Agenda - 09-02-2021; 4-a - Discussion and Appointment for the Vacant Position on the Orange County Board of Commissioners

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4 Orange County Board of Commissioners - Vacancy Application Name: Marilyn Carter Address: 100 San Sophia Dr. Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Email: marilyncarterlll@gmail.com Phone: 919-448-7406 Registered Voter? yes X no Party Affiliation: Democratic Questions: 1. What motivates you to want to serve as an Orange County commissioner, including why are you seeking an appointment now, as opposed to running for the seat during a previous election? I am motivated to apply for the open position on the Board of Orange County Commissioners by a promise I made to my mother, Alice, to serve my community to my fullest ability. I share this personal anecdote, because it lies at the very core of my being, and it also depicts how good healthcare, timely interventions, early childhood education and excellent public schools meant that a child with a disability, in this case me, was not left behind: One of my earliest memories is the excruciating pain of recurrent ear infections. At three years old, I stopped talking. My pediatrician discovered a significant congenital hearing loss worsened by the congestion of the infections. I received speech therapy and attended a special preschool. My public school teachers had training and support that allowed them time to consider every child, and they made adjustments to my learning environment. I thrived in school, graduated at the top of my class, and proceeded to college to study engineering on a scholarship. As I prepared to start college, my mother, who had overcome an impoverished background to become a nurse, told me: "You will be successful. One day, when you can, serve your community so that others are not left behind." I did not seek to run for this seat during the previous election, as I was fully committed to serving as our county's Democratic party chair. In that role, I was focused on creating an environment where new people have been welcomed and engaged to create a stronger community for civic action. This spring, I completed my term as Chair, and endeavored to serve in new ways. I was appointed to join the Governor's Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services as a Mental Health Family Member and I took a position on our state Party's executive council. I continue to be an active member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP. When the position for District 1 Commissioner unexpectedly opened, my initial reaction