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From the Council Office of Steve Rao
February 21, 2023
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
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My Weekly Update
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/913862149659519
Due to a day off yesterday, Presidents Day Edition is going out to today. Have a wonderful week!
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My family hopes many in our Hindu community enjoyed celebrating a Happy Maha Shivaratri.
Maha Shivaratri is an annual festival dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is particularly important in the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, the Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night.
Read five things about Maha Shivarati at https://bit.ly/3ker2Xv
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Let us take a moment and pray for the family of former President Jimmy Carter | |
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On this Presidents Day Edition, let us take a moment and pray for the family of former President Jimmy Carter, who will not be with us much longer. He is an inspiration as a former US President, who used the White House as a stepping stone to help people all over the world at the Carter Center, build homes with Habitat for Humanity, and demonstrated that the there is no limit to how much love the human heart can give.
He truly is one of the finest citizens our nation has ever produced .
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Pictured here with President Carter at 1989 when I served as a Carter Presidential Fellow at Emory University.
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Sports Alert:
Carolina Hurricanes win Historic Outdoor Game!
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Smart City Listening Tour Begins:
My Wake County Smart City Tour begins this Friday on Feb 24th in Garner. If you are a Wake County municipality, please email me at sr@steverao.com to book a visit where I share how you can be successful in a Smart City initiative, like Morrisville!
Let’s make Wake the Smartest County in the State and North Carolina the Smartest State in the Nation!
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One Year Anniversary of Ukraine War | |
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My Message on the Ukraine War:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/742149230605873
In the Midst of War, Ukranians like Misha Shvets keep working in NC Tech Sector, they deserve our support.
https://wraltechwire.com/2022/03/25/in-midst-of-war-ukrainians-like-misha-shvets-keep-working-in-nc-tech-sector-they-deserve-our-support/
It has been 360 days since Russia invaded Ukraine and waged war against a free and democratic nation. Neither side has released figures lately, but analysts estimate that about 200,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded in the war so far. By comparison, Ukraine has seen some 100,000 killed or wounded in action, and 30,000 civilian deaths.
There seems no end in sight to this war at the moment. Neither side is backing down.
We pray for Ukraine and are inspired by their resilience. They are an everlasting reminder of how freedom can never be taken for granted.
The people of Ukraine remind us that freedom is worth not only fighting for but dying for.
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Breaking News and Important Updates: | |
NC House Passes Medicaid Expansion/Bill Heads to Senate.
NC Senate passes gun law which repeals pistol permits.
(See NC News)
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Transportation Alert:
Morrisville Carpenter Road is Completed!
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Join us on Feb 28th at 11 am for the Ribbon Cutting at the Intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Town Hall Drive. (Parking at Indian Creek Trailhead at 101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560)
Morrisville Carpenter Road Completion Message:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/715357390071539
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See Latest National and Global Updates for more Breaking News. | |
FEB 24th UNC Center for Slavic, Eurasian & East European Studies
FEB 24th UNC Center for Slavic, Eurasian & East European Studies and our new UNC student organization Friends of Ukraine are hosting a great event featuring quite a few wonderful speakers, and a panel discussion!
Friday, Feb 24, noon - 1:30pm
1005 Global Education Center
301 Pittsboro St.
Chapel Hill
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FEB 24th Candlelight Vigil for Ukraine
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
State Capitol.
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FEB 25 Hindi Swami Black History Month Event
10am- 12 pm at HSNC (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560)
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FEB 26 TAHTS (TRIANGLE AREA HINDU TEMPLES) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM
2- 4pm at Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple 500 SE Maynard Rd Cary, 27511 Room 101 919 964 1008
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March 16 Small Business Town Hall
with Congressman Wiley Nickel, and SBA Southeast Director Allen Thomas
4:30- 6pm at the Frontier RTP!
Details coming in next newsletter!
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I hope each of you had a very Nice Presidents Day and sorry for this newsletter getting to you a day late, but I took the day off!
Use this day to remind yourself of the inspiring Presidents who led our nation through crisis, and that remember that the idea that one of our own citizens would govern the nation was a revolutionary concept at the time.
46 leaders have held this office and there are only two requirements for the job:
- Citizen of the United States
- 35 years of age
- They have all taken the same oath: "I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. "
From George Washington to Joe Biden, these Presidents of the United States have led us through the best of times, and the worst of times, and through their strong leadership our nation saw the greatest economic expansion in world history and also we have been able to see ourselves through the Civil War, Great Depression, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, 9/11, the wars in the Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan and will continue to be called upon in the future to fight terrorism in the US and across the globe and to keep America safe for future generations.
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During my visit at the White House during the Diwali Reception hosted by President Biden, I could hear the calming voice of President Franklin Roosevelt, who launched the New Deal to battle a Great Depression and led us through WW II, was reminded of the courage and resilience of George Washington and remembered by the famous words of President Abraham Lincoln that inspired a nation, in the midst of a bloody Civil War to remain as one nation, under God, indivisible with Liberty and justice for all.
Since the founding of the nation, there has only been one Black President, Barack Obama. Kamala Harris is the first Black/Asian Woman to serve as the Vice President of the United States.
Who knows, maybe one day, there will be a Madam President.
This is now in the realm of possibility again as Nikki Haley has announced her intentions to run for the Presidency. We hope that there is a smart, young boy or girl, out there, dreaming big to be President in 2040!
We are grateful for the service of our Presidents to the Republic of the United States of America.
Finally, we pray for the family of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, whose grace, humility, and decency enabled him to use the White House as a stepping stone to help people all over the world. When he leaves this world, our nation will look back favorably upon his legacy.
Hail to the Chiefs!
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WHAT IS THE PRESIDENCY?
This citizen is the highest ranked individual in America.
The President of the United States is the head of the Executive Branch of Government- one of the three equal branches of our government- and derives power from Article II of the United States Constitution. The Presidency is often viewed by some as a kind of supreme leader. This is a misconception as the President is a public servant and accepts that role when taking the oath of office)
Thomas Jefferson may have summed up the Presidency best when he wrote in a letter to South Governor Edward Rutledge: “No man will ever bring out of this office the reputation which carries him into it.” A President’s honeymoon can be very short, and as we have observed recently, moments of triumph can also be followed by years of torment, hatred, and division.
Originally, Congress assumed more authority than the president, but over the past 200-plus years, the man (and so far, it has only been a man) in the role has increased the power of the position. The Presidents with the strongest personalities (and in the best cases, vision) dictated and pushed through more of the policies they wanted and guided by the country’s will more by their own charisma than the rights of the office.
Recently, I finished reading The Cult of Presidency: America’s Dangerous Devotion to Executive Power. Author Gene Healy shares the following insight: “Americans expect the president to right the wrongs that plague us- and we blame him when he fails. Because we invest impossible expectations in the Presidency, the Presidency has become an impossible job. And once the honeymoon period inevitably fades, the modern president becomes a lightning rod for discontent, often catching blame for phenomena beyond the control of any one person, however powerful." This statement really resonated with me, as I can see President Biden’s recent months in office reflecting this very fact.
In my opinion, a President needs to lead and unite America, particularly during contentious times. A President needs to give his people, whether they were born here or not- hopes for a prosperous future for themselves and their families. I know my parents, when living in India, were inspired by the young and dynamic JFK, who led many around the world to believe that the United States was the land of opportunity.
Any policies put forth by a President are supposed to be in the best interest of the whole country, putting personal, religious, and political feelings aside. This country was formed to reject a monarchy, although over time, through subtle erosion by politics and a public’s exponential indifference, the distinction has been significantly worn away, giving rise to what many Political Scientists refer to as the Imperial Presidency.
Over time, we have seen the development of an Imperial Presidency, as many of us refer to the President of the United States as the most powerful person in the world, which really is untrue. The President, as Commander in Chief, can at times, be the most dangerous person as he has access to vast military and nuclear arsenal.
However, at the end of the day, a Presidents actions and leadership can be seen and heard around the world and are a reflection of our nation.
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PRESIDENTIAL RANKINGS
I did some research over the weekend and found the latest polls to reveal who is the United States greatest Commander in Chief. As Past Presidents have been out of office longer, their legacies had more time to resonate with historians, helping such Presidents as Barack Obama, who has moved up considerably, and hurting Andrew Johnson, who has dropped to 15. In my opinion, the Presidents at the top of the list led us through tough and critical times, especially during times of War.
These rankings did not include, William Henry Harrison and James Garfield, whose terms were too short to rank. Grover Cleveland’s two non consecutive terms are given a combined evaluation.
Donald Trump and Joe Biden are too new to rank at this time, but share your opinions!
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1. Abraham Lincoln
2. George Washington
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt
4. Theodore Roosevelt
5. Thomas Jefferson
6. Harry S. Truman
7. Dwight D. Eisenhower
8. Woodrow Wilson
9. Barack Obama
10. John F. Kennedy
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11. Lyndon B. Johnson
12. Ronald Reagan
13. James Madison
14. John Adams
15. Andrew Jackson16. James Monroe
17. James Polk
18. Bill Clinton
19. William McKinley
20. John Quincy Adams
21. Grover Cleveland
22. William Taft
23. George H.W. Bush
24. Jimmy Carter
25. Gerald Ford
26. Martin Van Buren
27. Ulysses S. Grant
28. Calvin Coolidge
29. Rutherford B. Hayes
30. Benjamin Harrison
31. Chester Arthur
32. George W. Bush
33. Richard Nixon
34. Zachary Taylor
35. Herbert Hoover
36. John Tyler
37. Millard Fillmore
38. Warren Harding
39. Franklin Pierce
40. Andrew Johnson
41. James Buchanan
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Black History President:
President Barack Obama
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When Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, he became the first African American to hold the office. The framers of the Constitution always hoped that our leadership would not be limited to Americans of wealth or family connections. Subject to the prejudices of their time—many of them owned slaves—most would not have foreseen an African American president. Obama’s father, Barack Sr., a Kenyan economist, met his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, when both were students in Hawaii, where Barack was born on August 4, 1961. They later divorced, and Barack’s mother married a man from Indonesia, where he spent his early childhood. Before fifth grade, he returned to Honolulu to live with his maternal grandparents and attend Punahou School on scholarship.
In his memoir Dreams from My Father (1995), Obama describes the complexities of discovering his identity in adolescence. After two years at Occidental College in Los Angeles, he transferred to Columbia University, where he studied political science and international relations. Following graduation in 1983, Obama worked in New York City, then became a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, coordinating with churches to improve housing conditions and set up job-training programs in a community hit hard by steel mill closures. In 1988, he went to Harvard Law School, where he attracted national attention as the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. Returning to Chicago, he joined a small law firm specializing in civil rights.
In 1992, Obama married Michelle Robinson, a lawyer who had also excelled at Harvard Law. Their daughters, Malia and Sasha, were born in 1998 and 2001, respectively. Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1996, and then to the U.S. Senate in 2004. At the Democratic National Convention that summer, he delivered a much acclaimed keynote address. Some pundits instantly pronounced him a future president, but most did not expect it to happen for some time. Nevertheless, in 2008 he was elected over Arizona Senator John McCain by 365 to 173 electoral votes.
As an incoming president, Obama faced many challenges—an economic collapse, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the continuing menace of terrorism. Inaugurated before an estimated crowd of 1.8 million people, Obama proposed unprecedented federal spending to revive the economy and also hoped to renew America’s stature in the world. During his first term he signed three signature bills: an omnibus bill to stimulate the economy, legislation making health care more accessible and affordable, and legislation reforming the nation’s financial institutions. Obama also pressed for a fair pay act for women, financial reform legislation, and efforts for consumer protection. In 2009, Obama became the fourth president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
In 2012, he was reelected over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney by 332 to 206 electoral votes. The Middle East remained a key foreign policy challenge. Obama had overseen the killing of Osama bin Laden, but a new self-proclaimed Islamic State arose during a civil war in Syria and began inciting terrorist attacks. Obama sought to manage a hostile Iran with a treaty that hindered its development of nuclear weapons. The Obama administration also adopted a climate change agreement signed by 195 nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming.
In the last year of his second term, Obama spoke at two events that clearly moved him—the 50th anniversary of the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, and the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “Our union is not yet perfect, but we are getting closer,” he said in Selma. “And that’s why we celebrate,” he told those attending the museum opening in Washington, “mindful that our work is not yet done.”
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BLACK HISTORY UNSUNG HERO, MAJOR CAPERS | |
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On Saturday, as a part of the Town of Cary Future of Black History Month celebration, in partnership with Town of Cary, we Honor Major James Capers. The Major may very well be one of the most accomplished military heroes whose name you've never heard! A true Unsung American Hero.
A special thanks to Tru Pettigrew, Tamika Pettigrew for hosting and organizing this event, and also, the Major for his words of inspiration.
If you do not know the story of Major James Capers, check out the link below and look him up for yourself.
#BlackHistoryMonth #MajorJamesCapers #UnsungHero #BHM #BuildingBridges
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MORRISVILLE BLACK HISTORY MOMENT
In July 1939, photographer Dorothea Lange spent the afternoon with Zollie Lyon and his family on their farm southwest of Morrisville.
Lange was tasked by the Farm Security Administration of the federal government to document the Great Depression across America. Most people know her for the photograph titled "Migrant Mother."
#MorrisvilleBlackHistoryMonth
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY AND BLACK RESISTANCE | |
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This month, we kicked off Black History Month, a time, when we can reflect on the remarkable contributions that Black Americans have made to our nation in all walks of life.
This years’ Black History Month theme is” Black Resistance,”exploring how "African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial progroms and police killings," since the nation's earliest days.
I never would have imagined that in the year 2023, we would continue to see brutal beatings of black men like Tyre Nichols at the hands of our police officers. I cannot think of a better time than now, then to support our black brothers and sisters during these difficult times, as our struggle for equality and resistance continues.
During this month, I challenge each of us to reflect on the injustices African Americans have faced, and to be inspired by their resilience to persevere in the face of adversity.
Please share with me any Black Leaders or individuals that we should recognize this month and I will highlight a few every week until the end of the month, both on Social Media and in my next few newsletters.
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BLACK SMALL BUSINESS VISIT OF THE WEEK: | |
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Equality vs. Equity and Leveling the Playing Field:
https://wraltechwire.com/2022/06/27/rao-equality-v-equity-and-leveling-the-playing-field-for-minority-owned-businesses/
During Black History Month, I will be visiting Black owned businesses as a part of my Small Business Tour in 2023.
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I AM BRILLIANT
www.iambrilliant.org.
I enjoyed my visit with Michael Stewart Isaacs from iambrilliant at the Town of Cary Black History lecture.
Co-Founders, Shemekka Ebony & Michael Stewart-Isaacs, show audiences how to reboot their inner light of talent to empower their Family, Community, and Company. Their mission is to connect the threads that weave through communities to provide people ACCESS, honor EXPERIENCES, and institute BETTER PRACTICES for sustainable partnerships.
Keep up the Great Work!
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WHAT IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH?
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans.
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
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THE STORY BEHIND BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.
Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.
In the decades that followed, mayors of cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations recognizing "Negro History Week." By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, "Negro History Week" had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.
Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more.
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BLACK HISTORY STEM LEADERS | |
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Here are a few STEM Icons, African-American men and women, who made the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math so much better and powerful.
- The “Peanut Man”, Dr. George Carver who innovated agriculture and helped develop new usages of crops. He created more than 300 products from peanuts including paints, milk and stains.
- Researcher Mary Daly who was the 1st African American woman in the US to earn a PhD in chemistry. She found the connection between heart function and cholesterol in our food.
- Jesse Blayton, an accountant and a radio entrepreneur, was the first African American to own and operate a radio station. His radio station WERD was housed just above the SCLC office and helped spread Martin Luther King’s dream.
Read about their inspiring stories and many more STEM Icons in short rhymes in STEM Icons - Celebrating Black History. Available to buy or read on Kindle for free today at https://amzn.to/3k49gGn .
Congratulations to my friend Moni Singh, founder of STEM for Kids, for writing this book.
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Suicide Prevention Line to 988 |
On Saturday, July 16, the U.S. will transition the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 – an easy-to-remember three-digit number for 24/7 crisis care.
The lifeline, which also links to the Veterans Crisis Line, follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care more in reach for people in need.
Starting tomorrow, simply calling or texting 988 or chatting https://988Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. #988Lifeline
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Join us on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm for our interview with HSS on Darsana Exhibit. 99.9HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders
99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Great Interview on Radio Nyra with Hill Carrow on the 2029 FISU World University Games.
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/596450559170578/?t=18
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Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!
https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79
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On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!
https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch
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WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!
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Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!
Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.
Link to the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg
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Sen. Tillis’ immigration bill was a rare display of political courage | Opinion
Read my Op Ed in Raleigh News and Observer
https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article270762997.html
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Feb 14th Council Meeting Highlights | |
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Highlights from the February 14, 2023 Morrisville Town Council meeting include:
• Duke Energy Rezoning Request
• Winter Advisory Committee Appointments
• Town Code of Ordinances Update
For details visit https://bit.ly/3ImQZNT
#LiveConnectedLiveWell
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This Week in Morrisville: February 20th - 26th | |
Public Invited to Morrisville Carpenter Road Project Ribbon-Cutting on February 28
Join the Town of Morrisville as we celebrate the grand re-opening of Morrisville Carpenter Road after the completed expansion of the road from two lanes to four lanes and additional enhancements including new sidewalks and streetlights. A ribbon-cutting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. at the corner of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Town Hall Drive. Parking will be available at the Indian Creek Trailhead (101 Town Hall Drive) and Town Hall (100 Town Hall Drive).
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Blasting to Take Place on Southport Drive on February 22
A blasting permit has been issued for 401 Southport Dr. for Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 11 a.m. The permit allows for blasting between Feb. 22 and April 22. Residents in the area may hear loud noises when the blasting takes place.
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Morrisville Senior Center Hosting Trip to Ava Gardner Museum on February 22
The Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, will host a trip to the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield on Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $23 for residents and $28 for non-residents. Lunch will be at a local restaurant at a separate cost. Click here to register online.
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Have You Joined Engage Morrisville?
Engage Morrisville is a place for residents and businesses to get involved by sharing ideas and feedback with Town staff on various projects and topics affecting the Morrisville community. Current topics of conversation include the Town Center Project, What's Happening Around Town, and the Morrisville Smart Shuttle. Register and join the conversation today.
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Pool at the MAFC to be Closed February 6-24
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC), 1301 Morrisville Parkway, will close its pool for needed repairs from Feb. 6-24. New non-impact exercise classes will be available during this time.
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Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center is currently recruiting for a Senior Aquatics Specialist (FT), part-time lifeguards who can work during the day in the off season, experienced swim instructors, and desk staff who can work in the day and early evening. Learn more and apply here.
Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.
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Annual Water Disinfection Process to Take Place March 1-April 14
Each year, Cary joins neighboring communities to temporarily suspend the use of ammonia in the water treatment process. This practice follows the states recommendation that all water systems that use chloramines (a compound of chlorine and ammonia) for disinfection temporarily switch to chlorine only. During this process, water is also released from fire hydrants to help ensure that chlorine flows through the entire system. Residents who use water for kidney dialysis, fish aquariums, and other chlorine-sensitive uses should be aware that the water may contain chlorine or a mixture of chlorine and ammonia between March 1 and April 14. While the water may have a more distinct chlorine odor during this time, it remains safe to drink. For questions, call 311 or visit townofcary.com/waterchange.
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Spring White Goods Collection to be March 9
The spring white goods collection will take place March 9. The white goods collection is offered every three months to pick up old appliances, including washing machines, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves and ovens, and dehumidifiers. Registration is required to participate in the event, and registration must be received by March 6 at 5 p.m. Click here to register for the spring collection. Note that microwaves are not included in the white goods collection. Microwaves can be taken to the South Wake Landfill at 6130 Old Smithfield Road in Apex.
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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
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Public Information Session to be Held on Clean Transportation Plan on February 28
The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public information session on the N.C. Clean Transportation Plan on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 4-5 p.m. The plan provides a summary of ideas from experts, industry representatives, and community advocates on ways to accelerate the decarbonization of North Carolina’s transportation sector. The information session will present an overview of the plan, including priority strategies, and will discuss critical next steps. Click here to register for the information session and get the link to join. Following the public information session, a draft of the plan will be available online for review and public comment from March 1-15.
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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training to be April 22-23
Sign up for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to learn basic disaster response skills to safely help yourself and those around you when disaster strikes and when professional responders aren’t available. The hybrid training class includes both online an in-person training. The in-person class will take place April 22 and 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Morrisville Fire Station No. 1, 200 Town Hall Dr. The virtual portion of the class is available now, and it must be completed by April 14 to attend the in-person sessions. Register here for the training.
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Now Hiring: Join the Public Works Team
The Town of Morrisville Public Works Department has exciting career opportunities available now. Join one of only three North Carolina municipalities with an American Public Works Association (APWA) accredited Public Works Department. For more information, click on the following links:
Streets Maintenance Supervisor
Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.
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Shop Local at the 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.-12 p.m. every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local.
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Raleigh Chamber State Federal Breakfast
Raleigh Chamber State Federal Breakfast with Special Guests Congressman Wiley Nickel, Congresswoman Deborah Ross and newly elected General Assembly Members, Ya Liu, Sarah Crawford, Mary Willis Bode, and Lisa Graffstein!
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Morrisville Chamber Power of Inclusion Lunch! | |
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IT Serve Raleigh Chapter
Attended IT Serve Raleigh Chapter Kick off Meeting with Congressman Wiley Nickel!
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Live Burn at Scoggins Avenue | |
Small Business Listening Tour: | |
Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company. | |
Mo’s Barbershop
I enjoyed my small business visit with Mo Davis, owner of Mo’s Barbershop in Morrisville, and we were so glad he is in Morrisville.
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Yeet Street Disc Golf
Visit with Yeet Street Disc Golf at Cedar Fork District Park!
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National and North Carolina News | |
Medicaid Expansion Passes NC House, On to Senate
Legislation that would expand Medicaid coverage in North Carolina to hundreds of thousands of low-income adults through the 2010 Affordable Care Act advanced to the Senate with House approval Thursday.
A second day of strong bipartisan support for the legislation — the chamber gave initial approval to the measure on Wednesday — affirms that approving expansion during this year's legislative session is within reach.
North Carolina is among 11 states that haven't adopted Medicaid expansion.
"This is a part of history and we need to move this forward so that we can have serious discussions with the Senate," bill sponsor Rep. Donny Lambeth, a Forsyth County Republican, said before Thursday's 92-22 vote. Two-thirds of House Republicans voting joined all Democrats present in backing the bill.
In the Senate, Republicans also back expansion but want it coupled with a series of initiatives to build out the supply of healthcare services and providers. Those include scaling back "certificate of need" laws that require regulatory hurdles before medical equipment is used or new hospital beds filled. Speaker Tim Moore said after Thursday's vote that House members were willing to discuss certificate of need reforms with senators.
The two chambers passed competing expansion measures in 2022 but failed to reach a compromise.
This year's House measure would begin expansion next January, provided that the General Assembly approves a state budget law this year.
The federal government covers 90% of expansion costs. The state's 10% share of expenses for expansion enrollees would be paid through increased hospital assessments to the state. But the bill also envisions hospitals receiving billions of additional federal dollars to cover Medicaid patients.
The House bill tells state health officials to attempt to negotiate with federal health regulators to require some Medicaid enrollees to work in order to retain coverage.
Medicaid enrollment is 2.9 million in North Carolina. Expansion could cover as many as 600,000 people in the state, according to legislators and advocates and could add about $2 billion to the State Budget. Some of these people obtained and retained Medicaid services during the COVID-19 emergency because eligibility verifications were suspended. Those verifications will resume soon, resulting over time in 300,000 beneficiaries losing full health care coverage, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.
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NC Republicans Make it Easier to Overide Veto
The permanent rules for operating the Republican-controlled North Carolina House for the next two years were approved by members Wednesday, despite objections from Democrats that they make it easier for GOP lawmakers to override vetoes by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
Temporary rules approved last month omitted an element from previous years requiring chamber leaders to give at least two days’ notice before holding an override vote.
Wednesday's final rules package says an override vote may be taken on the same day a veto message is received from Cooper or from the Senate, or on “any other legislative day it is printed” on the chamber’s official agenda.
House Republicans hold a 71-49 seat margin, one vote short of a supermajority. That means they can override a veto if at least one Democrat joins them or if two Democrats are absent — even briefly — as long as GOP members are all present and united.
Seeking to allay fears of Democrats, House Rules Chairman Destin Hall, a Caldwell County Republican, said that while the GOP majority would aim to override every one of Cooper's vetoes, “it's not our job to do that through trickery and deceit.”
But House Minority Leader Robert Reives of Chatham County said the provision makes it harder for legislators — whose jobs are already viewed as part-time — to meet scheduling demands back at home and in Raleigh.
The chamber rejected a pair of amendments from Democratic Rep. Brandon Lofton of Mecklenburg County that would have placed additional restrictions upon veto override attempts.
Five Democrats joined all Republicans in voting 76-43 for the rules package.
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NC SENATE OKAYS GUN BILL WITH PISTOL PERMIT REPEAL
North Carolina's Senate voted Thursday to scrap a century-old requirement that a sheriff formally signs off before a person can purchase a handgun as part of a broader firearms bill.
The Republican senators approved the legislation 29-19 in a party-line vote.
The firearms bill would also allow people with a concealed weapons permit — separate from the pistol purchase permit — to carry a gun while attending religious services at a private school or some charter schools. Permitted gun owners can already carry at standalone church buildings if the congregation allows it.
The measure, which also creates and funds a two-year education campaign on the safe storage of firearms, contains “common-sense laws to ensure that the rights of law-abiding citizens are not being infringed,” Sen. Danny Britt, a Robeson County Republican and chief sponsor, said in a press release.
Using parliamentary maneuvers, GOP senators blocked floor votes on several proposed Democratic amendments to tighten gun laws, such as universal background checks for all weapon sales and “red-flag” orders. Senate Democrats, who would support the safe storage campaign language if voted on in separate legislation, said Thursday the permit repeal would lead to more gun injuries and deaths at a time of increased mass shootings.
The bill “is the antithesis of common-sense gun reform,” Sen. Natasha Marcus, a Mecklenburg County Democrat, during floor debate. “It’s a relinquishment of our job to protect North Carolinians from violence.”
In 2021, separate bills containing the pistol permit repeal and gun access within more houses of worship passed the General Assembly but were vetoed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. He said at the time that educators and children need protections from gun violence and the permit system reduces gun-related deaths.
But Republicans made enough seat gains during the November elections so that the GOP holds a veto-proof majority in the Senate and are within one seat of similar control in the House.
The House advanced these proposals this week in their own competing measures. The bill addressing religious meeting places passed the full House chamber on Wednesday with the support of six Democrats — signaling that any veto override of a measure on that specific topic this year could be successful. GOP leaders in both chambers will have to hash out which of the gun bills they want to put on Cooper's desk.
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CRUMP WANTS RALEIGH POLICE OFFICERS CHARGED IN TASING DEATH
Prominent attorney Ben Crump and the family of Darryl Williams called for the Raleigh police officers involved in Williams' death to be fired and charged on Thursday. He said he wants the officers involved to be charged with manslaughter due to their reckless regard for human life and safety.
"When Williams said 'I have heart problems,' you would not think that a person would tase him again and again," Crump said. 'That's not humanity, that's torture."
In January, Williams' family first made a list of demands for the police department days after his death summoned controversy in the community.
Last week, police released body cam footage of Williams' arrest.
Raleigh police officers were patrolling the businesses in a shopping center on Rock Quarry Road on Jan. 17 when they saw Williams sitting in a car outside a sweepstakes parlor. They suspected he had alcohol and marijuana in the car and asked to search it. Inside Williams' car, officers found drugs and two guns, one of which had been reported stolen.
Crump said Williams should have never been approached by police. "We don’t see them going into white neighborhoods for proactive policing," he said.
Officer C.D. Robinson used his Taser on Williams, who fell to the ground. After the first stun, Williams can be heard on camera saying, “I have heart problems.” Williams was able to get up and run a short distance across the parking lot, the report says.
Crump believes Williams was targeted due to the color of his skin and that a Taser should never have been deployed simply because Williams resisted and ran.
Williams fell to the ground, where officers struggled with him, attempting to handcuff him. While Williams fought, officers used the Taser twice more in in stun mode, according to the report. The officers used the Taser on Williams' side and on his back. No shots were fired. Williams later died in custody.
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
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President Biden is in Poland to mark nearly a year of war in Ukraine.
• What to know: He’ll give a speech today ahead of the Feb. 24 anniversary of Russia’s invasion. It follows his surprise trip to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, yesterday.
• Why it matters: Biden is looking to strengthen support for Ukraine among U.S. allies ahead of spring, when Russia is expected to launch a major offensive.
• In Russia: President Vladimir Putin, delivering his annual address this morning, said he will suspend participation in a key nuclear arms treaty with the U.S.
PRESIDENT BIDEN MAKES SURPRISE VISIT TO KYIV
• What we know: Biden arrived in the capital, Kyiv, four days before the anniversary of Russia’s invasion. He was spotted outside a monastery with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• Why it matters: It’s a high-risk visit to a city that has been under threat of missile attacks, and a display of support for Ukraine ahead of an expected Russian offensive in the spring.
Former president Jimmy Carter has chosen to enter hospice care.
• The details: The 98-year-old decided to spend his final days at home in Plains, Ga., after a series of brief hospital stays, the Carter Center announced Saturday.
• What else to know: Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981, has overcome serious health problems in recent years including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain.
The Supreme Court is hearing a case today that could transform the internet.
• What to know: In Gonzalez v. Google, a family argues that tech companies should be legally accountable for harmful content promoted by their algorithms.
• Why it matters: The landmark case could threaten Section 230, a decades-old law that has shielded tech giants from blame over posts, photos and videos shared on their platforms.
Water levels in the nation’s second-largest reservoir are at a record low.
• What to know: Lake Powell, on the Arizona-Utah border, saw its water levels fall this month to the lowest since it was filled in the 1960s.
• Why it matters: It generates power for about 4.5 million people. It’s also part of the Colorado River Basin system, which provides water to over 40 million people.
• What’s next? Cuts in states’ usage will be needed or the reservoir could become unable to supply hydropower or water, experts said.
AI is starting to pick who gets laid off.
• How? With software that analyzes performance data. In a recent U.S. survey, 98% of human resources leaders said software and algorithms will help them make layoff decisions this year.
• Why that’s worrying: Bad data could lead to people unfairly losing their jobs, and there are concerns about potential bias against people of color, women or older people.
A judge released parts of a grand jury report about a Trump investigation.
• Which one? The criminal investigation into efforts by President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn 2020 election results in Georgia.
• How we got here: The investigation started days after a recording was released of Trump pressuring a Georgia official to recalculate the vote in his favor.
• What’s new? The grand jury believes some witnesses may have lied under oath, the report released yesterday said. Recommendations for criminal charges were kept secret.
The U.S. and its allies are working to destroy Russian spy networks.
• What to know: Since the invasion of Ukraine last year, U.S. and European security services have been waging a campaign to root out and arrest Russian agents in Europe.
• Is it working? Officials said Russia still has significant spying capabilities, but its agencies have been damaged more over the past year than at any time since the Cold War.
A Democratic senator checked himself into a hospital for depression.
• Who? Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who suffered a near-fatal stroke during his campaign last year. He voluntarily admitted himself this week, his team said yesterday.
• Why it matters: Fetterman’s disclosure is rare for a politician and comes after efforts in recent years to end stigmas around mental health.
Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with a rare type of dementia.
• What to know: The actor, 67, has frontotemporal dementia (FTD), his family said yesterday. He retired last year after being diagnosed with aphasia, a communication disorder.
• What is FTD? It affects parts of the brain that deal with behavior and speech. It is most common in people younger than 60, and it has no treatment or cure.
Tesla recalled more than 360,000 vehicles over its self-driving software.
• Why? The electric cars speed, miss intersections and don’t come to a complete stop at stop signs, along with other behavior that can cause crashes, according to government regulators.
• What this means: It’s the biggest setback yet for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology. The company said it will fix the problem with a remote software update.
Microsoft’s new AI chatbot is going off the rails.
• What to know: Microsoft launched the bot, named Bing, last week. It’s supposed to complement Microsoft’s search engine.
• What’s going wrong? People with early access say it’s giving out bad information and getting angry and defensive when questioned.
• Why is this happening? Experts say Bing isn’t becoming sentient. But it is reflecting the good and bad elements of the internet used to train the AI technology.
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FEB 24th Join us on PBS CAROLINAS BLACK ISSUES FORUM at 7 pm and on Feb 26th at 4 pm!
Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!
Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV! Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!
Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.
Link to the Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg
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PBS NC
- Fridays at 7 p.m. (premiere)
- Sundays at 4 p.m.
- Thursdays at 1:30 a.m.
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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.
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Feb 23 Tie Carolinas Venture Investing Social
at Fortnight Brewery at 1006 Southwest Maynard Road, Cary, 27511.
5:45 pm to 8:15 pm
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MARCH 18th Green Day at CHURCH STREET PARK AT 8 am! | |
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March 18th Town of Morrisville Holi Noon to 3 pm! | |
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Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra Interview | Join me every Sunday at 4pm for a new show. 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! | |
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Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!
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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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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