Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:07:57 -0500
From: Heather Johnson
Subject: County Commissioners Bock, Petty, Stewart file for re-election
*Date: Monday, February 17, 2014*
*BOCK, PETTY, STEWART FILE FOR RE-ELECTION*
PITTSBORO – Commissioners Petty, Stewart, and Bock filed to run for re-election in Chatham County today.
They were elected in 2010 on a platform of creating a business friendly atmosphere, prioritizing spending, protecting property rights, streamlining, protecting the environment and open government.
Their commitment to sound financial stewardship and accountability to the citizens resulted in decisions in their first months of office that saved almost $2 million over their term. Budget prioritization led to hundreds of thousands more in savings while maintaining essential services. Each year they have insisted on a priority based budget. The County’s 2013 financial audit found “several items stood out as uniquely positive” according to Shane fox of Martin Starnes & Associates. Unlike other counties, Chatham saw increased sales tax revenue, indicating more shoppers are spending their money in the county.
FY 2012 saw triple the number of jobs created than 2010 & 2011 combined. Chatham has the lowest unemployment rate in the State and has shown a net increase in the number of people working since 2010. Capital investment from businesses increased dramatically from just $1 million in 2010 to $117 million in 2012. These trends of increased employment and investment by businesses continue into 2014.
“I am very proud of the fact that we have kept our promises and increased financial support for public education and public safety while maintaining a stable tax rate. We were told that would be impossible.” said Commissioner Brian Bock.
Chatham is now recognized as one of the most open governments in the State. Meetings are video taped so more citizens can see for themselves what is going on rather than relying on summaries that may not be complete or accurate. They have held more town hall meetings than any other set of commissioners in recent years. All financial data is on the county website and resolutions are not voted on without first being posted.
Other priorities included ensuring that our natural environment is protected. The strong soil and erosion controls that were put in place back in 2008 have been maintained and the commissioners have strengthened regulations where needed.
“Everyone agrees that clean water is critical to the well being of any community. That is why we not only adopted the higher standards outlined in the Jordan Lake rules years earlier than required but applied them throughout the entire county. ” said Chairman Walter Petty. “I’m particularly proud that we were able to halt the destruction of a hundred acres of pristine land and protect property rights by not allowing a mega trash dump to be built in the center of Chatham County while we look for alternatives.” Added Commissioner Stewart.
While Bock, Stewart, Petty have a strong record, their focus is on the future. They are committed to bringing jobs, optimism and progress to all Chatham citizens.
Heather Johnson
919-444-1186