Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Morrisville Mayor's Race Q & A

Reaching into our mailbag.....

Q: Can I still register to vote?
A: Assuming you are eligible, yes, but time is of the essence. Deadline is Saturday, Oct 31st at 1:00 PM. For Morrisville voters, the closest location is the Herb Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave Cary. See Wake Votes Early for additional information.


Q: How's your health?
A: It's great! Thanks for asking. My 2006 surgery was successful and follow up tests have been good. I checked in with my doctor prior to throwing my hat in the political ring this summer. She confirmed that I am strong enough to actively serve the people of Morrisville when I become your mayor.

Q: Your opponent said you are a quitter. Care to comment?
A: I believe she is referring to my resignation from the council in 2006 to address my health issues. (see above) It was a difficult decision, one made after several lengthy discussions with my physician and my family. By 2008, I was healthy enough to lead the fight against the 19% property tax increase, co-found Morrisville Action, serve as our town's Land Use and Transportation Advisory Committee vice-chair and fulfill the homeschool graduation requirements for my daughter with Down syndrome.

Q: Did you really say the town should raise our taxes by 10%?
A: Good grief no! After I identified the 19% property tax increase last spring, I set about notifying residents, businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and the media. Morrisville Action members helped spread the word, as did Council member Lyons and representatives from several churches and neighborhoods. We emailed and we called elected officials, asking them, in good faith, to pass a budget with no tax increase. The response: less than 2 weeks before the final vote, council had yet to trim a single dollar from the budget. Nada. Zero. Zip. Not a single paper clip. I figured it was time to try a different approach. So I suggested a compromise, a negotiating point about half way between revenue neutral and the 19% tax increase favored by Faulkner and Stohlman. The compromise wasn't necessary. Thank goodness for active, engaged residents and the media.

Q: Why do you keep saying Faulkner supported the 19% property tax increase?
A: Because she voted to approve the Long Range Financial Plan that set a defacto tax rate 19% above revenue neutral.

Q: How's the campaign going?
A: Great! I've met some delightful people, heard from many more and am humbled by the work our campaign team has accomplished. Truly a study in grassroots teamwork.


Q: Why is Jackie more prominent on your signs than Holcombe?
A: I prefer to go by Jackie.





Q: How come you don't react more strongly to mud slinging?

Q: If I vote for you for mayor, will you (fill in the blank) ?
A: It takes 4 of 7 votes to change town policy. The mayor gets one vote. If elected, I will bring your issue up with council and will advocate for several voter requested changes.

Q: I voted on October 6th. Is there another election?
A: Yes. Morrisville Mayor and Town Council elections take place on November 3rd. See ElectJackieHolcombe for details.

Q: What time do the polls open on November 3rd?
A: 6:30 AM. See you then!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Early Voting - Mark Your Calendars

Early voting is now more convenient for Morrisville residents. Beginning on Wednesday, October 28, voters can cast ballots in Cary at:



Herbert Young Community Center
101 Wilkinson Avenue
Cary


Directions: Located on Wilkinson Avenue at the corner of North Academy Street and Chapel Hill Road, adjacent to the Town Hall Campus.

Wednesday, October 28 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 29 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 30 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.


Closer to downtown? Visit:



The Wake County Board of Elections
337 S. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601




Thursday, October 15 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 16 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, October 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 22 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 23 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, October 26 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 27 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 29 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 30 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.



Whether early, absentee or on November 3rd ........


"People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing." - Source Unknown