Minutes 09-02-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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5 • Marilyn Carter • Rani Dasi • Penny Rich • Anna Richards The applications from each applicant are attached. An August 19, 2021 letter from the Orange County Democratic Party is also attached. The person chosen by the Board of Commissioners will take the Oath of Office shortly after the September 2, 2021 Business meeting and begin service on the Board of Commissioners in advance of the Board's work session on September 9, 2021. The selected individual will serve until December 5, 2022. A primary and general election will occur in 2022 to elect an individual to serve the remaining two years of the unexpired term through 2024. Chair Price reviewed the background information for this item, and invited applicants to give their two-minute remarks. Marilyn Carter greeted the Commissioners, and said she is honored to be considered for the open District 1 position on the Board. She said Orange County is one of the best run counties in North Carolina, but there is still work to do. She said she is running for Commissioner because there is work to do to create a more equitable Orange County now, in the face of a pandemic, and over the long term. She said citizens and community leaders in District 1, and across the County, have attested to her professional skills, life experiences, and track record of getting things done. She said she is honored to receive the highest level of support from Orange County Democratic party. She said since vacancy was announced, she has met with community leaders, elected officials, and citizens to gather ideas for building a better Orange County. She attended advisory board councils and task force meetings to immerse herself in operations of the county government. She said she has reviewed the county budget, ethics guidelines and Commissioner duties, as well as a 2-day, phase 1, racial equity institute training. She said she has worked to prepare for this position and is ready to work for the citizens as next commissioner. Rani Dasi said while advocating for education as the foundation for heathy communities, she has come to more fully appreciate how important county government is to meeting basic needs, like access to healthcare, housing, employment, and other factors that contribute to community wellness and education. She said the pandemic has exposed resource disparities. She said as the community looks towards recovery, there is an opportunity to build on federal and state funding to cover core needs for residents. She said she wants to work with Commissioners to deepen collaboration across local municipalities, businesses and other stakeholders creating specific plans and prioritizing action in areas such as economic development, broadband, climate action, health resources, education, etc. She said she is a Carrboro resident and parent of 4, and understands what it means to residents and families when they lack resources. She said leadership requires considering different experiences that represent the diversity of Orange County residents, as well as the ability to understand finances and balance realities of funding constraints with short and long term County needs. She said she has 20+ years of financial leadership experience, and looks forwards to working hard at learning and being a part of the process forward. She said her 10 year old indicated his support, and will help her be a better Commissioner. Penny Rich said the Board should appoint the most experienced and qualified person to fill the seat vacated by Mark Dorosin, and she is that person. She said the voters of Orange County agree, as she is the only applicant that ran as a candidate for that seat, receiving 12,496 votes. She asked the Commissioners not to silence the voters and tell them that their vote does not count. She encouraged the BOCC to believe in the democratic process and be