Dear Friend and Supporter,
I am writing to share with you my plan to seek a second term on the Chatham County Board of County Commissioners. I appreciate the help and support you gave me in 2004, and I would like to begin my 2008 campaign by reviewing what I have accomplished for you and our other citizens of Chatham County these past three years. I hope that you will agree that I have kept the promises I made as a candidate, and I hope you will help me win a second term to build on these accomplishments.
Planning for our future was an important message of my 2004 campaign. Chatham was poorly prepared for the development challenges we faced. As your commissioner, we established a moratorium on residential development to allow us time to review and update our ordinances and procedures. We have added staff to the planning department, hired Chatham’s first erosion control officer, restructured the Planning Board, and passed key ordnance updates to lighting design and stream buffers. New and improved policies for commercial development are almost complete. We have included all interested parties in this work. We are implementing the Land Development Plan as promised.
Economic development and job education was another important need for Chatham I saw as a candidate. We had accomplished little in comparison to our neighboring counties. Working closely with Commissioner Patrick Barnes, we restructured the Economic Development Corporation, and hired a new director. We established the Chatham County Industrial Park in Siler City with plans for a new regional hospital and community college branch at this location.
Providing affordable housing is very important to me. I established the Affordable Housing Task Force and worked with the development community to take the Affordable Housing Fund from zero dollars to 3.7 million. Now Chatham Habitat for Humanity builds 21 homes a year (up from 4-5 per year). I received the Chatham County Habitat for Humanity Advocacy Award in 2006.
A full time county attorney was hired as promised.
Fiscally responsible planning for new schools and services has been implemented in our capital improvement plan. We opened a new elementary school this year and have plans for a new middle and high school in NE Chatham. We have made improvements to county buildings, established plans for a new judicial building and plans for an expanded library at the Community College site in Pittsboro. Because new growth requires expensive services, and to have that new growth pay its way, I worked with our state legislature to provide the option of the land transfer fee as an alternative to property taxes and impact fees.
I have worked very hard in service to Chatham County and I have kept my campaign pledges. Chatham County is in a better position now than it was three years ago to face our challenges. I want to build on our successes from the last three years. Your help is critical and I ask for your financial support, help on my campaign and your vote in 2008.
Campaign Contacts:
Campaign to Re-elect Mike Cross
PO Box 173
Moncure, NC 27559
Phone: 774-3309 Email: duckdogcross@aol.com
David LeGrys 542-5117 bkeeper41@embarqmail.com
This means that future residents of Briar Chapel will have convenient access to a variety of retail stores and services. In addition, building standards will promote walkability, which will help reduce traffic and pollution. Likewise, the standards will likely require a number of features that will enhance lifestyle, such as open spaces, areas for outdoor eating, and spaces for bikes and alternative vehicles.