The election results are in and the citizens of Chatham have spoken. I am disappointed that I will not be able to continue my service to Chatham beyond November 2008. I congratulate my opponent, Sally Kost, and wish her well in the general election in November.
I am very proud of what I have been able to achieve as your commissioner. Among my successes is the changing of the face and focus of the Economic Development Corporation, the support of new schools and a solid capital improvement program, the development of the Business Park in Siler City, its new hospital and planned new campus for Central Carolina Community College, the adding of staff to the Planning Office, the creation of the County's first erosion control officer and full-time County attorney, the increased environmental protection of our waterways and Jordan Lake, and the awakening of Cary to the idea that Chatham County has a voice that must be heard.
It has been an honor to serve you. I believe I have been very successful in setting the tone of change necessary to brighten Chatham's future. I am hopeful that whomever takes up the reigns will continue to focus on the entire County and not just the northeast. Chatham County's success can only be defined by the success of all regions within Chatham.
Thank you to those who have supported me in 2004 and in 2008. I plan on working out my tenure on the Board in the same manner as I always have ... laying the groundwork for a bright future for Chatham. I believe we will still have a solid Board of Commissioners moving in the right direction. I am hopeful the citizens of Chatham will give this Board a chance, and that we all become part of the process by which we will see Chatham succeed. There is still quite a bit to do. Chatham County's future is up to all of us.
Thank you.
Patrick Barnes
Campaign in full swing!
Well the campaign is in full swing and we are looking forward to the May 6 primary. Please feel free to listen to my opening remarks at a recent forum held at Carolina Meadows on April 15th.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-g9ETpxqyk
Thank you for your support!
Patrick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-g9ETpxqyk
Thank you for your support!
Patrick
Barnes and Chatham County Infrastructure - Chatlist Post 4-14-08
Recently there has been renewed discussion regarding sewer and wastewater ... in general, infrastructure … in particular, a recently approved State sewer allocation for Chatham. Some view this with trepidation, fearing that it would only lead to more residential growth … up to 100,000 homes, I recently heard. Some have a concern about not having a plan in place before requesting a sewer allocation, which again could lead to rampant misuse of this allocation.
Water and sewer infrastructure is essential for true economic development. This is highlighted in the adopted strategic plan, our land conservation and development plan, and the most recent economic development strategic plan proposal, http://www.chathamedc.org/pdfs/recommendations_april08.pdf .
As with our County’s water allocation, we also needed the State’s approval for a sewer discharge allocation. Without it, we would have no hope for infrastructure, for economic development, or for addressing the sewer challenges of our existing municipalities; Pittsboro, Siler City, and Goldston.
About a year ago our commissioners went to DEHNR to seek an allocation. They were told no. Cary & Raleigh had taken the last of it (even though they didn't necessarily have a plan for how it was to be used). Chatham had no options, no leverage, and no idea on what to do next. But Patrick Barnes kept his eye on the ball. Nearly a year later, he discovered a quasi-clandestine wastewater plan emerging in western Wake County (they weren't telling us or involving us). Patrick inserted himself into this discussion (he wasn't very welcomed there). He and our then County attorney found a legal loophole that compelled western Wake County and Cary to start paying attention to Chatham County.
The result of this leverage is a letter from DENHR advising Chatham of having an allocation. One year ago, Chatham County was told no. Because of Patrick Barnes we now have possibilities.
With the allocation, planning can continue - focused on the ideals of the adopted strategic plan, the land conservation and development plan, and the emerging economic development strategic plan, with attention to environmental protection, targeting growth areas, and building the much needed infrastructure to succeed. Without it … well ...
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com/
Chatham County Commissioner
Water and sewer infrastructure is essential for true economic development. This is highlighted in the adopted strategic plan, our land conservation and development plan, and the most recent economic development strategic plan proposal, http://www.chathamedc.org/pdfs/recommendations_april08.pdf .
As with our County’s water allocation, we also needed the State’s approval for a sewer discharge allocation. Without it, we would have no hope for infrastructure, for economic development, or for addressing the sewer challenges of our existing municipalities; Pittsboro, Siler City, and Goldston.
About a year ago our commissioners went to DEHNR to seek an allocation. They were told no. Cary & Raleigh had taken the last of it (even though they didn't necessarily have a plan for how it was to be used). Chatham had no options, no leverage, and no idea on what to do next. But Patrick Barnes kept his eye on the ball. Nearly a year later, he discovered a quasi-clandestine wastewater plan emerging in western Wake County (they weren't telling us or involving us). Patrick inserted himself into this discussion (he wasn't very welcomed there). He and our then County attorney found a legal loophole that compelled western Wake County and Cary to start paying attention to Chatham County.
The result of this leverage is a letter from DENHR advising Chatham of having an allocation. One year ago, Chatham County was told no. Because of Patrick Barnes we now have possibilities.
With the allocation, planning can continue - focused on the ideals of the adopted strategic plan, the land conservation and development plan, and the emerging economic development strategic plan, with attention to environmental protection, targeting growth areas, and building the much needed infrastructure to succeed. Without it … well ...
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com/
Chatham County Commissioner
Barnes & Cross and the Chatham County Business Park - Chatlist Post 4-12-08
Last Tuesday the Economic Development Corporation was treated to a tour of the new Chatham Hospital being built at the Chatham Business Park in Siler City. It was exciting to see this magnificent project take shape. To say the least the project is impressive! And in touring the Business Park campus itself, all 550 acres of it, you could begin to envision the types of business that could be attracted to it.
Roads, power (underground), water, sewer, and natural gas ... all in place. In total, including the land and infrastructure, the Business Park project is estimated to have cost between $10M - $11M. Quite an investment in the economic survival of Siler City, I would say. The land has been recently appraised at $40K per acre, which means the current value of the land itself is $22M.
The Central Carolina Community College has plans to build a campus there as well. These two facilities will be the anchor of the Park. Yes, they will not pay property taxes. However, their presence means good and expanding jobs, room to grow, and the attraction of related businesses.
Imagine the potential of the CCCC working with businesses that choose to move there. Imagine the prestige the Chatham Hospital will gain emerging from their old digs, and how this will attract businesses that service the facility. This Park dovetails nicely into the recently released economic development strategic plan proposal currently under discussion, http://www.chathamedc.org/strategic.shtml
Siler City, infrastructure wise, is better poised for economic growth than the rest of the County. In short this is a great opportunity for Chatham ... poised for an aggressive economic development push. The property is near the crossroads of US 64 and 421, making it accessible to the Triad, Sanford, Ft. Bragg, and RTP.
It took vision and it took action to make this park possible.
It took Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross to keep this vision alive, against others who wanted to parcel the property off and sell it … against those who said it wasn’t worth the investment.
It took Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross to get the infrastructure built and the project completed.
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com
Chatham County Commissioner
Roads, power (underground), water, sewer, and natural gas ... all in place. In total, including the land and infrastructure, the Business Park project is estimated to have cost between $10M - $11M. Quite an investment in the economic survival of Siler City, I would say. The land has been recently appraised at $40K per acre, which means the current value of the land itself is $22M.
The Central Carolina Community College has plans to build a campus there as well. These two facilities will be the anchor of the Park. Yes, they will not pay property taxes. However, their presence means good and expanding jobs, room to grow, and the attraction of related businesses.
Imagine the potential of the CCCC working with businesses that choose to move there. Imagine the prestige the Chatham Hospital will gain emerging from their old digs, and how this will attract businesses that service the facility. This Park dovetails nicely into the recently released economic development strategic plan proposal currently under discussion, http://www.chathamedc.org/strategic.shtml
Siler City, infrastructure wise, is better poised for economic growth than the rest of the County. In short this is a great opportunity for Chatham ... poised for an aggressive economic development push. The property is near the crossroads of US 64 and 421, making it accessible to the Triad, Sanford, Ft. Bragg, and RTP.
It took vision and it took action to make this park possible.
It took Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross to keep this vision alive, against others who wanted to parcel the property off and sell it … against those who said it wasn’t worth the investment.
It took Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross to get the infrastructure built and the project completed.
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com
Chatham County Commissioner
5 - 0 Chatlist Post 4-17-08
The current Board of Commissioners is:
* 5-0 in supporting a dependable water source for Chatham County
* 5-0 in wanting to plan and build sufficient water and sewer infrastructure
* 5-0 in supporting the improvement of infrastructure within municipalities
* 5-0 in wanting to target infrastructure to economic development nodes
* 5-0 in wanting to define these economic development nodes
* 5-0 on reconstituting the EDC and focusing economic development efforts
* 5-0 on developing a comprehensive strategic plan for economic development
* 5-0 in meeting the growing needs of our schools
* 5-0 in dedicating resources to new school construction and renovation
* 5-0 in its support of the Chatham Business Park
* 5-0 in support of Chatham Hospitals and the CCCC relocating to the Park
* 5-0 in protecting our environment and our water resources
* 5-0 in strengthening our stream buffers
* 5-0 in wanting to manage and balance growth in Chatham
* 5-0 in expanding the Planning department staff
* 5-0 in reconstituting the Planning Board and improve the review process
* 5-0 in creating and hiring a full-time attorney
* 5-0 in adding an erosion control officer to oversee development projects
* 5-0 in wanting to complete and implement adopted strategic and use plans
* 5-0 in support of affordable housing initiatives in Chatham
* 5-0 in creating an environmental review board
* 5-0 in creating a green building task force
* 5-0 in support of the long term master plan for parks and recreation
Let's keep this winning streak going!
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4 Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com
Chatham County Commissioner
* 5-0 in supporting a dependable water source for Chatham County
* 5-0 in wanting to plan and build sufficient water and sewer infrastructure
* 5-0 in supporting the improvement of infrastructure within municipalities
* 5-0 in wanting to target infrastructure to economic development nodes
* 5-0 in wanting to define these economic development nodes
* 5-0 on reconstituting the EDC and focusing economic development efforts
* 5-0 on developing a comprehensive strategic plan for economic development
* 5-0 in meeting the growing needs of our schools
* 5-0 in dedicating resources to new school construction and renovation
* 5-0 in its support of the Chatham Business Park
* 5-0 in support of Chatham Hospitals and the CCCC relocating to the Park
* 5-0 in protecting our environment and our water resources
* 5-0 in strengthening our stream buffers
* 5-0 in wanting to manage and balance growth in Chatham
* 5-0 in expanding the Planning department staff
* 5-0 in reconstituting the Planning Board and improve the review process
* 5-0 in creating and hiring a full-time attorney
* 5-0 in adding an erosion control officer to oversee development projects
* 5-0 in wanting to complete and implement adopted strategic and use plans
* 5-0 in support of affordable housing initiatives in Chatham
* 5-0 in creating an environmental review board
* 5-0 in creating a green building task force
* 5-0 in support of the long term master plan for parks and recreation
Let's keep this winning streak going!
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4 Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com
Chatham County Commissioner
100,000 more homes ????? - Chatlist Post 4-22-08
No, not 100,000 more homes, but rather a proactive vision for economic development …
The Chatham Coalition has been circulating flyers and emails slamming Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross for securing a 19MGPD wastewater allocation for Chatham County. Their flyer and email states;
"Imagine.....
Chatham County with 300,000 more people -- or 100,000 more homes. That's 10 times more than anything former Commission Chair Bunkey Morgan ever proposed or approved ... They didn't think to ask: Why would Chatham want a costly countywide water-and-sewer system that would promote sprawl wherever the lines are extended, before revising our land-use plan to limit its use to towns and concentrated economic development areas? How would we pay for it? What would happen to our schools, roadways, natural resources and way of life?"
So I figured I'd answer.
First of all, Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross never said they wanted a 'costly county-wide water-and-sewer system’. Despite the Coalition's attempt to tell you otherwise, no such system is in the works or even being contemplated. What they have said is that infrastructure, water and sewer, is essential for true economic development. And they are not alone in this assertion. This is highlighted in the adopted strategic plan, our land conservation and development plan, and the most recent economic development strategic plan proposal, http://www.chathamedc.org/pdfs/recommendations_april08.pdf.
As with our County's water allocation, we also needed the State's approval for a sewer discharge allocation. Without it, we would have no hope for infrastructure, for economic development, or for addressing the sewer challenges of our existing municipalities; Pittsboro, Siler City, and Goldston. Ask the municipalities if sewer isn't an issue for them as well.
The Coalition presumes that this allocation alone will lead to 100,000 more homes in Chatham ... or at least that's what they want you to believe. In simple terms, this allocation provides us a planning tool. Without it, we have no options. Planning will be based on our land conservation and development plan and our economic strategy. It will be targeted to municipalities and economic development centers, and it will (it must) involve our municipalities. Without infrastructure, there is limited economic development. Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross are envisioning Chatham County's future. The Coalition is still fighting the demons (and the fears) of the past.
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com/
Chatham County Commissioner
The Chatham Coalition has been circulating flyers and emails slamming Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross for securing a 19MGPD wastewater allocation for Chatham County. Their flyer and email states;
"Imagine.....
Chatham County with 300,000 more people -- or 100,000 more homes. That's 10 times more than anything former Commission Chair Bunkey Morgan ever proposed or approved ... They didn't think to ask: Why would Chatham want a costly countywide water-and-sewer system that would promote sprawl wherever the lines are extended, before revising our land-use plan to limit its use to towns and concentrated economic development areas? How would we pay for it? What would happen to our schools, roadways, natural resources and way of life?"
So I figured I'd answer.
First of all, Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross never said they wanted a 'costly county-wide water-and-sewer system’. Despite the Coalition's attempt to tell you otherwise, no such system is in the works or even being contemplated. What they have said is that infrastructure, water and sewer, is essential for true economic development. And they are not alone in this assertion. This is highlighted in the adopted strategic plan, our land conservation and development plan, and the most recent economic development strategic plan proposal, http://www.chathamedc.org/pdfs/recommendations_april08.pdf.
As with our County's water allocation, we also needed the State's approval for a sewer discharge allocation. Without it, we would have no hope for infrastructure, for economic development, or for addressing the sewer challenges of our existing municipalities; Pittsboro, Siler City, and Goldston. Ask the municipalities if sewer isn't an issue for them as well.
The Coalition presumes that this allocation alone will lead to 100,000 more homes in Chatham ... or at least that's what they want you to believe. In simple terms, this allocation provides us a planning tool. Without it, we have no options. Planning will be based on our land conservation and development plan and our economic strategy. It will be targeted to municipalities and economic development centers, and it will (it must) involve our municipalities. Without infrastructure, there is limited economic development. Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross are envisioning Chatham County's future. The Coalition is still fighting the demons (and the fears) of the past.
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com/
Chatham County Commissioner
Protecting Our Environment - Chatlist Post 4-26-08
Sedimentation & Erosion Control Program Wins Top State Honor
Earlier this year, Chatham's Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program received one of two top statewide awards at a banquet hosted by the NC Sedimentation Control Commission. The awards program has two categories based on staff size, with Chatham winning the top award for programs with no more than three full-time staff members...
http://www.chathamnc.org/index.aspx?recordid=389&page=19
Congratulations to the County staff that have done such a great job with the program. Congratulations to the current County Board of Commissioners for joining Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross in unanimously supporting this important program.
Congratulations to Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross, who in 2004/2005 pushed hard for the creation of Chatham County's first ever Soil Erosion Control Officer position at a time when the former Chair of the Board was willing to let this opportunity slip away.
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com
Chatham County Commissioner
Earlier this year, Chatham's Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program received one of two top statewide awards at a banquet hosted by the NC Sedimentation Control Commission. The awards program has two categories based on staff size, with Chatham winning the top award for programs with no more than three full-time staff members...
http://www.chathamnc.org/index.aspx?recordid=389&page=19
Congratulations to the County staff that have done such a great job with the program. Congratulations to the current County Board of Commissioners for joining Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross in unanimously supporting this important program.
Congratulations to Patrick Barnes and Mike Cross, who in 2004/2005 pushed hard for the creation of Chatham County's first ever Soil Erosion Control Officer position at a time when the former Chair of the Board was willing to let this opportunity slip away.
Vote May 6th
Re-elect Patrick Barnes, www.Barnes4Chatham.blogspot.com
Re-elect Mike Cross, www.Cross4Chatham.blogspot.com
Chatham County Commissioner
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