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Final Early Voting Update
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From the Campaign Office of Steve Rao
October 30, 2021
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Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes.
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MY GET IT JOB DONE MESSAGE:
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MY GET IT JOB DONE MESSAGE:
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The Steve Rao App is Here:
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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.
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Google Play Store Scan code Link
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LAST DAY OF EARLY VOTING IS TODAY!
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If you forgot to register by the deadline last week, you can still do so with Early Voting in Apex today. This is the last day for Early Voting!
Early Voting is at the Apex Community Center (53 Hunter St., Apex, 27502).
Hours today are from 8 am to 3 pm.
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Town of Morrisville November 2nd Polling Sites
05/01 Precinct
Morrisville Elementary School
1519 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
05/03 Precinct
Cary Church of God
107 Quade Dr, Cary, NC 27513
05/07 Precinct
Parkside Elementary
332 Parkside Valley Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560
05/08 Precinct
Hindu Society of NC
309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560
Polling Sites Open from 6 am to 7:30 pm.
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MY "GET IT DONE" JOB RECORD FOR MORRISVILLE
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A BALANCED GROWTH APPROACH
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My Balanced Growth and Closing Message:
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During this campaign, I have knocked on over 3,000 doors, and I am aware of the concerns that we need to slow down high density development in Morrisville. I thank each of you for sharing your concerns, particularly residents in Kitts Creek and other communities.
I also thank the residents, who have expressed concerns about any appearances of conflicts of interest due to campaign contributons from Developers. Your feedback is important to me, I value it, and moving forward, I would ask our Council to examine our Conflict of Interest Policies in the future to address these concerns. With that being said, I have decided to no longer accept any checks from developers as long as I remain on the Council moving forward.
As expressed by our Town Attorney, Frank Gray, No member of our Council has violated any Conflicts of Interest, and Town Center Memo of Understanding with Singh Development was a unanimous decision. This developer was not my first or second choice for the Project.
I will commit in my next term to stick to the unanimously approved Land Use Plan, which moved many of high density zoned parcels to medium density residential and even single family residential.
As we need to grow Affordable Housing in the Town, I would look at Apartments or Town Homes, at the McCrimmon Sub Area, or the Town Center, but would no longer support rezonings to high density development in areas designated Medium Density or Single Family Residential.
At the end of the day, I believe that we need a Balanced Growth Approach to Development. It is clear that my opponent is promising that we stop all development until we invest in our infrastructure. His inexperience in local government is reflected in his promises to Vote No for All Development.
Stopping all development and rapid development are the extremes and should not be our only path forward. During this campaign, I have heard that we need to slow down development so we can catch up on our Infrastructure. If we can have places for Triangle workers to live (50,000 come to Morrisville to work, we can truly be the best place to Live, Work and Play and support our small businesses.
Let me be very clear that any conditional rezonings we have approved enforce the Developer to invest in our transportation, and parks infrastructure, along with adding to our Affordable Housing Stock.
For example, our most recent rezoning at 0 Slater Road resulted in the following infrastructure investments:
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Road Construction: $1 million
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Parks/Greenways: $700,000 (Parkland Payment In Lieu)
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Affordable Housing: $3.5 million investment in Affordable Housing.
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School Capacity: No more than 50% of project would be two bedrooms.
Let me end with two numbers for $81 million and $800,000. $81 million is the revenue projections to Wake County coffers and $800,000 to the Town of Morrisville. We can invest in school, transit, transportation, parks, and hire more police/fire fighters with these dollars.
Balanced Growth and partnerships which invest in our Town are what we need moving forward but we must slow down the rate of high density development.
Finally, on a personal note, if elected to a fourth term, I will not accept checks from Developers while I am on the Council. Any development I have approved was du to the investments in our transportation and parks infrastructure.
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GETTING THE JOB DONE IN MORRISVILLE
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During the Forum, I hope I was able to demonstrate that I am the only candidate in the At Large Race with the experience, and relationships to continue to Get the Job Done every day for our Town. Look at my record of Getting the Job Done! It has been an honor for me to serve you for the past decade. It has taken vision, investment, and a great team to be named an All-America City by the National Civic League and one of the top places in our nation to live, work, and pay.
During my tenure, I have supported investments in transportations, new schools, parks and technology to ensure our citizens can truly Live Connected and Live Well in Morrisville.
In my fourth term, I will continue to invest in these areas, focus on growing innovation, and will continue t lead the Town of Morrisville to be the Smartest City in the state and nation.
Please visit www.steverao.com for my Morrisville Play Book, let's work together to call the Plays so we can move the Town Forward, always!
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MY "GET IT DONE" JOB RECORD FOR MORRISVILLE
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New Jobs: Growing entrepreneurs in Morrisville with Chamber HOTTovation program. Worked to recruit Invitae, Syneos Health, and Apple to Morrisville.
Schools/Education: RTP Wake Tech Campus, Parkside Elementary in 2019, Working to bring a new Public High School and an Early Career STEM High School next year. (Wake Tech Tech RTP), Supported Education and Advisory Committee. Successfully Lobbied for Alston Ridge Elementary as base school for Kitts Creek residents.
Transportation: Worked with NC DOT to receive $250 million investment for Morrisville DOT Road Projects in next ten years. Voted for and supported $9 million Morrisville Carpenter Road Project, and fully supported the $25 million McCrimmon Extension.
Parks and Recreation: Supported $15 million investment in Parks/Greenways, including Church Street Park (Professional and International Cricket), Northwest Park, Crabtree Hatcher Greenway, MAFC Renovations. Healthy Food Hub, Wake Competition Center.
Technology: Led efforts to launch Google Fiber in Morrisville, Launched Open Data and Smart City Initiatives, Established a Smart City Advisory Committee.
Keeping us Safe: Supported $3.6 million in Police and Fire in last two years.
Affordable Housing: Voted for a $3.5 million affordable housing investment as part of conditional rezoning.
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Endorsement Alerts
I am pleased to be recently endorsed by the Raleigh Wake Citizens Association, and the North Carolina Indian American Political Action Committee.
I am also proud to be endorsed by residents across the Town of Morrisville.
This is not an HOA election!
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Robert Crawford, Breckenridge Resident
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I’m delighted to endorse Steve for re-election to Morrisville’s town council. He has served on the Council since 2011, and as Mayor Pro Tem from 2015- 2017. I have worked with Steve on a number of initiatives over the years – most prominently the Northwest Park and to some extent the Cricket Park (seeking to do both successfully within the town’s budget).
We also worked on two greenway initiatives related to enhancing Parkside Elementary, voter districting efforts, and a handful of local electoral efforts. Our frequent conversations, however, tend to focus on brainstorming through his prolific ideas across a wonderfully broad spectrum for how to cultivate and sustain Morrisville’s quality.
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"I fully support Steve Rao for re-election to the Town of Morrisville Council. I have known Steve for over 17 years and during that time, I have known him to be one of the biggest advocates for Morrisville in the Town. Whether it is advocating for quality of life issues, like Parks, Greenways, and Cultural events or being a proponent for Innovation, and bringing innovation businesses to the Town. Steve is also a strong advocate for proposed Veteran Memorial in Morrisville! He is not a Johnny Come Lately. He knows all of Morrisville, not just one neighborhood. I fully support him for re-election!"
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Kristen Richardson, Providence Resident
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“I support Steve Rao for re-election because he represents all of Morrisville, not just one political neighborhood, one political party or one culture. He listens well and acts quickly. His vision for Morrisville is to be a hub for Innovation.”
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Mark Easley, Weston Estates and Start Up Advisor
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"Morrisville is now in a period of strong growth in our business and residential community, and Steve Rao has proved himself to be very effective in dealing with the issues that are part of that growth. Steve takes a balanced approach that supports both the economic growth and the quality of life issues for the residents of Morrisville. He has been creative and resourceful in working with everyone from our startups and small businesses to some of the largest companies on the planet that have major operations in Morrisville. We need his good judgement applied to balancing the needs of everyone as Morrisville continues to be one of the best and most dynamic places to live in North Carolina and the Unites States.”
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Keith Washo, CEO and Founder, Start Up Summit
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"Steve Rao has been instrumental in making Startup Summit events happen in North Carolina and surrounding regions. With Steves' support we have booked great speakers and launched successful conferences. Steves' energy, enthusiasm, and passion to make great change in the community is inspiring and impactful. I highly recommend for any office position and believe in his work to make a positive difference!"
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VOTE FOR THE NOV 2 BOND REFERENDUM!
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Come this November 2, 2021, the Morrisville Town Council will provide voters the opportunity to vote on financing up to $37 million to accomplish these types of improvements in a strategic and fiscally responsible manner through a bond referendum. Wisely committing your tax dollars in this way will ensure the Morrisville community continues to live connected and live well. I want this to be the highest turnout in Morrisville history!
Morrisville has an exemplary credit rating as a AAA community, giving us the ability to secure the lowest interest rates through voter-approved general obligation (G.O.) bonds. This form of debt financing is the best and least expensive of tax-supported debt resulting in significant savings to the taxpayer over the repayment period.
The Town anticipates an estimated 3 cents per $100 assessed property value to afford the three bond issues assuming voters approve.
There will be three ballot questions that Voters will consider separately: Public Safety Improvement Bonds, Streets, Sidewalks and Connectivity Improvement Bonds, and Parks, Recreation and Amenities Bonds!
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Total Doses Administered: 11,566,768
71% in NC Partially Vaccinated with One Dose. 67% Fully vaccinated.
Unvaccinated individuals are 13.6 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than vaccinated individuals, when adjusted for age.
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This Week in Morrisville: Nov 1 - 6
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project update:
Update: November 1:
- The contractor will be working on Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Old Savannah Drive) and on Town Hall Drive.
- The contractor will be doing work in the culvert area.
- The contractor will be widening eastbound Morrisville Carpenter Road (from Church Street to the railroad easement) pouring curb and gutter in this area.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.
- 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.
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Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2
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Election Day is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Check your voter registration card or the Wake BOE website for your specific polling location. For complete election information, please visit www.wakegov.com/elections or call 919-856-6240.
Four seats on Morrisville’s Town Council will reach their term expiration in Dec. 2021. Therefore, those seats will be eligible to be filled, either by the current Council Member if applicable or by an opposing candidate. Elections are impartially conducted by the Wake County Board of Elections (Wake BOE) and Durham County Board of Elections for those Morrisville residents residing within Durham County. Remember that Morrisville voters have the authority to vote for and elect every member of the Council, not only their district representative. When you vote, you will select four candidates, one for each of the four seats available.
Morrisville voters will also be presented with three bond referendum ballot questions, one for each proposed improvement category – public safety; parks, recreation, and amenities improvements; and streets and sidewalk connectivity improvements – and should vote yes or no for each improvement category. The bond referendum seeks to authorize up to $37 million in General Obligation Bonds to finance future capital projects within these categories. For details on the Morrisville 2021 Bond Referendum, click here.
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Three separate Bond questions will be on the Ballot this November 2: Public Safety Improvements for $8M; Parks, Recreation, & Amenity Improvements for $17.3M; and Streets & Sidewalk Connectivity Improvements for $11.7M for future capital projects. Voters will decide “Yes” or “No” for each ballot question if the Town can use General Obligation Bonds (G.O. Bonds) to finance these future improvements that will benefit our growing community for years to come. G.O. Bonds are the most cost effective form of financing for a local government.
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Morrisville Diwali Festival of Lights Event on Nov. 4
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The Town of Morrisville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee are collaborating to host a Diwali Festival of Lights event beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2021. The event will be located at the Church Street Park Shelter. For questions contact Randy Little by email.
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The Town of Morrisville’s Green Day recycling event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Church Street Park. The event will be a one-stop destination for recycling or proper handling of hazardous materials. For a list of recycling and material handling stations, specific items accepted, and complete event details, click here.
The Morrisville Stormwater Division is offering rain barrels for purchase and delivery. The Morrisville Police Department will have a medication take-back, where residents can drop off unused prescription medication for appropriate legal disposal. There will also be a litter sweep at Morrisville Community Park coordinated by the Morrisville Stewardship Program.
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Halloween Candy Give-Back Nov. 1-7
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The community is to bring any leftover Halloween candy to the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center (MAFC) between November 1 and November 7. Staff will be sending donated candy to deployed troops, local military units, veterans, and first responders. Those who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a free month of membership at MAFC! Click here for details.
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Puttin around Town has launched! Residents and area park users can practice throwing discs for their mid-range game or putting through one temporary basket in placement at various parks on a rotating basis. The Puttin Around Town basket will be located at Cedar Fork Community Park November 1 through November 15. We are exploring practical uses of our temporary baskets and our open spaces to provide park visitors an opportunity to get outside. For details and future dates, click here
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Sustainability Survey Extended Through October 31
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The Master Sustainability Plan’s online survey has been extended until October 31. All Morrisville community members are welcome to provide feedback that will help the Town create priorities for future objectives! Community includes those who live here, work here, volunteer, or attend houses of worship in Morrisville. We appreciate your input as we shape this new program! Watch our promo video here.
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Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating!
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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
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Wake Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Extensions Study
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The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is conducting a major investment study (MIS) that will identify and evaluate rapid bus routing options and select preferred solutions for rapid bus extensions to both of the planned Wake Bus Rapid Transits (BRT). The Western Corridor will connect downtown Raleigh to downtown Cary and the Southern Corridor will connect downtown Raleigh to Garner. Morrisville residents are invited to participate. A virtual open house for the Wake BRT: Rapid Bus Extension Study is open now through November 1. A live virtual meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on October 21 (Western Rapid Bus Extension) and October 26 (Southern Rapid Bus Extension). For details, to participate, and to take the survey click here.
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Wake Bus Plan Update Survey
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An update to the Wake Bus Plan is underway. A kick-off meeting for the Wake Bus Plan working group was held on September 9, 2021. Phase I community engagement has begun and will focus on transit access gaps. An online survey is currently open and available through November 8. To take the survey click here.
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Next Week in Morrisville Update
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Starting in October, the Town is moving to a new email service provider used to send Next Week in Morrisville. Depending upon your email’s client settings and security filters, you may have to add the new email client to your safe senders list. The new client will also allow you to update your communications preferences and individual profile. Next Week in Morrisville is sent from information@townofmorrisville.org. If you have any issues receiving the e-newsletter in October, contact the Town’s public information officer by email.
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Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market
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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. every Saturday!
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
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It was great to be at the Innovate Raleigh Summit yesterday at the Raleigh Convention Center. Thanks to Raleigh Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin, for founding this initiative when she served on the Council. I look forward to starting an Innovate Morrisville in my next term! We will continue to Get the Job Done in Morrisville! I am not a one issue candidate!
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PANTHER CREEK STUDENT COUNCIL SWEARING INS
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It was great to be at the Panther Creek Council Installation Ceremony!
Congrats to Rayan Rao for being sworn in as Junior Class President.
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Town of Morrisville Achievements Tour
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Town of Morrisville Listening Tour
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As I continue my listening tour and celebrate the accomplishments of the last decade, I have been having some very engaging conversations with many neighborhoods and communities in Morrisville.
We usually only hear from residents from a few communities, but our team has reached over 30 communities and have knocked on over 3,000 doors during this campaign.
Thanks to everyone who are coming out to meet and talk to me on this Decade of Service Listening Tour.
Let me know if you want me to come and provide an update. Just email me at sr@steverao.com.
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I am very proud to have received the endorsement of Dr, G.D Sharma and Mrs. Saroj Sharma, founders of the Hindu Society and the pillars of of our Indian Community I miss my dear friend, Alok, so much, and am so very proud of the vision, grace, and leadership of the Sharma family to all of us.
More to come later this week on an Endorsement from NCINPAC and others!
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I fully support Steve Rao for re-election to the Town of Morrisville Town Council. I've known Steve for almost 17 years and during that time, I've known him to be one of the biggest advocates for Morrisville in the town. Whether it's advocating for quality of life issues, like parks, greenways and cultural events, or being a proponent for innovation and bringing innovation businesses to the town, Steve is always at the forefront. He also is a strong advocate for the proposed Veterans Memorial in Morrisville. He's not a "Johnny Come Lately". He's been here from when Morrisville had 5,000 residents. He knows all of Morrisville, not just one neighborhood. I support Steve Rao for re-election.
- Bob Butler, Ridgemont Resident
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I am proud to be endorsed by NC Senator Mushtaba Mohammed, who joins our growing list of elected officials. I intend to leverage my relationships at the Federal and State Level to increase investments into the Town of Morrisville, especially in transportation and schools! Lets get the Job Done!
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I am pleased to have the endorsements of North Carolina State Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Democratic Whip for the State Senate, and Vicki Adamson, Vice Chair of the Wake County Commission. I am looking forward to working with them to take Morrisville to the greatest heights and of course, to continue our collaboration with the County and State to increase funding for schools, libraries, transportation, cricket, and other projects for the Town!
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North Carolina State Senator Jay Chaudhuri
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Vicki Adamson, Vice Chair of the Wake County Commission
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US Congresswoman Ross Joins our Endorsements!
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This week I was honored to receive the endorsement of US Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC D-02). I look forward to working with her to secure federal grants and money for Small Businesses in Morrisville, and to also work on targeting federal dollars to transportation and transit dollars to our Town to help us deal with traffic congestion.
"I am pleased to endorse Councilman Rao for his re-election to Morrisville Town Council. He has provided important leadership in the growing and diverse town of Morrisville. I look forward to working with him in the community for many years to come."
- Congresswoman Deborah K. Ross, NC-02
I am proud to have the endorsements of of Congresswoman Ross, North Carolina State Senators Wiley Nickel and Jay Chaudhuri, Wake County Commissioner Sig Hutchison, Wake County Commission Vice Chair Vicki Adamson, Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones, Wake County School Board Member Chris Heagarty, Morrisville Council Member Satish Garimella, Cary Council Member Ya Liu and Fuquay-Varina Commissioner Bill Harris. I am looking forward to more endorsements over the coming weeks.
I also look forward to getting the support Independents and Republicans as we lead an engaged, and non-partisan Town! Let’s keep the Partisan Politics on Jones Street or in Washington D.C!
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United States Congresswoman Deb Ross
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NC Senator Mushtaba Mohammed
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Wake County Commissioner Sig Hutchison
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Vicki Adamson, Vice Chair of the Wake County Commission
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Wake County School Board Member Chris Heagarty
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Morrisville Council Member Satish Garimella
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Cary Council Member Ya Liu
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Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones
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Fuquay-Varina Commissioner Bill Harris
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Nov 3 NC Tech Association Tech Awards at Raleigh Convention Center.
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Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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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.
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NC Covid Dashboard:
Vaccinations: 11,566,768 Total Doses Administered.
71% in NC Partially Vaccinated / 67% Fully Vaccinated.
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- For latest Covid 19 information, please dial 2-1-1 or 888- 892-1162.
- Get Updates by texting COVIDNC at 898211.
- For unemployment insurance, please visit NC Dept of Employment Security at https://des.nc.gov/.
- 1,516,310 applied for UI Benefits, 996,757 Paid Benefits, $12.4 Billion Payments Issues.
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Apply for Wake Forward program at https://covid19.wakegov.com/wakeforward/.
CASES:
2,366 Newly reported Cases
+ N.C. = 1,477,514 Cases (Deaths = 18,050)
+ 4.4% Positive Rate
+ 1,335 Hospitalized.
+ Wake County = 131,000 Cases (Deaths = 896)
+ US = 45.9 million cases / 745,000 deaths
+ India = 34.1 million cases / 453,000 Deaths.
+ Worldwide = 246 million cases / 4.99 million deaths
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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