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programs the funds to purchase additional uniforms and equipment for all band members. Ray Martin is President of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Association of Educators. He said that he has returned to address full funding of all Orange County schools. He reminded the County Commissioners of their three promises -1) to administer their EOG test question, "Will you support fully funding for our schools?" 2} to invite the County Commissioners to join a nationwide lawsuit far No Child Left Behind, that seeks to get the funds back that have not been released; and 3} to pledge their support far the County Commissioners' politically courageous support for full funding of our schools. He distributed a personal "pocket" reminder - a nickel - to remind the County Commissioners that it only takes five cents more in the proposed budget to provide full funding for all school children in Orange County. Cathy Ahrendsen is Executive Director of A Helping Hand. A Helping Hand has been providing services in Orange County since 1995. They assist senior citizens, the chronically ill, and those permanently or temporarily disabled. They are requesting $5,000 from Orange County to help fund services for people unable to afford them. They work with the Orange County Department on Aging and other community agencies to make sure that the senior citizens receive the best care possible. They also provide escorted transportation, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and light housekeeping. They serve about 200 people annually, half of which receive free or subsidized services. They also provide crisis intervention. She said that the Orange County population of people 65 and older is expected to grow by 131.6°/a by 2020 to 21,553. She asked the County Commissioners to provide $5,000 to help these senior citizens stay in their homes. Their focus will be individuals in the unincorporated areas of Orange County. Lisa Hoffman is a CHCCS teacher and she spoke an behalf of both school systems. She said that she is privileged to serve the children of many nations, races, and walks of life. They have dedicated significant resources to the goals of equity and equal opportunity for all children. She said that, from an economic standpoint, there is not one school employee that does not exceed his or her job description. She said that many of the teacher assistants hold advanced degrees in education. She asked the County Commissioners to invest wisely and fully fund the future. James Baxter is employed as a field inspector in Planning and Inspections for Orange County. He asked the County Commissioners to vote `yes' for the employee pay and benefits portion of this year's budget proposal. He said that he was employed by the County two weeks and two days prior to the 9111 attacks. He said that Orange County employess are in the front lines because they save lives and they also save the County from potential litigation from systems or building failures through intervention. He said that the Planning and Inspections Department provides invaluable expertise through years of specialization and continuing education. He said that years without a raise after the 9111 attacks was a responsible reaction by the County. They pitched in without complaint. He is aware that the County is still recovering from budgetary constraints. He said that this increase would be easily paid for with the population increases expected in this County over the next 15 years. David Weinberg is on the McDougle Elementary SGC. He was speaking for himself. He said that his father used to quote the Bible a lot: "If not now, when?" The point is, if you know there is something you have to do and you are passionate about it, and there is a clear course of action, then you should do it now, without delay, while it is clear to you. He said that the Manager's recommended budget was a shack to him. He said that he was certain that the County would do something dramatic with the OCS budget this year in light of the recent discussions and threats of merger. He said that when the OCS Board submitted a $400 increase in per pupil funding, he thought there