March 15, 2008

The majority of this week consisted of short meetings with small groups or individuals. This week also included a 70 minute regularly scheduled council meeting and a few interviews with the media.

The highlight of the week was a proclamation presentation to Bill Wayne who turned 100 years old on Tuesday. What a kind and entertaining individual. Not only was he gracious to all those around him, but he even danced. I can’t even imagine living to 100 but to be able to dance is amazing. What a special treat to witness that.

The low point of the week was conferring with council members about who they thought should be recommended for appointment to the legislative agenda committee. As a group we are a strong, diverse, and talented with a wide variety of opinions which is a good thing. But getting everyone on the same page is sometimes like herding cats. This is very frustrating if you happen to be the herdsman. But all is well that ends well and we are still working on differences like true professionals. I am still honored and proud to be their elected leader.

One of the events I attended this was a precinct organization meeting for the Democratic Party. At this event I gave opening remarks and introduced candidates for the US Senate and all levels of state government. It was nice to meet potential future leaders. (Side note: I also meet and talk with Republican candidates and officials.). Although partisan politics has no place in town government it is my duty to support the party at certain events. While I may belong to a party, it is important to understand that it doesn’t matter what party a fireman, policeman, or sanitation worker belongs to as long as they are doing their job to make our lives safer and more enjoyable. This holds true for all public servants. That is, as public servants I believe it is our job to do what is best for our citizens regardless of party influence.

One of the meetings I had this week was with the Western Wake Partners on the Wastewater Treatment Facility which included mayors from Apex, Holly Springs, and Morrisville. The meeting mostly consisted of expenditures and proposed costs summaries. The progress of this future wastewater facility seems to be moving at a snails pace but should be operational in plenty of time before Cary needs sewer capacity.  It is important to note that as this process drags on the costs keep rising.

There were a few meetings with staff and consultants this week. One notable meeting was with our lobbyist for legislature. The legislative committee (mentioned above) will meet with him a couple of times to finalize our agenda for a council vote on April 7^th.

This week, like other weeks, included several private meetings with individuals that had concerns and issues. One notable meeting was with Mike Curran of Triangle Aquatics (TAC). His concern is that council may decode to move in a different direction on its aquatics facility. He would prefer the town move forward with the community center aquatics model.

Well that is about it this week. This is the 14^th post in my Journal. It has been my goal since taking office to make Cary’s government as open as possible. The town shares this goal and has proclaimed March 16^th through March 22^nd as Sunshine Week. Although the Town of Cary is a leader in making records open and providing information to the public we strive to do more. Please take time to read more about Sunshine Week at http://www.townofcary.org/news/news2008/sunshineweek.htm .

I am going to close now to prepare for an interview with WRAL, followed by remarks at Cary teen council, then a meeting with parents about schools, and finally a presentation at the Cary Table Tennis Tournament. It will be a busy weekend. I hope to post next week on March the 22nd.