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proud of and she supports the bond so that land can be purchased for future parks. She feels that <br />bonds are a good thing. It allows the public to decide on what they want. Passage of these bonds does <br />not mean an instant tax increase because the bonds will be sold over the next few years. She said that <br />the County has a triple bond rating and a solid financial picture. She congratulated the County <br />Commissioners on presenting a solid plan. <br />John Prysock spoke in support of the bond issue for the Efland sewer. He feels that this will help <br />clean the water that flows into the Neuse Basin. He asked that the County Commissioners allow those <br />properties that have lines running in front of their property to tie onto the line. <br />David Thaden spoke in support of the school bonds. He spoke specifically about phase 2 of East <br />Chapel Hill High School and the $3 million allocated for that project. He said that this money would <br />help finish the auditorium as well as the athletic fields. He invited the County Commissioners to walk <br />East Chapel Hill High with him to see the facility. <br />Tim Williams urged support for the entire bond package. He feels that having safe and affordable <br />housing is a definite need for those with mental illnesses. There are many citizens with mental illness <br />who need affordable housing. <br />Kevin Foy spoke in favor of the proposed bond package for Orange County. He feels that with <br />these bonds, the County Commissioners are showing true leadership. Everyone he talks with is <br />concerned with the growth taking place in this community. He feels that the County Commissioners' <br />leadership in proposing these bonds is critical and that everyone needs to take a strong role in shaping <br />the County's future. The affordable housing bond will provide leverage for more money and hope and <br />impetus for creativity among the affordable housing providers. He feels that parks are important and that <br />this money will buy significant portions of land for future parks. <br />Robert Hayes from the Knolls Development Association told about their program of buying <br />dilapidated housing and renovating it to sell to people who cannot afford housing. They support the bond <br />issue for affordable housing and also for schools. <br />Judy Barbee spoke in support of the $1.8 million for affordable housing. She has seen firsthand <br />what can be done in a community. <br />Ann Blanchard, parent of children at East Chapel Hill High School, mentioned that the $3 million in <br />the bond issue will not finish phase 2 at that facility. She said that the cultural arts wing will probably <br />cost that much by itself. She encouraged the County Commissioners to go with the recommendation <br />from the Capital Needs Task Force which includes $3 million for East Chapel Hill High School. <br />Mark Anderson supports the entire bond package because he feels it provides for the County a <br />good vision and provides for balance among all the needs in the County. <br />Pearson Stewart supports all the bond issues. He emphasized that the needs are there. He <br />welcomes the opportunity of those coming after him to join in the payment of the bonds. Orange County <br />is growing and will continue to grow. No one has mentioned stopping that growth. He mentioned Joe <br />Cowposki and feels that Chapel Hill should support the bond issue because it is the right thing to do <br />and it will help their own housing problems. He supports the parks and recreation bond. <br />Runyon Woods, candidate for Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools, strongly supports the bond for <br />affordable housing and the school bonds. There is overcrowding at some of the schools. He hopes the <br />County Commissioners will spend the money as efficiently as possible. <br />Jeff Schmidt spoke in support of the $6 million bond for recreation and parks. He is with the <br />Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association. Although they have been able to include all kids who want to <br />participate in youth activities, they do need additional facilities.