Minutes-02-07-2023-Business Meeting

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