Frank Fields III, candidate for Raleigh City Council District C
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Candidates for Raleigh City Council District C 2022
The candidates running for the Raleigh City Council District C seat include Corey Branch, Frank Fields III and Wanda Hunter. Get to know the candidates with our NC 2022 Voter Guide.
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The News & Observer asked readers again this year to submit their questions for the people looking to lead Raleigh.
We received nearly 200 questions that covered a range of topics important to city residents.
We asked candidates for a yes or no response to 15 questions with a chance to fully explain their position. If candidates did not provide a yes or no answer, we didn’t include their fuller response.
We also included biographical and open-ended questions. Some responses were edited for clarity or length.
Here is how Raleigh City Council District C candidate Frank Fields III answered the questionnaire. Fields is one of three candidates for the southeast Raleigh seat.
District C candidates are elected only by people within the district and serve two-year terms.
All eight seats on the Raleigh City Council are up for re-election.
Early voting for the Nov. 8 election began Oct. 20.
Name: Frank Fields III
Age: 35
Occupation: Self-employed; educator
Education: Ph. D. in Policy and Development from NC State
Endorsements (limit to three): Wake County Democratic Party; Raleigh Wake Citizen’s Association; Wake County Voter Education Coalition
Previous political or civic experience? Prior to COVID, Frank was a weekly volunteer at the Wake County Correctional Center in District C. As a volunteer, Frank mentored inmates in hopes to engage the individuals and provide guidance and viable options/plans to employ upon their release. Frank is a member of the Wake County Voter Education Coalition and the Wake Democratic Men’s Club. Frank also serves on the Board of Directors at Alexander Family YMCA in Downtown Raleigh. Frank won the Better Business Bureau Spark Award for Excellence in Community-Based business. Frank was named Grand Marshal for the Inaugural Raleigh Juneteenth Jubilee Parade
Campaign website: FrankFieldsForDistrictC.com
How do you identify your political ideology? Democrat
How would you add diversity to the City Council? I would like to be known as a councilman who was not a politician. This isn’t a role I want to take to get to the next level. This is what I want to do for my city. This isn’t a stepping stone for me.
What is your favorite locally owned restaurant either in the city or within your district? Mojoe’s
The city of Raleigh lowered the speed limit downtown to 25 mph. Are you in favor of lowering the speed limit to 25 mph throughout the city?
Yes. Not city-wide, though, just residential
Should the city help bring a sports and entertainment stadium downtown?
No. We have enough local college sports that we are not hungry for a pro sports team. NC State has wonderful arenas only five minutes outside of downtown.
Do you support reinstating Citizen Advisory Councils?
Yes. I think we need to bring back CACs. I was a part of CACs. There should never be a reason where we, as civil servants, aren’t in constant and clear communication with the people that we serve
Would you vote to increase the police department’s budget?
Yes. I think the focus should be making being a police officer attractive via pay and benefits. I believe that police officers need to be compensated better for what they do, which would create better employee morale, decrease turnover and have a positive impact in the community.
The candidate provided the same answer to two questions.
Would you vote to increase the salary of the city’s first responders, including police, fire and 911 staff?
Yes. I think the focus should be making being a police officer attractive via pay and benefits. I believe that police officers need to be compensated better for what they do, which would create better employee morale, decrease turnover and have a positive impact in the community.
The candidate provided the same answer to two questions.
Will you support keeping city buses fare-free indefinitely?
Yes. Increase employability, job-hunting opportunities, and access to employment by bolstering the public transportation system
The city has received numerous noise complaints about traffic and street racing. Is the city doing enough to enforce its noise ordinance?
No. We want to keep our neighborhoods and streets safe and enjoyable. Street racing is dangerous and at the very least unpleasant noise-wise. We need to do more to enforce this, especially as we add more bike lands and pedestrians.
Would you support the city creating a buffer zone around abortion clinics?
Yes. A buffer zone just ensures that everyone can stay safe regardless of their beliefs.
Do you support the city’s missing middle zoning changes?
Yes. I think we can do both. We don’t need to ruin historic single-family household neighborhoods, but if we need to create dense property on otherwise unpopulated areas (in-fill) to help with the housing crisis I am not overly opposed to it.
Do you support the city’s $275 million parks bond?
Yes. As a health and wellness advocate, I understand that parks and rec centers (gyms/youth sports) are the great equalizers. They brings a community together. Especially a changing community where everyone doesn’t look the same.
Would you propose additional measures to address the affordable housing crisis for lower wealth residents?
Yes. I believe Raleigh, as a city, must focus on being landowners. Private landlords can and do charge what they please. If we can focus on being landlords as a city by acquiring property I think that we can better serve our citizens who are at the whim of private landlords.
Do you support Raleigh’s and Wake County’s efforts in bus rapid transit and commuter rail?
Yes. By supporting the public transportation system we can increase employability, job-hunting opportunities, and access to employment by bolstering the Public Transportation system;
Should it be possible to live in Raleigh without owning a car?
Yes. We should be able to provide adequate bike lanes, public transit and viable options with the budget that we have.
A council-appointed study group made a recommendation to add one seat to the Raleigh City Council. Do you support expanding the size of the council by a seat?
Yes. Simply put: It would serve as a tie-breaker on voting.
Do you think the current City Council has put Raleigh on the right path?
No. I don’t think so I think; we are losing the essence and fabric of Raleigh by selling out to developers. I would be intentional in making sure that natives and City Workers will be able to afford the city that they protect and work in.
What will you do to ensure Raleigh’s working-class residents don’t get priced out of the city?
Create specific programming for city workers. Down payment assistance. Mortgage deferment; preferred interest rates.
What lessons should the city have learned from public safety challenges like COVID, curfews and George Floyd protests? Would you propose any new policies or changes?
We need to have more outreach and communication between police and citizens. That increases trust and morale. I believe the police chief is doing an excellent job at this and we are moving in the right direction.
How can the city limit investment firms from buying entry level homes?
By doing it themselves. I believe Raleigh, as a city, must focus on being landowners. Private landlords can and do charge what they please. If we can focus on being landlords as a city by acquiring property I think that we can better serve our citizens who are at the whim of private landlords.
Describe a program in another city that you want the city of Raleigh to try. Please be specific.
The Safe Shelter Housing that they do in San Francisco for the homeless community to store their belongings, shower, drink clean water, etc.
Raleigh is the center of one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. How do you personally feel about that?
While spending decades living in District C, Frank has seen a myriad of change within his community. Frank applauds the renovation, economic growth, development, and beautification that has transpired within District C. Furthermore, Frank values and shares the rich history and background that is the “fabric” of the district. Frank’s mission for District C is to create one thriving, healthy community that can appreciate progression while never ceasing to preserve the essence of the district.
Name one initiative you’d propose in your first 100 days in office.
Increasing city-worker pay (Police, Fire, EMS, DOT, etc.)
This story was originally published October 25, 2022 at 10:48 AM.
