Arts Wing Public Hearing -- Please & Thank You

[Susana Dancy]

All,

Thank you, thank you, thank you for showing up at Tuesday night’s Public Hearing.  I was SO impressed with the turn-out and with the meaningful comments during the hearing.  This brings us one step closer to the goal of the Carrboro High School Arts Wing.

For those who could not attend the meeting, here’s the update:

• The County Commissioners voted to proceed with the legal work necessary to issue the $4.1 million in Qualified School Construction Bonds; the school board has committed to bridging the additional $440,000 necessary for construction.  
• These bonds are a new financing vehicle created as part of the federal stimulus package, so counties and other agencies are struggling a bit with how to maneuver them.  
• Very few lenders are currently buying these bonds (i.e. lending money through this program). This means that no one is really sure how, when or whether these low- or no-interest bonds will be available for construction.  
  

The good news is that the County Commissioners clearly showed support for the CHS Arts Wing.  Your efforts have made the difference.  Please email the commissioners and thank them for their support of the project.  Tell them that it is important to build the Arts Wing even if they have to issue regular bonds to make it happen.  

Here’s a copy of the e-mail I am sending.  Feel free to copy, borrow or write your own:

Dear County Commissioners,

Thank you for your continued support of the Carrboro High School Arts Wing and for your affirmative vote at Tuesday’s meeting.  I am relieved that there is across-the-board support for moving forward with this very real capital need.  

As an Orange County taxpayer, I strongly support the use of low- or no-interest money to build the facility.  However, should the Qualified School Construction Bonds not become available, I ask you to vote for the use of regular, interest-bearing bonds to build this essential part of Carrboro High School.  Further delays in construction of this core school facility compromises the education of all students who attend the school, not just those involved in performing arts.

Again, thank you for your commitment to all of the students of Orange County.

Highest regards,

Susana Dancy
(address)

The e-mail addresses can be found here:  http://www.co.orange.nc.us/contact.htm#bocc

Thank you again for your persistence and for what you’re doing for all of our children.

Best,

Susana