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Commissioner Halkiotis said that he agrees that the Patriot Act needs to be taken out and dealt with separately. The most important thing for him is to support the service men and women and their families. He said that we control this by the people we elect to office. These are young people who serve the country and he loves this country dearly, but it is troubling to see some individuals twist it to say that if you do not support the actions taken you are a traitor and terrorist yourself. He said that this is the worst thing that could happen. We have to be vigilant to preserve and protect our freedoms to speak. There are same that would take that freedom away. He made reference to the signs in Hillsborough that said that if you protest the war then that means you are against the country and the troops and there is something immoral about you. He thinks that is the wrong approach. He supports Commissioner Jacobs' amended resolution. Chair Brown had some suggested changes. In the first whereas, she would like to add that this war be brought to a conclusion and that our service men and women be brought home. She said that tomorrow the President is bringing to Congress the first $78 billion needed to pay for this war. She would like to emphasize in this resolution the fiscal irresponsibility and that the money should be directed to the needs of citizens in this country and the crisis in social services, mental health, housing, and the unfunded mandates. Commissioner Jacobs said that the "whereas" about the present Administration's policy was sufficient for the fiscal irresponsibility issue. The first whereas will be changed to add, "bring the war to a swift conclusion and bring our service men and women home." Commissioner Jacobs accepted the changes as made by Chair Brown. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS-NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Public Hearing on Orange County's 2003 Legislative Agenda The Board held a public hearing on potential items for inclusion in Orange County's legislative agenda packet for the 2003 North Carolina General Assembly Session and considered approval of four draft resolutions for presentation to Orange County's legislative delegation. Jahn Link said that the 2003 legislative agenda is an effort to develop a complete array of interests and issues that we feel our General Assembly should address on behalf of all of the citizens in the State. He deferred to Commissioners Halkiotis and Jacobs on any items. Geof Gledhill explained all of the issues in detail. Dark Green document -this resolution would amend the General Statutes to fund the establishment of bikeways and trails throughout the County. The intent would be for the DOT to use federal, state, and local funds to accomplish bikeways and trails in Orange County. This is a local act only.