Commissioner Interview Erin Thompson Orange County

Erin Thompson

How long have you been on the Board?

ò I was elected in November 2012. I was sworn in

December 2012.

Will you run for re-election when your current term expires?

ò We’ll see! If the people are pleased with my work, then I will. I have a couple of years to think about it.

What are your local priorities?

ò Community services and Agriculture. I work with

underserved communities including the agriculture community

ò I am particularly interested in the Cedar Grove Community. I would

like to turn the Cedar Grove School into a Community Center…

What county issues hold the most importance to you?

ò Community services… I’m concerned about people living decently and with dignity. I’m also interested in Education,

Housing, Water / Sewer Systems, and infrastructure of the county.

Are there long-term concerns you have about our county?

ò We need a tax base so that property owners don’t spend all

of their money on taxes. If we have a solid tax base to bring in more revenue, that means more

economic development and services for Orange County…

What role does the Board of Commissioners play in addressing these concerns?

ò We stand behind our economic development and planning

department in getting businesses to locate here in Orange County.

We also use research done by UNC- Chapel Hill to locate the businesses to stay in Orange

County.

What are the biggest concerns that citizens ask you about?

ò Citizens also express concerns about their taxes. They say, “my

taxes are too high!” There are also concerns about jobs and

transportation in the rural area. Transportation is needed for senior

citizens to get from one place to another, such as their nutrition programs at the senior center.

What are some of the responsibilities that you were not aware of when you ran

for office?

ò I was not aware of all of the committees and extra meetings!

As a commissioner, we are expected to serve on various

committees once elected.

What are the hardest decisions you’ve faced as a county commissioner?

ò It was hard to decide on whether or not to raise taxes in the

county.

County Commissioner Renee Price

County Manager Frank Clifton

Human Resources Director Nicole Clark

Director of Elections Tracy Reams

Director of Public Affairs Carla Banks

Orange County