Minutes 11-05-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 statutes behind each section; and representatives from the Orange County Human Relations Commission as well as a number of tenants—some who began this project, some who were part of the bi-lingual fair housing workshops, and some who were tenants directed to us from other tenants and government agencies. This work began because of tenants— it was edited because of tenant input and it is before you tonight because tenants all over Orange County need to know that they have the right to safe, decent housing. The tenants we met from around the county and at the workshops -they now have a voice in how they will be treated and a document that is a clear and concise explanation of tenants' rights. They have a resource list which directs them to people who can help enforce these rights. But it does so much more —this validates the voice of these tenants and has empowered them to protect their right to live in safe, decent housing. We are here tonight to ask that you continue to support ALL the tenants in our county by endorsing this Declaration and providing a means to distribute it and determine some measure of accountability for landlords not following the guide and those that are complying with the guide. We believe that all tenants should have the same information these tenants now have to protect themselves and their families. We look forward to the opportunity to have you all hear the stories of the tenants. You can help us do that. Thank you. Joe Polich, Human Resources Commission (HRC) member, thanked Tish Galu and Delores Bailey on behalf of the HRC. He said HRC agreed at their last meeting to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners adopt this resolution. Bob Ireland, HRC member, said he has been on the HRC for two years, and this is the most important piece of work that the group has done. He said if this does nothing else, it clarifies what the law is and where it can be found. Marshall Morris said, on behalf of an old navy veteran, thanks for the upcoming proclamation. He also introduced Sharron Hinton from the Department of Social Services (DSS). Sharron Hinton introduced the new Veterans Services Officer, Betsy Corbett. Betsy Corbett said she is happy to be in this position. She noted that she works out of DSS, but she is also working out of both senior centers. She invited the Board to attend a Veteran's breakfast. Don O'Leary said he received an email regarding the handling of Obamacare. He volunteered to help out with this. He said he would like to instruct the public on how to tell the federal government what to do with Obamacare. He said there are many issues to nullify in North Carolina, such as ICLEI. He said the 2013 Army manual prohibits donations to evangelist Christian organizations. He said he is a Christian, and as of yesterday he became an ordained minister. He said ICLEI is leading the nation deeper into this hole and it is time to tell them no.