Sept. 7, 2025

Show #161: Beyond Party Lines: Tisha Waddell’s Take on Honest Governance and Community Listening

Show #161: Beyond Party Lines: Tisha Waddell’s Take on Honest Governance and Community Listening

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Carolina Cabinet, where Fayetteville mayoral candidate Tisha Waddell joins us for a thoughtful, in-depth conversation about the future of our city. Hosted by Peter Pappas, with Laura Musler as co-host, this episode places Tisha’s experiences, beliefs, and vision front and center.


Tisha opens up about her practical approach to leadership, emphasizing transparency, building consensus, and the importance of ethical standards in local government. She shares candid insights on Fayetteville’s economic development, arguing that it’s not just about growing the corporate tax base, but also about ensuring that new jobs truly benefit local families. Tisha also discusses the need to support youth engagement by meeting young people where they are, listening to their stories, and inviting them to help shape solutions.


Tisha gets real about the challenges of campaigning, the responsibility of attending community forums, and her personal journey through city politics—including her principled stand on council ethics and her belief in honest, process-driven leadership. She also tackles hot topics, ranging from campaign culture and council voting to property rights and the role of party affiliation in local elections.


Get ready for an episode that highlights how Tisha Waddell’s “what you see is what you get” attitude and unwavering commitment to community could help reshape Fayetteville for the better. Whether you’re a voter, a concerned citizen, or just passionate about local politics, this discussion offers plenty to think about—straight from the candidate herself.