annexations to the town, do you believe supplementary revenue is necessary? If so, how would you recommend that the town of Hope Mills obtain additional revenue?
• A: “Additional revenue may be generated by requiring the developer/property owner to pay an assessment or access fee for safety and environmental services for the first year or two until all units are occupied and are self-sustaining. We can also find additional revenue sources simply by examining how we are currently spending our money and seeking ways to cut wasteful spending and to become more fiscally responsible.” (FO, 8/12/15)
She lost again as all five incumbents were re-elected.
Appointed to Vacant Seat, Then Forced to Quit
In 2017, Jackson was appointed to a vacant seat on the Commissioners, but then was forced to resign after only a month due to conflict of interest regarding her job as a magistrate.
• Commissioner Frances Vinell Jackson has resigned, a month after she was appointed to a seat left vacant by the death of Edwin Deaver.
• Jackson’s resignation was announced by Mayor Jackie Warner on Wednesday night at a joint meeting between the town board and the Historic Preservation Commission. Earlier in the week, the board learned that Jackson’s job as a court magistrate created a potential conflict of interest.
• In a resignation letter, Jackson said she made the decision with “great sadness and deep disappointment.” ”I am indeed honored that you appointed me to serve as one of your commissioners and thank you for the trust and confidence you placed in me and in our shared vision for the advancement of the town of Hope Mills and its citizens,” Jackson wrote. “I truly love this town and will still do all that I can to make it a better place to live.”
• Warner said Jackson’s resignation was “sad.” ”When we had our budget retreat, she had a wealth of knowledge,” Warner said. “We were looking forward to working with her. It’s kind of sad it ended this way.”
• After accepting Jackson’s resignation, the board voted unanimously to leave the seat vacant on the five-member board until the November elections.
• Jackson, who works as a Cumberland County magistrate, was appointed to the town board Feb. 6. She was one of eight people who applied to fill the seat after Deaver died in December.
• At the board’s Monday meeting, Chief District Court Judge Robert J. Stiehl told members that Jackson could not serve as both a commissioner and a magistrate. Stiehl said it was up to Jackson which position she chose. Jackson said she had been told there was no conflict. (FO, 3/9/17)
Church Property Legal Case (Illegally Transferred Property)
In her work with Kingdom Impact Global Ministries, Jackson was involved in a legal case involving a church property ownership dispute. Jackson had been a trustee for Parks Chapel Free Will Baptist Church which broke from their denomination in 2009 and formed Kingdom Impact Global Ministries. Jackson signed the deed transferring the church building and property in 2010 as trustee but a faction of Parks Chapel did not want to break away and insisted the property had been illegally transferred. In 2017, the courts ruled that the property had been illegally transferred and that the “loyalist” faction of Parks Chapel was still the rightful owner. This would mean Jackson had acted improperly as a trustee (the loyal faction said she wasn’t and thus had no authority to do so) though there was no legal penalty attached to her specifically (it just meant the property reverted to Parks Chapel).
• A split in a Fayetteville church congregation turned into a legal fight for ownership of church property, according to a state Court of Appeals ruling issued Tuesday, and other court records.
• Parks Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and Kingdom Impact Global Ministries have been battling in court since November 2013 for a church building and land at and around 868 Amye St. Members of Parks Chapel accused Kingdom Impact of illegally taking possession of their sanctuary and kicking them out of it.
• Tuesday’s Court of Appeals ruling says Kingdom Impact illegally took possession of the Parks Chapel property.
• The decision and court documents outline a congregational schism that spilled into courtrooms in Fayetteville and Raleigh. The ruling says that in 2009 at Parks Chapel, then-Pastor William Thomas Ford and some church members decided to withdraw their church from the United American Freewill Baptist Denomination.
• There is conflicting evidence, the ruling says, on the circumstances of the congregation’s vote to withdraw -- disagreement on whether church members got sufficient notice of the meeting where the vote was held, on who was allowed to vote and on the outcome. Some Parks Chapel church members wanted to stay with the Freewill Baptist Denomination.
• Regardless, in February 2010 Ford incorporated Kingdom Impact Global Ministries. That church is headquartered on Murchison Road, about 1,500 feet from the Parks Chapel church building, and Ford now is the pastor there.
• The ruling says in May 2010, Frances Jackson, identified as a trustee for Parks Chapel, signed documents that were filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State to officially merge Parks Chapel Freewill Baptist Church with Kingdom Impact Global Ministries.
• ”The affidavit testimony before the trial court however, challenged whether the merger was properly voted on by the members of Parks Chapel,” the ruling says.
• The next month, the Freewill Baptist Denomination appointed a new pastor for Parks Chapel, the appeals court ruling says, and, “The members of Parks Chapel who had opposed the withdrawal from the Denomination continued their affiliation with the Denomination and met for worship at the sanctuary on the Property until Defendant denied them access to the Property.”
• Jackson in September 2011 signed a deed transferring the Parks Chapel property from the trustees of Parks Chapel to the trustees of Kingdom Impact, the ruling says. The ruling notes that Jackson is the only person to sign the deed to convey the property, unlike another land transfer deed made in 1984 that had all the Parks Chapel trustees’ signatures.
• The Parks Chapel plaintiffs say Jackson was not a Parks Chapel trustee when she signed the 2011 deed transfer. ”Plaintiffs contend that Kingdom Impact, claiming ownership and control of the Property based on the deed, dispossessed Plaintiffs of the Property and prevented them from continuing to worship there,” the ruling says.
• Court records say Kingdom Impact has been leasing the Parks Chapel site to third parties and has received $2,000 per month in rent.
• The Parks Chapel trustees sued Kingdom Impact in November 2013.
• Superior Court judge Tanya T. Wallace in June 2015 filed on order saying Parks Chapel owns the Parks Chapel church building and land and ordered Kingdom Impact to give it up. Her order was stayed while the case was appealed.
• The Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld Wallace’s decision to return the property to Parks Chapel. Among the reasons, appeals court Judge Lucy Inman wrote that Jackson did not have the authority to transfer the property to Kingdom Impact without the signatures of all the Parks Chapel trustees, so the land transfer violated state law. Judges John Tyson and Wanda Bryant concurred. (Fayetteville Observer, 2/8/17)
The importance of this case is that it shows that she violated state law when acting on behalf of her own ministry group. There may have been no legal penalty for her personally, but it shows astonishingly bad judgment on her part and not appropriate conduct for a would-be elected official.
Issues
Taken from her statements as a candidate for Commissioner and now as a State House candidate.
• Jackson said important issues for her are increasing teacher pay, assuring water safety in the Gray’s Creek area and protecting women’s reproductive rights.
• Water quality has been a concern in the Gray’s Creek area since a nearby Chemours plant was found to be releasing potentially harmful emissions. ”We need to have adequate drinking water for those people,” Jackson said. “We don’t need to wait for an election year to decide we’re going to do something.”
• Jackson, a 25-year resident of Hope Mills and graduate of E.E. Smith High School, said she supports raises not only for teachers but for school bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers.
• The candidate said she opposes cutting funding to Planned Parenthood and described herself as pro-choice on abortion. ”Planned Parenthood provides a lot of other services besides abortion,” Jackson said. “It’s an educational facility; it’s not just about people having abortions.”
• Jackson cited her experience as a Cumberland County transportation and land use planner in her bid for the House District 45 seat. ”I’m a worker. I know what it’s like to work and not be treated fairly,” she said. “I understand what they’ve been through. I’ve been there.” (FO, 2/22/20)
• She’s been endorsed by both the local AFL-CIO and by Planned Parenthood. (Watauga Watch, 2/11/20)
She also took part in a protest at the Chemours plant (which was cited for contaminating the Cape Fear River) and called for stricter regulations to ensure better drinking water.
• About 30 people protested for clean water Saturday at the entrance to the Chemours chemical plant on the Cumberland-Bladen county line. The participants included people from Cumberland County, Bladen County and Wilmington. They gathered as ongoing controversy surrounding the plant is well into its third year.
• The plant for years (and not in violation of environmental regulations) emitted PFAS “forever chemicals” into the air and the Cape Fear River. Specifically, one called GenX that is made here.
• The chemicals are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and are used to make many everyday consumer and industrial products, such as nonstick cookware and lubricants. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t readily break down. Research in recent years has led to suspicions the PFAS chemicals are carcinogenic.
• The GenX chemical contamination became public in summer 2017 when The StarNews in Wilmington reported the chemical had been found in Wilmington’s drinking water. Wilmington gets its water from the Cape Fear River. The chemical later was found in the drinking water wells of homes and other properties near the plant.
• So the Chemours Co. has taken steps to abate its air and water PFAS emissions. This in part has been driven by a court order it agreed to in a lawsuit with the state over the contamination.
• The company in December brought online a newly-built $100 million thermal oxidizer. This heats the plants’ waste gases to more than 2,000 degrees so the PFAS can be extracted and disposed of safely.
• Chemours has said it halted its intentional discharges into the Cape Fear River. However, it appears the chemical still is getting into the water from the soil in the Chemours property, so the company has made a proposal to the state on how it will control this. The proposal still is under review…….
• The protesters included Frances Jackson of Hope Mills, who is the Democratic candidate this year for state House District 45, and Bev Pone, wife of Cumberland County Chief District Court Judge Ed Pone. The Pone’s live in southern Cumberland County……
• Jackson said she has cousins who live close to the plant and who are using bottled water instead of their well water. She said if elected to serve in the state legislature, “I want to be able to go up there and make some regulations and get some things in place, make sure that we have the staff that can evaluate the water quality.”
• Jackson is running against Republican Rep. John Szoka. Szoka has sought and voted for legislation to monitor the pollution and find solutions to the situation. Szoka and Democratic state Sen. Kirk deViere recently told The Fayetteville Observer they are working together to continue to help the people in the community. They have scheduled a community forum on PFAS and GenX for 6 p.m. March 26 at Gray’s Creek High School. The meeting itinerary includes a presentation of new research on PFAS contamination and how to remove it from water and a chance for the public to bring questions to the researchers. (FO, 3/8/20)
Part IV Jackson – The News File, 2007-20
2007
OCT 2007 Transit Analyst
Gregory Lee says he is still paying dearly for something he did almost 20 years ago.
Lee, who is 50, was convicted of burglary in 1988. He served 16 years in prison.
”What is the statute of limitations on a felony?” he asked.
He meant in terms of getting a job. The Fayetteville native says he has applied all over the city.
Lee and nearly 200 others looking for answers came out at 8 a.m. Monday for Fresh Start, held at the Department of Social Services. City Council member Charles Evans organized the event to help people with felony convictions figure out how to piece their lives together in a world that has a hard time trusting them.
The turnout surprised Kim McLamb, program manager for DSS’s adult services.
”I thought maybe 15 or 20 people” would come, she said. “This shows that education is needed. That they need a one-stop place to go to get all the information they need for programs and services.”
Two realities were evident at Monday’s event. First is that McLamb is correct.
Second is that Fresh Start, which lasted until about 11 o’clock, is just that -- a start. The next step should be a job fair. Evans said it is something he is considering.
Some people left disappointed because they had heard employers would be interviewing. Afterward, a long line stood in front of Jon Cone, who took people’s basic information for the Employment Security Commission.
Speakers from various city and council agencies spoke to the attendeesin the DSS first-floor conference room.
Frances Jackson, a transit analyst with Fayetteville Area System of Transit, fielded questions on the bus service.
One person said the bus service is useless to third-shift workers because it stops running at midnight.
”I’m with you on that,” Jackson said.
She said routes were determined by funding, which could only be changed by working through city or state-level politicians.
Minutes later, Evans echoed that sentiment, adding that bus riders need to “go down there and raise sand” with the council.
”That’s what everybody else does,” he said.
Evans said he was a little surprised by the size of Monday’s turnout. But he knew the city had a number of people with felony convictions, he said.
He also knows how hard it is to move past a felony conviction: He has talked openly about overcoming his 1992 guilty pleas on drug and embezzlement charges.
When convicted felons make successful transitions, we all benefit. The truth is that most people who go to prison will eventually get out. Some of them return to a life of crime.
The folks who came out early Monday morning are doing what we say we want them to do.
But will the rest of us meet them half way?
”There is a price we gotta pay for the mistakes we made,” acknowledged Anthony Faison, a local activist and restaurant manager who has a felony conviction. “We can’t get mad.”
But he says they should not always be defined by what’s written on a paper instead of what they have to offer. (Fayetteville Observer, 10/30/07)
2009
JUL 2009 Files For Board of Commissioners
In other races, Frances Vinell Jackson filed Thursday to run for the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners.
Other incumbents also filed:
John “Butch” Nunnery for Wade commissioner;
Ronnie Maness for Linden commissioner;
Mack Royal for Godwin commissioner;
John Gipson for Falcon commissioner;
Helen Crumpler and Liz Reeser for the Eastover Sanitary District board.
The filing period ends at noon Friday (Fayetteville Observer, 7/17/09)
OCT 2009 Board of Commissioners Race
As the Nov. 3 general election approaches, many candidates are using the Old Faithful of candidate advertising -- yard signs -- to get their names out in the public.
You can’t drive on any main thoroughfare without seeing at least a few dozen signs clustered together.
About the only thing that outnumbers the signs along the roadways are the vehicles on them. Lines of vehicles often back up at various traffic lights throughout town.
”I’ve learned one thing -- people in Hope Mills don’t universally agree on a whole lot, but they all agree that we do have traffic that is badly congested,” Mayor Eddie Dees said during an Oct. 15 mayoral debate with his opposition, Commissioner Jackie Warner.
Several candidates for the Board of Commissioners said traffic is one of the first things people mention on the campaign trail. But long-range planning, improved benefits for town employees and the dam and spillway are other issues that candidates say need to be addressed.
On Election Day, voters will choose a mayor and five members for the Board of Commissioners.
Traffic congestion is one of the top issues mentioned by residents.
And they have been saying the same thing to candidates: find a solution to our traffic problems.
Coming up with solutions and putting them into action can be a practice in futility. At the debate, Dees said most of the roads with heavy congestion are state owned, and without state money or the state’s inclination to fix the problem, there is little the town can do.
Frances Vinell Jackson, a first-time commissioner candidate, is a transit analyst for the city of Fayetteville. She also is a former planner for the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board. She said the process to expand roads or build new ones is competitive and long.
”When I was a planner for the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board, there were some roads I introduced that are just now being looked at,” she said. (FO, 10/26/09)
2010
FEB 2010 Angling For Vacant Seat
Tina Odom will not appeal a Superior Court ruling that upheld a challenge to her election to the town board.
”I’m going to move forward,” she said Friday, after filing to run for the state House District 45. She will face Rep. Rick Glazier in the Democratic primary.
Odom was elected to the town Board of Commissioners in November but was not sworn in after a voter challenged her residency. The Cumberland County Board of Elections upheld the challenge in December, and Odom lost a subsequent appeal in Superior Court.
When Odom filed to run for the state House on Friday, she listed as her residence a Cameron Road address that is outside the Hope Mills limits.
The town board will consider officially vacating the seat at Monday’s meeting.
Mayor Eddie Dees said the board may consider who to place in the seat on March 15.
The town has been accepting letters of interest this month. Assistant Town Manager Connie Spell said eight people had submitted letters as of Friday afternoon: Jerry Legge, William Stackhouse, Doris Luther, Frances Vinell Jackson, Larry Hoard, Edwin Nazario Sr., Deric Reed and Michael Mitchell.
Legge, Luther, Jackson, Nazario and Mitchell ran for the board in November. Luther, an incumbent, narrowly lost to Odom by six votes. (FO, 2/26/10)
2011
JUL 2011 Running Again
The news of who isn’t running in this year’s Hope Mills municipal election is nearly as popular a topic of discussion as who is.
The mayor’s race features two familiar faces, incumbent Mayor Eddie Dees and Jackie Warner. Warner lost the 2009 mayoral election to Dees by 25 votes.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege serving the people of Hope Mills for the past several years and I look forward to serving them again,” Dees said.
Warner could not be reached for comment.
The race for the five available seats on the board of commissioners will be just as intense. This year 11 candidates, including three incumbents, filed with the Cumberland County Board of Elections. Commissioners Tonzie Collins, Bob Gorman and Doris Luther all seek another term. Challengers, Jimmy Clark, Pat Edwards, Frances Vinell Jackson, Jerry Legge, Mike Mitchell, Deric Reed, Ron Starling and Ronnie Strong are also in the race.
Jimmy Clark, who ran for commissioner in 2009 said, “I want to be involved, I think I can make a change and that I have certain skill sets. I would bring a business background to the table.”
Frances Vinell Jackson also ran in 2009. “I have a passion for looking out for the little guy and I believe in diversity, that’s my reason for running,” Jackson said.
Notably missing from this year’s race are commissioners Eddie Maynor and Terry Smith, who both decided not to run for re-election this year. (FO, 7/19/11)
SEP 2011 Interview
Frances Vinell Jackson was born in Moore County and was raised in Fayetteville. Jackson graduated from E.E. Smith Senior High School in 1980 and from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1984, where she received a bachelor of science degree in transportation.
In 1986, Jackson began working with the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board as a Planner I in the Transportation Section, in the Community Assistance Section as a Planner II, and as a Planner III in the Land Use Codes Section. Her work experiences also include Transportation Director in Hoke County. Jackson was hired in 2004 as special projects coordinator with Fayetteville Area System of Transit. She currently works as a transit analyst assisting with grants, budgets, federal and state reporting, marketing and planning functions. In 2005, Jackson received her master of arts in political science from Fayetteville State University.
Jackson also works on various committees such as the Ten Year to End Homelessness and Air Quality Committees. In February of this year, Jackson was appointed to the Hope Mills Zoning Commission. She is also a member of Kingdom Impact Global Ministries and currently serves as chairperson of the Trustee Ministry. Jackson has lived in Hope Mills 19 years.
Following is my question-and-answer session with Jackson:
Q: If elected, What are your plans to increase the community’s involvement in the important decisions that impact community planning for smart growth and development in Hope Mills? (This would include such things as solutions to; over building, traffic concerns, safety issues, building codes, environmental concerns)
A: I think the town can benefit from the project recently started by the Cumberland County Joint Planning Staff to develop a Detail Area Plan that began on Aug. 19. The attendance and participation at the recreation center was impressive, but even more impressive at Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary School. Although technology is great for those who prefer that type communication, to be all inclusive, I would recommend in January and every quarter afterwards that notices be sent to all town residents informing residents of all town meetings, planning commission, zoning commission and town commissioner meetings. I would recommend publicizing each governing body meeting on the community channel and change all board meetings to after work hours to give opportunity to residents to participate. Also, a calendar of all town meetings would be printed in the Sandspur the last Wednesday of each month for the following month.
Finally, I would suggest taking the meetings to alternative sites in the community to engage those town residents who live on the fringes. During the development of the 2010 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, staff used schools, family life centers of churches, recreation centers to reach the people.
Q: Would you request the implement of additional revenue taxes, from revenues such as the Hotel/Motel Tax, Food & Beverage Tax, etc… that would generate additional tax revenue income for the town? Do you have any other ideas/suggestions of additional sources of revenue, other then property taxes?
A: No, I would not consider taxing the businesses, if anything we should commend them on coming in our community. At the recreation center meeting a discussion of commercial diversity was very interesting to me. Our community has so many attractive areas that would attract business such as specialty shops. Why not offer incentives to them to come to us. The resident mentioned commercial diversity, guarantee the business that no other chain will be allowed to come within Hope Mills town limits and compete with them. Strategies to retain and recruit new industry by providing incentives in the form of waving permitting fees, extension of water and sewer lines, providing useful data such as population and workforce labor statistics and special utility rates for a specific period of time.
Q: Regarding public safety, What are your thoughts on increasing the amount of police officers and patrol cars to combat crime and traffic concerns in the community? What is your vision to address public safety issues in the community?
A: I have not had the pleasure of meeting with Chief Hassel as my colleague Mike Mitchell has done to discuss needs to combat crime in the community. Certainly, community watch groups are a great idea as it is important that we all know our neighbors to identify when activities are not normal. In addressing traffic, we are going to have to change the way we do things. The planning tools of promoting walkable communities might address future traffic and growth but for the current traffic conditions it would be important to know where are people going? I would recommend implementing Transportation Demand Management strategies to address several issues. A basic principal of TDM is to relieve traffic congestion by reducing the number of auto trips taken, vehicle trips during peak travel times, and reducing the drive-alone rate. Another commonly-cited goal is diminishing air pollution; while a third is reducing fossil fuel consumption. TDM may also affect highway safety, including accident-related injuries, fatalities, and property damage to vehicles, transportation infrastructure, and other property. I would begin working with residents at major employers of Fort Bragg, where master planning division have implemented these strategies to address their traffic and parking demands. The success of it would encourage us to approach the hospitals and college campuses. This would accommodate the staggered-flex time participants. Think outside the box with changing our travel behaviors that encourage develop that fosters walking, bicycling and alternative modes of travel such as community transit service that will operate within our community and connect to others.
Q: Reports indicate that personal property crime has increased throughout the County. If elected, What measures would you like to see put in place that would help ensure that personal property crimes decrease in the community?
A: Before responding to this question, let apologize to those residents who are territorial and don’t believe in shared resources and metrogoverment. This question is like the previous, I would address crime with community watch groups by creating a partnership with the City Fayetteville Police Department Crime Prevention Division. The purpose of the division is to train/teach community watch groups what to do and what to look out for to prevent crime. I don’t believe in re-inventing the wheel. Sergeant Gasch, who received recognition for his training ability could work with the Crime Prevention Division and bring that knowledge back and share with leadership and the community watch groups. If this coordination is in place, forgive me for not touching base prior to my response.
Q: Do you feel Hope Mills should require architectural standards on new buildings, to prevent commercial buildings and developments from detracting from the charm of the town of Hope Mills?
A: Yes. I agree architectural standards on renovated and new structures would preserve our unique identity and preserve our historic character. Another tool is Design Review, a board that determines whether the design of the proposed structure is detrimental to the area. I believe we have an Appearance Commission that could address this method if chosen. Also, architectural standards caution the ability of businesses to leave empty buildings without attempting to locate occupants in their absence.
Q: What changes, if any, would you like to see take place in Hope Mills?
A: I would like to see diverse leadership that will provide the skill sets necessary to address the vast concerns raised by the citizens.
Q: How do you envision the town of Hope Mills, within the next two years? The next five years? The next 10 years?
Answer:
Two Years:
Actively pursue the results of the Detail Area Plan in phases with budget designation;
Interactive website to interact with town residents who live on the fringe;
Develop and implement Marketing activities to attract families, urbanites and businesses
Diversity on all boards/committees
Transparency in government activities
Five Years:
Implementing the 2nd phase of the Detail Area Plan
Designation of Hope Mills Lake II
Planning development that will recognize the Mill Village image of the town around the old mill and lake
Walkable communities with sidewalks that connect to other development
Implement in-kind community services- This strategy solicits the institutional knowledge of our citizens that have expertise in professions and willing to serve in the interest of the community. Such as retired engineers in our community who could provide advice to our board about the lake. I personally know of a planner who lives on the lake who retired from The Army Corp of Engineers. I know there are others such as retired fire chiefs, attorneys, grant writers and human resource analyst. It would not be proper for me to call names but sometimes we have to ask. The strategy benefits us all.
10 Years:
Design/Engineering Plans for Hope Mills Lake II as a Hydro electric lake
With canoeing activities, bicycling, rafting (revenue generator per conversation with
Colleague from Washington State)
Infill development for vacant lots
Additional recreation centers centrally located, including skate parks
Stacey, I thank you and the town residents for this great opportunity to dream of what could be. I am available at fjackson004@nc. for further discussion. (FO, 9/6/11)
OCT 2011 Candidates Forum
“My desire to run for office was to bring my knowledge and experience that I’ve learned in other places here within this community to make it a better place, as we address traffic, crime, budget and finance constraints,” Frances Vinell Jackson said. Jackson works with the City of Fayetteville as a planner analyst, assisting with budgets and grants. (FO, 10/13/11)
OCT 2011 Board of Commissioners Race Again
And a lake still empty after a dam break nearly a year and a half ago.
These are some of the issues on the minds of candidates for Hope Mills mayor and the five-member Board of Commissioners as they prepare for the Nov. 8 election.
The mayor’s race pits three-term incumbent Eddie Dees against Jackie Warner, who narrowly lost to Dees in 2009.
In the Board of Commissioners race, 11 people are vying for five seats.
That includes incumbents Tonzie Collins, Bob Gorman and Doris R. Luther. Commissioners Eddie Maynor and Terry Smith have decided not to run again, although Smith said he has been approached about running as a write-in candidate after not filing for re-election.
Also seeking seats are Pat Edwards, Jerry Legge, Mike Mitchell, Deric Reed, Ron Starling, Ronnie Strong, Jimmy Clark and Frances Vinell Jackson.
Nearly all the candidates cited the town’s explosive growth and accompanying traffic problems as the major issues facing the town this election cycle.
Along Main Street, residents agreed with that assessment.
”It’s a problem. A very bad problem, if you ask me,” said Linda Baldwin, who works at Parker Cleaners in Hope Mills Plaza. “Our emergency vehicles can’t even get through. What if someone’s life was dependent on that ambulance getting through?”
Aaron Smith and Skyler Milton were holding signs advertising Little Caesar’s Pizza along Main Street.
”It’s bad. Friday and Saturday? Bumper to bumper,” Smith said. “Sometimes (the traffic) comes to a stop for several minutes.”
Eddie Dees
”The town is in a period of unprecedented growth,” said Dees, 57, a teacher at Gray’s Creek High School. “During the time I’ve been mayor, we’ve grown by 33 percent, population-wise. Look at all the movie theaters, motels, the Putt-Putt complex, houses.”
Growth is good, Dees said, but it brings problems. He said the town needs to increase the size of its police and fire departments to deal with it.
”Unfortunately, the economy is not letting us do that like we need to,” he said.
As for Hope Mills Lake, which drained when the two-year-old, $14 million dam failed in June 2010, Dees said the town needs to continue to work with the engineers who designed and built it to get it repaired.
”People say, ‘Do something else there.’ You can’t. It’s wetlands; it’s protected,” he said. “You’re either going to have a lake or a creek. You’re not going to have a Walmart there.”
Jackie Warner
Warner, 60, a retired school principal, also cited the town’s growth as its primary challenge.
”I don’t think we’ve ever had the mind-set that we’re ever going to be a larger town,” Warner said. “We have the mind-set of being a small town, but we can’t be because we’ve grown so much.”
Warner said she thinks the town needs to do a better job of improving its infrastructure to handle the growth.
Warner, who served on the town board from 2007 to 2009 and narrowly lost a bid for the state House last year, said she believes the town may have acted too hastily in approving the Hope Mills Lake dam, which replaced an earthen structure that failed in heavy rains in 2003. She said she expressed those concerns while she was on the board.
”I was one of the ones that was always asking, tell me what we’re going to do, tell me why were accepting it like it is,” she said. “Not too long after that, it sprung a leak, and now we have what we have.”
Jimmy Clark
Clark, 53, is a project manager for Player Inc. development company who ran unsuccessfully for the board two years ago.
He said the town is “bleeding revenue” paying for engineers and lawyers on issues such as the dam and possible lawsuits against the town.
”In my opinion, the situation with the dam has not been handled correctly,” Clark said. “It’s been prolonged. It’s not on the fast track.”
Clark also said the town needs to address infrastructure problems such as improving the town maintenance garage and hiring more policemen and firemen.
”I have a background in construction; that would be a plus for any item related to the dam or any items related to expansion of the facilities of the town,” Clark said.
Tonzie Collins
Collins, 61, is a retired police officer. He was first elected to the board as a write-in candidate in 2005 and is seeking his fourth two-year term.
Collins cited traffic congestion and the efforts to restore the dam as two of the biggest issues facing the town. He said “unfinished business” helped convince him to run again.
”I feel like I’m well-known around here, and I’m trying to do everything in my power to get things done, doing what the people voted for me to do,” Collins said.
Collins said he does research on issues facing the town when he gets the agenda before every board meeting.
”I’m a people person. I don’t consider myself a politician,” he said.
Pat Edwards
Edwards, 74, worked for 27 years in Fort Bragg civil service and last year retired as director of the Hope Mills Sunshine Center for seniors.
Edwards said the town has not managed its growth well, resulting in traffic and other problems. She said she would like to see more unity between the board and town staff to address those issues.
”I feel like we need to work with the citizens of Hope Mills,” she said. “I think everybody has something to offer.” Edwards also said she would like to see more activities for seniors in the town.
Bob Gorman
Gorman, 65, is an account executive for Holland Trucking Co. He was elected in 2003 and is completing his fourth term on the board.
Gorman said he would like to see some projects through to completion, mentioning the dam, traffic and the town’s infrastructure as examples.
”I’ve been on the board for eight years, and I’d like to see the completion of those items,” he said. “I think I can make a difference in helping the people of Hope Mills.”
Gorman noted that while voluntary annexation is bringing more tax dollars into the town, it is also increasing the need for services such as police and fire. He said those needs must be weighed against the cost to provide them.
Frances Vinell Jackson
Jackson, 49, is a transit analyst for the city of Fayetteville who ran unsuccessfully for the Hope Mills board in 2009. She said she wants to use her knowledge in planning and local government to serve the town.
Jackson said the big issues are infrastructure, crime and communication, “letting people know they have a say in what’s decided.” She said the town should look into changing the meeting times of advisory commissions so more people could participate.
Jackson said the town should more closely weigh the impact of future development.
”We’re not looking at these things; we’re just saying, ‘Yes, let’s do it,’ “ she said. “We need to future plan and look down the road.” (FO, 10/23/11)
NOV 2011 Loses Again
A recount Tuesday confirmed Pat Edwards’ election to the Board of Commissioners.
Edwards picked up one vote in the recount while her closest challenger, Jimmy Clark, picked up four. Clark requested the recount.
The recount left Edwards with 454 votes to Clark’s 448.
”I’m excited and I’m looking forward to working with (mayor-elect Jackie Warner) and the other commissioners,” said Edwards, who attended the recount along with Clark and Warner. “It’s going to be interesting, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Clark said he was satisfied with the recount results. He said he plans to run again.
”It’s all fine. Everybody ran a good race and I came up a few votes short,” he said. “Ms. Edwards did a great job; it’s just the way folks got out and voted.”
Clark said he felt he owed it to his supporters to ask for a recount in such a close election.
In the Nov. 8 election, Mike Mitchell was the top vote-getter for a seat on the five-member board. Incumbent Tonzie Collins was second, followed by incumbent Bob Gorman, Jerry Legge and Edwards.
Clark was sixth. Before the recount, Edwards led him by 453 votes to 444.
Board of Elections director Terri Robertson said the votes that were picked up were provisional ballots.
Incumbent Doris Luther and challengers Frances Vinell Jackson, Deric Reed, Ron Starling, Ronnie Strong and Clark failed in their bids for a seat on the board. (FO, 11/16/11)
2015
JUL 2015 Files For Hope Mills Town Commissioner
Eleven people filed as candidates for town boards across Cumberland County on Tuesday.
Six local officials hope to retain their seats on town boards, including Rayford D. Dunning Sr. and Wiley T. Clark in Falcon, Donald McIntyre in Godwin, Frances B. Collier and Jeremy Sturtz in Linden, and John C. (Butch) Nunnery in Wade.
Spring Lake Mayor Chris Rey also filed to seek his third term.
Challengers include Frances Vinell Jackson and Al Ferri as candidates for Hope Mills town commissioner, and Jeremy George and Johnny Lanthorn, town commissioner hopefuls in Stedman and Wade, respectively. (Fayetteville Observer, 7/15/15)
AUG 2015 Interview
Town Commissioner candidate Frances “Vinell” Jackson is a native of Fayetteville. She graduated from E.E. Smith High School in 1980 and from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1984, where she received a bachelor's degree in transportation. In 2005, Jackson graduated from Fayetteville State University, earning a master's degree in political science. She is working toward a doctorate in public policy and administration, specializing in law.
Jackson has more than 20 years of experience in local government, working for Cumberland County, the city of Fayetteville, Hoke County and the North Carolina State Department of Commerce. Jackson also is a member of Kingdom Impact Global Ministries.
Q: If elected, what objectives would you like to see achieved during the next two years? What issues are most significant to you?
A: “I would like the following achieved: implementation of a Minimum Housing Ordinance, development of policies to address vacant buildings and the creation of an Economic Development department at town hall.
“Projects I am committed to include the completion of the lake restoration, Heritage Park, the salary reclassification study that the town manager has reported is underway and the building of a true state of community.”
Q: In looking around the town of Hope Mills, I see a lot of residential construction. Along with this growth, I see many homes for sale and many homeowners who have given up on selling their homes and now are trying to rent out their homes. Hope Mills appears to be moving toward a rental town. What are your concerns regarding the glut of housing? –Submitted by a Hope Mills resident in Steeplechase
A: “This is a concern for me. I live in a townhouse-gated community. A few years ago, I inquired about the ratio of renters to owners. I was disturbed by what I learned. Vacant homes pose a health and safety risk and influence crime, a concern raised by Mayor Warner several months ago.
“A proactive approach to code enforcement is implementing the Minimum Housing Ordinance template made available to local governments to address unfit dwellings. Through thoughtful annexation and growth, we can protect current property owners and ensure that the housing market is not over-saturated in comparison to our community population.”
Q: It seems that Hope Mills is a “free-for-all” for development. Would you support or do you think an individual town plan or town ordinance is necessary to control residential, commercial and industry growth? Do you support an ordinance to control the architectural design, building aspects and building facades for the entire area?— Submitted by a Hope Mills resident
A: “I have always supported an architectural design ordinance to prevent steel or unsightly structures from cluttering our town. As for controlling residential, commercial or industry growth, we have the Southwestern Cumberland Land Use Plan, or detail plans that will study areas of potential growth,” Jackson said. “Also, our planner could work with the board and develop planning design policies and guidelines that will address density for residential, commercial and industry growth. As a last resort, the board can vote for a moratorium on residential and multifamily development. We want to grow businesses from within and restrict industry to certain locations within the community.”
Q: Do you support or believe a new police and/or fire station annex are necessary for Hope Mills? If so, how would you suggest seeing it implemented and when?
A: “I support annex sites for police and fire protection. Research indicates officers are based on the population, one or two officers per 1,000 population. Institutional knowledge says that is inadequate.
“Geographic Information Systems aid fire and police departments in reducing critical time and increasing efficiency. Fire station location planning must consider the importance of time in responding to fire and medical emergencies.''
Q: With the increased population growth and additional annexations to the town, do you believe supplementary revenue is necessary? If so, how would you recommend that the town of Hope Mills obtain additional revenue?
A: “Additional revenue may be generated by requiring the developer/property owner to pay an assessment or access fee for safety and environmental services for the first year or two until all units are occupied and are self-sustaining. We can also find additional revenue sources simply by examining how we are currently spending our money and seeking ways to cut wasteful spending and to become more fiscally responsible.”
Q: The town manager is paid to manage and administrate town business. The town attorney is paid to give the Board of Commissioners legal advice. It appears that an inordinate amount of legal time is devoted to advising the town manager in routine administrative matters, in contrast to previous Hope Mills town boards, town managers and town attorneys. Do you have any ideas to try to conserve this outflow of taxpayers' money?— Submitted by a Hope Mills resident
A: “We have a council-manager form of government, and the town board hires the manager and attorney who both work directly for the board. The town manager is responsible for the daily operation of the town and town staff. The town manager has salaried department heads to assist with those daily decisions. The manager also has assistance in making decisions through the county planning department. Although there will be times when the manager will need assistance from the attorney, I believe most of the normal daily operation of the town can be handled by our manager and staff.”
Q: What are the three most important issues that the next Board of Commissioners needs to concentrate on for the town of Hope Mills to thrive?
A: “We need to hire a finance director, we need to consider changing our charter to allow the mayor a vote on all issues and we need to restore Hope Mills Lake to its original state using our settlement money.” (FO, 8/12/15)
OCT 2015 Letter to Editor on Candidacy
High school teachers across North Carolina teach their civic and economic students the duties and responsibilities of a good citizen. A good citizen is informed. I want to inform the great citizens of Hope Mills that I am a candidate for town commissioner.
I have resided in the community for 20-plus years. I served the community as a volunteer by serving as a member of the Hope Mills Zoning Commission. My years of experience in transportation, transit, community and land use planning; budgeting, marketing and managing grants will serve as an asset to the town.
As a candidate, my interest is to contribute my experience as an employee in local government. My interests are completing the Hope Mills Lake Dam, open government to include live-streaming via Internet for our meetings; improving the quality of life for all citizens by providing mobility (transportation) and multi-family housing options for our seniors, veterans and disabled citizens; and promoting businesses from within through economic development efforts.
Implementing these goals will take a team of progressive visionaries, so I ask that you vote Frances “Vinell” Jackson as one of five candidates for Hope Mills commissioner to move our community forward.
Frances Vinell Jackson is a candidate for Hope Mills Board of Commissioners. (FO, 10/22/15)
OCT 2015 Hope Mills Race
James Lewis had a quick answer when asked about the most pressing problem facing the town.
”The dam,” Lewis said. “It’s a really bad eyesore.”
Lewis and his friend Joshua Valentine were enjoying a meal at a picnic table at Municipal Park. In addition to the Hope Mills Lake dam, the two mentioned traffic congestion as a concern.
Replacing the dam, which failed in 2010, is indeed on the minds of a lot of residents as election day approaches. So, too, are traffic, crime, a controversial proposed Walmart at Legion and Elk roads and a host of other issues.
Hope Mills voters have plenty to choose from on this year’s ballot. Thirteen candidates, including all five incumbents, are vying for seats on the Board of Commissioners.
In addition, three candidates -- including incumbent Jackie Warner -- are hoping to be elected mayor on Nov. 3. The mayor presides over meetings but does not vote except in cases of a tie.
The mayor’s race also includes former Mayor Pro Tem Mike Mitchell and political newcomer Keith Bowen.
The unusually crowded Board of Commissioners slate includes incumbents Jerry Legge, Edwin Deaver, Pat Edwards, Bryan Marley and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Gorman.
Hoping to replace those members are former commissioners Tonzie Collins, Doris Luther and Ronnie Strong. Other candidates are Al Ferri, Frances Vinell Jackson, Geoffrey Jones, Ron Starling and Victor Starling.
In answers submitted in response to an Observer questionnaire, the candidates mentioned issues that included restoring Hope Mills Lake, traffic, controlling taxes, improving infrastructure and increasing activities for seniors and other residents.
In the mayor’s race, Warner, a retired school principal, said she would “work diligently” to stay on schedule to have the dam completed by the end of 2016. The project hit a snag recently when the firms selected to design and build the dam delivered a price tag $2.75 million over what the town had budgeted.
Warner also said she would only support a tax increase to support services for public safety. As top issues facing the town, Warner listed developing an infrastructure plan and improving recreation opportunities, including the now unused Hope Mills golf course.
Mitchell said his experience as a certified public accountant would help with efforts to build a new dam at an affordable cost. He said he did not support a tax increase, and that the town needed commercial projects such as the proposed Walmart to increase the tax base and reduce the need for future tax boosts.
Bowen, who owns a home improvement and landscaping business, said he supported the timetable to build a new dam, but that the town should spend “not a dollar more” than the $8million it has budgeted. Bowen cited the need to lower crime and build more neighborhood sidewalks as priorities.
Among the incumbents in the commissioners race, Gorman, the longest consecutively serving member, cited his experience on the board. Gorman, who has opposed the Walmart project, said he favors the established timetable for the new dam and sees that project as a top issue. He also mentioned the proposed Heritage Park and golf course projects as priorities.
Legge also has voted against zoning for the Walmart project. He said keeping taxes low is a priority, and said he doesn’t see an increase in 2016 as being necessary.
Edwards, who is seeking a third term, said she thinks the dam can be finished by the end of 2016. Edwards cited enhancing cultural opportunities, transportation and improving the Main and Trade streets business district as priorities.
Deaver, a former mayor and commissioner who was appointed to a seat after Collins was removed from the board in 2013, said restoring Hope Mills Lake is his top priority. He said he believes the town has selected “professional, experienced dam builders” who will bring the lake back to its historic water level.
Marley, who is completing his first term on the board, has supported the Walmart project. He said he supports the timetable for the new dam and sees the lake, figuring out what to do with the former golf course and maintaining current town service levels as priorities.
Among the challengers, Collins, who was removed from the board after allegations of improper behavior, cited infrastructure, the golf course and road construction as the town’s top three issues. Collins said he hopes the dam can be built at less than the $10.75 million cost the builders have proposed.
Ferri said he favors the dam timetable and bringing the lake back to its historic water level. Ferri said lower taxes on businesses, as well as more police, fire and other emergency services are needed.
Jackson, who has run unsuccessfully for mayor, favors the dam schedule and said replacing it is a priority. Jackson said the town needs to address the problem of vacancies in commercial buildings and helping the elderly, disabled and the military. (FO, 10/26/15)
NOV 2015 Loses Commissioner’s Race
All five Board of Commissioners’ incumbents, along with Mayor Jackie Warner, were returned to their seats by voters Tuesday.
Among the board members, Mayor Pro Tem Bob Gorman was the top vote-getter with 544, followed by Edwin Deaver with 455, Pat Edwards with 443, Jerry Legge with 442 and Bryan Marley with 434, according to complete but unofficial results.
In the mayor’s race, Warner beat out former Mayor Pro Tem Mike Mitchell with 510 votes to 458. Keith Bowen finished third with 91 votes.
”I feel blessed. I think this is one of the times the good Lord has really looked after me,” Warner said. “I’m very proud and pleased to represent Hope Mills for another term.”
Warner said although she was disappointed in the low turnout, she thinks voters rewarded incumbents for the job they have been doing on issues such as replacing the failed Hope Mills Lake dam.
”Everything is falling into place this last week with getting the contract for the dam,” Warner said. “So many positive things have happened.”
Mitchell thanked his supporters after his loss. He said he hoped his candidacy raised important issues in the town.
”We wish only the best for the town employees and citizens of Hope Mills,” Mitchell said.
Gorman said the fact that all incumbents won spoke to the job the board has been doing over the past two years.
”We’ll just keep on doing it, just keep on doing the same things we’ve been doing,” he said.
Coming up short in the commissioners’ race were Frances Vinell Jackson, Tonzie Collins, Doris Luther, Ronnie Strong, Al Ferri, Geoffrey Jones, Ron Starling and Victor Starling. (FO, 11/4/15)
2017
FEB 2017 Illegally Transferred Church Land
A split in a Fayetteville church congregation turned into a legal fight for ownership of church property, according to a state Court of Appeals ruling issued Tuesday, and other court records.
Parks Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and Kingdom Impact Global Ministries have been battling in court since November 2013 for a church building and land at and around 868 Amye St. Members of Parks Chapel accused Kingdom Impact of illegally taking possession of their sanctuary and kicking them out of it.
Tuesday’s Court of Appeals ruling says Kingdom Impact illegally took possession of the Parks Chapel property.
The decision and court documents outline a congregational schism that spilled into courtrooms in Fayetteville and Raleigh.
The ruling says that in 2009 at Parks Chapel, then-Pastor William Thomas Ford and some church members decided to withdraw their church from the United American Freewill Baptist Denomination.
There is conflicting evidence, the ruling says, on the circumstances of the congregation’s vote to withdraw -- disagreement on whether church members got sufficient notice of the meeting where the vote was held, on who was allowed to vote and on the outcome.
Some Parks Chapel church members wanted to stay with the Freewill Baptist Denomination.
Regardless, in February 2010 Ford incorporated Kingdom Impact Global Ministries. That church is headquartered on Murchison Road, about 1,500 feet from the Parks Chapel church building, and Ford now is the pastor there.
The ruling says in May 2010, Frances Jackson, identified as a trustee for Parks Chapel, signed documents that were filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State to officially merge Parks Chapel Freewill Baptist Church with Kingdom Impact Global Ministries.
”The affidavit testimony before the trial court however, challenged whether the merger was properly voted on by the members of Parks Chapel,” the ruling says.
The next month, the Freewill Baptist Denomination appointed a new pastor for Parks Chapel, the appeals court ruling says, and, “The members of Parks Chapel who had opposed the withdrawal from the Denomination continued their affiliation with the Denomination and met for worship at the sanctuary on the Property until Defendant denied them access to the Property.”
Jackson in September 2011 signed a deed transferring the Parks Chapel property from the trustees of Parks Chapel to the trustees of Kingdom Impact, the ruling says. The ruling notes that Jackson is the only person to sign the deed to convey the property, unlike another land transfer deed made in 1984 that had all the Parks Chapel trustees’ signatures.
The Parks Chapel plaintiffs say Jackson was not a Parks Chapel trustee when she signed the 2011 deed transfer.
”Plaintiffs contend that Kingdom Impact, claiming ownership and control of the Property based on the deed, dispossessed Plaintiffs of the Property and prevented them from continuing to worship there,” the ruling says.
Court records say Kingdom Impact has been leasing the Parks Chapel site to third parties and has received $2,000 per month in rent.
The Parks Chapel trustees sued Kingdom Impact in November 2013.
Superior Court judge Tanya T. Wallace in June 2015 filed on order saying Parks Chapel owns the Parks Chapel church building and land and ordered Kingdom Impact to give it up.
Her order was stayed while the case was appealed.
The Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld Wallace’s decision to return the property to Parks Chapel.
Among the reasons, appeals court Judge Lucy Inman wrote that Jackson did not have the authority to transfer the property to Kingdom Impact without the signatures of all the Parks Chapel trustees, so the land transfer violated state law.
Judges John Tyson and Wanda Bryant concurred. (Fayetteville Observer, 2/8/17)
FEB 2017 Appointed to Vacant Commissioner Seat
A divided Board of Commissioners Monday night appointed Frances Vinell Jackson to a seat vacated when member Edwin Deaver died in December.
Jerry Legge and Bob Gorman voted for Jackson. Pat Edwards and Bryan Marley voted against her. Mayor Jackie Warner broke the tie, although she said she would preferred the board be unanimous on the appointment.
After the vote Jackson, 54, said she was “humbled” to be appointed and looked forward to the challenge. She will be sworn in Feb. 20.
”I know that this was a challenging decision, but appreciate this vote of confidence and I promise I will work with the board as a team,” Jackson said after the vote.
Deaver, a former longtime Hope Mills mayor and commissioner, died Dec. 13 at age 83 after a year-long battle with cancer.
Last month, the board asked the public to submit applications to fill Deaver’s seat until town elections are held in November. Eight applications were received.
Applying for the seat were Jackson, Clarence C. Maxwell Jr., Ronald Starling, Larry Perrault, Tonzie Collins, Teresa Rena McNeill, Jessie Bellflowers and Mike Mitchell.
Monday, seven of the eight were interviewed in 10-minute sessions by the board. Collins was not at the interview; Warner said he was at the birth of a grandchild in Raleigh.
The applicants were each asked five questions: Why do you think you are the best fit for this vacancy, if your opinion differs from the majority of the board, would you stand your ground or would you feel obligated to change your decision, what are your top three priorities, have you served on other boards or commissions and how often do you attend board meetings and how do you keep up if you are unable to attend.
After the interviews, Legge made a motion to appoint Jackson.
”I think she’s qualified,” Legge said. “I’m sure she’ll do a great job.
Edwards said she preferred Mitchell, a former mayor pro-tem. Marley would not say who he preferred, but he said he looked forward to working with Jackson.
”There’s no division or nothing,” Marley said. “Everybody’s going to work together and it’s going to be good.”
After the 2-2 tie vote, Warner suggested the board wait until its next meeting to make a decision so it could be unanimous.
But Gorman requested Warner break the tie. The mayor only votes in case of a tie.
Warner then voted for Jackson, noting that Jackson was the sixth-highest vote-getter when she ran for the five-member board in 2015.
Later, Jackson said it was “disheartening” that the board was divided on her appointment, but said she believed members could work as a team.
Jackson said her priorities include completing the Hope Mills Lake dam and working on transportation and housing issues.
Jackson is a former member of the now-defunct Hope Mills Zoning Board She said she worked for years in the Cumberland County Planning Department and now works as a state magistrate. Jackson ran for the board in 2009, ‘11, ‘13 and ‘15. (FO, 2/8/17)
MAR 2017 Resigns After Just One Month Due to Conflict of Interest
Commissioner Frances Vinell Jackson has resigned, a month after she was appointed to a seat left vacant by the death of Edwin Deaver.
Jackson’s resignation was announced by Mayor Jackie Warner on Wednesday night at a joint meeting between the town board and the Historic Preservation Commission. Earlier in the week, the board learned that Jackson’s job as a court magistrate created a potential conflict of interest.
In a resignation letter, Jackson said she made the decision with “great sadness and deep disappointment.”
”I am indeed honored that you appointed me to serve as one of your commissioners and thank you for the trust and confidence you placed in me and in our shared vision for the advancement of the town of Hope Mills and its citizens,” Jackson wrote. “I truly love this town and will still do all that I can to make it a better place to live.”
Warner said Jackson’s resignation was “sad.”
”When we had our budget retreat, she had a wealth of knowledge,” Warner said. “We were looking forward to working with her. It’s kind of sad it ended this way.”
After accepting Jackson’s resignation, the board voted unanimously to leave the seat vacant on the five-member board until the November elections.
Jackson, who works as a Cumberland County magistrate, was appointed to the town board Feb. 6. She was one of eight people who applied to fill the seat after Deaver died in December.
At the board’s Monday meeting, Chief District Court Judge Robert J. Stiehl told members that Jackson could not serve as both a commissioner and a magistrate. Stiehl said it was up to Jackson which position she chose.
Jackson said she had been told there was no conflict.
Warner said the board felt it would be best to leave the seat vacant because so much of the year’s work, including a day-long budget retreat, has already been done. Filing for the November election is in July.
”There’s so many things that we’ve already completed,” Warner said. “We believe at this point in time it would be best to let the four continue as a unit and not fill the seat right now.”
As mayor, Warner only votes in the case of a tie. She said she didn’t foresee many situations where her vote would be needed to break a tie.
”There’s a lot of unity on the board, because we’ve got a purpose,” Warner said. “It’s a much better working condition than we’ve had in a while.” (FO, 3/9/17)
2020
FEB 2020 Watauga Watch Liberal Blog Profile of Race
North Carolina House District 45 in Cumberland County was redistricted and is now rated “Toss-Up”
Frances Jackson with a Republican incumbent, John Szoka, who was first elected to the seat in 2012. Two African-American Democrats are facing each other in the March 3rd primary, one a serious candidate -- Frances V. Jackson -- and the other apparently not (Keith Byrd, who has no campaign presence and no biography that we can detect).Frances Jackson could be formidable -- and she’ll have to be to take the seat in November -- so I was glad to see on her Facebook page that she’s mounted at least one canvass in the district leading up to the primary. She’s been endorsed by both the local AFL-CIO and by Planned Parenthood.She teaches political science at Fayetteville Tech and holds a doctorate from Walden University in Minnesota. She’s been active in civic life in Fayetteville. She was appointed to a seat on the Fayetteville City Council after the death of a member but was forced to resign after only a month because of a possible conflict of interest with her other appointed position as a Cumberland County magistrate.
According to Michael Bitzer , the newly drawn District 45 has a population that’s 33% African-American, with Democrats out-numbering Republicans some 38% to 27%, and with unaffiliated voters holding the balance of power, accounting for 34% of registered voters. Bitzer classifies 79% of the district as “suburban voters outside a central city but inside an urban county.” All of these numbers sound good for Francis Jackson ... except for this: Hillary Clinton took 47.37% of the district in 2016 to Trump’s 49.93%.Ought to be a pretty solid Democratic district. Goes wobbly, though, when the Democrat on the ballot fails to inspire.Frances Jackson, assuming she easily wins her primary, will need an intense ground game -- especially canvassing those suburban neighborhoods -- to carry the vote come November. This could be an unanticipated Democratic pickup in the NC House is she’s got the mojo, the volunteers, and the shoe leather. (Watauga Watch, 2/11/20)
FEB 2020 Overview Of Primary
Two Democratic candidates are vying for the chance to take on incumbent John Szoka in the District 45 state House of Representatives race.
Frances Vinell Jackson faces Keith Byrd in the March 3 primary.
Byrd, 54, is a retired military officer and an officer with the state Department of Public Safety.
A lifelong Cumberland County resident, Byrd graduated from Seventy-First High School. He joined the Army and later attended Shaw University.
Byrd said he is basing his candidacy on “transparency, accountability and progression.”
”I want us first to be transparent,” he said. “If (representatives) are not transparent in what they’re doing, then the voting public is not aware of what they’re doing.”
Byrd said he wants to make sure elected officials are accountable to the public and that government is moving forward and “meeting measurable goals.”
For specific goals, Byrd cited cutting the state budget and reducing the state unemployment rate, which is currently below 4%.
”Obviously, zero percent is not going to happen,” Byrd said. “If we’re making good progress, great; let’s highlight that.”
Byrd, who lives in Hope Mills, cited his leadership skills as an Army officer as well as his work as a corrections officer.
”As a candidate, I’m working to resolve issues,” Byrd said. “That connection with the voters and elected officials, I’m working even as a candidate to bridge that.”
Byrd said he is on the side of the working person and cited his own experience in the Army and in the civilian workforce.
Jackson, 57, is an adjunct professor at Fayetteville Technical Community College. In 2017, she briefly served on the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners before resigning because of a conflict with her job at the time as a court magistrate.
Jackson said important issues for her are increasing teacher pay, assuring water safety in the Gray’s Creek area and protecting women’s reproductive rights.
Water quality has been a concern in the Gray’s Creek area since a nearby Chemours plant was found to be releasing potentially harmful emissions.
”We need to have adequate drinking water for those people,” Jackson said. “We don’t need to wait for an election year to decide we’re going to do something.”
Jackson, a 25-year resident of Hope Mills and graduate of E.E. Smith High School, said she supports raises not only for teachers but for school bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers.
The candidate said she opposes cutting funding to Planned Parenthood and described herself as pro-choice on abortion.
”Planned Parenthood provides a lot of other services besides abortion,” Jackson said. “It’s an educational facility; it’s not just about people having abortions.”
Jackson cited her experience as a Cumberland County transportation and land use planner in her bid for the House District 45 seat.
”I’m a worker. I know what it’s like to work and not be treated fairly,” she said. “I understand what they’ve been through. I’ve been there.”
The winner of the primary will face Szoka for a seat the Republican has held since 2013.
Although Szoka has easily won reelection since then, the district is expected to be more competitive because of redistricting. (FO, 2/22/20)
MAR 2020 Wins Primary
A long-time Hope Mills resident, government planner and professor will take on incumbent John Szoka in the state House District 45 race this fall.
Frances Vinell Jackson defeated Keith Byrd in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, according to complete but unofficial results. Jackson received 5,297 votes compared with Byrd’s 2,360 votes.
Jackson will face Szoka in the Nov. 3 general election.
Although Szoka, a Republican, has easily won reelection since 2013, the district is expected to be more competitive because of redistricting.
Jackson, 57, is an adjunct professor at Fayetteville Technical Community College. In 2017, she briefly served on the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners before resigning because of a conflict with her job at the time as a magistrate.
Jackson said important issues for her are increasing teacher pay, assuring water safety in the Gray’s Creek area and protecting women’s reproductive rights.
Jackson, a 25-year resident of Hope Mills and graduate of E.E. Smith High School, said she looks forward to the general election battle against Szoka.
”The people of the community are my basic concern. Their quality of life is my main concern,” she said.
Jackson said it was a tough campaign.
”I’m very excited about the win,” she said. “People in the community trusted me and respected me, and I worked very hard to show them that I’m very much concerned about them and their needs.” (FO, 3/4/20)
MAR 2020 Participates in Protest at Chem Plant
About 30 people protested for clean water Saturday at the entrance to the Chemours chemical plant on the Cumberland-Bladen county line.
The participants included people from Cumberland County, Bladen County and Wilmington. They gathered as ongoing controversy surrounding the plant is well into its third year.
The plant for years (and not in violation of environmental regulations) emitted PFAS “forever chemicals” into the air and the Cape Fear River. Specifically, one called GenX that is made here.
The chemicals are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and are used to make many everyday consumer and industrial products, such as nonstick cookware and lubricants. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t readily break down. Research in recent years has led to suspicions the PFAS chemicals are carcinogenic.
The GenX chemical contamination became public in summer 2017 when The StarNews in Wilmington reported the chemical had been found in Wilmington’s drinking water. Wilmington gets its water from the Cape Fear River.
The chemical later was found in the drinking water wells of homes and other properties near the plant.
So the Chemours Co. has taken steps to abate its air and water PFAS emissions. This in part has been driven by a court order it agreed to in a lawsuit with the state over the contamination.
The company in December brought online a newly-built $100 million thermal oxidizer. This heats the plants’ waste gases to more than 2,000 degrees so the PFAS can be extracted and disposed of safely.
Chemours has said it halted its intentional discharges into the Cape Fear River. However, it appears the chemical still is getting into the water from the soil in the Chemours property, so the company has made a proposal to the state on how it will control this.
The proposal still is under review.
The company on Saturday issued a statement in response to the protest.
”Community groups have helped raise awareness of PFAS, and we respect their right to peacefully protest,” it says. “Chemours’ definitive actions have significantly reduced PFAS emissions, and we remain committed to moving forward and continuing emissions control progress at our Fayetteville site.”
Chemours has been providing bottled water and filter systems to nearby residents whose wells have a certain amount of PFAs or more. Protester Carrie Adkins said her home gets 15 gallons of bottled water per week.
Sarah Kirkland said she and her 7-year-old son, Jake, have a filtration system under their kitchen and bathroom sinks to filter GenX out of their well water.
Kirkland does not consider herself to be an environmentalist, she said. But now that her home is affected, she and Jake stood on the side of N.C. 87 on a chilly and windy Saturday to hold up protest signs and a protest flag to passing motorists.
The protesters included Frances Jackson of Hope Mills, who is the Democratic candidate this year for state House District 45, and Bev Pone, wife of Cumberland County Chief District Court Judge Ed Pone. The Pone’s live in southern Cumberland County.
Bev Pone said the church she attends, Willis Creek AME Zion Church, is near the plant.
”They said that we are within the limits when they tested our well, but -- you know -- we have our doubts,” she said.
Many in the congregation drink bottled water at church, she said.
Jackson said she has cousins who live close to the plant and who are using bottled water instead of their well water. She said if elected to serve in the state legislature, “I want to be able to go up there and make some regulations and get some things in place, make sure that we have the staff that can evaluate the water quality.”
House District 45 includes Gray’s Creek.
Jackson is running against Republican Rep. John Szoka. Szoka has sought and voted for legislation to monitor the pollution and find solutions to the situation.
Szoka and Democratic state Sen. Kirk deViere recently told The Fayetteville Observer they are working together to continue to help the people in the community. They have scheduled a community forum on PFAS and GenX for 6 p.m. March 26 at Gray’s Creek High School.
The meeting itinerary includes a presentation of new research on PFAS contamination and how to remove it from water and a chance for the public to bring questions to the researchers. (FO, 3/8/20)
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