Orange County NC Website
8 <br /> Page 2 of 3 Kim Piracci <br /> 2b. In addition to the experience listed in the question above, please list the <br /> work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board. <br /> My work history overwhelmingly consists of retail work in small businesses. I operated my own <br /> business for fourteen years. I started and was initial chair for a Toastmasters group in Chape <br /> Hill. In the four years I was involved, I served several different leadership positions. I started the <br /> Climate Reality Chapter for Orange County, NC. I served as chair for four years. We initially <br /> concentrated on climate change education, and I would like to think we made an impact in the <br /> area. Some of us gave many power point presentations to many groups. We organized monthy <br /> meetings with speakers on many topics related to the environment. Later, we began organizing <br /> events such as the Carrboro Earth Day Event and the Electric Vehicle Rodeo. I was the person <br /> who first brought the idea of a resolution for Orange County to be 100%fossil fuel free in 2017. It <br /> was an idea started by the 350.org group. I took the resolution to Renee Price, my representative <br /> on the BOCC. She advised me to take it to the Commission for the Environment. That group, <br /> with staff, actually strengthened the resolution. They approved it, as did the BOCC and I believe <br /> it acts as a guiding document for the current BOCC. I have worked with other organizations and <br /> held leadership positions, but these are my most current roles. <br /> 3. What do you understand OWASA's role to be regarding issues of growth and <br /> development? <br /> I see the availability of healthy water as a limiting factor to growth and development. I am aware <br /> of the recent 50 year plan choice to tap into Jordan Lake water as needed. I know this was a <br /> difficult and important decision to make. <br /> 4. What do do you hope to accomplish if appointed? <br /> I'm concerned about PFAS and PFOAS in the environment. I believe forcing the water <br /> companies to treat the problem would be a mistake, though at first blush it looks like the right <br /> decision. If my bath rub was overflowing, I could lay towels down on the floor and get a bucket to <br /> empty the water. Or I could simply turn off the faucet. So it is with forever chemicals, they must <br /> be stopped at the source. <br /> 5. Please indicate your availability to attend regularly scheduled meetings. <br /> I am currently retired and have no commitments, except for the CFE meetings on the second <br /> Monday of the month. <br /> 6. How would your participation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> I am a privileged white woman. I believe I am different from most people in my level of empathy <br /> for, and commitment to, the environment. When I use the word environment, I mean the living, <br /> breathing ecosystem where each participant is an important part of the whole. Minerals, snakes <br /> and spiders, water and people are part of the environment. I grew up living under the poverty <br /> level and I believe that gives me a level of compassion for certain segments of society that some <br /> others may not have. <br /> Boards/Commissions appointments: <br /> Commission for the Environment <br /> Application Date: 10/30/2017 <br /> Background, education and experience relevant to this board: <br /> have a BS in Family Services from Plattsburgh State University, Magna Cum Laude. The <br /> degree required all of the basic sciences, so I have a fundamental understanding of chemistry, <br /> biology and trigonometry. I later earned a Graduate Gemologist Diploma fr <br />