Wendell News Outlet

Informational News of interest for the citizens in and around Wendell, North Carolina. Postings on this site are the property of Glenn Harris and cannot be copied without express written permission. Archives are listed at the bottom of the home page.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

WakeUP Update

Wake UP to 2008! It's a new year, and growth challenges continue to face Wake County. Drought is forcing leaders to plan for water needs for increasing population. Our school system is one of the nation's largest, and we must find ways to pay for new schools. Transportation needs are growing with our cities.

Success in 2007: WakeUP helped move public debate on paying for growth in a way that is fair. Through advocacy and media visibility, we helped pass legislation enabling counties to hold a referendum for a real estate transfer tax (to pay for schools). Our message resonated with voters who elected new city councilors who will make paying for growth and planning for drinking water, schools and transit priorities. WakeUP called for better water conservation through tiered water rates. We advocated for effective regional transit planning through our WakeUP representative on the Special Transit Advisory Commission.

Looking ahead: To plan for high quality of life in Wake County, we cannot just act in a crisis, such as drought. We must think proactively with a view to a future where many more people will live and work in our community. WakeUP Wake County believes that city and county officials and, yes, developers need a toolkit of options to prepare for schools, water and transportation. In 2008, WakeUP plans to:

Urge stronger water conservation measures for Raleigh's utility that serves cities throughout Eastern Wake County. WakeUP plans a public forum on Wake's water issues in February (more on that to come).
Urge city and county officials to increase impact fees and examine Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances (APFO) as ways to plan and pay for growth
Ask Wake's Board of Commissioners to support a transfer tax along with an effective public education effort before a referendum is held.
Support effective recommendations for regional transit.
Hold educational forums and engage citizens like you!

We need YOU! WakeUP Wake County invites YOU to help us take on these important issues and be a voice for good growth planning in our community. Tell us what issues you believe should be WakeUP's priorities. Join us a volunteer. No experience required! To support our efforts, please send WakeUP your $25 membership dues for 2008 by clicking here to contribute. We are the only local nonprofit urging growth-paying for-growth options. Your tax deductible contribution will help us be as effective as possible. We can't do it without you!

Thank You,

Karen Rindge, Chair, WakeUP Wake County
Stan Norwalk, Vice-chair, WakeUP Wake County
Phil Poe, Treasurer, WakeUP Wake County

posted by Administrator # 9:15 PM

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