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PRIMARY RESULTS AND GEORGE FLOYD EDITION
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
May 24, 2022
Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.  

Download the Steve Rao App!
Remembering George Floyd
My Message on George Floyd: 

We will always remember George Floyd and may his legacy live on in our never ending fight for Justice and Equality for all!





Drawing by Rayan S. Rao
at Art with Rayan on Instagram
Go Canes
Important Morrisville Updates:
Budget Portal Input Deadline is today at noon!  
The deadline for sharing your input on the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Portal is today, Tuesday, May 24, at noon. Review the Budget Portal Gateway and share your input here: https://bit.ly/3uVq4m3

Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on May 24 at 6 p.m. at 100 Town Hall Drive in the Council’s Chamber (and will continue to May 26). 

Your interests and perspectives help shape operational and capital budget needs. All comments will be provided to Town Council as they deliberate and will be part of the public record.
ROSATI’S SUPPORTS THE MORRISVILLE VETERAN MEMORIAL!
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week (5/24-25), please consider eating at Rosati's Pizza. Rosati's will donate 20% of the check to the Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation.

You must mention the Morrisville Memorial Veterans Foundation either at the restaurant or call in orders. No on line orders for the donation.
NORTH CAROLINA PRIMARY RESULTS!
For results and percentage breakdowns of all races please visit North Carolina State Board of Elections at https://www.ncsbe.gov/

Here is a brief recap of a few of the races:
United States Senate Primary
In North Carolina, a key Senate race for the fall is set as Former Chief Justice of NC Supreme Court will face Congressman Ted Budd, who handily defeated Pat McCrory.  Trump’s endorsement helped Budd secure 58% of the vote against the former Governor. 

Democratic Nominee: Cheri Beasley    
Republican Nominee: Ted Budd 
United States Congressional Primaries
DEMOCRAT
District 1: Don Davis 
District 2: Deb Ross 
District 3: Barbara Gaskins
District 4 : Valerie Foushe 
District 6: Katherine Manning
District 11 : Jasmine Beach Ferrara 
District 13 : Wiley Nickel 
District 14: Jeff Jackson 

REPUBLICAN 
District 1: Sandy Smith
District 2: Christine Villaverde
District 3: Greg Murphy
District 4: Courtney Geels
District 6: Christian Castelli 
District 11: Chuck Edwards
District 13: Bo Hines
District 14: Pat Harrigan
CONGRATS TO MY ENDORSED CANDIDATES WHO WON!
Cheri Beasley, Democrat, United States Senate wins!

Wiley Nickel, United States Congress, District 13 wins!

Deborah Ross, United States Congress, District 2 wins!

Jeff Jackson, United States Congress, District 14 wins!

Don Mial, Wake County Commissioner, District 1 wins!

Lorrin Freeman, Wake County District Attorney wins!

Dimple Ajmera, At Large Charlotte City Council Member wins and off to General Election.
Cheri Beasley
Wiley Nickel
Deborah Ross
Jeff Jackson
Don Mial
Lorrin Freeman
Dimple Ajmera
Also, congratulations to Cheryl Stallings for her win for the District 3 Seat for the Wake County Commissioners, and to Willie Rowe for advancing to a run off with Gerald Baker.  Kudos to Sarah Crawford for her win for the District 066 seat, and we look forward to Gale Adcock’s leadership in the NC Senate! 

Congrats to Donnie Harrison who will be the Republican nominee for Wake County Sheriff!  
CARY COUNCIL RACES
Congrats to Jennifer Robinson for being releected.  Ken George and Carisa

Johnson will be in a run off in July for the At Large Seat and Jack Smith will be in a run off against Renee Miller.  (Details will be sent on Date of Run Off)
2022 MORRISVILLE FIREFIGHTERS BANQUET
MY MESSAGE: 

On Friday, we were honored to attend the 2022 Firefighter Banquet and Graduate the Department’s First Academy.  I am very proud of the dedication, and personal growth of everyone in this Department.  Your selfless service and dedication to the residents of our Town and region are inspiring and the recent re-accreditation is also a big deal.  

In addition to the graduation of our first Academy class and the Awards, the highlight for me was to hear the wise reflections of Fire Chief Criddle as he summarized the accomplishments of our department, including the re- accreditation, Ladder 22, a new fire station on its way, and the Department’s continued dedication on training and education.  Everyone is pushing their limits to take continue to lead the Department to the highest levels of excellence in service. 

Kudos to Chief Criddle, Chief Lozinsky and all of our dedicated firefighters!  You make us proud!  

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2022! 

ACADEMY GRADUATES 
  • Marvin Adams 
  • Jacob Gallagher 
  • Michael Merola 
  • Reese Register 
  • Ian Smailes 

CHIEFS AWARD 
  • Justin McLaurin
  • Chris Salter 
  • Kirk Miller 

OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD 
  • Ben Oswald

LIFE SAVE RIBBONS
  • Thomas Dooley- 2 
  • Matthew La Paca-2 
  • Todd Lewis 
  • Benjamin Oswald-2
  • Landon Payne 
  • Lukas Scott 
  • Brian West-2
  • Natasha Johnson-2
  • Jamie Lynn-2
  • William Dinkins 
  • Garrett Lewis 
  • Dylan Briggs 
  • Donald Rackley 
  • David Tews 
  • Nick Feamster 

OUTSTANDING CITATIONS 
  • Robert Dell’oso 
  • Natasha Byrd 
  • Tony Bethel 
  • Dylan Briggs 
  • Brian West 
  • David West 
  • Ben Oswald 

PROMOTIONS 
  • Tony Bethel, Engineer 
  • Nick Feamster, Engineer 
  • John Kauls, Engineer 
  • Brent Fuller, Engineer 
  • Shaun Riley, Engineer 
  • Dylan Briggs, Lt.
  • Billy Dinkins, Captain
  • Chris Hoffman, Captain 
  • Lukas Scott, Captain 
  • Matt LaPlaca, Enginer  
  • Mike Lindsey, MFF
  • Benji Cole, Captain
  • Matt Loban, Lt. 
Media Appearances
Radio Nyra
Thanks for listening to our Radio Nyra Interview with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall! We look forward to our interview with her on POD TV on ROKU tomorrow at 10 am, live on Facebook.

Get with the Program
Get with the Program with Gary Jones!

Black Issues Forum
The Steve Rao App is Here:
Download the Steve Rao App!   

Steverao app can be downloaded at Apple App store by searching for "Steverao" app in Apple store and Google Play store.

Other Way to download the app is by below scan for Apple store scan code and Google Play store link.

Below are two links to download app from Apple App store and Google Playstore.
Apple Appstore link.
Google Play Store Scan code Link
This Week in Morrisville: May 23 - May 28
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings

May 24 – 6:00 p.m. Town Council


May 26 – 6:00 p.m. Town Council Budget Workshop

May 26 – 6:30 p.m. Smart City Steering Committee 
Town Budget Portal Open for Input Until May 24
The Morrisville Town Council received Town Manager Martha Paige’s Fiscal Year 2023 proposed budget on May 10. Now we want to hear from you. The Budget Portal is now open for your review until Tuesday, May 24 at noon.


Your interests and perspectives help shape operational and capital budget needs. All information received will be provided to the Town Council for consideration. 
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Traffic Shift to Occur on Morrisville Carpenter Road May 25

Carolina Sunrock, the contractor for the Morrisville Carpenter Road (MCR) improvement project, will be shifting traffic on MCR from Orianna Drive to Leafycreek Drive on Wednesday, May 25, starting at 6 p.m. Night work will occur on May 25.
 
Traffic will be shifted to the two outside lanes on MCR between Orianna Drive and Leafycreek Drive to allow work on the median.

Note the following: 
  • Bergman Drive will be “Right-In – Right-Out” only during this time.
  • Kudrow Lane will be “Right-In – Right-Out” only during this time.
 
Visit the MCR Improvements Project page for more information. 

Project update for the week of May 23:

  • Contractor will continue with road work in the culvert area. Contractor will start with concrete curb work at the culvert area later in the week.
  • Contractor will be working on the retaining wall adjacent to the Dominion Energy Transfer Station (at the Morrisville Carpenter Road and Town Hall Drive intersection).
  • Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in these areas between 9 a.m. and 4 pm.
  • Southbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the northbound side of the median (between Fire Station 1 and Morrisville Carpenter Road).
  • Contractor will be shifting traffic to the Phase 3 pattern on Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Orianna Dr and Leafycreek Dr) on Wed., May 25 at 6 pm.

The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Police Department advise pedestrians not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.

For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
Asphalt Restoration to Begin May 23
The Town of Morrisville has contracted with Pavement Technology Inc. to provide asphalt restoration services to streets in Town. Restoration will begin on May 23 and is anticipated to last two and a half weeks. Door hangers regarding specific dates of services will be placed at homes and are subject to change based on weather conditions.

A project overview and streets receiving the services is available here.  
Paving Project May 23-27
The Town of Morrisville recently completed a Pavement Condition Survey. Streets receiving low scores will be milled down and new asphalt will be installed. Temporary lane closures and minor traffic delays may occur.
 
Streets included in this project for the week of May 23: Ashe Street, Page Street, Weeden Heights Court, Jennings Way, Apple Cart Way, Huntersville Road, Button Road, Shakespeare Street. 
National Senior Health and Fitness Day Is May 25
National Senior Health & Fitness Day® is the nation’s largest older adult health and wellness event. More than 100,000 seniors will participate in local health and wellness events at 1,000+ locations across the country.

The Morrisville Senior Center will be hosting a walk in the park at Church Street Park (9 a.m.) and a low impact cardio interval class (6 p.m.) Register online here.

Join the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center for Yoga for Wellness (8 a.m.), Tai Chi Meet-Up (9 a.m.), Silver Sneakers (11:15 a.m.), and Aqua Spice (7 p.m.) Register online here.
 
Attendees for all programs will receive a free T-shirt, water bottle or tote bag while supplies last. 
Join the MAFC Team
The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is hiring lifeguards for $13/hour, and has openings for front desk staff. Applicants must be 16+, and scheduling hours include morning, mid-day, after school, evenings, and weekends. Not certified? The MAFC will train you free of charge. Learn more and apply here.
Business Recovery Grant Phase 2 Open
North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) has launched Phase 2 of the Business Recovery Grant Program. The grant will issue a payment to eligible NC businesses that experienced a significant economic loss due to COVID-19.

Applications close on June 1. Learn more and apply here.
Music in the Park Series Returns June 3
Music in the Park is coming back to Morrisville! Join us for this free and fun outdoor concert series featuring live music and food trucks. All shows are from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive. 
  • Friday, June 3: Ed Stephenson and the Paco Band
  • (Food truck: Empanadas RD North Carolina)
  • Friday, July 8: Big Chief
  • Friday, August 5: GrassStreet
  • Friday, September 9: Revolution   
     
Check out more about Music in the Park here. 
Summer White Goods Collection is June 9
The Spring White Goods Collection is Thursday, June 9. Items to be collected include washing machines, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves/ovens, and dehumidifiers. Microwaves should be dropped off at the South Wake Landfill, 6130 Old Smithfield Road, Apex.

Registration is required and must be received by Monday, June 6. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/MSVWhiteGoods
Juneteenth Vendor Applications Open
The Town of Morrisville has opened vendor applications for the Morrisville Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 11. We are looking for vendors to sell their products at the event. Spaces are 10’x10’. Learn more and apply here.
Morrisville Community Park Phase III Construction Updates
• Clearing and grubbing is underway for walking trails and prefabricated picnic shelter behind the baseball fields.
• The contractor will be closing a small segment of the Hatcher Creek Greenway for the month of May. The closure will be to lay stormwater pipes and additional site utilities. The contractor will be working to perform the work and reopen the greenway section as soon as possible for public use.

Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.


Morrisville Police Department Teen Citizen Police Academy
Registration is now open for the Morrisville Police Department’s Teen Citizen Police Academy.

The academy is a five-week program, held June 15-July 23, and is designed to give participants a working knowledge of the department. It is intended to increase transparency and enhance understanding between the community and the police. Learn more and register here.
Puttin' Around Town
Puttin’ Around Town is a placement of one temporary disc golf basket on a rotating basis. Spring 2022 locations are: Church Street Park, May 16-31. Read more about Puttin’ Around Town here.
Pop-up Dog Park at Morrisville Community Park
The Morrisville Pop-up Dog Park is back! Bring your dogs out to enjoy the sunshine at Morrisville Community Park. The dog park will be open May 8 - September 18 on select days. Click here for more information and to register.
Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center
Beginning the week of April 11, the MAFC program pool will be unavailable for public use on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open rec swim and water aerobics participants will be accommodated in lanes 5 and 6 of the lap pool. Additionally, the Friday morning water aerobics class has been cancelled.

Now Hiring: MAFC Lifeguards

The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is hiring for part-time lifeguards. Applicants must be 16+, and scheduling hours include morning, mid-day, after school, evenings and weekends. Not certified? The MAFC will train you free of charge. Learn more and apply here.
Sustainability Data Dashboard available on the Open Data Portal
The Town of Morrisville has launched the Sustainability Dashboard on Morrisville's Open Data Portal. The dashboard provides residents with tracking data showing the Town's progress in implementing sustainability practices. Data for the solar panel array on Morrisville Fire Station No. 1 and recycling participation rates for each of Morrisville's five GFL Environmental service routes are currently available. For details, click here.
Share Your Ideas to Improve Bus Service in the Triangle
GoTriangle and regional partners need your input on transit in Wake County and the Triangle. Take the online survey by May 29 to provide your feedback on transit service improvements and investments. View draft maps that include ideas for improving bus service here.
Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating!
The Morrisville Smart Shuttle, the Town’s newest public transit service, allows riders to request a pick-up or drop-off from one of 15 nodes, or stops, located around the Town using the Smart Shuttle application on their smartphone.

Watch this short video on how to use the Morrisville Smart Shuttle App by clicking here!

The service runs seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Additional details on the Morrisville Smart Shuttle visit TownofMorrisville.org/SmartShuttle
Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market
The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (summer hours) every Saturday.

Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
Around the Region
Thanks for joining us on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum!
Black Issues Forum | PBS North Carolina (formerly UNC-TV) (pbsnc.org)

Wonderful interview with BAPS on Radio Nyra on BAPS Walkathon!
interview with BAPS on Radio Nyra on BAPS Walkathon!

Nice to celebrate National Public Works Week
Nice to celebrate National Public Works Week at Ice Cream Social at Public Works Warehouse!
A visit to the New Fire Admin Offices at Fire Station 1!
Kicked off Opening at Accuro Group Life Sciences Hub!
Kicked off Opening at Accuro Group Life Sciences Hub! (Renovated Sam’s Club!)

More on this facility in next newsletter
Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day Tamil Genocide Day
Honored to address Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day Tamil Genocide Day event at Cary Arts Center with Senator Nickel. 
Nice interview with On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL Chapel Hill Carborro!
Thanks to TAHTS for the Habitat for Humanity Build in Apex!
Nice time at the TGA and Town of Morrisville Kite Festival!
Post Election Celebration with Senator Nickel and supporters!
Wonderful AAPI Celebration at Raleigh Little Theater!
Wonderful AAPI Celebration at Raleigh Little Theater!

Litter Sweep with Council at Indian Creek!
Celebrating the TYE entrepreneurs at Kenan Flagler!
Celebrating the TYE entrepreneurs at Kenan Flagler!

GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES:
THE LATEST IN UKRAINE
THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD
War in Ukraine

Judges in Kyiv convicted a Russian soldier of war crimes and sentenced him to life in prison.

Russia is trying to take a Ukrainian city in the east, after struggling to make advances elsewhere.

The battles on the eastern front have not shifted the war’s momentum.

When a Russian brigade arrived in the city of Bucha in March, it brought a new level of terror.

The Times has started an archive of possible war crimes.
Politics

Mike Pence is laying the groundwork for a 2024 presidential run — and distancing himself from Donald Trump.

Georgia and Texas Votes in Primaries today.

Democrats have divergent views on immigration. A runoff in South Texas embodies the divide.

Jared Kushner and Steven Mnuchin traveled to the Middle East weeks before the Trump administration ended. A Times examination questions whether they sought to exploit official relationships for private business interests.

Other Big Stories

A gunman killed a 48-year-old man on a subway train in New York City in an unprovoked attack.

Southern Baptist leaders mishandled sex abuse claims, according to an investigation.

Thunderstorms left at least six people dead in Quebec and Ontario.

Millions of people are homeless and more than 60 people have died after heavy rains in India and Bangladesh.

The maker of Jif peanut butter has recalled several products because of potential salmonella contamination.

The killing of a 25-year-old woman in Texas has rattled the off-road biking community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Black Issues Forum
Watch Sunday at 4pm for a new Forum.

Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV!  Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!

Engaging discussion at BLACK ISSUES FORUM!
PBS NC

  • Fridays at 7 p.m. (premiere)
  • Sundays at 4 p.m.
  • Thursdays at 1:30 a.m.
NC Channel

  • Fridays at 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays at 1:30 a.m.
  • Sundays at 6 p.m.
  • Mondays at 12 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra Interview
Thanks for joining us for our Nyra Interview with Manisha Dass on the NCAAT AAPI Heritage Event on May 21st!

SAVE THE DATE: May 23
Join me on June 28th at the Frontier 800 North Carolina Now Results 9 am to 10:30 am with Brian Hamilton and WRAL anchor and Interim PBS Carolina CEO, David Crabtree.

(more on my involvement in this event in next newsletter)  
June 6th Majestic Support the Troops Golf Tournament
June 6th Majestic Support the Troops Golf Tournament at Northridge County Club!  

June 9th Morrisville Chamber Coffee and Connections
June 9th Morrisville Chamber Coffee and Connections at Hindu Society of NC (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC) 7:30 am! 
Radio / TV
Radio NYRA

Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
Join us this Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra program with Democratic Sheriff Candidate Roy Taylor followed by a Sustainability interview with Shanthanu Agarwal, CEO Susteon.

99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!  Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 
POD TV
Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.

OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com