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MAY 17th PRIMARY AND NATIONAL POLICE WEEK EDITION
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
May 17, 2022
Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.  

Download the Steve Rao App!
Breaking News:
Covid Alert: United States reaches 1 million deaths.
Go Canes and Good Luck in Round 2 of Stanley Cup!
We pray for the families of the victims in Buffalo, Texas and California and for the ending the senseless violence and hate in our nation.  
May 17th Primary Alert:
(See Primary Election Section For Details) 
POLLS OPEN AT 6:30 am!  

FIND YOUR POLLING SITE: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/pplkup/

LEARN ABOUT CANDIDATES AND CHECK VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS AT THE NON PARTISAN VOTER GUIDE: https://ncvoterguide.org
CELEBRATING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK! 
My National Police Week Message:

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.
Join me this week to honor our brave officers, who have lost lives in selfless sacrifice to our nation.   

A special thanks to the City of Raleigh for hosting on Monday, a Memorial Service at the Duke Energy for Performing Arts and for the remembering Knightdale Police officer, Ryan Hayworth.  

Participate and get involved this National Police week at https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2022/
CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK!
May 15- May 21
My Public Works Message:

National Public Works Weeks (NPWW) is a time to celebrate the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works. This was originally instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960. NPWW calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. The Week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often-unsung heroes of our society - the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.

National Public Works Week is observed each year during the third full week of May. Through NPWW and other efforts, APWA seeks to raise the public's awareness of public works issues and to increase confidence in public works employees who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for present and future generations.
MAY 17th PRIMARY IS TODAY!
Polls Open Today at 6:30 am!
In North Carolina, the statewide primary is Tuesday, May 17, 2022. During this election, voters can choose which candidates they prefer to be on the general election ballot in November. The purpose of a primary is to narrow the field of candidates for the general election.

Races on the ballot include:
  • The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
  • The N.C. General Assembly.
  • The N.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
  • Wake County Commissioners 
  • Town of Cary Council Seats 

Additionally, many voters will find municipal contests on their ballot due to rescheduled municipal elections. This applies to voters in municipalities that delayed their 2021 elections to finalize new electoral districts. This also applies to voters who live in cities and towns that conduct their elections during even-numbered years.

Who Can Vote in the Primary?
Registered voters across the state can vote in the primary. However, voters affiliated with any political party will be given a ballot of candidates for their party. Unaffiliated voters may choose the ballot of candidates for any party primary.

Note: In 2022, the Libertarian Party does not have any primary elections because there are no contested Libertarian nominations for any office. Any Libertarian candidate who properly filed for office will therefore appear as the party’s nominee on the general election ballot in November.

Therefore, unaffiliated voters in the May 17 primary may choose the Democratic or Republican ballot, or, if available, a nonpartisan ballot. Registered Libertarians may only vote a nonpartisan ballot, if available in their jurisdiction since there are no primary contests for that party.

How Winners are Determined
Each candidate that wins in each contest on their party’s ballot will become a nominee. The nominee will appear on the ballot in the general election contest. To become the party’s nominee, the candidate must win by at least 30% of the vote plus one.

There May Be a Second Primary
If no candidate reaches the total necessary to become the nominee in a contest on the ballot, a second primary may be held on July 26. Voters can revisit this page after the primary to confirm a second primary.

Make your voice heard!  Voting is the most important right we have in our Democracy!  I also thank all of those who had the courage to put their name on the ballot.
MY ENDORSEMENTS!  
Cheri Beasley, Democrat
United States Senate 
Find Municipal Candidates for Primaries at https://www.ncvoter.org/voter-guides/.   

I always have a policy of not getting involved in Cary Races and I wish all municipal candidates the best in these elections!  
Wiley Nickel
United States Congress, District 13
Deborah Ross
United States Congress, District 2 
Jeff Jackson
United States Congress, District 14
Don Mial
Wake County Commissioner, District 1
Lorrin Freeman
Wake County District Attorney
Dimple Ajmera
At Large Charlotte City Council Member
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 17 - May 21
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings

May 17 – 6:00 p.m. Town Council Budget Workshop
Live Fire Training May 15
The Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department is conducting a live fire training on Sunday, May 15, from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. at 127 Scoggins Avenue. Area residents can expect to see smoke and numerous public safety vehicles. Access to Scoggins Avenue will be restricted. For questions, contact Assistant Fire Chief Nathan Lozinsky at nlozinsky@townofmorrisville.org.
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. 
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Facilities Alert
MAFC continues to work through our staffing shortages. Staffing is a national issue for many businesses but especially for the aquatics industry. So I am reaching out to you for referrals for our upcoming lifeguard certification class. If you know of a strong swimmer who is interested in working for the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, please have them contact PJ Nettesheim at pj@townofmorrisville.org. Thanks for spreading the word. The course information and prerequisites are below:

The class will run from May 11-May 25 on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30-8:30 pm and Sundays from 9 am-5 pm.

Please note the following prerequisites for participating in the class:
  • Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of this course.
  • Must be fully vaccinated by the start of the course.
  • Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
  • Complete the following timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance underwater. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

To achieve your lifeguard certification participants must: Attend all class sessions, successfully perform all required skills, successfully complete three final skill scenarios; and pass the written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent or better on each section.

Participants will need the American Red Cross Lifeguarding manual which can be found here. You can view it online, download or print it. Alternatively, a hard copy of the Lifeguarding manual can be purchased here.

Successful completion of the course does not guarantee a job with the Town of Morrisville. Candidates will need to apply, interview, and pass a drug screening and background check to be considered. Candidates who are hired and work for the Town of Morrisville will receive their certification for free. Those who do not work for the Town will be given an opportunity to purchase their certificate for $250.

Remember, to register for the course or for additional questions, individuals should email pj@townofmorrisville.org. MAFC is a great place to work, and we appreciate you getting the word out!
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.
Kite Festival Postponed to May 21
Due to inclement weather, this weekend's Kite Festival has been postponed to Saturday, May 21, from 12-6 p.m. at Cedar Fork District Park. Event details will remain the same as below:

The Triangle Gujarati Association, in partnership with the Town of Morrisville, invites you to the 2022 Kite Festival at Cedar Fork District Park.
  • Free entry
  • Kites and threads will be available for purchase, or bring your own
  • Food vendors include Dharani Express, Amber Flavors & Taste, Tazz Indian Bistro, Brusters Ice Cream
  • Overflow parking will be available at 808 Pharma Drive with shuttle service to and from the event
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.
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Morrisville Carpenter Phase 3 Began March 14th!

Project update for the week of May 16:

  • Contractor will continue with road grading work in the culvert area. Dominion Energy and other utility companies will be working in the culvert area.
  • Contractor will be working on the sign wall near the Morrisville Town Hall building. Contractor will also start work on the retaining wall next to the Dominion Energy station.
  • Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in these areas between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Southbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the northbound side of the median (between Fire Station No. 1 and Morrisville Carpenter Road).

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 Repair May 16-20
In preparation for asphalt resurfacing, water valve and manholes will need to be adjusted in a few areas throughout Town May 16-20. Repairs to some ADA curb ramps and curb and gutter sections will need to be completed. This portion of the project is anticipated to have minimal traffic disruption. Only minor temporary lane closures should occur.

The work is planned for the following locations: Powder Ridge Court, Fallborough Court, Madison Heights Way, Ashe Street, Page Street, Weeden Heights Court, Jennings Way, Apple Cart Way, Huntersville Road, Button Road, Shakespeare Street, Shadow Mountain Lane, Corsair Drive, Crescendo Drive. 
Church Street Park Professional Cricket Updates
Cricket season has started, and the Church Street Park field will see matches beginning later this month. The Triangle Cricket League starts local league play on Friday, May 13, with games most weekends through June.

Professional cricket also returns this year, with the Morrisville Cardinals playing in the Minor League Cricket program starting July 1. The Minor League Cricket season will run through August, with the National Finals set to be held at Church Street Park on August 27 and 28.

The Town of Morrisville and Major League Cricket entered a multi-million-dollar public-private partnership in February 2022 to jointly invest in the expansion of Church Street Park. The facility will be upgraded to an international-quality cricket venue to help support professional cricket. Work at the park is expected to begin later this year and carry into 2023.
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.
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.
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
Fest in the West was fun!


Enjoyed time with Congresswoman Deb Ross at the US-India Forum hosted by Swadesh Chatterjee!


Enjoyed NC Tech IT Conference!
Great to see Former Commerce Secretary Tony Copeland!
Welcomed Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and NC Spin Tom Campbell to Morrisville!  


Guest at the Winston Salem India Fest with Mayor Joines!
Welcomed Indian Embassy in Morrisville!  
Enjoyed Game 7 with Don Waddell and Invisalign and friends!
Ended Saturday at Spring Fest!  
In Person Update at Geet Bazaar!  
Chamber Golf Tournament at Governors Club! 


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

Ukrainian forces pushed Russian invaders back from Kharkiv.

All women, children and elderly people were evacuated from the steel plant where the last Ukrainians were holding out in Mariupol.

Jill Biden, the first lady, met with Ukrainian refugees in Romania.

Russia miscalculated how much support it would get from Ukrainians.

Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, will use a day commemorating victory over the Nazis to extol the use of military force.
Buffalo Shooting

The Buffalo supermarket shooting suspect had a history of violent threats, and received a mental health evaluation last year.

Officials released the full list of victims. Celestine Chaney, 65, had gone to the store with her sister to get strawberries for shortcakes.

Some right-wing politicians have helped promote “replacement theory,” the racist ideology espoused by the gunman.

Other Big Stories

John Fetterman, a leading Democratic candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania, had a stroke and is recovering. The primary election is tomorrow.

A gunman killed one person and wounded four others at a Southern California church, before congregants overpowered him and tied him up.

Australia’s Covid death rate is one-tenth that of the U.S. High levels of trust, in both the government and fellow citizens, are a reason for that success.

Two elimination games in the N.B.A. playoffs: The Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks, last year’s champions. And the Dallas Mavericks upset the Phoenix Suns
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!   

May 19th 6 pm Wine and Bourbon Tasting by Rotary Club of Morrisville
May 19th 6 pm Wine and Bourbon Tasting by Rotary Club of Morrisville at Matthrews House (317 West Chatham Street, Cary NC 27519)  
May 19th 6 pm Triangle Interfaith Alliance
May 19th 6 pm Triangle Interfaith Alliance Dinner Meeting/Opening Our Hearts to Refugees.  Pullen Memorial Baptist Church 1801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina
Join us on MAY 21 AAPI HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION from 4 pm – 6pm at Raleigh Little Theater! 
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)  
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