State Senator Bob Atwater endorses Mike Cross for Chatham county commissioner

Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2016 00:29:01 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: State Senator Bob Atwater endorses Mike Cross for county commissioner

State Senator Bob Atwater endorses Mike Cross for county commissioner

By NC Senator Bob Atwater (Ret.)

Pittsboro, NC – Prior to running for the NC Senate in 2004, I had the honor and duty of serving as a Chatham County Commissioner. My tenure as a Commissioner afforded me insight into how a county like Chatham successfully navigates the elements of unending change, and how experience and relationship building is critical to success.

Early in my state Senate career, I and Speaker Joe Hackney both sought out Commissioner Cross for key committee appointments working on State initiatives. Mike understands the role that county governments can and ought to play in state-wide conversations, and that partnership building is essential to the success of the County and the State.

Commissioner Cross’ support for education in Chatham has been impressive, understanding that education is an integral part of Chatham’s success. Supporting opportunities for engagement between the Chatham Schools, Central Carolina Community College, workforce development efforts and Chatham’s Economic Development Corp, Mike strengthens these crucial relationships.

Commissioner Mike Cross is a strong supporter for our environment. Our local coal ash situation provides a prime example of the strength of his environmental leadership. The General Assembly severely constrained local government’s legislative authority as it relates to coal ash matters. Therefore, you either negotiate something for the county or you will otherwise certainly be left with nothing. Commissioner Cross took unfair criticism for his part in negotiating an agreement with Duke Energy on the legislatively inevitable coal ash disposal in Chatham.

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State Senator Bob Atwater endorses Mike Cross for county commissioner