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NORTH CAROLINA TECH DAY & NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE WEEK EDITION:

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

May 15, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.

NC TECHNOLOGY DAY MESSAGE: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/418086661009082



This week I wanted to celebrate NC Technology Day by focusing on today’s Triangle AI Summit with John Chambers. Next week, we will highlight Asian American Heritage Month, Smart Cities, and get ready for Memorial Day to honor our Heroes. I hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day last week, and I was not able to get out a Mothers Day edition!


On a personal note, I am pleased to announce that I have been named as a Hunt Fellow Cohort and join in this 6 month program on education policy. I will share more on this in my next message along with the Press Release!


Virtual Link for Fireside Chat with John Chambers: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87281522149

BREAKING NEWS AND IMPORTANT UPDATES

Sonia Rao graduates from UNC Chapel Hill! Our babies are all grown up!





Weatherman, Bolick and Brad Knott win primaries and headed to General Election! (See NC News) https://www.wunc.org/politics/2024-05-14/brad-knott-trump-republican-runoff-north-carolina-2024

Open AI launches Chat GPT 4.0! https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/13/openai-launches-new-ai-model-and-desktop-version-of-chatgpt.html

Town of Morrisville introduces 2025 Fiscal Year Budget. (See Highlights of the Week)

See National and NC News Section for all updates! (Blinken travels to Ukraine, Biden to increase tariffs on new imports, Putin to meet Xi)

SAVE THE DATES

Apr. 29- May 30 MAFC Front Entrance Closed (Murals, more on the artists next week)

MAY 16 RTP 180 on AI and Automation! 5- 7:30 pm at Frontier!

May 16 NC Technology Day Breakfast 7:30 am NC Museum of History.

Register at www.nctech.com.

May 18 Spring Fest 2 pm to 6 pm Cedar Fork District Park! (Budget Information before May 16 worksession and at Springfest)

June 8 BAPS Charities Walkathon

WPTF WAKE COUNTY ROUND UP SHOW

Join me every week for a new show I am hosting, The Wake County Round Up Show on WPTF Radio!



Last weekend, we hosted North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and also Tom Snyder from RIOT for a Smart Cities 101 as we get ready for the Smart Cities Connect Summit! Please tune in next week for great business ideas on these topics!


If you are a Wake County leader and interested in being on the show, please email me at sr@steverao.com!





NC TECHNOLOGY DAY

Tech Small Business Visit of the week with Mark Hinkle, Peripety Labs: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1244445586527516


Last Friday, May 11, was declared NC Technology Day by our Governor Roy Cooper.


1. TECH WORKFORCE: North Carolina is home to the 9th largest technology workforce in the United States; and the technology industry employs more than 290,000 North Carolinians across all 100 counties. Companies such as IBM, Lenovo, SAS, Cisco and many others have made North Carolina their home for decades, leading the way with corporate and community investments across the state. North Carolina continues to recruit highly qualified employees and innovative companies because of our reputation and support for the workforce needed to support the technology industry;


2. WOMEN IN TECH STATE: Another highlight is that women make up over one-third of the North Carolina technology workforce, making North Carolina number one in the nation in female technology employees.


3. START UPS ON THE MOVE: In terms of a diverse array of technology startups has received nearly $5 billion in venture capital investment, highlighting North Carolina’s commitment to technological innovation and entrepreneurship; North Carolina’s strength in the industry is bolstered by the internationally-recognized blend of public and independent institutions of higher education, and the innovations which have been developed at each of these institutions;


4. RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK: North Carolina continues to foster premier technological innovation and entrepreneurship through its flagship Research Triangle Park, along with the many technology innovation hubs that exist from the coast to the mountains. I continue to be impressed with the wonderful leadership of Scott Levitan and his team on the complete transformation of the RTP with Box Yard, Frontier and soon the Horseshoe which will result in our Park emerging as a destination for a younger, vibrant workforce, and to establish as RTP as one of the best places to live, work and play in.



On a personal note, I would like to thank Secretary Jim Weaver for his outstanding leadership of our Department of Information of Technology and for his team on their efforts to deploy $1 billion of High Speed Broadband across the state, which in my opinion can be leveraged to accelerate Smart City innovation across the region and State. Morrisville is a perfect example of how leveraging IOT can help enhance the quality of life of our residents and also grow small tech companies in the region. Finally, his team continues to educate our citizens and local governments on the importance of Cybersecurity.


Over the next few weeks, I will be highlights more Technology issues for the region and state.

TRIANGLE AI SUMMIT WITH JOHN CHAMBERS

My Message on AI Summit:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/794695299265042


I wanted to celebrate NC Technology Day with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. AI innovation continues to accelerate at unprecedented pace and I cannot think of a better person to share his insights on AI and our future, than John Chambers, the former CEO and Chairman of Cisco Systems. John is now the CEO of JC2 Ventures, a global venture capital firm, and led Cisco from $70 million to $47 billion, acquired 180 companies, made 10,000 millionaires and led Cisco through eight downturns.


We look forward to seeing everyone this afternoon at the Triangle AI Summit with the highlight being our Fireside Chat with John.


The event is sold out but the 4 pm EST Fireside Chat with John will be streamed on the North Carolina News Network/WPTF Radio on 680 AM and 98.5 FM and on my Facebook Site at.


A special thanks to NC IDEA, NC TECH, RIOT, TIE Carolinas NC Association of Indian Americans and IT Serve for sponsoring this event. NC IDEA provided us a $4000.00 grant to support this event and are grateful for Thom Rhue and his team.


WHY DID I REACH OUT TO TECH JEDI JOHN CHAMBERS?


https://wraltechwire.com/2024/05/14/tech-jedi-chambers-channels-

his-insight-about-ai-strategy/


Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate the headlines of almost every Technology Conference I attend and is certainly the hot topic on news shows and almost event tech events in the area. Local Government Leaders at the recent North Carolina League of Municipalities Conference hosted roundtables on the topic, employees across almost every sector are worried about their jobs, and of course, almost every parent of a college student is concerned about the jobs of the future for our kids, or better yet, how they can integrate AI into their careers.


Chat GPT is becoming a closer friend to me every day, as my curiosity always has me start my day with a search, either looking for answers, or getting advice on interview questions for my guests on radio shows, themes or topics I may cover on Radio or TV for my commentary and ideas/advice for speeches or even what I should wear to special events.


A few months ago, I set up a Virtual Coffee with John Chambers, my family friend from West Virginia, who happened to run one of the largest Technology Companies in the world, Cisco Systems. https://wraltechwire.com/2023/10/27/john-chambers-ai-innovation-going-one-on-one-with-a-tech-legend/


During our conversation, John went on to talk about the acceleration of AI Innovation and how important it was for companies and organizations to have an AI Strategy. Three AI Companies he invested in over the past few years are AI Companies and they are now $1billion Unicorns, and he has other AI investments which have worked out very well Today, John is mandating that all his portfolio companies become AI Companies.


Steve Rao: John, What do you mean by this?


John reminded me that during the Cloud revolution, it became the standard for strategy for companies to have an internet strategy. An internet strategy became a must! The companies that got it right, survived and thrived. The companies that did not get this strategy right went out of business. Amazon, Google and other game changing companies came around and we were able to put people in jobs that were more valued and the tech economy grew! John sees AI playing out much the same way. An AI strategy will be a must for surivival and will lead to the creation of more than a multi billion dollar companies.


John also is very passionate about his work with India. He is advising Prime Minister Modi on Digital and Start Up strategy. India’s rapid digital transformation is impressive and in his opinion, a wake up call to the United States and other countries.


John and I brainstormed and decided that we could have an event where we could spend an hour with us and share some of his wisdom with Triangle leaders, and so here, we are! I cannot thank him and his team enough for taking the time to be with us. Maybe, next year, we can get him in person when he makes another East Coast visit!


So, what is an AI Strategy? What are the components or should be the components of a successful AI Strategy?


What can we do as leaders in our state to make sure we are executing the right strategy?


For start ups and investors, what should the AI strategy be, and will AI accelerate the creation of highly valued companies? Should we be worried about the hype and a crash like when the bubble burst?


What should our strategy be for training our workforce for the new jobs around AI?


How can AI help us with automating routine processes and at the same time, how can we address other concerns, like the trustworthiness of the Data. What are the dangers of AI moving forward?


I could not think of a better person than John Chambers to shed light on some of these questions. His skill to make accurate predictions, to Connect the Dots (No Pun on his book), is unmatched to any Tech CEO in recent history. (During his 20 year run as Cisco CEO, he made 180 acquisitions and led Cisco through 8 downturns) One of Johns’ most stunning predictions is that AI will be bigger than the Internet and Cloud combined. My time with him convinced me that the pace of AI innovation is occurring so fast that we need to pause, think more strategically, and start coming up with our own AI Strategy for our AI future, which is already here in the present.


Forget the hype, the books, consultants, and even Chat GPT for a second. I wanted to bring one of the Tech Godfathers here to the Triangle, so we could have him share insights on many of these questions and our AI Future.


Sorry for the Star Wars Analogy, but tomorrow, we have a Master Tech Jedi or Avenger with us, John Chambers! I feel a disturbance in the Tech Force, Chambers is with us!

In the words of Nick Fury, Innovators Assemble!


Get ready for a great event, which by the way is sold out!


If you want to tune in for the 4 pm Fireside Chat with Chambers, you can tune in to WPTF Radio (680 AM and 98.5FM) or view the live Stream at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/. You can email Steve Rao at sr@steverao.com to get the Virtual Link!


A special thank NC News Network, RIOT, NC Idea, NC Tech, TIE Carolinas, IT Serve and the North Carolina Association of Indian Americans for their support of this event and to John Chambers for his time to make it happen!


See you tomorrow for this historic event, where we can here from one of the most transformational Tech CEOS in the world and at the same time, a Proud West Virginia Mountaineer!

MAY 15th TRIANGLE AI SUMMIT AND FIRESIDE CHAT WITH JOHN CHAMBERS

With Artificial Intelligence continuing to dominate conversations in our region, state and nation, I wanted to host an AI Summit, gathering local government and state leaders, start ups, and investors for a conversation on AI and what it means for our economy, the future of work, and

Who better to turn to for advice than one of Godfathers of the Internet Revolution, than my family friend and West Virginia brother, John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco Systems (Now a Venture Investor at JC2 Ventures) During this hybrid event, we will also hear from NC Secretary of Technology Jim Weaver, and Allen Thomas, SBA Southeast Director and North Carolina Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.


This event will also be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/ and wptf.com and aired live on WPTF Radio (680 AM and 98.5 FM)

NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY WEEK

My Public Safety Week and Police Week Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1148903989480003


National Public Safety Week is a designated period aimed at recognizing and promoting the efforts and contributions of public safety professionals. This week typically focuses on the work of individuals in law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire services, and other public safety roles who dedicate their lives to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.


During this week, various events and activities are organized to:



1. Honor Public Safety Professionals: Acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and bravery of those in public safety roles.


2. Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the challenges and risks faced by public safety workers.


3. Promote Safety Practices: Encourage the adoption of safety measures and practices among the general public.


4. Support Initiatives: Highlight programs and initiatives aimed at improving public safety infrastructure and resources.


5. Community Engagement: Foster better relationships between public safety professionals and the communities they serve through open houses, demonstrations, and community outreach programs.


National Public Safety Week often includes ceremonies, awards, public safety demonstrations, educational seminars, and community activities designed to highlight the importance of public safety and the professionals who uphold it.

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

National Police Week is an annual event in the United States dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, and President John F. Kennedy signed it into law. National Police Week is held each year during the week of May 15th, which is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day.


Key aspects of National Police Week include:



1. Memorial Services: The most notable event is the National Peace Officers Memorial Service held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This solemn ceremony honors fallen officers and provides support to their families.


2. Candlelight Vigil: Hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, this event takes place at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Thousands of law enforcement officers, families, and supporters gather to pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty.


3. Honor Guard Competition and Parade: Law enforcement honor guards from across the country participate in a series of events, culminating in a parade that showcases their skills and dedication.


4. Conferences and Seminars: Various law enforcement organizations host educational seminars, workshops, and networking events focused on topics relevant to law enforcement professionals.


5. Community Outreach: Many local law enforcement agencies participate by organizing community events, open houses, and public safety demonstrations to foster better relationships with the communities they serve.



National Police Week serves as an important time for reflection, remembrance, and recognition of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. It also emphasizes the

importance of continued support and understanding for the challenging and often dangerous work that police officers undertake daily.

HELP US BUILD OUR APP AT MORRISDEAS.COM

Do you love to code or have innovative ideas?

Imagine a world where apps aren't just functional but also incredibly fun and engaging. This is your chance to make that vision a reality! Join us for MorrIdeas, a Hackathon aimed at creating a gamification system for Morrisville Central - the Town’s mobile app.



MorrIdeas is a nationwide Hackathon for ages 13+. Submissions are currently being accepted until Monday, April 1.


View the problem, submission details, FAQs, prizes and more at morrideas.hackerearth.com.

SEND US IDEAS ON THE TOWN BUDGET!

Please send us an email to towncouncil@townofmorrisville.org and also Let us know by taking the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Community Input Survey at

https://bit.ly/48vLbwe.


This is a quick poll for our community members to share some preliminary insight into your needs and wants as we look forward to the future.


Contact the Budget and Strategic Management Department at

MSVBudget@townofmorrisville.org.

SHOP LOCAL VISITS:

Mo's Barbershop: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1529664761178696


Bharat Bazaar: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/3606193546327763


Swagat: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/925301029159903


Game On Escape at Box Yard RTP: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/925301029159903


Buzzy Bakery at Box Tard RTP: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1047960956491671

DOWNLOAD THE MORRISVILLE APP

Have you downloaded the Morrisville Central mobile app?

Learn about free community events, view an interactive map of Town facilities and parks to learn about court and field status, and get the latest information about the Town straight from the source.


Download via Apple Store: https://apple.co/3pKCNrg


Download via Google Play: https://bit.ly/3IfPctA

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

SONIA RAO GRADUATES FROM UNC CHAPEL HILL!

Congrats to our very own Sonia Rao, who graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the UNC Chapel Hill School of Journalism and received a Business Journalism Certificate as well. She will be going to Nairobi, Kenya in August for an Associated Press Fellowship international assignment and will be working for the Tampa Paper this summer. We are so proud of this bright young woman, whose light will soon shine on the rest of the world. Rayan Rao starts Biomedical Engineering in the fall as he starts his Sophomore year.

MAY THE 4th BE WITH YOU AT CARY DOWNTOWN PARK

I really enjoyed the May the 4th event at the Downtown Cary Park. It was great to meet Kylo Ren and the Stormtroopers.

Guess I can bag my Star Wars Disney Trip next year. Bringing Disney to Cary! Great time!

SMART CITIES CONNECT INSPIRES! https://wraltechwire.com/2024/05/04/steve-rao-triangle-innovators-make-ours-smart-cities-lets-expand-that-vision-to-state/

Next week, I will provide a more detailed brief of the Smart Cities Connect Summit. This event gathered over 400 City Leaders from around the country and world, and have over 1000 attendeees. For me the highlight of the show, was to hear from Rick Ralph and our team on a few panels, and hear from many others around the country and world, on how our Town is not a national leader on smart cities! It was also great to see and hear from many engaging start ups.

PLEAIDES WOMEN ULTIMATE FRISBEE TEAM GRADUATES!

Pleaides graduates celebrated the end of their College playing days. They had a great run and won the Nationals last year and heads to Nationals again in Wisconsin. Sonia enjoyed her time on the team, established life long friendships, and these athletes will now bring this team spirit, and championship attitude to excel in the game of life!

INNOVATE RALEIGH SUMMIT

Small Business visit with Terrence Holt: https://www.facebook.com/724976359/videos/pcb.10159561799056360/980081566611801

I attended the Innovate Raleigh Summit last week at Iron Works in Raleigh. We heard an engaging keynote from Cindy Eckert, and other start up and business leaders on how we continue to grow and strengthen our start up ecosystem in the region! One of my main Highlights as always was to hear from the Master Jedi of Entrepreneurs Scot Wingo! NC State and former NFL Football player Terry Holt also inspired all of us!

CATCHING UP WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL STEIN IN CARY!

It was great to catch up with our next Governor Josh Stein in Cary on Wednesday at the home of ATT President, Vanessa Harrison. He will be a great Governor, and Anna Stein will be a wonderful first lady! These are wonderful people, who will lead our state to even greater heights! I continue to spend time with Josh, sharing with him ideas on our Technology Strategy for North Carolina!

LUFHTANSA EXECUTIVES AT BOXYARD

Last week, I had the honor of meeting Lufthansa Executives at the Boxyard to catch up on the new flight which is launching on June 6th. One of the great benefits of this direct flight to Frankfurt is much quicker service to every major city in India. Thanks to RDU, and the NC Association of Indian Americans who worked with me on this flight. Stay tuned for details on the Launch of the first flight on June 6th.

TOWN OF MORRISVILLE PASSES 2025 BUDGET

Morrisville Town Manager Brandon Zuidema presented the recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) to the Morrisville Town Council during Tuesday’s council meeting. The total recommended general fund operating budget for FY2025 is $58,190,000. The FY2025 budget is focused on investing in Morrisville – making a commitment to residents, businesses and Town employees to deliver improved and enhanced services and outcomes for our growing community.


The proposed tax rate for FY2025 is reduced from $0.39 per $100 of property valuation to $0.35 per $100 of property valuation. The proposed tax rate is 5 cents above the revenue neutral rate of $0.30 per $100 of property valuation. Of this amount, the equivalent value of the 3 cents originally dedicated remains intact for the bond projects approved by voters in November 2021 for public safety, parks and recreation, and streets, sidewalks and connectivity projects.


The proposed stormwater fee remains at $50 per ERU to support stormwater operations and capital infrastructure, positioning the Town to better meet state mandates relating to protecting water quality and the environment. The Vehicle Tax Fee ($30) remains unchanged.


The proposed budget includes minor user fee adjustments and is balanced using $1,571,700 of general fund balance appropriations (less than 3% of total expenditures) for one-time expenses.


Capital reserve allocations of $4,760,000, or 8% of the general fund budget, are proposed for future spending in key areas of roadway and transportation improvements, parks and recreation improvements, land acquisition (a new reserve fund), debt to support the Public Works facility project, fire apparatus purchases, and the remaining Municipal Service District project.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY VISITS

EVERY SATURDAY IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!


Raleigh Durham Start Up Week Small Business Visit:


Visit with ACTA Solutions: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/941710874255457


West Orange Farms: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/328192233499983


Yeet Street Golf: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/998321048133682


Honest: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/292060363818632


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/328192233499983https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/306550652292803


Raj Jewels: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/725150619517403


Civic Data AI: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/365346692635247


Raleigh Founded: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/369167672162762


Postal Express in Cary!

RESTAURANT WEEK VISITS

Mi Cancun visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/308409228553704


Swagat Visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1698121553985443


Empanadas and More Visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/844106173980842


Woodys Tavern: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/largest-hindu-temple-asia-opens-new-jersey-built-12500-volunteers-rcna119085


Honest: https://www.facebook.com/724976359/videos/pcb.10159259007951360/661624552701148


Pizza Twist: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1492344328270897


MEDIA ALERTS

WRAL news on Pfizer shutdown.

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/10/27/pfizer-shutting-down-facilities-in-durham-morrisville/


WRAL TECH WIRE BLOG TOE TO TOE WITH JOHN CHAMBERS https://wraltechwire.com/2023/10/27/john-chambers-ai-innovation-going-one-on-one-with-a-tech-legend/


Sept 29th PBS Black Issues Forum:

https://video.pbsnc.org/show/black-issues-forum/


WRAL Tech Wire Blog: Canada is Eating America's Lunch When it Comes to High Tech Immigration:

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/09/14/canada-is-eating-americas-lunch-when-it-comes-to-high-tech-worker-immigration/


WRAL Tech Wire Blog: What is the ROI for Refugees Coming to NC, that is a Billion Dollar Question.

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/08/17/whats-the-roi-for-refugees-coming-to-nc-thats-a-billion-dollar-question/


Check out recent Triangle Business Journal Article, the Color of Wealth on Asian Community.

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2023/08/11/asian-culture-wealth-household-income-raleigh-cary.html

THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE MAY13-MAY17

Meetings

May 14 – 6:00 p.m. Town Council Meeting

May 16 – 6:00 p.m. Town Council Budget Work Session

SpringFest May 18

The Town of Morrisville invites you to our annual SpringFest on May 18! This year, we're excited to announce that the festivities will take place from 2-6 p.m. at Cedar Fork District Park (228 Aviation Parkway). Come and enjoy a day in the park with activities for all ages, including games, inflatables, balloon art, food trucks, and more.

For more information, click here.

Pop-Up Dog Park Registration Open

Registration is now open for the pop-up dog parks going on this spring/summer at the

Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Pkwy.). The remaining dates are May 19, and June 2. The dog parks will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Registration is free, but we will require proof of vaccination. Register here to attend.

Town Budget Connection Portal Opening Soon

The Town Manager's Recommended FY2025 Annual Operating Budget & Capital Investment Program will be available to the public soon. The budget will focus on "Investing in Morrisville" - putting tax dollars to work by delivering improved services and meeting emerging needs and interests of a growing community.

The Town will host various opportunities for the community to share their feedback on the value and benefits the recommended budget provides. The information you provide will inform Town Council's deliberations and decisions to approve a budget that invests your tax dollars. Get involved and share your thoughts by clicking here for full details.

Traffic Updates

  • May 13–17: Muter Construction will be starting work on Church Street to install the water main for Church Street Park Southern Lot starting May 13 and running through May 17. Please expect partial lane closures and delayed traffic.
  • May 13–17: Duke Energy will be making improvements related to the Morrisville 230kV substation expansion project. This work is expected to impact traffic at the Aviation Parkway and Chapel Hill Road intersection. To ensure safety and accommodate the equipment needed for the pole replacement, large mats will be installed along the roadside to support the equipment to perform the work. Crews will begin the overhead line work south of Aviation Parkway. Flagging operations will continue on Aviation Parkway weekdays during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The overhead line work and pole relocations are scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2024, weather dependent.

Yoga Registration Open

  • Family Tree Yoga, ages 5-9, will shift to a new schedule on Tuesdays, from 4:30 to 5:20 p.m., May 14 through June 18. All participants must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
  • Yoga Roots, ages 10-14, will meet on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:20 p.m., May 16 through June 20.


For further details and to register, please click here.

Girls Volleyball Clinic Registration Open May 13

Morrisville Athletics will host a free girls volleyball clinic on Sunday, June 2, from 1-3 p.m. at Cedar Fork Community Center (1050 Town Hall Drive). The clinic will open for registration on Monday, May 13. Girls ages 7-9 will have the opportunity to learn introductory skills and participate in game play. Sign up for the free clinic here.

Dragonfly Course Closure

The Dragonfly Disc Golf Course, located behind the Healthy Food Hub (280 Town Hall Drive) will be closed Friday, May 10, and then again May 13-17 for geotechnical testing. Geotechnical testing is performed to obtain information on the physical properties of soil. Stay tuned to social media for updates.

This Month at the Morrisville Senior Center

  • May 15 - 10 a.m. End of Life: Project Pre Plan
  • May 24 - 12 p.m. Blood Pressure Clinic
  • May 29 - 9:00 a.m. National Senior Health & Fitness Day

Camp Cedar Fork Slots Still Available for Ages 12-14

Limited spots are available for Camp Cedar Fork Senior, ages 12-14. Cedar Fork Community Center (CFCC, 1050 B Town Hall Dr.) will host nine weeks of summer camp beginning the week of June 17 and running through the week of Aug. 16. Camp sessions are scheduled Monday to Friday, running from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Camp days will be filled with arts & crafts, games, park trips, pool visits and exciting field trips! Registration is on a weekly basis. The cost per week is $168 for residents and $218 for non-residents. A $50 deposit is due at the time of registration, which will contribute towards the overall program cost. Register here or in-person at CFCC

Western Wake Farmers Market

The Western Wake Farmers Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 9:30 a.m.-noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.


CompostNow.org is also now hosting a compost collection site at the market’s information tent. Residents are invited to bring their food scraps and select other items for collection during market hours. Visit wwfm.ag to learn more.

Now Hiring

The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Check out employment opportunities here.

AROUND THE REGION

RIOT Dinner, hanging with Krista Covey from First Flight!

Great to see Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp at Smart Cities Dinner!

UNC Graduation at Kenan Stadium! Congrats to Graduates!

TCC Coalition Coffee with Jacob Rogers and his team!

Congrats to Rufus for being an Honoree at Public Schools Gala at Angus Barn! (More on Honorees in next newsletter)

Varidx Smart Cities Dinner!

OTHER NORTH CAROLINA NEWS

Republican Primaries give Weatherman, Bolick, and Brad Knott Victories:

Brad Knott, a candidate backed by former President Donald Trump, overwhelmingly won the Republican primary runoff for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District on Tuesday against a rival who suspended her campaign two weeks ago in response to the endorsement.


The former assistant U.S. attorney defeated Kelly Daughtry, a local lawyer and the daughter of a former longtime Republican legislative leader. Daughtry had finished first among 14 candidates in the March 5 primary. But she failed to exceed the 30% necessary to avoid a runoff, which Knott sought as the second-place finisher.


In statewide GOP primary runoffs Tuesday, Hal Weatherman won the nomination for lieutenant governor and Dave Boliek won the nomination for state auditor. Like Knott, they also advance to the general election in November.


Trump backed Knott in early April. It wasn’t until weeks later, on May 2, that Daughtry, who was also the top fundraiser in the primary largely thanks to her personal campaign loans, suspended her campaign and threw her support to her rival. But by then, early voting was well underway, and it was too late to take her name off the ballot.



Daughtry said Trump’s endorsement of Knott made clear to her “that a pathway to victory is no longer feasible.”

Knott’s victory once again highlights Trump’s history of successful interventions in North Carolina GOP politics.


Knott now will take on Democrat Frank Pierce in the general election. The GOP-dominated General Assembly reconfigured the 13th District last year so

that it is more rightward leaning. The new district covers all or parts of eight counties in or close to the capital of Raleigh. Current 13th District Democratic Rep. Wiley Nickel chose not to run for reelection, citing the boundary changes. The seat is one of three the GOP expects to add to the U.S. House from North Carolina this fall, thanks to redistricting.


In a written statement late Tuesday, Knott thanked Trump and members of the North Carolina congressional delegation for their endorsements, and said it was time to focus on winning in November.


“We need Conservatives from all across the country to stand strong with President Trump and deliver real solutions in Congress. I look forward to doing just that,” Knott said.


Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, won North Carolina, the country’s ninth-largest state, in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, and the state is expected to be a presidential battleground this fall.


Trump’s social media post endorsing Knott called him a “Strong Patriot” who would support law enforcement, secure the U.S.-Mexico border and protect gun rights.

As for Daughtry, the daughter of a former longtime Republican legislative leader, Trump called her a “RINO” — Republican in Name Only — and someone who “is no friend to MAGA,” a reference to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

This year marks the second time Trump has endorsed a Daughtry opponent; in a 2022 primary for the 13th District, he backed her challenger and then-political newcomer Bo Hines, the ultimate primary winner.


Trump also endorsed then-U.S. Rep. Ted Budd in the 2022 GOP primary for U.S. Senate. Budd easily defeated former Gov. Pat McCrory, then went on to win the general election. In the recent March primary, Trump backed first-time candidate Addison McDowell, who ended up winning the 6th Congressional District race.

Weatherman, the former chief of staff to then-Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, defeated Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill in the lieutenant governor's primary.

Weatherman will take on Democratic state Sen. Rachel Hunt, daughter of former four-term Gov. Jim Hunt, in the fall election.


Boliek, an attorney and former chairman of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill trustee board, defeated CPA and state legislative staffer Jack Clark in the auditor's primary. Boliek will take on Democratic State Auditor Jessica Holmes in November.


GOP runoff voting was open to registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters who either voted in the March Republican primaries or didn’t vote at all.


SENATE PASSES BILL MANDATING SHERIFF COOPERATION WITH ICE

The North Carolina Senate passed legislation Thursday mandating all North Carolina sheriffs cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency that issues detainers to remove noncitizens who have been arrested for felonies or violent misdemeanor criminal activity. The bill passed 28-16 along party lines.


“You can vote for public safety or you can vote to continue sanctuary policies,” Sen. Buck Newton, R-Wilson, said on the Senate floor. “When I was in this body before, we were pursuing this legislation for stubborn hard-headed sheriffs that did not want to comply and follow federal immigration laws and did not want to work with ICE. Most sheriffs are totally on board with this policy. Most sheriffs comply, but we have a few that don’t want to.” House Bill 10 passed the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2023 71-44, with just two Democrats voting in favor; Rep. Cecil Brockman, D-Guilford, and Rep. Michael Wray, D-Northampton. Both Democrats have been targeted by Democrat activists as a result of that vote and others in which they sided with Republicans.


When the bill became active in the Senate this spring, Newton proposed an amendment to change the date of when sheriffs offices will begin tracking detainer orders to October 1, 2025, rather than October of 2024. Now the legislation will return to the House side for concurrence with the amended bill.


As Senate committees considered the bill earlier this week, opponent activists lobbied lawmakers in the legislative buildings. The vocal minority belies a recent Carolina Journal poll that found 25% of North Carolina likely voters labeled immigration as the most important issue in light of elections this November.


Read More at https://www.carolinajournal.com/senate-passes-bill-requiring-sheriffs-to-cooperate-with-ice/.


DEMOCRATS RUN ANTI MORROW BILL

The Democrats’ minority whip in the North Carolina Senate has introduced a bill that could bar the Republican candidate for superintendent of public instruction from serving in office. Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, D-Wake, is running Senate Bill 867, Superintendent of Public Instruction Minimum Requirements. The measure mandates that the state superintendent “must have at least one year of experience as a teacher or school administrator in this State or a member of a local board of education or the State Board of Education.” The legislation notably leaves out homeschool educators.


The GOP’s nominee for state superintendent, Michele Morrow, has never served as a traditional school teacher, administrator, or on a local or state board of education. She ran unsuccessfully for the Wake County School Board in 2022, but has remained a grassroots activist on the state of education in North Carolina. Five of Morrow’s children attended public school, but she became a homeschool educator when public schools weren’t meeting her daughter’s needs. She works with teaching coalitions to guide other homeschool educators.


Under the North Carolina Constitution, the only Council of State office with a credentialing or experience requirement is attorney general. The Council of State is the 10-member executive body that includes offices like governor, lieutenant governor, and state labor commissioner.


In 1984, voters approved an amendment to the state constitution requiring that an attorney general be licensed to practice law in the state: “Candidates must be duly authorized to practice law in the courts of the state,” according to the NC Board of Elections. Under current NC statutes, the agriculture commissioner and the members of the Board of Agriculture “shall be practicing farmers engaged in their profession,” but it’s unclear how “farmer” is defined.


Other offices have no requirements. For example, the current state auditory, Democrat Jessica Holmes, is not a Certified Public Accountant. The two most recent auditors, Les Merritt and Beth Wood, have been CPAs.


Attorney Paul “Skip” Stam, a former Republican leader in NC House, said that a change like that included in HB867 would need to be added to the state constitution. That process would require

a three-fifths vote in both chambers of the General Assembly and a simple majority vote from voters. In February, Chaudhuri announced plans to file a bill that would empower the NC State Board of Elections with the authority to remove a presidential candidate from voter ballots under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. The measure would ostensibly give the state board the authority to block a candidate like former President Donald Trump from appearing on the NC ballot.


Read More at https://www.carolinajournal.com/democrats-run-anti-morrow-bill-in-nc-senate/


NC Republican Run Offs Underway!

Early in-person voting started on Thursday across North Carolina for next month's runoff elections, including one congressional and two statewide primary contests.

Voters are choosing this fall's Republican nominees for lieutenant governor, state auditor and the 13th Congressional District seat. These May 14 runoffs, also known as "second primaries," occurred because the candidate with the most votes in the March 5 primaries for these races failed to receive more than 30% of the vote. The second-place candidate had to formally ask for a runoff.


The lieutenant governor's GOP runoff is between Hal Weatherman and Jim O'Neill, while the nomination for state auditor is between Jack Clark and Dave Boliek. Kelly Daughtry and Brad Knott are seeking the 13th District nomination. The winners will face Democratic rivals — and in some cases Libertarian Party candidates — in the fall.


These GOP primary runoffs are open to all registered Republicans in the state, or in the case of the congressional race, registered Republicans within the 13th District.

Unaffiliated voters who either didn't vote or voted Republican in the March primaries also can participate, the State Board of Elections said in a news release.

Early voting in all 100 counties continues through May 11. Generally, most counties have just one early-vote site for the runoffs.


A GOP primary runoff is also being conducted for a Gaston County commissioner's seat. And there's a race to fill a seat on the nonpartisan Orange County Board of Education that had different runoff rules.


Same-day registration is unavailable during early voting because the registration of new voters is not permitted between the first and second primaries. But people who become eligible to vote during the two primaries can both register and vote on May 14, the state board said.


Traditional mail-in absentee voting for the runoffs began in late March when county boards started sending ballots to those who requested them.


Governor Cooper proposes Final Budget

Before the short session began in the General Assembly Wednesday, Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper laid out his recommended budget proposal for the last time as governor.

A major part of the budget, entitled “Securing North Carolina’s Future,” focuses on education and school funding. Cooper’s proposal would spend over $1 billion on additional funding for public schools.


Under the plan, starting teacher salaries would rise to more than $47,500, including local and state supplements—the highest in the Southeast. The budget would also reinstate Masters Pay, raise teacher pay by 8.5% plus a $1,500 retention bonus for most teachers, increase salaries for school-based administrators, and invest $34.7 million to expand Read to Achieve to middle school students.


It would also provide funding for 700 elementary school teaching assistants in grades K-3, $11 million to attract new teachers, and expand the Teaching Fellows program eligibility to more education schools and in more subject areas.


$745 million would be dedicated to subsidizing child care and early education; $217 million would go toward support programs for disadvantaged students, children with disabilities, and students with limited English proficiency; and, $44.6 million to support student mental and physical health by hiring more school counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers.


Cooper said the budget also addresses the $13 billion need for new school buildings by recommending that voters approve a $2.5 billion school construction bond on the November 2024 ballot.


In addition, he would put a moratorium on taxpayer-funded private school vouchers and redirect the money to public schools.


Cooper declared a “State of Emergency” for public education in May 2023, with a red banner across the top of the governor.nc.gov website that would normally be dedicated for true emergencies such as hurricanes. He has been against school choice, including Opportunity Scholarships, which are designed to enable families to choose a private school education for their children.


A record-breaking 72,000 applications were received for the program this year.

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, or NCSEAA, announced on March 30 that 13,511 new students in the first award tier have been offered scholarships. Renewal families — those already enrolled in the program — were also offered scholarships.


In his proposal, Cooper sets aside $200 million for Child Care Stabilization Grants to keep child care centers open and $128.5 million for child care subsidies that will increase reimbursement rates for providers in rural and low-wealth communities.

The budget also includes $197 million to cover the full cost of care for NC Pre-K students and $24.4 million to provide summer programs for students once they complete NC Pre-K and before they enter kindergarten. The budget further reduces childcare costs for North Carolina families by providing a refundable tax credit for child and dependent care.


“This budget is an opportunity to build on our state’s momentum and make up ground in areas like public education, quality child care and clean drinking water, where legislators have fallen short,” Cooper said in a press release. “As the number one state to do business in the country for two years in a row, we have the formula for success in our high-quality public schools, talented workforce and thriving economy. We must make targeted investments strengthening public education, boosting economic development, and protecting our natural resources to secure a bright future for North Carolina.”


His budget allots $251.8 million to guarantee at least a 5% across-the-board salary increase for state employees and non-certified public-school employees and close to $400 million for a retention bonus for all state-funded employees, with most receiving a $1,500 retention bonus.


The budget also gives $195.8 million in funding for the Enhanced Labor Market Adjustment Reserve to give agencies, universities, and community colleges flexibility to address hard-to-retain and hard-to-fill roles.


The budget allocates $40 million for the Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center for high-need job training, more than $18.5 million to expand the state’s capacity to produce more healthcare professionals, $49 million in unemployment insurance tax cuts, and $9 million to help small businesses pursue federal funds through One NC.

It establishes a rural youth apprenticeship program based on existing models and invests $5 million in job coaching for people with barriers to employment. The budget also includes $12.8 million in funding for local reentry councils and support services for former prison inmates upon release.

The proposed budget also suggests more spending on manufacturing readiness with investments in the Certified Sites program and a $50 million investment in Radio Island infrastructure improvements.

Cooper’s budget would also establish a $100 million fund to help communities clean their water from pollutants such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). It would also reinstate the Conservation Tax Credit, as well as additional funds for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the North Carolina Land and Water Fund.

Finally, about $20 million in grants would be used to improve draining and reduce flooding with waterway upgrades and increase funding for the Flood Resilience Blueprint. The budget includes just under $5 million for equipment to enhance the North Carolina Forest Service’s capacity to battle wildfires.


UNC System Plans to Scrap DEI Offices

The University of North Carolina System's Board of Governors plans to vote next month on a new policy targeting diversity and inclusion efforts at state universities and eliminate positions related to diversity and inclusion.


A committee approved the new policy at a Wednesday meeting without discussion. If approved by the full 24-member board next month, it would repeal and replace the system’s existing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy, which was adopted in 2019.


The item will be placed on the consent agenda at the May meeting, which is scheduled for May 23.


The change would affect all 16 public colleges and universities across the state, including UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, plus the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.


Earlier in April, a key UNC-Chapel Hill trustee with ties to Republican legislative leaders said he expected the university system to scrap some DEI policies.

Not only are DEI goals and initiatives at stake, but several jobs and job titles are on the line. The new rules would require those jobs to be changed or eliminated by Sept. 1.


Members of the Board of Governors are appointed by the state House and Senate to staggered four-year terms. Both chambers have been controlled by Republicans since 2011, meaning all current members have been appointed by Republicans.

The current policy, entitled "Regulation on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina" calls for each institution to have a senior-level administrator as its diversity and inclusion officer. The current policy establishes "system-wide diversity and inclusion metrics and goals" and created a "UNC System diversity and inclusion council.


The new proposed policy rewrites the section entirely, beginning with the title: "Equality Within the University of North Carolina." It requires by Sept. 1 that each institution certify that it "fully complies with the university's commitment to institutional neutrality and nondiscrimination.


Further, it requires "a report on reductions in force and spending, along with changes to job titles and position descriptions, undertaken as a result of implementing this policy and how those savings achieved from these actions can be redirected to initiatives related to student success and well-being."

Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, came out against the move.


Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/unc-system-may-eliminate-diversity-goals-and-jobs-at-17-campuses-across-the-state/21383986/


WAKE COUNTY SCHOOL COVID FUNDS DRYING UP

The Wake County school system will propose a few alternative budgets for next year that include raises for employees — and the current school programming they could cut afford them.


Board members have posed but not necessarily agreed on various cuts to new programming funded using one-time federal pandemic relief dollars. That money will disappear next year, and the school board — like others around the country — is facing a decision on whether and how to keep what it funded.


This shortfall includes includes a $2.5 million before- and after-school supervision program for some students, $4 million for dozens of full-time school-level substitute teachers and $13.8 million for more than 100 behavioral health support professionals. Not all board members agreed to cut those things or on the extent to which to cut those things.


Meanwhile, the district is still struggling with staffing. It had 324 open bus driver positions in March — a 36.8% vacancy rate that has not stopped rising for years, even with periodic wage increases. Teacher vacancies in Wake County were about 2.1% in March — a slight improvement over the past two years, although the district has experienced high attrition in recent years — 16.7% from March 2022 to March 2023, according to the latest state attrition report.


d feelings on how to move forward during a work session Tuesday afternoon. They’ll meet again during another afternoon work session on April 30, hoping to agree on a final budget proposal by the end of it. The board would then vote on May 7 on a proposal to send to county commissioners.


In June, Commissioners will likely vote on how much local funding to provide for the school system.


Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/that-s-a-tough-choice-wake-school-board-considers-cuts-adjustments-to-fund-raises/21383197/

LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES 

1. The Biden administration announced it will introduce new tariffs on imports from China. They will apply to $18bn worth of Chinese products, including electric vehicles, solar equipment and batteries. The tariff rate on EVs will quadruple to 100%, and in some cases taxes on imports of steel and aluminium will be tripled, months before the presidential election. Lael Brainard, the White House national economic adviser, said that the move intends to ensure that a flood of “unfairly under-priced” Chinese goods

doesn’t threaten American jobs.


2. Antony Blinken, America’s secretary of state, travelled to Ukraine, as a Russian assault around Kharkiv continued to gain ground. Ukrainian and Russian troops are locked in a fierce battle for the town of Vovchansk, around 70km north-east of Kharkiv. An American official said that new American weapons, including long-range missiles and air-defence equipment, are already reaching the front line.



3. Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, will visit Xi Jinping, his Chinese counterpart, in Beijing on Thursday and Friday this week. The trip underscores how China’s ties with Russia are growing more solid. Mr Xi has played an important role in supporting Russia’s economy, and its war machine, following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Meanwhile, Russia is providing cheap fuel to China.


4. Anglo American, a British mining giant, said it would sell or demerge several of its businesses, including De Beers, a diamond firm. Shareholders have recently questioned Anglo American’s structure. On Monday it rejected an improved takeover bid of £34bn ($43bn) from BHP, an Australian competitor. The deal would have given BHP a stronger hold on the copper-mining market—ahead of a potential supply crunch for the metal.


5. Wages in Britain rose by 5.7% year on year during the first quarter, beating analysts’ expectations. The figure was unchanged from the previous quarter. The release will worry monetary policymakers, as wage growth is a key driver of inflation. Britain’s inflation rate was still 3.2% in March, above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Meanwhile, growth remains tepid, raising

the spectre of stagflation.


6. Michael Cohen testified that Donald Trump ordered him to “just take care of” Stormy Daniels’s story in 2016—meaning pay the former porn star to keep quiet about a sexual liaison. Mr Cohen, who was Mr Trump’s lawyer at the time, is the prosecution’s star witness in the case, which alleges that the hush money amounted to a campaign-finance violation. Mr Trump denies all wrongdoing.


7. OpenAI launched GPT-4o (Omni), a faster version of ChatGPT, its popular AI chatbot. Users will be able to speak to, and get instant responses from, the updated model. It will be free for all ChatGPT users, though paying OpenAI customers will have more capacity to use the AI. The Microsoft-backed firm will hope its new model gives it the edge in the competition over generative AI.


8. Philips, a Dutch technology firm, reached a $1.1bn agreement to settle all personal injury claims in America over its sleep apnea machines. The company had recalled millions of its devices over the past three years because of potential health risks. Its shares rose by more than 30% on the news, as the settlement was smaller than analysts’ expectations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 21- 22: NC DOT Summit! Koury Convention Center!

MAY 22: NORTH CAROLINA STATE OF TECHNOLOGY EXPONENTIAL! https://www.nctech.org/events/event/2024/state-of-tech.html

Town of Morrisville Juneteenth event on June 8th at Cedar Fork Community center!

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
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