Volume 1 Issue 11 - Good to be Morrisville

It's good to be Morrisville ... Let's make it great!

Thanks to its People, It's Good to be Morrisville! Yesterday's election results are in, and the people have spoken. As our town moves into the future, there's no denying that it’s good to be Morrisville! "Throughout my campaign, I've said that it's good to be Morrisville," states Mayor Jackie Holcombe. "I truly believe that. As I reflect on my campaign, and the many, many reasons why it's good to be Morrisville, one thing rises above the others -- and that's Morrisville's people, who make this such a wonderful community". Jackie sends out a huge THANK YOU to: Campaign supporters and volunteers: So many people put aside other priorities and worked tirelessly to help share Jackie's message. This fantastic campaign team is appreciated immensely. And of course, Jackie's husband Rick and daughter Lindsay deserve untold thanks for unwavering support and encouragement in the midst of the hectic schedules and disruptions associated with a campaign. All candidates: It is a significant commitment to run for public office, and 10 people in Morrisville made that commitment this year. Thanks to all the candidates for a commitment to public service and positive debate about the issues that affect our citizens. Election officials: Our democracy rests on free and fair elections, and many dedicated individuals work to ensure that's the case. We appreciate the board of elections staff and all others who oversee our elections, with special thanks in particular to the polling place officials who put in extraordinarily long days to make sure that votes are cast and counted correctly and efficiently. All voters: Most of all, thanks to everyone who participated in the election by casting a vote. Turnout in Morrisville for this election was 21% -- higher than usual for our town, and significantly higher than the Wake County average among all the towns who voted yesterday. Jackie congratulates Mark Stohlman, Steve Rao, TJ Cawley and Vicki Scroggins-Johnson on their election and wishes them well as they represent the citizens of Morrisville. In addition to her sincere thanks and congratulations, Jackie observes, "it's been an honor and privilege to serve as Morrisville Mayor these past 4 years. I am proud of all we have accomplished in building a better Morrisville for the future. With the election behind us, I believe that it is time for our community to work together to ensure that Morrisville's next chapter is a successful one". Keep in touch with Jackie using one of the buttons at the top of this email, and remember: It's good to be Morrisville! Jackie is blessed with a caring, supportive family Thanks to everyone who participated in this campaign and election Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Jackie's Blog Follow on Web Forward to a Friend Email Jackie Did you know? The newly elected Town Council members will be sworn into office on December 10th at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will begin with the current Town Council considering meeting minutes and the Unified Development Ordinance.  The newly elected Council members then will be sworn into office by an official they choose, such as a judge, clerk or other elected official.  Following a brief break, the new Town Council will continue the work of the public. All citizens are encouraged to attend this public meeting. A dedicated Town Council: One of many reasons why ... It's good to be Morrisville! The Town Council serves all the people of Morrisville.

Follow on Twitter | Friend on Facebook | Follow on Web | Jackie's Blog EMail Jackie | Forward to a friend Copyright © Elect Jackie Holcombe, All rights reserved. Thank you for your support Our mailing address is: Elect Jackie Holcombe 124 Kalvesta Dr Morrisville, NC  27560 Paid for by the Elect Jackie Holcombe Committee

Volume 1 Issue 10 - Vote November 5th!

It's good to be Morrisville ... Let's make it great!

It's Good to be Morrisville, It's Time to Vote!      Morrisville Votes Tuesday, November 5      Polls open 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Visit Wake County Board of Elections web site to find your polling place, registration and other election information There are many reasons that it’s good to be Morrisville! "Over the past 4 years, we’ve accomplished a lot together," states Mayor Jackie Holcombe. "Our town is a successful, thriving community that is blessed with a first-class staff, great businesses and organizations and above all, committed and involved citizens who create a real sense of community. Together, we’re moving Morrisville forward, building on past success. It’s a privilege to lead a community that’s accomplished so many things for our residents". Just a few of Morrisville's highlights include: We listened to the number one concern of our citizens, traffic congestion, and we’ve madesignificant investments in transportation improvements. Transportation bonds were approved by 80% of voters, enabling us to start work on the NC 54 bypass. We established the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding that I proposed. There’s more to do, butwe’re making real progress. We practice sound financial management. We’re the smallest municipality in North Carolina to have a AAA bond rating, and that saves money for taxpayers. We've recently become one of only two municipalities to receive a completely clean audit from Joyce and Co, CPA in their 19 years of business.  Our parks and recreation facilities continue to expand. After 9 years of talking about a new RTP park, we celebrated the groundbreaking on October 24. We’re affirming our community’s identity by establishing an attractive Town Center. This is advancing at a steady pace and it will transform a portion of our town. We honor our past by preserving our history. Three historic structures have been named local landmarks, and a fourth one is being considered. We restored the historic Christian Church and we’re restoring the Pugh House, both for the benefit of the public. We’re a vital part of our region. We collaborate with our state legislators, county commissioners, regional authorities and the Wake County School Board – and I’ve established relationships with the 11 other mayors in Wake County, serving a term as president of the Wake County Mayors Association. People outside Morrisville are recognizing our success: we’ve been named the best place in North Carolina to raise a family and the 7thmost affordable community in the entire nation. We’ve received historic preservation awards every year that I’ve been mayor. Jackie notes, "I’m running for re-election because I want to continue our progress. There’s more to do, such as further reducing traffic congestion on our major thoroughfares, adding bus transit service, building a grade-separated railroad crossing, continuing our long-term smart fiscal planning, ensuring responsible growth, expanding facilities and programs for our growing senior population, developing a farmers market and gathering places in our town center, and more". The people of Morrisville are a diverse, welcoming community. We have strong leadership, a great town staff and engaged citizens. Our future is bright and we’re on the right path. It truly is good to be Morrisville – let’s make it great…together! I’m Mayor Jackie Holcombe, and I ask for your vote on November 5. Want to learn more? See Jackie's activities and positions on issues on her web page and blog, and watch the series of brief It's Good to be Morrisville videos. Or contact Jackie using one of the buttons at the top of this email.      Morrisville Votes Tuesday, November 5      Polls open 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Visit Wake County Board of Elections web site to find your polling place, registration and other election information Mayor Holcombe is proud to lead the vibrant Town of Morrisville As a full-time Mayor, Jackie spends much of her time listening to all the citizens in our community Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Jackie's Blog Follow on Web Forward to a Friend Email Jackie Did you know? In addition to being Morrisville Mayor, Jackie Holcombe is a Mom, wife, entrepreneur, blogger and disability rights advocate. Prior to serving as Mayor, Jackie was District 2 Commissioner.She is former president of the Wake County Mayor’s Association and represents the Town in the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Morrisville-Cary joint issues committee. Jackie was a founding member of the Morrisville Community Fund. The former owner ofBuckwheatHull.com, Jackie takes pride in the continued success of that small business, now a part of Morrisville’s non-profit Life Experiences, Inc. She’s also been a blogger at ‘Tis About Morrisville since 2008. Mayor Holcombe, a long-time disability rights advocate, is a recent recipient of the Triangle Access Award from theAlliance of Disability Advocates. Jackie Holcombe is married to husband Rick and has two adult daughters. "Family comes first" is something you'll hear Jackie say if you spend much time with her. Jackie is a devoted wife and mother who is proud of her family, who support her in her role as Morrisville's full-time Mayor. A well-rounded, full-time Mayor: One of many reasons why ... It's good to be Morrisville! Jackie is a successful entrepreneur, disability rights advocate, wife and Mom who brings her experience and passion to serve the people of Morrisville.

Follow on Twitter | Friend on Facebook | Follow on Web | Jackie's Blog EMail Jackie | Forward to a friend Copyright © Elect Jackie Holcombe, All rights reserved. Thank you for your support Our mailing address is: Elect Jackie Holcombe 124 Kalvesta Dr Morrisville, NC  27560 Paid for by the Elect Jackie Holcombe Committee

Volume 1 Issue 9 - Collaborative Partnerships

It's good to be Morrisville ... Let's make it great!

It's Good to be Morrisville: Heart of the Triangle   Morrisville is the geographic center of the Triangle region. We're also a center for collaboration among state, regional and local governments and organizations. Most of our major roads are owned and maintained by the State of North Carolina. We partner with the Town of Cary for our water supply and we cooperate with the North Carolina Railroad for corridor safety issues. We have mutual aid agreements with surrounding municipalities to help each other during crises and difficult times. "No community is an island," says Mayor Jackie Holcombe. "Cooperative relationships with public and private organizations benefit our residents and businesses. That's why I work hard to establish positive, collaborative relationships with local, regional, state and federal officials and groups". Under Jackie's leadership, Morrisville has become much more engaged in the issues that affect our region. Jackie has developed, strengthened and re-energized relationships with regional authorities, including: Wake County Mayors Association: Jackie is the immediate past president of this organization that consists of the mayors of all 12 Wake County municipalities. Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO): Mayor Holcombe is Morrisville’s representative to this strategic transportation planning organization that develops integrated transportation solutions for Wake County and surrounding areas. Jackie attends monthly meetings with CAMPO staff and North Carolina Department of Transportation engineers, along with other elected officials from the region, to ensure that Morrisville's transportation priorities are considered in regional plans. For example, the CAMPO partnership is central to the NC54 and More study to improve Morrisville's major thoroughfare. Morrisville also participates in the annual meeting with a neighboring transportation planning authoritiy, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carboro Metropolitan Planning Organization, a counterpart to CAMPO. Morrisville/Cary Joint Issues Committee: Jackie led efforts to establish this collaboration with the Town of Cary, our closest neighbor, to jointly address issues that affect the citizens of both communities. Mayor Holcombe and Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht meet regularly with two additional Town Council members from each town. North Carolina League of Municipalities: Morrisville joins more than 500 other NC cities, towns and villages in this statewide organization that advocates for municipalities at the state and federal levels, promotes excellence and efficiency in municipal government and provides services and information for town officials to meet the needs of their citizens. Jackie also established and enhanced relationships with many groups right here in Morrisville. Here are a few of those organizations: Morrisville Chamber of Commerce: Jackie works closely with the Chamber, Morrisville's organization for businesses, to help promote their work to provide beneficial products and services and enhance the economic environment for businesses and the community at-large. Morrisville Community Fund: Jackie is a founding member of this endowment fund, established during her term as mayor, that provides grants to deserving non-profit organizations in our community. Interfaith Community Breakfast: Jackie supported this initiative of Morrisville's diverse faith community to hold regular breakfast meetings, the first of which occurred in May of this year. Preservation Morrisville: Jackie is a strong supporter of historic preservation and she launched the initiative to form Morrisville's own preservation group, which came to fruition thanks to the efforts of a group of concerned citizens. Morrisville Rotary: Jackie is an honorary member and strong supporter of this organization, the local affiliate of Rotary International. This group of business and professional leaders supports local charities and performs community service projects. Morrisville Elementary School, Cedar Fork Elementary School, Sterling Montessori Charter School: Jackie knows the importance of education in our community and she has established positive relationships with administrators, teachers and students of the schools located in our community. Jackie notes, "It's important for our town to be a good neighbor and an engaged, vital participant in our region, as well as a reliable partner of the organizations in our community. Building relationships with these groups ultimately benefits our citizens, and it's an important aspect of serving as Morrisville mayor". Want to learn more? See Jackie's activities and positions on issues on her web page and blog, and watch the series of brief It's Good to be Morrisville videos. Or contact Jackie using one of the buttons at the top of this email. Jackie has built relationships at all levels of government: federal (top of page, with US Representative David Price), state (above, with NC State Senator Josh Stein), ... ... and local (above with Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht). Jackie also established new and strengthened existing relationships with regional authorities and local groups. Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Jackie's Blog Follow on Web Forward to a Friend Email Jackie Did you know? The Morrisville Mayor’s job is 24/7. You might know that it involves twice-monthly Town Council meetings, but it also requires much more than that!  Over the past four years, Mayor Holcombe has represented the Town of Morrisville at meetings and events with: Wake County School Board Wake County Commissioners North Carolina Railroad Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Wake County Mayors Association (Jackie is the immediate past president) WakeMed leadership team Rex Hospital leadership team North Carolina General Assembly Wake County delegation Wake Tech Regional Transportation Alliance Triangle Transit Authority North Carolina League of Municipalities US Congressman David Price and many others. Jackie writes and delivers the annual State of the Town address and regularly provides updates and interviews to local media, both print and television. She frequently addresses clubs and organizations and presents many local awards and proclamations. And that's in addition to the most important duty of a mayor: interacting with citizens. When you call, Jackie answers and she listens. Jackie devotes her full time and attention to serving as Morrisville's Mayor. A full-time Mayor: One of many reasons why ... It's good to be Morrisville! Presenting proclamations, speaking to Boy Scouts and other groups, attending meetings, taking calls, representing the Town, and much more -- it's all in a day's work for Jackie Holcombe, Morrisville's full-time Mayor.

Follow on Twitter | Friend on Facebook | Follow on Web | Jackie's Blog EMail Jackie | Forward to a friend Copyright © Elect Jackie Holcombe, All rights reserved. Thank you for your support Our mailing address is: Elect Jackie Holcombe 124 Kalvesta Dr Morrisville, NC  27560 Paid for by the Elect Jackie Holcombe Committee

Volume 1 Issue 8 - Town Finances

It's good to be Morrisville ... Let's make it great!

It's Good to be Morrisville: Money in the Bank   Budget and finance matters aren't glamorous, but they underpin all of the services and activities of municipal government. Morrisville’s professional finance staff sets a high standard for financial management. "Everything we do in Morrisville ultimately boils down to budgeting and finance," says Mayor Jackie Holcombe. "Whether it's transportation, public safety, parks and greenways, establishing our Town Center or other priorities, we need informed, thoughtful leadership to carefully manage our town's funds. That's how we've maintained a low tax rate with a high quality of life". Under Jackie's leadership, Morrisville enjoys a very healthy financial situation. Highlights include: The current fiscal year 2014 budget (Morrisville's fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year) totals $26.5 million, an increase of 8% from the previous year. Last year's budget increased by 11%. Jackie voted voted no on the 2013 budget with its 11% increase butvoted yes on this year's budget with a more modest increase. This year's budget was passed by the Town Council on a 6-1 vote. One of Jackie's opponents was the only vote in opposition, even though he had voted to approve the previous year's double-digit increase. Jackie's other opponent did not offer recommendations or suggestions for this year's or previous year’s budgets. Our current year's budget is based on thepriorities established at the Town Council retreat: transit and transportation, creating a sense of place, maintaining a small-town environment and maintaining a quality staff. Jackie supports the fiscal year 2014 budget because itreflects Morrisville citizens' priorities. The current year's budget provides funding fortransportation and public safety items that Morrisville citizens deem important, including $1.2 million for designing the NC 54 bypass (approved by voters in the 2012 bond referendum), $350,000 for Morrisville-Carpenter Road improvements and $120,000 for transportation grant matching funds that multiply Morrisville taxpayers' dollars; and $425,000 for firefighting equipment and $600,000 of additional public safety funding. In Morrisville, just over half of our general fund revenues come from ad valorem (property) taxes and 13% from sales tax, which is collected by Wake County and distributed based on population, not based on where the sales tax was collected. We maintain a very healthy fund balance -- think of this as our "savings account" -- of nearly half of our annual expenses, which is twice the minimum recommended by policy. Morrisville's property tax rate is 39 cents per $100 of value -- tied for the 4th lowest in Wake County -- and the three municipalities with the lowest tax rates charge separately for residential trash collection, whereas Morrisville includes trash collection as part of property tax revenues. Our current tax base (the value of property on which taxes are collected) is about $3.5 billion, split approximately 60% residential and 40% commercial. Our single largest expense is our most important service: public safety accounts for one-third of our budget, with maintenance services being the second-largest expense at 24%. Debt service is a very low 6% (town policy establishes a maximum debt service of 15%; Town Council and staff work hard to minimize our debt service costs) Speaking of debt, Morrisville received some great news in 2013: Our bond rating was upgraded to a AAA rating, the highest attainable, by the Standard & Poor's credit rating agency. Morrisville is the smallest municipality in North Carolina to earn the coveted AAA rating, which saves our taxpayers significant money by minimizing debt interest payments. An independent audit during fiscal year 2013 resulted in no audit findings, material weakness or management letter -- that means the auditors found no shortcomings and had no suggested improvements -- none!  Such a spotless audit is quite rare among municipalities and was the first ever for the Town of Morrisville. For 21 years in a row, Morrisville has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association. Jackie notes, "Sound fiscal management is the nuts and bolts of town government. First and foremost, it is important to remember that town leaders are stewards of taxpayers' money, and I am proud of our prudent budget and finance decisions that maintain a low tax rate and high quality of life for our citizens". Want to learn more? See the details of the fiscal year 2014 budget. Find out more about Jackie's positions on fiscal and other issues by visiting Jackie's web page orblog and watching the series of brief It's Good to be Morrisville videos. Or contact Jackie using one of the buttons at the top of this email. Morrisville celebrates our AAA bond rating, the highest attainable, that saves taxpayers money Morrisville's adopted fiscal year 2014 budget reflects our citizens' priorities Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Jackie's Blog Follow on Web Forward to a Friend Email Jackie Did you know? Morrisville is a great bargain for taxpayers. For the owner of a median-priced home and two cars valued at $15,000 each, the Town of Morrisville continues to offer the best residential service value in Wake County.  Low taxes with high quality of life: One of many reasons why ... It's good to be Morrisville! Morrisville remains the best value for municipal services in Wake County

Follow on Twitter | Friend on Facebook | Follow on Web | Jackie's Blog EMail Jackie | Forward to a friend Copyright © Elect Jackie Holcombe, All rights reserved. Thank you for your support Our mailing address is: Elect Jackie Holcombe 124 Kalvesta Dr Morrisville, NC  27560 Paid for by the Elect Jackie Holcombe Committee

Volume 1 Issue 7 - Vote November 5th

It's good to be Morrisville ... Let's make it great!

It's Good to be Morrisville: Vote to Make it Great!   Voting is a fundamental right of our democratic republic form of government. It is important for citizens to exercise that right to choose our elected representatives. Municipal government affects our day-to-day lives tremendously, and yet voter turnout is often low for local elections. Mayor Jackie Holcombe reminds us of theimportance of voting in Morrisville's upcoming election. "I strongly encourage all eligible Morrisville citizens to vote during this important election," Jackie stated. "In addition to election day November 5, early votingoffers plenty of opportunities for everyone to be able to cast a vote". Mayor Holcombe shares the following information about Morrisville elections: Early voting is available at two locations: theWake County Board of Elections (337 S Salisbury Street, Raleigh) on weekdays from October 17 - November 1 and Saturday Nov. 2; and Avery Street Recreation Center Annex(201 Avery Street, Garner) with limited hours weekdays from October 28 - November 1 and Saturday Nov. 2. Hours and other details are available from the Wake County Board of Electionsweb site. Absentee by Mail voting is another option for all registered voters. Absentee ballots must be requested in writing by October 29 and returned by November 4. Details and instructions for requesting an absentee ballot and voting absentee by mail are available from the Wake County Board of Elections web site. Election day is Tuesday November 5. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. To find your polling place and registration information, visit theWake County Board of Elections web site Morrisville elections are conducted under the non-partisan plurality method, which means that, no matter how many candidates are competing for a particular seat, the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether or not they received more than 50% of the votes cast. Morrisville does not have runoff elections. Morrisville Town Council races include bothdistrict and at-large (town-wide) seats. District candidates must reside in the district they represent, but all voters should cast a vote in all four races (mayor, at-large representative, district 2 representative and district 4 representative), regardless of the voter’s district residence. Jackie adds, "Although voter turnout is typically low for our municipal elections, citizen interest in local government is at an all-time high. We have a pool of ten qualified and enthusiastic candidates for four seats. Voters should learn about those candidates and then vote based on issues, experience and commitment. I hope you will join me in voting for continued progress in transportation, sound fiscal management, establishing our Town Center, preserving our history and maintaining our high quality of life". Want to learn more? Visit the Wake County Board of Elections web site for election information and visit theMorrisville Chamber of Commerce web site for candidate information. Or contact Jackie using one of the buttons at the top of this email. A proud Morrisville citizen voting for the first time This year, Morrisville elects its Mayor and 3 Town Council members Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Jackie's Blog Follow on Web Forward to a Friend Email Jackie Did you know? It's true what they say:Every vote really does count! On at least two occasions, Morrisville elections have been won by as few as 3 votes. In the event of a tie, the winner is chosen by “random selection as determined by the state board of elections.” A coin flip is one such option. Your vote really counts: One of many reasons why ... It's good to be Morrisville! In case of a tie, an election could be decided by a coin flip! Let's all get out and vote

Follow on Twitter | Friend on Facebook | Follow on Web | Jackie's Blog EMail Jackie | Forward to a friend Copyright © Elect Jackie Holcombe, All rights reserved. Thank you for your support Our mailing address is: Elect Jackie Holcombe 124 Kalvesta Dr Morrisville, NC  27560 Paid for by the Elect Jackie Holcombe Committee