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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2004 Contact: Valerie P. Foushee It is time for a change in Orange County leadership. After serving for six years on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education, I have filed to enter the Democratic primary for the Orange County Board of Commissioners’ election to bring about that change. If elected, I am determined to: Make collaboration among governmental entities work better for our citizens. In the last decade, there have been successes in collaboration, such as Scroggs Elementary School, Smith Middle School and Rashkis Elementary School. Towns worked with the schools to share both facilities and capital costs. However the Southern High School, the proposed Soccer Complex and the Aquatics Center, all important public facilities, have suffered delays because the county commissioners have not been devoted to forward progress. Specifically, I will work to get voter approved facilities built and available to the people of our county on time. I will work for a decision-making process that is clear, consistent, and understood by all affected. Expand economic development, carefully targeted to appropriate areas. We need to grow our tax base in the right way. We need to have the right types of employers in the appropriate locations. We can protect our environment and preserve farmland, while creating new jobs within the county for Orange County residents and easing the tax burden on individual property owners. Orange County’s economic development efforts need more energy and clearer focus. Specifically, I will support economic development and redevelopment initiatives for downtown Carrboro, Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. I will urge creation of jobs and non-residential tax base in the county’s economic development districts. I will have an open and inquisitive mind to the possibilities that Carolina North offers, for employment, tax base and affordable housing. I will also advocate for school sites on that property. Ensure effective and efficient funding for both school districts. I will work to ensure that every Orange County student has access to the best educational opportunities. I will advocate for appropriate school funding while maintaining local control of district operations through the elected school boards. |
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