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Daryl Payton is one of 11 candidates running to fill five seats in the upcoming election for the Durham Board of County Commissioners. His professional experience has been in the technology and cybersecurity industries.

Southpoint Access asked Payton to answer some questions for our readers. The same forum is offered to other candidates running for office – particularly those who might affect the lives of readers in South Durham.

Why are you running to serve on the County Commission?

Daryl Payton: I am running to represent the people of Durham, enhancing Durham’s footprint and its current state, dedicating time and effort, and advocating for the needs of ALL residents within the Durham community.

What are your strategies for addressing community safety and reducing crime in Durham County?

Daryl Payton: My strategies for addressing community safety and reducing crime in Durham County include, but are not limited to:

• Optimizing technology to combat crime (ex. Big Data, Gap Analysis, Behavioral Analytic, AI, Historical Mappings and Statistics).
• Making it fun and building partnership with community and first-responder programs, fun activities and sport leagues.
• Using statistical KPI’s and KRI’s to continually enhance and dynamically improve.
• Directed patrolling (including foot patrols).
• Keeping a proactive focus and deterrence.
• Following result-oriented, problem-solving, best practices policing.
• Professional, ethical, and partnership policing.
• Committing to save lives by proactively preventing and stopping violence.
• Identifying and punishing the key people and places driving the violence.
• Creating a monthly report card, using the HEART program, and engaging key experts.
• Mobilizing community residents, service providers, and law enforcement officers in response to chronic crime conditions.
• Demonstrating empathy when applicable and accountability.
• Addressing key crime areas (ex. drugs distribution locations).
• Retaining bright and talented officers and add investment in smart policing.
• Placing responsibility for violence reduction efforts at the top.
• Focused deterrence and problem-oriented violence reduction.

How do you plan to support economic growth and job creation within the county?

Daryl Payton: I will support economic growth through partnerships, sponsorships, and investments in infrastructure and innovational growth, including:

• Pushing STEM platform and utilization of Research Triangle Park and surrounding business and partnerships.
• Optimizing finance and international partnerships and smart cooperative economic growth.
• Supporting career growth through partnerships, sponsorships, and investments in Durham resident innovational jobs and training (including but not limited to): RTP and surrounding businesses/organizations, partnerships, and incentives, internships, apprenticeships, and good paying jobs and opportunities.

How would you improve transportation and infrastructure, including road maintenance and public transportation systems?

Daryl Payton: I would strike a balance between enhancing transportation and technology. Subsidized rides for Durham residents in need (ex. senior citizens, disable residents, etc.). Encourage Durham residents to use public transportation and share with the public the win-win benefits of public transit (ex. gas, saving on auto insurance, etc.)

I would improve transportation by utilizing automation and researching smart train usage through direct connection paths to Richmond, Greensboro, RDU Airport, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Including transit, trails, bike lanes, sidewalks and road systems that provide easy connectivity throughout Durham County.

I would effectively and efficiently invest in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) including but not limited to increasing the safety of travelers (ex. autos, buses, and trains).

I recommend advanced roadside infrastructure and research, and third-party, cost-effective maintenance suppliers. Provide analysis, and update and upgrade maintenance services to “all” county transportation vehicles and systems while optimizing preventive and predictive technology and mobility transportation options.

What do you consider the most critical challenges faced by Durham County?

Daryl Payton: Crime and safety are the most critical challenges faced by Durham County. Crime and safety would be my top priority because Durham, when folks are safe, it benefits our overall footprint.

For instance, when people feel safe it has an economic impact, and improves Durham’s economic landscape. It encourages investments in Durham and magnetically attracts folks to the area.

What I plan to do is (1) use technology and KPI’s/KRI’s to help drill down on the most troublesome and eroding concerns, (2) dynamically interact more with Durham residents the public, (3) partner and engage with experts to collaborate and display a report card on what is being done, what the results indicate, and how commissioners are working to improve crime in Durham.

What are your plans to promote environmental sustainability and green initiatives in Durham County?

Daryl Payton: Leadership plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability, recycling, and green initiatives. I will enhance the recycling program in the county and promote environmental sustainability and green initiatives including but not limited to:

• Creating solutions that encompass the complex challenges of implementing and sustaining recycling and green approaches.
• Deploying best practice initiatives that address environmental gaps.
• Promoting ethical practices and resource conservation.

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