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4 <br /> 1 On January 17, 2023, Gail Corrado formally withdrew her name from consideration for the <br /> 2 vacancy. <br /> 3 <br /> 4 The applications from each remaining applicant are attached. Following the process used when <br /> 5 filling a previous vacancy in 2021, the applicants will each have two minutes to address the Board <br /> 6 prior to any action. Correspondence from the Orange County Democratic Party is also attached <br /> 7 regarding consideration of the applicants. <br /> 8 <br /> 9 The person chosen by the Board of Commissioners will take the Oath of Office at the February <br /> 10 16, 2023 Board work session and begin service at that meeting. The selected individual will serve <br /> 11 until December 2, 2024, and a primary and general election will occur in 2024 to elect an individual <br /> 12 to serve a full, four-year term through 2028. <br /> 13 <br /> 14 Chair Bedford invited applicants to give their two minute remarks. <br /> 15 <br /> 16 Brenda Stephens greeted the Commissioners. She thanked them for the opportunity to <br /> 17 speak with them. She said she would like to share a few thoughts about her interest, experience, <br /> 18 and reason for pursuing a seat on the Board. She said it has been her life's work to lead by serving <br /> 19 others, first as a battalion leader in the Army, and her many years as regional director of the <br /> 20 Orange County Public Library. She said she has committed herself to the service of others, <br /> 21 initiating new strategies, offering solutions for how to work together, and using differences to move <br /> 22 forward. As discussed at the Democratic forum, one of her primary goals is bringing smart <br /> 23 economic development to the area to increase jobs and produce goods and services that enhance <br /> 24 the overall wellbeing of all citizens. Growing up and raising a family here, she said she has seen <br /> 25 great change in the area from technology to the town library and the lifesaving gift of access with <br /> 26 the opening of UNC Hospital's Hillsborough location. She said there are so many more success <br /> 27 stories, which some of those on the Board approved. She thanked them for their work. If given <br /> 28 the honor to serve on the Board, she pledged to bring years of government engagement <br /> 29 experience to the table, as well as vision to continue providing the area with rich, innovative, and <br /> 30 forward-thinking solutions for developing the county, while respectfully holding its rich history with <br /> 31 the highest regard. She said it would be her honor to serve the great people of Orange County. <br /> 32 Phyllis Portie-Ascott greeted the Board and thanked them for hearing her comments <br /> 33 tonight and said it is an honor to be considered for the vacancy. As a community leader, she said <br /> 34 she has supported other candidates for their run for office, and tonight she is thankful for those <br /> 35 who have expressed their support for her. She said she is grateful for the opportunity to meet <br /> 36 residents willing to share their priorities for Orange County. She said she is also grateful to be the <br /> 37 recommended candidate by the Orange County Democratic Party. She said she appreciates all <br /> 38 of the residents who elevated their voices to ensure the Board knew of her hard work, integrity, <br /> 39 and dedication to this community. While this position represents District 2, she said the decisions <br /> 40 made by the Board impact all of Orange County. She said she has gotten to know people all over <br /> 41 the county to learn about their concerns through her voter experience work. She said it is not <br /> 42 uncommon to hear praise for Orange County across the state from public schools to the <br /> 43 management of the Housing Authority. She offered kudos to the Board for their work in creating <br /> 44 an Orange County in which she loves living and serving. If appointed she said she looks forward <br /> 45 to working collaboratively to create an Orange County that all residents can love because they <br /> 46 can raise their families, live in their homes, work in their community, and access services when <br /> 47 needed. <br /> 48 Horace Johnson introduced himself to the Board, and said he was born and raised in <br /> 49 Hillsborough and is representing the voice of historically disenfranchised Northern Orange <br /> 50 County. He said his mom's family dates back to 1752 in this town. He said he worked 22 years <br /> 51 beside his dad who served 10 years on the town board and 12 years as mayor. He said some of <br />