Last update : 05-09-2008 07:54

A transportation work session and a presentation of our legislative agenda were the highlights of a relatively light week as mayor.

The week started with a representative from SAS (my employer) giving me an update on their mixed use overlay proposal. The public may find it interesting that SAS does not contact me on non-related work issues at work. It is also interesting to note that when this mixed use overlay comes up for a vote that I am required by General Statutes to vote unless I have a direct financial interest. According to my conversations with NC League of Municipalities representatives and our attorney I do not have a direct financial interest and I will have to vote on this and other SAS items.

On Monday afternoon I traveled to the NC Legislative Building and presented Cary’s ten issue agenda to the Wake County Delegation of senators and representatives. Most of the mayors in Wake County also presented their agendas. This was the first time I had been before this body and I found the experience very formal making it very political. For example, the Wendell mayor presented his agenda and didn’t mention schools. In the questions that followed Representative Ross, who is opposed to at-large representation of school board members, asked the mayor how his municipality stood on this issue even though it has been reported in the paper that Wendell opposed at-large elections of school board members. This was followed by a question about the Wendell’s vote on this issue and why. This prompted the mayor to say...

Last update : 05-05-2008 09:41

May 2, 2008

For Immediate Release

(Cary, NC)  Two of North Carolina’s best-known political operatives and party opposites, Democrat Gary Pearce and Republican Carter Wrenn, will present their views on politics, the presidential elections, and the media on Tuesday, May 13, at Glenaire Retirement Center, 4000 Glenaire Circle in Cary. This event begins at 7:00 pm and is sponsored by the Western Wake Democratic Club. Admission is free and open to the public.

Mr. Pearce was a key advisor to Gov. Jim Hunt and worked in all of Hunt's campaigns for Governor and the 1984 Senate race.  He has worked with a number of other Democratic candidates for statewide and local office.  Mr. Wrenn served as director of the National Congressional Club, managed Ronald Reagan's campaign in North Carolina, was media advisor to the Steve Forbes campaign for President, and directed five successful Republican campaigns for US Senate in NC. 

Once adversaries, Pearce and Wrenn joined forces in 2002 and formed a group called ProCare, to fight insurance giant Blue Cross/Blue Shield in their bid to become a for-profit company.  The two now publish a political blog, www.talkingaboutpolitics.com.

For more information about this event or the Western Wake Democrats, contact Ruth Merkle, Chair, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or 919-656-6719.

Last update : 05-04-2008 22:12