Monday, August 3, 2009
Why’d It Take Me So Long?
This summer has been NUTS! And it’s AUGUST! What in the world? You’ll have to forgive me for taking so long to post in between. Between Movies on Main, an attempt at a vacation, the funeral of a friend, work, a two week ‘tour’ at three conferences, blah, blah, blah…it’s been busy. And I haven’t taken the time to write. Sorry…but I’ll do better. (I know…I’ve said that a lot.) Won’t happen every day…but it’ll happen. :)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Streets...and Lateness...
I know, I know...forgive me. It's only been three months! I must admit, after writing that last blog entry, I wasn't that thrilled about writing again...mainly because I was a little bit...face down in the dirt, so they say. Since then, though, I've had many great conversations with local leaders, friends, colleagues, and the like...and I must tell you, I feel a great deal better, even though what was done is done. Oh well. Things happen...but when they happen, it's my perspective that you deal with it and move on...and that's exactly what I've done...or tried to do, anyway. So, now that that's said...I PROMISE to be better about posting. I can't guarantee that I'll post every day...but here's a few thoughts for you today about streets.
I know it…you know it…we all know it…some of our streets are falling apart. It’s no secret. Here’s the silver lining…we have some ‘streets’ money stored away…and can do something about it! Here’s the paradox…we can pave those streets…but…what happens if a water line breaks? Then we have to punch the street we’ve just paved and fix the water line. (I know…I said it too.) So, why don’t we just pave the streets? Well, because we want to do things in a sensible manner…shocking, I realize, but there is a method. We’d like to be able to replace water lines and correct sewer lines before we pave the street. I think the way it was done in my neighborhood was actually the best way it could be done. The sewer line was run, the water lines were fixed, and then the new pavement was laid, and the street isn’t lumpy now!
We’re working on identifying how best to move forward. We’ve set our new budget up so that any capacity fees paid go into our capital reserve fund…which means that those funds are set aside and won’t be used to balance the budget, but will be used to replace water lines, etc. I see several priorities. I see West College Street. I see Janice Avenue, one of the most traveled streets in town. I see the entirety of Mason Street through our city limits. (Whoa. It’s falling apart.) I see Clegg Street. I see South Chavis Street. (That’s a DOT street, thankfully…which means maybe we’ll be able to get done sooner.)
You’re likely asking…why don’t I see Main Street? Well, Main Street is a DOT street/road…which means we have to work with DOT to get it paved. We’re working on it. I know the southern end is falling apart. So does DOT. You may know that they were out patching this morning. It’s still falling apart, though, and I’m working on requesting a repair that will last. Bear with us.
I know it…you know it…we all know it…some of our streets are falling apart. It’s no secret. Here’s the silver lining…we have some ‘streets’ money stored away…and can do something about it! Here’s the paradox…we can pave those streets…but…what happens if a water line breaks? Then we have to punch the street we’ve just paved and fix the water line. (I know…I said it too.) So, why don’t we just pave the streets? Well, because we want to do things in a sensible manner…shocking, I realize, but there is a method. We’d like to be able to replace water lines and correct sewer lines before we pave the street. I think the way it was done in my neighborhood was actually the best way it could be done. The sewer line was run, the water lines were fixed, and then the new pavement was laid, and the street isn’t lumpy now!
We’re working on identifying how best to move forward. We’ve set our new budget up so that any capacity fees paid go into our capital reserve fund…which means that those funds are set aside and won’t be used to balance the budget, but will be used to replace water lines, etc. I see several priorities. I see West College Street. I see Janice Avenue, one of the most traveled streets in town. I see the entirety of Mason Street through our city limits. (Whoa. It’s falling apart.) I see Clegg Street. I see South Chavis Street. (That’s a DOT street, thankfully…which means maybe we’ll be able to get done sooner.)
You’re likely asking…why don’t I see Main Street? Well, Main Street is a DOT street/road…which means we have to work with DOT to get it paved. We’re working on it. I know the southern end is falling apart. So does DOT. You may know that they were out patching this morning. It’s still falling apart, though, and I’m working on requesting a repair that will last. Bear with us.
Monday, March 16, 2009
When you just can't believe it...
When I started this blog during my campaign for mayor, I planned to not really talk about personal issues. Unfortunately, that plan got blown all to hell tonight. So, my friends, my citizens, I ask you to forgive the fact that for the next few lines, I'm ceeding my role as mayor, and stepping back into my role as a private citizen. So, until I'm done, if you've got a problem, call the mayor pro tempore. That's why we appointed her. (You know, honestly, the fact that I don't get to be a private citizen anymore kinda chaps at me...but...that's another issue for another day.)
Tonight, at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Bob Winters of Lake Royale introduced a resolution to be passed by the FCBOC in support of an amendment to the Constitution of the State of North Carolina that will, in effect, ban same sex couples from every having the right of marriage. The resolution was not on the printed agenda as provided to the public, and the members of the Board (as far as I know) were not provided a copy of this resolution prior to the meeting. Commissioner Winters read the resolution, which took about five minutes of the meeting, as it was quite lengthy, and was apparently a 'form' resolution which was provided by one of the litany of organizations opposed to full equality for GLBT citizens.
Once the resolution was read, Commissioner Rev. Sidney Dunston spoke to the Board regarding his opinion of the issue. While he noted that he personally believes that marriage is the union of a man and a woman, he also believes that such legislation is unnecessary as the State of North Carolina already has such laws on the books (currently known as the Defense of Marriage Act) and would basically be the Board entering into a political hot potato. Commissioner Winters then rebutted Commissioner Dunston's comments, and no other comments were made regarding such. Commissioner Penny McGhee-Young, representing Franklinton (which is my area, making her my representative) then asked about the first paragraph of the resolution, which was very specific regarding the opinion of the Board with respect to the definition of marriage and what it means to Franklin County and the disintegration of marriage unions is a detriment to the quality of life in Franklin County. She noted that she would prefer to have that paragraph removed, but that she was okay with the vote being put to the citizens. After that, there were no other comments.
That said, I then sat in the audience with about 100 other people who were actively avoiding looking at me while this Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 in favor of this resolution. Commissioners whom I have known my entire life, some who are good friends of my family, some who I thought I was fairly close to, all of whom I now have to work with for another two and a half years as the elected representative of my community, voted to endorse the legislation of hatred, bigotry and inequality. The lone dissent? Commissioner Sidney Dunston. Whatever your reasons, Commissioner, I thank you.
Now...you're likely wondering, why is this such a big deal to you? Well, for a number of reasons. I'm fairly confident it's no secret that I'm gay. (If you pay any attention to The Franklin Times, you're well aware. There's a reason my swearing in picture was the above the fold on January 1, 2008...and it's not because I'm so pretty. Until recently, that photo set the record for the number of comments on the Franklin Times website. Some badges we wear with pride, I suppose.) Of course, this impacts me personally. While my other half lives eight states away at the moment, what do we do when we decide we want to get married? The answer is, apparently, nothing in the State of North Carolina. What I can't get anyone to explain to me is, why is it that gay marriage scares religious straight people so much? What are you so afraid of? Are you frightened we'll be better at it? Ya'll certainly haven't managed to do a great job with it in the past 200 years. Take a look at the divorce rates. Are you afraid gays getting married will stimulate the economy? There is OVERWHELMING research to prove that if gays were able to get married, they would put over $5 billion in to the economy of this nation per year with wedding ceremonies alone. From a municipal perspective, that is municipal revenue! Or are you afraid of the 1,151 rights currently afforded to heterosexual couples that are denied to gay couples? Are you afraid I'll get more out of my tax return because I'll be able to claim head of household? Are you afraid I'll be better at being married? What is it?
And please, whatever you do, don't argue the religous aspect with me. Because I promise you, for every sin you cite with regards to sodomy, I'll throw one back at you. Shellfish anyone? I was raised BAPTIST. I know 'em all. Please take me on with that debate.
By now you know, I'm a little upset. Why? Because two hours ago, I sat in a crowded room, with full knowledge by the governing body in the room that I was the only gay person in the room, and that I am the only openly gay elected leader in Franklin County, while this vote was taken. How hard would it have been for someone to say, "Hey, just so you know, this is coming up." At least I wouldn't have been blindsided. The people in the room that were doing their best to avoid eye contact wouldn't have been so uncomfortable. And I wouldn't have had to look good friends in the eye while it happened. I will tell you, though, that tonight's actions explain a lot. I understand certain interpersonal interactions with others across the county a whole lot better now.
At this point, I can honestly say that for the first time in 32 years...I'm speechless. And that, as you know, is saying a lot.
Okay...rant over. I have more I can say. Feel free to contact me, but know that in discussing this issue, I'm not speaking as the Mayor of Franklinton...regardless of the fact that I was elected to serve, I'm still a citizen, I still get to vote (and don't you forget it), and I still get to have my own personal opinion. And NOBODY can take that away from me. NOBODY.
Tonight, at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Bob Winters of Lake Royale introduced a resolution to be passed by the FCBOC in support of an amendment to the Constitution of the State of North Carolina that will, in effect, ban same sex couples from every having the right of marriage. The resolution was not on the printed agenda as provided to the public, and the members of the Board (as far as I know) were not provided a copy of this resolution prior to the meeting. Commissioner Winters read the resolution, which took about five minutes of the meeting, as it was quite lengthy, and was apparently a 'form' resolution which was provided by one of the litany of organizations opposed to full equality for GLBT citizens.
Once the resolution was read, Commissioner Rev. Sidney Dunston spoke to the Board regarding his opinion of the issue. While he noted that he personally believes that marriage is the union of a man and a woman, he also believes that such legislation is unnecessary as the State of North Carolina already has such laws on the books (currently known as the Defense of Marriage Act) and would basically be the Board entering into a political hot potato. Commissioner Winters then rebutted Commissioner Dunston's comments, and no other comments were made regarding such. Commissioner Penny McGhee-Young, representing Franklinton (which is my area, making her my representative) then asked about the first paragraph of the resolution, which was very specific regarding the opinion of the Board with respect to the definition of marriage and what it means to Franklin County and the disintegration of marriage unions is a detriment to the quality of life in Franklin County. She noted that she would prefer to have that paragraph removed, but that she was okay with the vote being put to the citizens. After that, there were no other comments.
That said, I then sat in the audience with about 100 other people who were actively avoiding looking at me while this Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 in favor of this resolution. Commissioners whom I have known my entire life, some who are good friends of my family, some who I thought I was fairly close to, all of whom I now have to work with for another two and a half years as the elected representative of my community, voted to endorse the legislation of hatred, bigotry and inequality. The lone dissent? Commissioner Sidney Dunston. Whatever your reasons, Commissioner, I thank you.
Now...you're likely wondering, why is this such a big deal to you? Well, for a number of reasons. I'm fairly confident it's no secret that I'm gay. (If you pay any attention to The Franklin Times, you're well aware. There's a reason my swearing in picture was the above the fold on January 1, 2008...and it's not because I'm so pretty. Until recently, that photo set the record for the number of comments on the Franklin Times website. Some badges we wear with pride, I suppose.) Of course, this impacts me personally. While my other half lives eight states away at the moment, what do we do when we decide we want to get married? The answer is, apparently, nothing in the State of North Carolina. What I can't get anyone to explain to me is, why is it that gay marriage scares religious straight people so much? What are you so afraid of? Are you frightened we'll be better at it? Ya'll certainly haven't managed to do a great job with it in the past 200 years. Take a look at the divorce rates. Are you afraid gays getting married will stimulate the economy? There is OVERWHELMING research to prove that if gays were able to get married, they would put over $5 billion in to the economy of this nation per year with wedding ceremonies alone. From a municipal perspective, that is municipal revenue! Or are you afraid of the 1,151 rights currently afforded to heterosexual couples that are denied to gay couples? Are you afraid I'll get more out of my tax return because I'll be able to claim head of household? Are you afraid I'll be better at being married? What is it?
And please, whatever you do, don't argue the religous aspect with me. Because I promise you, for every sin you cite with regards to sodomy, I'll throw one back at you. Shellfish anyone? I was raised BAPTIST. I know 'em all. Please take me on with that debate.
By now you know, I'm a little upset. Why? Because two hours ago, I sat in a crowded room, with full knowledge by the governing body in the room that I was the only gay person in the room, and that I am the only openly gay elected leader in Franklin County, while this vote was taken. How hard would it have been for someone to say, "Hey, just so you know, this is coming up." At least I wouldn't have been blindsided. The people in the room that were doing their best to avoid eye contact wouldn't have been so uncomfortable. And I wouldn't have had to look good friends in the eye while it happened. I will tell you, though, that tonight's actions explain a lot. I understand certain interpersonal interactions with others across the county a whole lot better now.
At this point, I can honestly say that for the first time in 32 years...I'm speechless. And that, as you know, is saying a lot.
Okay...rant over. I have more I can say. Feel free to contact me, but know that in discussing this issue, I'm not speaking as the Mayor of Franklinton...regardless of the fact that I was elected to serve, I'm still a citizen, I still get to vote (and don't you forget it), and I still get to have my own personal opinion. And NOBODY can take that away from me. NOBODY.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Open House in Franklinton
If you hold it, they will come. Right? Apparently not. In an effort to open the government of the Town to its people, we held an open house last June, complete with catered breakfast. And you know who came? The Board. That’s right. Not one, single, solitary soul showed up to talk to the members of the Board, to air their issues, to ask their questions – and it was budget time! It almost felt like being back in the classroom – I reach out, and nobody takes the hand. Since then, we've held Open House a couple of other times, and we are committed as a Board to continue these open forums...but...if nobody shows up, why would we continue to expend the staff time to attend, as well as our own?
I’d like to see this as an opportunity for there to be open dialogue in our community. However – others may not see it this way. If this isn’t something the citizens of Franklinton want, it’s much easier to just tell us. But – we want you to know that we want to hear from you! We want to know what you’re thinking, what you have to say, etc. So come tell us! Our third quarter open house was at our February meeting. The fourth quarter open house will be on the same day as Fun in the Sun - May 16. Come and see us! Let us know what’s on your mind! What you think the priorities are! As my mom would say – I’d prefer not to see this as something that tried and couldn’t. So, take us up on this – let’s hear from you!
I’d like to see this as an opportunity for there to be open dialogue in our community. However – others may not see it this way. If this isn’t something the citizens of Franklinton want, it’s much easier to just tell us. But – we want you to know that we want to hear from you! We want to know what you’re thinking, what you have to say, etc. So come tell us! Our third quarter open house was at our February meeting. The fourth quarter open house will be on the same day as Fun in the Sun - May 16. Come and see us! Let us know what’s on your mind! What you think the priorities are! As my mom would say – I’d prefer not to see this as something that tried and couldn’t. So, take us up on this – let’s hear from you!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Water Issues in Franklinton
What water issues? Haven’t you noticed the rain over the past few months? Only kidding. While the rains of late have been nice, plentiful, and will eventually lead to bounties in crops hopefully, they aren’t really Franklinton’s real water issues. As you may know, we have two reservoirs to serve the water customers of the greater Franklinton area. We also have a contract with Franklin County that requires the Town to sell Franklin County Public Utilities (formerly Franklin Water and Sewer Authority) 350,000 gallons of water per day – and the contract still has 12 years to go on it. If you live in Franklinton, firstly, you should be glad that we have water to provide – some communities don’t. Secondly, we should also celebrate the fact that we’re able to partner with the County in providing a water source so that Franklin County has an additional place to go.
The flip side, however, is that droughts happen. As you may know, in 2007 we had a minor issue in Franklinton while other areas were having major challenges with the deterioration of the water source. This in turn not only prevented Franklinton from being able to provide the County with water, but also cost the Town money in the sale of that water. With this in mind, the Board of Commissioners is very interested in seeing the upper reservoir raised several feet. This would add an additional 700,000+ gallons of available raw water to be processed for citizens and businesses every day. As well, there’s an area on the south side of the current reservoir that could be used for a park once the dam is raised.
Additionally, there’s a challenge with some of the water lines around town, including several that are too small for the areas that they serve. This, of course, will cost money – everyone’s favorite topic! Yay! So what’s the next step? Well, there are a couple.
This budget year, we attempted to lower the basic utility rates, but in turn, we were hit with some higher costs from outside providers, and thus, we attempted to restructure the fees. Previously, the first 2,000 gallons of water cost $20.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $4.50; the first 2,000 gallons of sewer cost $21.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $7.20. The bill has been altered so that now, the first 1,000 gallons of water costs $15.00, the second 1,000 costs $2.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons costs $4.75. Now, your first 1,000 gallons of sewer costs $17.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons cost $7.80. Thus, 2,000 gallons of water costs $17.50, and 2,000 gallons of sewer costs $24.30. Additionally, the cost of sanitation went up, as well, to $16, due to a rate increase from Waste Industries. Folks, we tried. What does this mean for the future? Well, if we’re going to do anything with water system improvements, any number of things may have to happen, including that the debt service fee increases. For the record, the debt service fee brings in on average $72,000 per year. In reality, that isn’t much compared to debts in excess of $300,000 for water and sewer upgrades. So…we may see an increase there, though we’ll try to avoid it – and the same goes for the rates as well. However, some things are unavoidable, and if we’re forced to move on something, we’ll have to do it.
As we always do, we will continue to seek grants and no-interest loans so that we can make things as low-impact on our citizens as possible. I promise you that we do our best. That’s all anyone can do, I believe. As we see commercial citizens increase, the impact on residential citizens will decrease.
The flip side, however, is that droughts happen. As you may know, in 2007 we had a minor issue in Franklinton while other areas were having major challenges with the deterioration of the water source. This in turn not only prevented Franklinton from being able to provide the County with water, but also cost the Town money in the sale of that water. With this in mind, the Board of Commissioners is very interested in seeing the upper reservoir raised several feet. This would add an additional 700,000+ gallons of available raw water to be processed for citizens and businesses every day. As well, there’s an area on the south side of the current reservoir that could be used for a park once the dam is raised.
Additionally, there’s a challenge with some of the water lines around town, including several that are too small for the areas that they serve. This, of course, will cost money – everyone’s favorite topic! Yay! So what’s the next step? Well, there are a couple.
This budget year, we attempted to lower the basic utility rates, but in turn, we were hit with some higher costs from outside providers, and thus, we attempted to restructure the fees. Previously, the first 2,000 gallons of water cost $20.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $4.50; the first 2,000 gallons of sewer cost $21.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $7.20. The bill has been altered so that now, the first 1,000 gallons of water costs $15.00, the second 1,000 costs $2.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons costs $4.75. Now, your first 1,000 gallons of sewer costs $17.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons cost $7.80. Thus, 2,000 gallons of water costs $17.50, and 2,000 gallons of sewer costs $24.30. Additionally, the cost of sanitation went up, as well, to $16, due to a rate increase from Waste Industries. Folks, we tried. What does this mean for the future? Well, if we’re going to do anything with water system improvements, any number of things may have to happen, including that the debt service fee increases. For the record, the debt service fee brings in on average $72,000 per year. In reality, that isn’t much compared to debts in excess of $300,000 for water and sewer upgrades. So…we may see an increase there, though we’ll try to avoid it – and the same goes for the rates as well. However, some things are unavoidable, and if we’re forced to move on something, we’ll have to do it.
As we always do, we will continue to seek grants and no-interest loans so that we can make things as low-impact on our citizens as possible. I promise you that we do our best. That’s all anyone can do, I believe. As we see commercial citizens increase, the impact on residential citizens will decrease.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What a Week...
...and it's only Thursday! At least we haven't had any electrical explosions this week...
On Tuesday evening, we opened the new Town Hall Annex, the Town's new meeting space. It's something we are all very proud of, as should be everyone in the Town of Franklinton! I must give credit where credit is due, though - the idea for moving our meeting space was that of our town manager Larry Carver. And a great idea it was! We've effectively tripled our meeting space, our staff (and the media) now have a place to sit, and we've got a mounted location for the projector so that presentations are a little easier now. I even got to have some input on the design of the space! Originally, the deis (where the Board sits) was going to be against the windows; in a conversation with Larry, I suggested we flip it around and put it at the back. Those conversations were the same way we ended up with a half-wall behind the right side of the deis (so no Commissioner rolls off the platform), and with a door on the left of the wall where the seal is so that we have two entrances for the Board to move into closed session. I even got to pick out the chairs! (So when you're comfortable sitting there...just smile and think of me testing out chairs.)
I also want to again thank my friends and colleagues from the Louisburg Town Council who were able to come and participate in our ribbon cutting. (We cut the ribbon in an odd place...we put it on the deis instead of the door - it's February! I wasn't about to make folks wait outside.) It was so nice of them to come! I also appreciate County Commissioner Sidney Dunston for coming to participate. As well, I want to thank each and every citizen who came out to participate and share in the event. This was for you, and I'm glad you were there!
Several folks that evening shared that they're keeping up with me by reading my blog...thank goodness somebody is! I had no idea! Now that I know someone's reading...I'll keep writing. (For those of you not interested...what are you doing here in the first place? :))
Yesterday, I attended the regular monthly CAMPO meeting. (CAMPO is the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization - they are the local group that works to plan for transportation needs in our area. Franklinton is a member, along with most of Franklin, Wake, Johnston, and Harnett Counties and most of the municipalities in those counties.) We heard about the Long Range Transportation Plan (which takes us 2035), and where hopes and priorities are placed. From it, I had questions surrounding the possiblity of bus service to Youngsville and Franklinton. (Maps showed bus service coming to Franklinton in 2035, but a small bus route to Youngsville from Capital Blvd. in 2025...but the entirety of Capital from Wake Forest to Franklinton was showing as coming in 2035, which made no sense to have a small bus route from downtown Youngsville to Capital in 2025 if there was no service to get to Wake Forest or anywhere else...you get my idea.) I got a much better explanation, and hopefully, when bus service comes to Youngsville, they'll be able to just hop, skip and jump on up the road that extra 5 miles and come to Franklinton...and after conversing with a representative from TTA, we may be able to see it sooner. (Buses are easier to relocate than trains, you know.) We shall see.
Today, I'm going to head back to town from work (very early) so that I can be present when Congressman Bob Etheridge speaks about the effect of the stimulus package on school construction in our area at Franklinton High School. He'll be there at 1:30. If I'm not mistaken, it's open to the public. (That's why I'm going!)
See you there!
On Tuesday evening, we opened the new Town Hall Annex, the Town's new meeting space. It's something we are all very proud of, as should be everyone in the Town of Franklinton! I must give credit where credit is due, though - the idea for moving our meeting space was that of our town manager Larry Carver. And a great idea it was! We've effectively tripled our meeting space, our staff (and the media) now have a place to sit, and we've got a mounted location for the projector so that presentations are a little easier now. I even got to have some input on the design of the space! Originally, the deis (where the Board sits) was going to be against the windows; in a conversation with Larry, I suggested we flip it around and put it at the back. Those conversations were the same way we ended up with a half-wall behind the right side of the deis (so no Commissioner rolls off the platform), and with a door on the left of the wall where the seal is so that we have two entrances for the Board to move into closed session. I even got to pick out the chairs! (So when you're comfortable sitting there...just smile and think of me testing out chairs.)
I also want to again thank my friends and colleagues from the Louisburg Town Council who were able to come and participate in our ribbon cutting. (We cut the ribbon in an odd place...we put it on the deis instead of the door - it's February! I wasn't about to make folks wait outside.) It was so nice of them to come! I also appreciate County Commissioner Sidney Dunston for coming to participate. As well, I want to thank each and every citizen who came out to participate and share in the event. This was for you, and I'm glad you were there!
Several folks that evening shared that they're keeping up with me by reading my blog...thank goodness somebody is! I had no idea! Now that I know someone's reading...I'll keep writing. (For those of you not interested...what are you doing here in the first place? :))
Yesterday, I attended the regular monthly CAMPO meeting. (CAMPO is the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization - they are the local group that works to plan for transportation needs in our area. Franklinton is a member, along with most of Franklin, Wake, Johnston, and Harnett Counties and most of the municipalities in those counties.) We heard about the Long Range Transportation Plan (which takes us 2035), and where hopes and priorities are placed. From it, I had questions surrounding the possiblity of bus service to Youngsville and Franklinton. (Maps showed bus service coming to Franklinton in 2035, but a small bus route to Youngsville from Capital Blvd. in 2025...but the entirety of Capital from Wake Forest to Franklinton was showing as coming in 2035, which made no sense to have a small bus route from downtown Youngsville to Capital in 2025 if there was no service to get to Wake Forest or anywhere else...you get my idea.) I got a much better explanation, and hopefully, when bus service comes to Youngsville, they'll be able to just hop, skip and jump on up the road that extra 5 miles and come to Franklinton...and after conversing with a representative from TTA, we may be able to see it sooner. (Buses are easier to relocate than trains, you know.) We shall see.
Today, I'm going to head back to town from work (very early) so that I can be present when Congressman Bob Etheridge speaks about the effect of the stimulus package on school construction in our area at Franklinton High School. He'll be there at 1:30. If I'm not mistaken, it's open to the public. (That's why I'm going!)
See you there!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Why E-mail?
When you come into Town Hall to pay your utility bills or for other reasons, you may notice that a Town staff member may ask you for your e-mail. If you have one, please consider providing it to us. We will use it to share information with you, to keep you abreast of upcoming events, and to ensure you stay informed as a citizen of Franklinton. The main reason we’re asking, however, is so that we may send you this newsletter electronically. We are looking to do this so that we may reduce the amount of paper used to produce the newsletter, as well as the cost of postage to mail it. We believe the newsletter is an important piece of communication to our citizens; however, we are also seeking to further implement conservation efforts throughout the Town. Please consider helping us! (If you pay your utility bill electronically or by mail, feel free to call Town Hall to share your e-mail, or e-mail Mayor Senter at esenter@franklintonnc.us.) Don’t have an e-mail? Don’t want to share your home or work e-mail? Get a free e-mail address from Yahoo (www.yahoo.com), Microsoft (www.hotmail.com) or Google (www.gmail.com).
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