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ELECTION DAY and OPERATION GREENLIGHT EDITION

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

November 7, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.

My Weekly Update


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/682049413891832


Thanks for everyone coming out to the State of Morrisville.  After the elections, I will do a wrap-up of the event.  Highlight was to hear from RDU Airport CEO, Michael Landguth! Great times in Morrisville! 


SCHOOLS ALERT: Wake County School Board will consider this evening Parent Bill of Rights policy changes.  

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/user/wakecountyschools


MORRISVILLE ALERT 


  • TOWN OF MORRISVILLE RANKED AS ONE OF THE TOP CITIES TO LIVE IN BY WALLET HUB!  

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 7!  

 

Get out and vote! Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.  


Verify your voter registration and polling location by visiting the North Carolina Board of Elections site at www.ncbse.com


Please note: Voters will be asked to show a photo ID. Learn more about Voter ID Requirements at https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id/faq-voter-id (Drivers License, Passport, or University ID will be enough) 


You can find your Wake County Polling sites at https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/board-elections


I wanted to wish each of the candidates all the best today and thank each of them for having the courage to have their names on the ballot.  


View Sample Ballots at https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/sample-ballot


TOWN OF CARY DISTRICT D RUN OFF RACE


In Cary, there is a run-off between Sarika Bansal and Rachel Jordan.  Ms. Bansal was the front-runner in the first election with 49% of the vote, only 51 votes from a 50%+1 victory.  A run-off was called by Rachel Jordan, and the election will be held on Nov 7th. 

 

We wish both candidates all the best, and if elected, Sarika will become the first Indian American woman elected to the Cary Council and the first one in Wake. County.   I also know Rachel Jordan, and she is a nice person with a huge heart.  


A reminder that these races are non-partisan and should be based on the candidates and their views on local issues, not party politics.   


Council Candidates should represent all the residents of a Town regardless of their political party but yes, have their own party values when they work with their colleagues to make much-needed investments in their communities. 


Good Luck to both these women and kudos to both of them for having the courage to put their name on the ballot!  


Find your polling sites for District D at https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/News/News/16277/715


MORRISVILLE POLLING SITES 


05 01  Morrisville Elementary 1519 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560

05 03  Chandelier Wedding and Event Venue 1077 Darrington Drive Cary, NC 27513 

05 05  Hindu Society of North Carolina 309 Aviation Parkway Morrisville, NC 27560. 

05 07  Parkside Elementary 332 Parkside Valley Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560

ALL THE BEST TO SOME OF MY FAVORITE CANDIDATES 


MORRISVILLE COUNCIL MEMBER SATISH GARIMELLA 


A major factor behind our Town's success has been the result of the hard work of Council Member Satish Garimella. He is an effective and results driven elected official whose strategic mind, sharp listening skills, and strong working relationships with state, local and federal officials has helped our Council and Town achieve remarkable progress.


Over the past eight years, I have learned much from his leadership style and fully support his re- election and am proud to call him a friend, and ally on the Council I look forward to continuing to serve with him see our Towncontinue to fly to great heights.


Vote for Satish on Tuesday, Nov 7th.


MORRISVILLE MAYOR PRO TEM LIZ JOHNSON


I have served with Mayor Pro Tem Liz Johnson for 13 years and have enjoyed every moment working with her to lead our wonderful town.  She is the longest serving Council Member in Morrisville history (6 terms) and has served on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Board and now Board of Trustees.   Her nurturing and supportive nature has been a constant support to me, the Council, and staff as we face challenges and take on new opportunities.  

 

Thank you Liz!  


MORRISVILLE COUNCIL MEMBER ANNE ROBOTTI 


In this cycle, I am friends with both my colleague Anne Robotti and Subba Reddy who are both vying for the District 3 Seat.  


Anne has always been fighting for an inclusive Morrisville, and led efforts for our Juneteenth event, and also leveraged her HR experience in taking the lead on the interview questions and process for our Town Manager Search.  She is also my new Pickleball Partner!  


SUBBA REDDY


Subba Reddy is a long-time friend and supporter.  He is a CEO of a Tech Company and chairs our Smart City Committee.  We wish him all the best today and thank him for being an engaged resident of the Town.  Congratulations on working so hard and running a great campaign.  I also thank my colleague and friend Anne Robotti, who has also been a very productive member of the Council.  


Wishing them all the best on election day!



CHARLOTTE COUNCIL MEMBER DIMPLE AJMERA 


I am proud to call this brave immigrant from India an inspiration, as she has been the top vote-getter in Charlotte for the past three elections.  Dimple has served as an At Large Council Member since 2017 and is the first Asian American woman to serve on the Council.   


During her tenure on the City Council, Ajmera has been a fighter with a proven record. Ajmera’s platform includes but is not limited to, Public Safety, Affordable Housing, a Healthy Environment, Women’s Equality, Economic Development and Infrastructure. She is widely known for chairing the Environment Committee and helping Charlotte become a global leader in sustainability with bipartisan support along with being a leader on so many issues. 


APEX COUNCIL MEMBERS TERRY MAHAFFEY AND ARNO ZUGERMAN 


A strong and growing Apex means an even stronger Wake County.  


It is important that we retain strong, visionary Council leaders on the Apex Town Council, whose leadership will bring continued progress and prosperity to this successful Town.  


I am proud to call two of these leaders on your Council both my friends and Wake County elected official colleagues, Terry Mahaffey and Arno Zugerman.   


A major factor behind Apex's recent success has been the result of the hard work of both Terry and Arno. These effective and results driven elected officials have helped your Town achieve remarkable progress.  They have been outstanding champions for quality education, responsible zoning, and have supported an inclusive community where everyone can prosper.  For example, Council Member Mahaffey has led efforts to bring Holi to Apex in 2024 with a Holi event at Apex Jaycee Park from 3 pm to 7 pm pn April6th. 


I proudly support their candidacies for the upcoming November election.

OPERATION GREEN LIGHT STARTS TODAY!  NOV 6- NOV 12 


My Message on Operation Green Light: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/660445439532188


Counties across the country are joining Operation Green Light for Veterans to shine a light on the issues veterans face and highlight the resources available to veterans at the county, state, and federal levels.


Shine your lights green to show our veterans how much we appreciate them!   


(More on Operation Greenlight in my next newsletter) 

https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans

MEDIA ALERT


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 Refuguees 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


TUNE IN ON FRIDAYS at 3 pm to WPTF 98.5 FM and 680 AM with Jeff Hamlin.   

TOWN OF MORRISVILLE TOPS RANKINGS! 


My Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/109646792241836


Morrisville has been named one of the best places to live in the U.S., according to a new study. The Town made the 93rd percentile nationwide for towns and small cities according to WalletHub’s “Best Small Cities in America” 2023 edition.


To gather their findings, researchers compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 based on 45 key indicators of livability. 

APPLY FOR A TOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEES BY NOV 8TH!


We are excited to announce that the Town of Morrisville began Advisory Committee Recruitment on October 2, 2023 and the application submission window will close on November 8th at 5 pm! Apply Here!


We are searching for passionate individuals like you to join us in shaping the future of our community.


All boards/committees have vacancies or expiring terms that may be filled during this appointment process.


If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Town Clerk Eric Smith at (919) 463-6168 or via email at esmith@townofmorrisville.org.


Advisory Committee Descriptions


MESC


Join the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee (MESC) and make a tangible difference in our community. Promote sustainability, local recycling, innovative stormwater management, and other environmental programs. Shape the future by supporting groundbreaking policies for a greener, more sustainable Morrisville. Join us today! 


PMAC


Passionate about enhancing transparency and accountability in Morrisville? Join the Performance Measures Advisory Committee (PMAC) today! Shape important town performance measures, process improvements, and benchmarks. Join PMAC and help shape Morrisville! 


SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE


Join the Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) and enhance the quality of life for seniors in Morrisville! Investigate innovative methods, coordinate tailored events, and promote seniors' activities. Shape public perception through informative articles and contribute to policy recommendations. Make a difference in seniors' programs and activities by providing valuable input on budgets. Join SAC today for an inclusive and fulfilling experience in Morrisville! 


MORRISVILLE SMART CITY STEERING COMMITTEE (MSCSC)


Join the Morrisville Smart City Steering Committee and be a part of revolutionizing our town's future! Collaborating closely with the IT Department, our committee pioneers innovative smart city initiatives in Morrisville. If you're passionate about technology and have a vision for a connected, intelligent community, we invite you to join us. Together, we're shaping the future, one groundbreaking initiative at a time! 


MORRISVILLE PUBLIC EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE


Are you passionate about education and dedicated to making a difference? The Morrisville Public Education Advisory Committee wants individuals like you to join our ranks! You can play a vital role in shaping the future of our community by informing and advising the Town Council on the specific needs of our public schools in Morrisville. Your expertise and ideas can drive positive change, ensuring every child receives the best education possible. Come be a part of this impactful journey and help us create a brighter, more promising tomorrow for our students! 


PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PSAC)


Passionate about community safety? PSAC needs your dedication! Dive into crucial discussions, shaping policies and ordinances that directly influence Town Council decisions, ensuring a safer tomorrow. Join us now, and let's support our community together! 


PARKS AND RECREATION


Are you passionate about creating vibrant recreational spaces and cultural programs?


The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee is looking for enthusiastic individuals like you to suggest improvements, lead development initiatives, and facilitate long-range plans that will be considered by the Town Council. Your innovative ideas can transform our community, providing exciting recreational opportunities and enriching cultural experiences. Join us now, and let's promote a town where everyone can thrive, play, and celebrate together! 


PLANNING AND ZONING


The Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) is searching for dedicated individuals to assist in influencing crucial decisions related to land use, zoning, and development issues in Morrisville. As a member, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the town's growth, ensuring thoughtful and sustainable development practices. Join us now, and let's support a thriving, well-planned Morrisville together! 

Highlights of the Week:

RDU LUFTHANSA EXECUTIVES VISIT RDU TO TALK SERVICE TO INDIA!


Last Thursday, I hosted a meeting with Michael Landguth and Lufthansa Executives with community leaders from our Indian Community to discuss service to India.  I am pleased to announce that the flights to Lufthansa will land in Frankfurt at 6:15 am and flights to Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and a list of other major cities will leave at 10 am.  


This flight will significantly reduce travel time to India and offer another connection to India, which will also be important to strengthen the commercial ties between NC and India.    


I want to thank Vimal Kolappa from NCAIA, Kiran Kolavennu, Vishal Ghadia, Viren Patel and Satish Garimella for working with me to organize and mobilize our community.  

 

We will continue to work on a Direct Flight to India and also an Emirates Connection.  

Tickets are on sale so go to www.lufthansa.com


Stay tuned! 

SWADESH CHATTERJEE HONORED BY TRIANGLE BENGALI ASSOCIATION 


Remarks from Swadesh Chatterjee: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1004797874116141


Congratulations to Swadesh Chatterjee who was honored by the Triangle Bengali Association for his life achievements in receiving the Padma Bhushan, Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and for his remarkable role in strengthening the ties between the United States and India and leading these efforts for most of his adult life.  


Attorney General Stein, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, and other leaders graced the occasion.  


It was inspiring and emotional to hear from Swadesh's wife Manju, who spoke about their romance and lifelong partnership. 

CORE CRICKET ACADEMY LAUNCHES 


Congratulations to Triangle Cricket League and Jana for launching the Youth Develpment Program to grow young professional cricket players in the United States!   I will be sharing more information on this program in my next newsletter!  

GREEN HOPE CIVICS CLASS WAS A BLAST! 


A special thanks to Green Hope High School for inviting me along with Council Member Robotti to talk about political campaigns.  Another Cawley was in the house, Ryan Cawley, a Senior and a fine young man!  

TAMIL CULTURAL ASSOCIATION


I ended my Saturday at Green Level High School with the Tamil Cultural Association to celebrat Tamil culture, dance and music.  It was honored to share with the community the strong connection I have with the State of Tamil Nadu as my great grandfather, Dr. U.Rama Rau, was the speaker of the Tamil Nadu State and his son, my Great Uncle was the Mayor of Madras in 1961.  


Picture is my Uncle Madras Mayor Krishna Rau welcoming her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at the Mayor's residence. 


BRANDON ZUDEIMA TAKES OATH OF OFFICE 


Congratulations to Brandon Zudeima who took the oath of office alongside his family!  We look forward to his great leadership! 

GET THE MORRISVILLE APP AT THE APP STORE!


Get all the latest information about news and events around Town with the authoritative app, Morrisville Central. 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. You can also report concerns as you see them using the app’s interactive tool.


Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.

BREAKING NEWS: 

State Auditor Beth Wood will not seek re-election.


https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-state-auditor-election-beth-wood-e31d1f5b9f672e6c716c965d9d7a2ae7

Israeli Troops surround Gaza City. War Rages on and over 10,000 dead.


https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-6-2023-51286d15dddd77ae0dd7ea76ee52bc71

COUNCIL MEMBER STEVE RAO AND HIS TEAM MEET LUFTHANSA EXECUTIVES TO DISCUSS SERVICE TO INDIA.  (SEE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK)

Op Ed Alert:

This Week in Morrisville. Nov 06- Nov 10

Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team


The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full and part-time positions including:


Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.

Meetings


Nov. 8 - 6 p.m. Public Education Advisory Committee

Nov. 9 – 6 p.m. Senior Advisory Committee

Nov. 9 – 6:30 p.m. Planning & Zoning Board


Election Day is November 7


Get out and vote, Morrisville! Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Verify your voter registration and polling location by visiting the North Carolina Board of Elections here. Please note: Voters will be asked to show a photo ID. Learn more about Wake County elections here.


DYK? Since Morrisville has geographic/residential districts (versus electoral), all registered voters in Morrisville may cast their vote for each open Town Council seat, even if not represented by that district.


Town Offices Closed Friday, Nov. 10


The Town of Morrisville administrative offices, Cedar Fork Community Center, and Morrisville Senior Center will be closed Friday, Nov. 10, in observance of Veterans Day. The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center will be open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and operate regular hours throughout the weekend.


Police, fire, and rescue services will remain available. For life-threatening or in-progress emergencies, call 911.


Veterans Day Celebration and 5K to be held Nov. 11


The Morrisville Veterans Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m., at Indian Creek Trailhead (101 Town Hall Drive.) Congresswoman Deborah Ross will be the keynote speaker.


Following the celebration, the second annual Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation 5K Walk will take place at 9:30 a.m. Registration is available online here and onsite beginning at 8:30 a.m. Participants will receive a T-shirt. 


Talk Morrisville Q&A with Town Manager Zuidema on Nov. 13


On Monday, Nov. 13 at noon, Town Manager Brandon Zuidema will be sitting down for a Talk Morrisville Facebook Live Q&A. Learn more about his background and vision for the future of Morrisville. Residents can submit questions in advance here.


Operation Greenlight is Nov. 6-12


The Town of Morrisville will join Wake County for Operation Greenlight, Nov. 6-12, a national collaborative initiative to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges they may face. During this time, residents and businesses are encouraged to change one light bulb to a green bulb. Learn more here.


Advisory Committee Recruitment Now Open


Recruitment for Morrisville's resident advisory committees is now open. The Town is searching for passionate individuals to join us in shaping the future of our community. This recruitment period is focused on filling vacancies or expiring terms on ALL committees and the Planning and Zoning Board. Interested residents can apply online here. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Nov. 8.


If you have any questions or need further information, contact Town Clerk Eric Smith at 919-463-6168 or via email at [esmith@townofmorrisville.org]esmith@townofmorrisville.org. 


Morrisville Parkway Access Management Study Survey Now Open


The Town of Morrisville is partnering with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) to complete a Morrisville Parkway Access Management Study (MPAMS) for the two-mile section of Morrisville Parkway between Davis Drive and NC 54/Chapel Hill Road. The corridor will be evaluated for general safety improvements associated with access management for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Click here to learn more about MPAMS and take the survey.

 

Members of the Planning Department will be at the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (1301 Morrisville Parkway) on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 9-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m., to answer questions and receive feedback.


Winter White Goods Collection is Dec. 7


The Winter White Goods collection day will be Thursday, Dec. 7. Registration is required and opens Tuesday, Nov. 7 here. Items to be collected include washing machines, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves/ovens, and dehumidifiers. Microwaves should be dropped off at the South Wake Landfill, 6130 Old Smithfield Road, Apex. 

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.

Around the Region

Inspired by Dorcas Ministries Breakfast and thanks to Andre Anthony for his hospitality!





Deborah Morgan is a hit at Dorcas! 




TIE Pitch event! Daniel Keeser from OPAID!  AI for Opiod! 



Cary Veteran Lunch at Prestonwood! 


 

Great Green Day in Morrisville! 

Hanging with Terry Mahaffey on Last Day of Early Voting. 



Go Pack!  Celebrating our Veterans and win over Miami!


 

Small Business Listening Tour: 

Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company.

SMALL BUSINESS VISIT OF THE WEEK


SMALL BUSINESS FORUM INSIGHTS FROM CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT FUND: 


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/838053647911356


North Carolina News

BETH WOOD WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION


North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood, who received unwanted attention earlier this year with a traffic-related court plea, announced on Wednesday that she won’t seek reelection in 2024 after all.


Wood, a Democrat who was first elected as an auditor in 2008, revealed her decision publicly during testimony before an oversight committee at the Legislative Building, citing in part her age and “some circumstances that are in my life.” Wood told reporters after the meeting that she wanted to start a public speaking career and another term would delay that.


“I have loved this job and am proud of the work we have done to bring accountability to State Government,” Wood said in a separate written statement. “My heart is filled with gratitude to the voters who put their confidence in me for four terms. But I will be 70 in April and so it will be time to say farewell at the end of my current term.”

Wood had said in June that she would be seeking reelection. Three months earlier she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for leaving the scene of a December 2022 crash in which she drove her state-owned vehicle into a parked car. A judge sentenced her to pay fines and court costs.


No one was hurt in the accident, which occurred after Wood left a holiday party in downtown Raleigh. Her citation became public in January. Wood apologized, saying she had made a “grave mistake” and should have waited to let the accident play out.


GOVERNOR COOPER WINS A LEGAL BATTLE 


Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper won a court victory on Nov. 1 when a three-judge panel blocked the legislature’s attempt to strip his appointment powers regarding three state boards.


That’s part of the news. Here’s the other part: The win is partial, temporary and likely to be overturned by the Republican-dominated state Supreme Court despite a previous ruling protecting the governor’s appointment powers.


That’s the state of North Carolina’s judiciary, starting and ending with the state Supreme Court. To predict the outcome of a case, don’t look at its legal merits, look at the political parties involved.


Read More at https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/nc-courts-under-political-assault-093000955.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=A


NC Gerrymanders continue and Democrats will fight it: 


North Carolina's new congressional maps just became law last week, and Democrats said they plan on challenging the redistricting in court, saying there's racial bias in the new maps. 


The new maps are designed to give Republican candidates a large advantage in upcoming elections for Congress and the North Carolina legislature. Republicans say the maps are fair and will hold up in court, but Democrats told WRAL they think the maps are unconstitutional. The new maps could give North Carolina Republicans at least three more seats in the U.S. House after 2024, all at the expense of first- and second-term Democrats, according to state election data. That change could be enough to help Republicans keep a House majority in Washington. 


Read More at: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-redistricting-congressional-maps-political-gerrymandering-democrats-vow-lawsuits/275-bc014e82-872e-4644-9


Wake County Schools Considers New Rules for Public Hearings 


People speaking at Wake school board meetings would need to refrain from personal attacks against other people or be asked to leave the podium, according to a proposed policy revision being considered by the Wake County Board of Education.


The board’s current policy merely encourages speakers to refrain from personal attacks. The change gives the board the authority to tell speakers it’s against the rules and instruct a meeting attendee to stop speaking if they refuse to comply.


Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/want-to-speak-at-a-wake-school-board-meeting-no-personal-attacks/21112693/


Corey Branch to run for Raleigh Mayor 


Longtime councilman Corey Branch is running for Raleigh mayor in the 2024 election.


Branch, 45, made the announcement Thursday on a number of platforms, including Instagram. He has served on Raleigh City Council for almost nine years.


Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/corey-branch-longtime-city-councilman-is-running-for-raleigh-mayor/21116397/


Wake County Schools Roll out Student Reassigment Plan for 2024-2025


The Wake County School District presented its first draft of the 2024-25 enrollment plan to the school board Tuesday.


The district is proposing reassignments at 21 schools – 13 elementary schools, six middle schools and two high schools.


Pleasant Grove Elementary in Morrisville would be the focal point of several changes. A portion of its attendance zone would be reassigned into Brier Creek, Leesville Road or York elementary schools in Raleigh. Then, parts of Alston Ridge and Parkside elementary schools, in Cary and Morrisville, would be reassigned to Pleasant Grove Elementary. 


The changes would reduce some overcrowding at the schools, although they would require some calendar changes for families to or from multi-track or traditional calendars.


Families of children who will be in fourth or fifth grade next year could apply to stay at their school instead of moving to Pleasant Grove, and they could apply for any younger siblings who will be kindergarten or older to stay, as well. They would not have busing.

Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/wake-county-school-district-proposes-to-move-students-from-21-schools/21054801/

LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES 

1. Israeli troops claimed to have encircled Gaza city and split the coastal enclave in two. They plan to enter the city within the next two days, according to Israeli media. Internet services in Gaza were reportedly partially restored after the area suffered its third communications and internet blackout since the war began. A Jordanian cargo plane dropped several containers of aid over the Gaza Strip, which Israeli media said was carried out in co-ordination with Israel’s army. It is believed to be the first such parachute delivery of the conflict.


2. Antony Blinken, America’s secretary of state, met Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s foreign minister, in Ankara, the capital. Earlier hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters tried to storm an air base in Turkey that houses American troops. On Sunday Mr Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq, having earlier met with Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, in the West Bank. Mr Blinken has been pushing for “humanitarian pauses” in the fighting in Gaza.


3. Ryanair announced it would pay a regular dividend for the first time since going public in 1997. Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers prefers to spend its money on expansion and debts rather than returning it to shareholders. The firm forecast a record profit of €1.85bn ($1.9bn) to €2.05bn for the year ending in March. Traffic rose by 11% to 105m passengers between April and September.


4. Novo Nordisk, a Danish drugmaker, said it will ramp up research and development in America unless the European Commission changes its planned reform of pharmaceutical regulation. The commission has proposed shortening the duration of patents for new drugs. According to EFPIA, an industry group, that could reduce Europe’s share of global R&D by a third by 2040—the equivalent of €2bn ($2.1bn) of lost investment a year.


5. Germany’s service sector contracted in October, according to a survey by S&P Global and Hamburg Commercial Bank. The purchasing managers’ index dropped to 48.2, down from 50.3 in September (anything below 50 marks a contraction). Separately, business activity suffered in the euro zone, shrinking from 47.2 in September, to 46.5 in October—the lowest reading in almost three years.


6 A caravan of hundreds of migrants left for America’s southern border from Tapachula in southern Mexico. It is expected to join a bigger caravan also headed for the border, which is estimated to comprise between 3,500 and 7,000 people. That will worry Joe Biden. Migration is bound to loom large in America’s presidential election next year.


7 Taylor Swift’s re-recording of her album “1989” sold nearly 1.7m copies in its first week post-release, surpassing the 1.3m sales of the original in 2014. The pop singer started re-recording her albums in 2021 as a way of regaining control of her master tapes, after Big Machine, her former record label, sold the original masters to Scooter Braun, a music mogul.


Figure of the day: 10%, Donald Trump’s proposed tariff on all imported goods, three times America’s average.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov. 7


Neighborhood Meeting for Hindu Society of NC Campus Plans at Cedar Fork Community Center from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.  



Nov 1  NC Tech Awards Gala Raleigh Convention Center 6 pm to 9 pm!  www.ncta.org


Nov 2 TIE CAROLINAS CURATED PITCH EVENT 5:30 pm at Fortnight Brewing!  Register at 


Nov 9  SMART CITIES CONFERENCE RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER!  


Join me at this event to learn more on how we can leverage the Internet of Things (IOT) to enhance the quality of services to our residents!  We can make Wake County the Smartest County in the State!  I want to thanl Smart City Manager John Holden for his outstanding work in organizing this event! https://www.raleighconvention.com/events/connected-communities-2023


Read my Blog on Smart Cities: https://wraltechwire.com/2022/02/04/making-nc-a-smart-state-lessons-learned-from-the-morrisville-smart-city-playbook/


NOV 10, Town of Cary Veteran Day event at Cary Veteran Memorial at 11 am! 


NOV 11 9 am TOWN OF MORRISVILLE VETERAN DAY EVENT and VETERAN DAY MEMORIAL 5K (INDIAN CREEK PARK) 


NOV 12 RADIO NYRA DIWALI MELA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION at Briarcreek Clocktower (8531 Briar Creek Parkway) 6 to 8 pm!


NOV 13 12 PM - 7 PM - DIWALI & ANNAKUT CELEBRATIONS at

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

1020 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville


Nov 13th State of Wake County Address!  

PNC Arena at 6 pm.  Live Stream at www.wakegov.com!

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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