Agenda - 02-07-2023; 4-a - Discussion and Appointment for the Vacant Position on the Orange County Board of Commissioners

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13 3 6. What is your assessment of the county's funding practices with regard to the two school systems? How do you propose the BOCC meet over$300 million in K-12 public schools capital needs? Students have the best opportunity to become the best learners in a safe and comfortable learning environment. I would consult with fellow commissioners, school board members, staff, and stakeholders to understand the priorities of the capital needs before the meeting with both school systems to discuss their greatest needs and desires. 7. Do you support the 1909 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools special district tax? How should it be used? As a strong supporter of public education, every funding source is essential to students' success, so I support leveraging this funding source to meet local school needs. 8. What is your vision for how Orange County should grow economically? Creating an Orange County where everyone can both live AND work would be ideal.As we recruit businesses, the growth must be sustainable and environmentally friendly. A focus on economic growth around healthcare and supporting services would play to the strengths of our community. In addition,the expansion of services that support sustainable farming would enable Orange to continue to be a leader in innovating programs that reach all parts of our county. 9. One of the unfortunate outcomes of the pandemic is that the wealth gap has grown even greater.We anticipate what economists call a K-shaped recovery, in which pre-existing inequities are exacerbated. This disparity largely falls along the lines of race. How can county commissioners ensure that prosperity in the coming years is more equitably shared? Living through the pandemic was a very stressful experience, yet I felt hopeful hearing leaders acknowledge how the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities while pledging to address it. Perhaps a good start could be reaching out to the BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) community for input on ensuring our residents have access to opportunities to build prosperity. The wealth gap exists largely because of the gap in homeownership between our white residents and our BIPOC residents. The supply could not keep up with demand during the pandemic, so prices soared. Understanding the inequities in income, gaps in saving, and the ability to obtain a mortgage has made purchasing a home largely unaffordable. Applications are due to the Orange County Clerk to the Board by 5 pm on January 6,2023.Completed applications can be emailed to clerk@orangecountync.gov or delivered to 300 W.Tryon St.,2nd Flr., Hillsborough, NC 27278.