releases from Joe Phelps and Keith Cook

Final two presses releases for the filing season. I'm sure we'll get more statements, though, as the election cycle heats up!

Here's one from former Hillsborough Mayor Joe Phelps, who is running for the Board of County Commissioners:

Today I filed to run for The Orange County Board of County Commissioners, at large seat. After the constant urging from many voters over many years, I believe now is the time to offer my service to the residents of Orange County as a candidate for County Commissioner.  It would be my honor and a true privilege to serve the citizens of Orange County as their commissioner.

I was born in 1950 to Margaret Walker Phelps and the late Marvin Phelps , both native to Orange County. My Father was a farmer and mother taught in the Orange County school system for over 25 years. I have 2 sisters Elaine Marinucci and Rachel Hawkins. Rachel still lives in the Hillsborough area.  I feel very fortunate to have grown up on the family farm,  located on Hwy 57, north of Hillsborough.  In 1968, I graduated from Orange  High School.  After attending Campbell College and the Technical Institute of Alamance earning a degree in business, I came back to my love of the family farm which I managed for over 15 years. I also owned and operated a concrete delivery company serving Orange County.  After obtaining my real estate license, I worked for several local companies before starting Phelps Realty which I own and operate at the present time.

I have been active in public service on volunteer boards both at the county level and for the Town of Hillsborough. I was elected and served as the Mayor of Hillsborough for two terms from 2001 to 2005.

As a successful business owner, I understand what it takes to succeed even during the current economic downturn. Like a private business, strong county government requires strong business practices. I would bring a fresh face with more than 30 years of business experience to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

I am concerned about the ever increasing property tax burden on Orange County citizens. Almost every year for the past 20 years the county commissioners have increased our property taxes.  Rather than continuing to increase taxes on Orange County homeowners, our commissioners need to focus on creating a strong commercial tax base.  We need to focus on creating a detailed plan for economic development.  The Orange County Economic Development Department is the vehicle through which this could be accomplished. In order to make this important goal a reality, I pledge to work closely with and direct the Economic Development Department to aggressively pursue environmentally friendly, sound economic development opportunities. 


The Orange County School System and its excellent teachers deserve a great deal of credit for my success in life.  I appreciate the high level of funding that our county passes along to our school systems.  Despite this high level of county funding, our school systems face ever shrinking budgets.  With more resources from sound economic development, maintaining and improving our school systems would be a much easier task.

I believe my daily interaction with county residents will help me bring to the Board the concerns and problems facing our citizens.  I look forward to the chance of helping Orange County become an even better place to live and raise a family.

Here's former Board of Education member and NOETF supporter Keith Cook's statement:

After receiving many calls from friends and supporters to run again for the Orange County Board of Education and spending time deliberating and praying about the future and how this would impact my life, I decided to move forward with my candidacy and file for one of the four school board positions.

For 10 years, beginning in 1994, I was a dedicated school board member who worked hard to improve the future of our children in the Orange County school district.

As most people know, I lost my re-election bid in 2004 as an incumbent member of the Orange County Board of Education because of the graduation speech I used at Cedar Ridge High School. That fateful night is one that will never be forgotten by me or my supporters.

If I could turn back the hands of time to reverse my actions that night I would----It was never my intent to hurt the first-ever graduates of Cedar Ridge High School, their families, the school district or our community.

What I did cause this great school community a lot of embarrassment and for that I am truly sorry. I'm not perfect, but who is? I have indeed grown from that experience.

I am passionate about the Orange County Schools and I love this community and what it stands for with all my heart. For those reasons, I continue everyday to demonstrate my commitment through my words, my deeds and my service.

Over the years, I've been a strong advocate for children and I am extremely passionate about ALL children getting a sound, quality education and the skills they need to be successful adults.

As a potential school board member I want to see continued focus on the district's efforts  to reduce the dropout and suspension rates. Furthermore, I believe we need to have more meaningful  deliberate ways to raise academic performance for ALL children, and close the  achievement gap among our minority students. Hiring highly qualified teachers and support staff from diverse backgrounds and giving our current professionals  the administrative backing they need to do their jobs well is also a priority.

Helping the district achieve fiscal accountability in these tough economic times is a challenge. I will work diligently to help our schools find the needed funds to continue moving forward.

As a candidate for the Orange County Board of Education, I promise to be dedicated and committed to educational excellence through my experience, my leadership and my service to all and not a few, and through collaboration with anyone who wants to improve the future of our students.

(more) election press releases

Here are some more press releases from school board hopefuls.

From Donna Dean Coffey, former budget director:

On Tuesday, February 23, 2010, Donna Dean Coffey announced her plans to run for a seat on the Orange County Board of Education. She released this statement.

"As a society, we are facing some of the most challenging times in history — balancing ever increasing needs with strained financial, capital, and human resources. The County County Board of Education is no exception. To that end, we must be wise and informed stewards with what is available to  us. With almost thirty years of experience in local government budgeting, finance, and policy development, I believe I will be a very valuable asset to the District on this front."

"Other key priorities for me include:
    • Proactive, open, and clear communication
    • Provide avenues that encourage more students to stay in school and graduate
    • Ensure students, teachers, parents, and staff have access to tools necessary for future
         success in a diverse world and ever-changing economy
    • Provide safe, modern, and health learning environments
    • Strengthen collaborative relationships with local, regional, and State partners

"We are fortunate to live in a community that places great value on education. Over the last several months, I have listened as many Orange County residents, parents, teachers and students have spoken to me about our school district. It is clear everyone places a high priority on providing the best possible educational opportunities for all our children. It is also clear Orange County Schools faces many challenges. I believe my experience, desire to learn, willingness to listen, and dedication to our children and community will allow me to contribute a great deal to the Orange County Board of Education.

"Excellent school systems are the backbone of fruitful communities. I believe the Orange County School District has all of the components to be successful — excellent students, dedicated teachers, committed parents, and a professional administration. I would be honored to serve as a leader on this education team. Feel free to contact me at coffey4ocs@gmail.com."

Donna  Dean Coffey, 50, recently had the opportunity to retire from Orange County Local Government after almost thirty years of public service. During her tenure, she served in a number of positions with her must recent appointment being Budget Director — a position she held for more than twelve years. As she transitions into this news chapter of her life, Coffey is interested in opportunities that allow her to make the most of her life experiences and professional knowledge, skills and abilities.

Long time residents of Orange County, Coffey and her family live in the Efland/Cedar Grove area. Her husband, Kevin, is a retired Army veteran. Her oldest children, Kasey Dean and Austin Coffey, attend Orange High School while her youngest daughter, Korie Dean, is a fifth grade student at Hillsborough Elementary. She and her family actively participate in various church, school, and community events.

Additional Information

    Education and Professional Development    • Completion of Orange County's "Leadership Challenge," March 2008.
    • Municipal and County Administration Class, School of Government, Chapel Hill,                 North Carlina, May 1992.
    • Attended North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina 1988 though             1990. Public Administration.
    • Graduated, Alamance Community College, Graham, North Carolina, 1977 though                 1979. A.A.S. Accounting.

    Professional Memberships
    • Former Member and Treasurer, North Carolina Local Government Budget Association
    • Former Member, North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association
    • Former Member and Budget Reviewer, Government Finance Officers Association
    • Former Member, Public Education Steering Committee, North Carolina Association of         County Commissioners
    • Former Member, Taxation and Finance Steering Committee, North Carolina                         Association of County Commissioners
    • Former Member, Municipal and County Administration Alumni Association

Community Involvement• Parent Volunteer, Hillsborough Elementary School and Orange High School
• Youth Group Volunteer, Walnut Grove United Methodist Church, Hurdle Mills
• Youth Leader, Hummingbirds 4-H Club
• USO, Raleigh Durham International Airport

Here's one from Central Elementary School PTSA president Laura Nicholson:

PTSA president to run for Orange County School Board, sees fiscal responsibility, increased communication, community involvement and transparency as key issues.

Local community volunteer and parent advocate Laura Nicholson announced Monday that she is seeking a spot on the Orange County School's (OCS) Board of Education.

With the challenges that the district and the community face in light of the current economy and resulting tightening budget, Nicholson believes that she can bring to the table a fresh voice and new perspective on how best to handle these challenges.

Laura draws from her experience working throughout the Northern Orange County community. Most recently, she started the OCS Parent Council, a group that unites individual school PTA's and advodates for children throughout the district. Nicholson currently serves as PTSA President at Central Elementary School and has worked tirelessly to start an afterschool science club for K-2 students and other programs aimed at helping all students succeed at CES. Laura has been instrumental in increased Parent Involvement at Central, uniting parents, and boosting PTSA membership. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the CHTOP Headstart/More at Four programs and has held events to benefit local fire departments and other non-profit organizations.

Nicholson's work as a business manager for a pharmaceutical wholesaler means that she is no stranger to dealing with complex issues and a multi-million dollar budget. She is also a proud parent of three children, two of which attend Orange County Schools.

Laura Nicholson is running for OCS School Board on a platform of fiscal responsibility, increased communication, community involvement, and transparency. She is committed to uniting parents throughout the community and to ensuring that all parents have access to the information and decisions made by the School Board.

For more information, please visit Laura's website at www.lauranforschoolboard.com or email lauranforschoolboard@gmail.com.

Here's one from current board chair Anne Medenblik:

Anne Medenblik, chair of the Orange County Board of Education, has filed to run for a second term to fill one of the four vacant seats on the school board. She resides north of Hillsborough with her husband and two children who attend high school in the district. She states she is running for this public office because she remains committed to public education in Orange  County. “It’s a great place to live. We love the schools in the Orange County district, and I am willing to make a commitment to give back to a community that provides a quality education for my children. Serving on the board has allowed me to honor that commitment.”  
As a school volunteer she has served on PTA’s, coordinated read-a-thons and book fairs, and recently coached a Battle of the Books team at Central Elementary School. Her experience as a teacher and parent has provided an understanding of the character and academic development of children, while her background in accounting has been helpful in analyzing the district’s $60 million dollar budget.

 She has served as a Girl Scout leader, member of the district’s Middle School Task Force and School Health Advisory Council, and is familiar with the time commitment and learning curve necessary to be an effective board member.

She believes in:

•       Promoting excellence in education by recruiting and retaining excellent teachers
•        Continuing support for the purchase and implementation of technology in our schools
•        Engaging the community in support of schools
•        Continuing the progress in closing the achievement gap
•        Improving the learning climate to elevate student achievement for every child

“We have to provide a quality education for each and every child in our school system while at the same time face a shrinking budget. It is a challenge, but not an impossible one. The data shows we are making progress and experiencing many successes along the way. I look forward to seeing that trend continue.”

Last but not least, here's one from former library director and Board of Education member Brenda Stephens:

"I want to serve on the Orange County Board of Education because I want to be a part of a process that will make a difference for our young people. We all know that education is one important predictor of future success and I believe that most parents want success for their children. This is our common ground. I have the skills, leadership abilities, life experiences, and desire to help make this a reality for our community.

Our attention should remain on the fundamentals which has brought us success in the past and will continue to provide success in the future.

filing

Since we ran out of space in the paper, here are some photos from around noon Monday at the Orange County Board of Elections.

Rep. Bill Faison and Orange County Board of Elections Director Tracy Reams look over Faison's election papers Monday. Faison was the first candidate to file in Orange County. (Photo by Vanessa C. Shortley)

 

Clerk of Court James Stanford files for re-election as Orange County Board of Elections Director Tracy Reams looks over the paperwork. (Photo by Vanessa C. Shortley)

  

Deborah Brooks files to run for Register of Deeds as Orange County Board of Elections Director Tracy Reams looks over the paperwork. (Photo by Vanessa C. Shortley)

election 2010 press releases (so far)

Here's the press release from Deborah B. Brooks, who is running for Register of Deeds:

I am please to announce that I am filing today (Feb. 8, 2010) for the office of Register of Deeds of Orange County.

I have lived in Orange County all of my life (53 years) and have worked in the Register of Deeds Office since 1975 (34 years). The Register of Deeds is one of the most important elected positions in local government with high standards and high responsibility. The safety and integrity of your land and vital records depends on an experienced and competent leader in the Register of Deeds office. I pledge to every citizen of Orange County that I have the experience, competency and integrity to maintain and enhance this office. I would be honored to serve as Register of Deeds of Orange County.

We face a time when every service offered by local government must be cost efficient while meeting the needs of citizens. Staffing and technology must provide effective opportunities to enhance our service while saving the taxpayer money, and that's the strategy I will use, along with a total commitment to protect the integrity of your records.

If you have any questions or concerns about our office or my candidacy, please feel free to contact me. (E-mail: dbrooks16@nc.rr.com)

Rep. Bill Faison also released a statement about his candidacy:

Bill Faison filed Monday, February 8, 2010, for a fourth term in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Bill lives on in Cedar Grove located in northern Orange County with his three sons.  He has represented House District 50, which is all of Caswell County and approximately 75% of Orange County, following redistricting six years ago.

Bill is very active in the Legislature currently serving as Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means – Broadband Connectivity Committee, Vice Chairman of the House Committees on Agriculture, Public Utilities and Judiciary III, and a member of the House Committees on Insurance and Finance. Moreover he is the Chairman of the House Select Committee on High Speed Internet Access in Rural and Urban Areas, and the Chairman of the House Democrats Business Caucus. Additionally he serves on the House Select Committees on 911 Funding Use and Coyote Nuisance Removal.

Bill says, “I am very proud to represent all of the people of our District in the Legislature. I have introduced and gotten passed a number of laws that help both our community and our State. Moreover I have steered good legislation through and have blocked some bad legislation that would have hurt folks”. Bill has either sponsored or cosponsored new laws that improve and promote education and healthcare, raise teacher and state employee pay, promote new jobs, increase the minimum wage, protect the community from sexual predators, expand elder care, protect the environment, and make sure that folks who are disadvantaged have an opportunity for education and State contracts. He has voted for legislation that prohibits illegal aliens from holding State jobs. Bill says, “I have worked hard to promote education while fighting those who try to raise taxes.”

Bill says, “I am committed to representing our community in the Legislature. These are tough times. We need someone in Raleigh who understands our needs and can fight for change to help the folks in our community. This is why I am running again for my seat.” 

Two candidates for the Board of County Commissioners released statements. Here's Alice Gordon's:

Today (Feb. 8, 2010) Alice Gordon announced her re-election campaign for Orange County Commissioner in District 1, representing the Chapel Hill and Carrboro area.

She said she is running because she would like to build on her contributions to county government, and cited environmental advocacy, regional transportation, and school excellence as three areas in which she has made a difference.

She will work on these and other county issues in a fiscally responsible way and strive to maintain important county services that support our core values, while recognizing that the county has significant budget constraints.  The county must increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, and strive to streamline county services to reduce expenses.

Commissioner Gordon is a dedicated advocate for our environment.  To date, the county's award-winning "Lands Legacy" resource conservation program, which she was instrumental in creating, has protected over 2500 acres, including land for parks, farmland preservation, and protection of our water and other natural resources.  Her focus now
will be the wise use of our water resources, so that we have clean water that is fairly allocated.  She will also work for the completion of planned recreation and park facilities when financially possible.

As chair of both the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro metropolitan transportation planning organization and Triangle Transit, she has advocated for improving public transit in the region.  The TTA bus route between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, which she helped to
develop, is one of Triangle Transit's most successful routes. Recently she helped lead the effort to create the award winning regional long range transportation plan for the Triangle, which has received national recognition.  In the future she will continue this work to promote effective public transit, and other efforts to achieve clear air and energy efficiency.  This work on transportation will also complement her other efforts on behalf of our older and younger residents.

Commissioner Gordon will continue her strong commitment to excellent schools.  She supports the Schools Adequate  Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO), and also believes that more attention should be directed to improving older school facilities.  She believes the most
pressing public education issue is to continue school excellence in a climate of scarce resources, and she supports our public libraries and their role in life long learning.

She will encourage and support green businesses for the county, "Buy Local" efforts, and sustainable development, building on the county's assets as a great place to live.  She believes that working for a vibrant economy in a socially and environmentally responsible way is an important part of her job as a commissioner.

 Commissioner Barry Jacobs also sent over a statement:

Serving as an Orange County commissioner has been an honor and a privilege. After careful consideration, and at the generous urging of friends, supporters, and colleagues, I have decided to seek re-election in that capacity.

We face a tremendously unsettled economic landscape and a period of significant transition within Orange County government. I believe my experience, willingness to listen, and commitment to seeking collaborative, creative solutions are well suited to guiding us through these challenging times.

I remain firmly committed to quality public education and environmental stewardship; to social justice and a compassionate safety net for those least able to help themselves; to government that is cost-effective and customer-oriented; to meaningful support for sustainable economic development; and to proactive partnerships within and beyond our county in education and library services, transportation and national resource protection, agricultural enhancement and solid waste management, land-use planning and improved service delivery.

Over the coming weeks and months I will share fresh ideas on how to approach the challenges  and opportunities that confront us, just as I have through 25 years of leadership as a citizen-volunteer and public servant.

For the Orange County Board of Education, two candidates also sent over releases. Here is incumbent Debbie Piscitelli's:

Debbie Piscitelli will seek a second term on the Orange County School Board. She is a long-time OCS volunteer who is a mother of two boys currently attending CW Stanford Middle School.

“I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve our community as a member of our school board.  It has been a wonderful experience meeting and working with the talented and committed people in this district and I would like to continue this work as we prepare our students for the future.”

Dr. Piscitelli, a pharmacist and medical writer, completed post-doctoral training at Duke University Medical Center. She has stressed the use of data to guide decision-making on district issues.

“Over the past four years, I have brought a scientific view to the board.  We have improved our use of data to evaluate student performance and district programs. In these economic times we must continue this approach to assure the taxpayers we are wisely using our limited resources.”

“As we make those difficult decisions, we need to remember that we are educating the whole child while educating all children.  Academic performance is paramount; additionally, we must remember our students are learning valuable skills participating in co-curriculum programs such as athletics, cultural arts, and agriculture. We have over 7000 students:  all with individual needs. We have students who struggle academically, students who have special needs, students whose native language is not English, students who are part of an achievement gap, and others who are academically advanced and need additional services to be challenged.  We must be committed to all our students.”

Piscitelli also believes that communication is critical and this is an area where the district must improve. “With the technological advances in communication, our responsiveness to our parents, guardians, and the community should be better. If a parent requests information or has a concern, we should acknowledge them and promptly respond.”
She can be contacted at dapocs@nc.rr.com or on Facebook at Deborah Piscitelli.

Hillsborough Elementary School PTA member Will Atherton also threw his hat in the ring:

Will Atherton has announced that he will run for Orange County School board.  Will, along with his wife Allyson and two children, has lived in Orange County for over 8 years and reside in Hillsborough.  Both children attend elementary school in Orange County and are active in community events and local sports organizations.

In December 1997, Will completed his Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Technology at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Will received his Master’s degree in Network Engineering from North Carolina State University in May 2003.

During his twelve years of employment with IBM, Will has been named Master Inventor, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Senior Member, Senior technical staff member, and has received numerous outstanding technical achievement awards. Will is a Microsoft Certified System Engineer, A+ industry standard certified for computer support technicians and currently holds eleven U.S. patents.  With his experience, Will brings a unique view to problem solving, data analysis and a deep technical background that will benefit the Orange County School system’s current financial and educational challenges.

Will’s background in education, as a student, instructor and higher education teacher, would allow him to bring a more defined focus on the overall education of all the children in Orange County, focusing on accountability in the classroom, school administration and Central Office practices.

Community involvement has always been a high priority for Will.  For the past 8 years he has served on board of directors for the Churton Grove Homeowners’ Association.  He was recently named as a chair-member for the Sportsplex Community Advisory Committee for the Orange County Board of Commissioners.  Will is an active participant in Orange County Schools as a volunteer in the classroom and at school events, and is a member of the Hillsborough Elementary School PTA.  Outside of school sponsored events, Will is also involved with local sports organizations as a volunteer and coach in HYAA and Upward sports.

Key areas of interest include:

Education accountability
Accountability with regular assessments & reviews
Fostering proven programs
Focusing on closing the achievement gap
Evolve programs for at-risk kids
Cultivate educational environments for all children and staff
Promote policies to ensure a safe and secure learning environment
Commitment to quality
Develop policies that address changing needs of all children
Listen, be responsive and proactive to all citizens’ concerns
Focus measurable results in the classroom and in the Central Office
Fiscal responsibility
Realistic budget planning
Ensure focus on education for all children
Ensure sustainability

Willforschools.com (website will be running soon)