FW: Letter of Support for Marilyn Carter, with Signatories
Laura Jensen
Commissioners,
Caryn Zoffer asked me to forward a letter signed by several residents supporting the appointment of Marilyn Carter to the vacant BOCC position. I copied and pasted the letter into the body of an email (below) since IT generally doesn’t want you to open any email attachments from outside of the county network.
Thank you,
Laura
Subject: Letter of Support for Marilyn Carter for the District 1 BOCC seat
Dear Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC):
I am writing in support of Marilyn Carter’s application to fill the open District 1 Board position
vacated by Commissioner Mark Dorosin.
I have reviewed Ms. Carter’s application for the position and strongly believe that she will bring the
right combination of experience, skills and perspective critical to working effectively with the Board
and delivering progress for all Orange County citizens.
I support Ms. Carter’s priorities as a commissioner, including:
● Expanding affordable housing - in tandem with sustainable and environmentally responsible
economic development that creates jobs.
● Providing reliable broadband access county-wide - with emphasis on underserved parts of
the county.
● Ensuring strong public schools and equitable educational outcomes.
● Taking action to address the accelerating climate emergency.
● Continuing strong support for public health - including mental health, developmental
disability and substance abuse services.
Furthermore, on Saturday, August 14, the local Democratic party met, as required by North Carolina
law (NC General Statute 153A-27), to consider four candidates who had applied for the position,
including Ms. Carter. After candidate presentations, the party's County Executive Committee
members residing in District 1 cast their ballots in a weighted vote to determine whom to
recommend to the BOCC. The following results were reported by the Parliamentarian:
● Marilyn Carter received 265.5 votes.
● The next highest vote total for a candidate was 171.5 votes.
● All 4 applicants received over 50% of the weighted vote total and will therefore be forwarded
for consideration by the BOCC.
I thank Board Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford, and Commissioners Amy Fowler,
Sally Greene, Jean Hamilton and Earl McKee for their committed leadership, leadership which has
made Orange County one of the strongest county governments in North Carolina.
The Undersigned
Mr. Kenneth Woods
8/16/2021 18:11:56
District 2
Marilyn Carter is the best equipped candidate to serve on the BOOC. She has wisdom,
knowledge and the experience. She knows the needs and she knows what the citizens of
Orange County expects from their Commisioner.
Dr. Carol Burke
8/17/2021 12:14:17
District 1
Marilyn Carter brings both energy and expertise to this position. I can't think of anyone better
to work with other commissioners to solve the challenges our country now faces.
Ms. Caryn Zoffer
8/17/2021 12:19:50
District 1
I have known and worked directly with Marilyn for several years and urge you to select her
for the open position on the BOCC. Marilyn is hard-working, effective, fair, knows how to
reach consensus, has the right priorities for Orange County and, most important, an open
mind and big heart.
Mr. William Zoffer
8/17/2021 12:56:08
District 1
MARTIN FEINSTEIN
Precinct chair Westwood
8/17/2021 12:56:56
District 1
I know Marilyn primarily as the chair of the Orange County Democratic Party. I, as many
others, had extensive personal contact with her. She's organized, committed, tireless,
responsive, and always accessible. Her collaboration with precinct officers and volunteers
helped to improve an already high functioning county party.
Ms. Mollie Zoffer
8/17/2021 12:57:39
District 1
Holly McKinney
Vice Chair Patterson Precinct
8/17/2021 13:22:20
District 2
Charles Burnham
8/17/2021 13:41:32
District 2
LEO ALLISON
8/17/2021 13:45:13
District 2
Mary Boswell
8/17/2021 14:31:14
District 2
Mildred Hunter
precinct Chair Hillsborough East
8/17/2021 15:19:43
District 2
John Ferguson
8/17/2021 16:25:53
District 2
This note is to say that I wholeheartedly support the candidacy of Marilyn Carter to fill the
unexpired term of Mr. Dorosin on the Orange County Board of Commissioner. It is my belief
that she has the experience, the skill set, and the ability to work with others, that the position
requires.
Douglas Everett
8/17/2021 16:59:22
District 2
Marilyn is personable, caring, and a great listener. She made a great Chair of the OCDP and
will make a wonderful County Commissioner.
Mrs. Elizabeth Becker
8/18/2021 11:47:29
District 2
Marilyn is dedicated to our community and its residents. She would make an excellent
addition to the BOCC.
Grace Kirchgessner
8/18/2021 12:33:41
District 1
Mr. Joseph Becker
8/18/2021 12:59:20
District 2
I personally know Marilyn and I believe she is one of the most hardest working woman in our
county for all the citizens of Orange County!
Beth Gerall
8/18/2021 14:31:45
District 2
When Marilyn was Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, she demonstrated time
and again her ability to work with a broad range of people on many different topics. She
maintained a focus on the entire county. I firmly believe she will continue to act for the
benefit of the entire county as a member of the BOCC.
Melodia Bradsher
8/18/2021 14:54:57
District 2
Edmund Tiryakian
Caldwell precinct chair
8/19/2021 4:30:40
District 2
Marilyn was a much appreciated, inclusive, listening OCDP chair. Always friendly and
welcoming. I think she would make an excellent BoCC member and a great colleague
Gloria Meares
Chair - Patterson Precinct
8/19/2021 11:00:08
District 2
As Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, Marilyn brought a level of
professionalism and energy to the job that was truly inspiring. Her hard work led to a
more modern and transformed party within our county. Outside the county, her
leadership led to more cohesive and cooperative interactions among the different county
parties. I believe Marilyn's intelligence, energy, wisdom, and wit make her an ideal
candidate to serve as a County Commissioner for our community. I strongly endorse her
candidacy and hope you will give her your utmost consideration.
Dr. Sharon Brown
8/20/2021 10:19:55
District 2
Dr. Mary Olney
8/20/2021 15:26:15
District 1
Marilyn is an impassioned and inspiring leader. I know this from my experience as a precinct
leader for the Orange County Democratic Party when she served as chair. She will do an
excellent job as county commissioner for all citizens of Orange County when she is
appointed (and elected also, as I strongly hope!).
Vivian Herndon-Latta
8/21/2021 2:19:17
District 2
While serving as Chair of the Cedar Grove Precinct and Marilyn was serving as Chair of the
Orange County Democratic Party, I founded Marilyn to be focus, concerned, willing to find
the best of any situation or problem. Marilyn was willing to share opinion and ideal. Marilyn
will be very suitable for this position.
Pamela Schwingl
8/21/2021 8:57:01
District 2
Ms. Judith Ernst
8/21/2021 11:32:54
District 1
Kirsten Stacey-Bothwell
Co-Chair St Mary’s Precinct
8/21/2021 17:30:41
District 2
Marilyn is committed, responsive and supports a large umbrella in the Democratic Party,
encouraging engagement and participation from all participants.
Sherene Min
8/22/2021 7:36:04
District 1
Marilyn has been an excellent advocate in the community for addressing policies that will
help those who are disadvantaged or in need. She is a leader who communicates the
issues well and works towards solutions. She is also tremendous at encouraging others to
be more involved in the issues that matter to them. She will make a fantastic County
Commissioner and will represent us well.
Mr. William Murray
8/22/2021 11:33:47
District 1
Kathy Murray
8/22/2021 11:42:05
District 1
Trystlynn Barber
Chair, 4th Congressional district, LGBTQ+ Democrats of NC
8/22/2021 12:44:36
District 1
Ms. Marguerite Most
8/22/2021 13:09:16
District 2
I write to support Marilyn Carter for the opening on the BOCC. I see her as the candidate
who is most knowledgeable on issues and concerns of the Orange County community
beyond district 1. As a Hillsborough precinct leader in district 2, I worked directly with Ms
Carter when she served as chair of the Orange County Democratic party. She graciously
moved meetings online in response to last year's pandemic, and did so with good humor
and kindness for those less comfortable with the venue. I have contacted her several times
since she resigned as chair; most recently, she confirmed her answer to my question
through her research, and with colleagues.
I especially commend her active listening style; and in her role as party chair, her mentoring
of young people, the ways she drew in and found leadership responsibilities for college and
high school students, and the ways she generally recognized and encouraged the
contributions of people of color. I know the energy and care she showed as OCDP chair will
carry through in how she approaches serving on the BOCC. She has my strong support.
Susan Attermeier
8/22/2021 13:33:04
District 2
Marilyn Carter has my support for the position of County Commissioner. She is known for
her integrity and her knowledge of the issues. I trust her to attend to the concerns of the
residents of District 2.
Mr. Alton Tyre
8/22/2021 20:08:11
District 2
I am impressed with Marilyn's responses to the questions posed for why she wants to
become a county commissioner. She has a wide range of experiences that will be an asset
to the Orange County Board of Commissioners. I am also expressed by her work when she
served as Chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
Theodore White
8/22/2021 21:01:54
District 1
Laura Jensen
Clerk to the Board
Orange County Government
From: Caryn Zoffer <caryn...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2021 9:45 AM
To: Clerk <Cl...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: [EXTERNAL MAIL!] Letter of Support for Marilyn Carter, with Signatories
Dear Ms. Jensen:
I am sharing the attached Letter of Support for Marilyn Carter, who is an applicant for the open District 1 position on the Board of County Commissioners. The letter is followed by a number of signatories, including me, who reside in Orange County, many with additional comments.
Can you please share this document with all members of the BOCC and confirm your receipt?
Many thanks,
Caryn Zoffer