WakeUP Wake County forum to address growth issues in local elections

The following is from WakeUP Wake County, a Raleigh-based citizens group that advocates for sustainability in local and state development:

ELECTIONS MATTER FOR GROWTH
WAKEUP WAKE COUNTY FORUM OCT. 2nd, 7-9 pm
You are invited to attend!

How local and state elections will affect growth issues is the topic that will dominate WakeUP Wake County's third annual meeting on Thursday, October 2, 7-9 p.m., to be held in the Fletcher auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. This election season, voters should ask local and state candidates what actions they will take to plan for rapid growth. Who is elected to the Wake Board of Commissioners and the NC General Assembly will directly shape decisions about regional transit, ensuring adequate water supply and how to pay for schools.

WakeUP's forum highlights noted representatives from the left and the right, featuring analyses to be presented by Chris Fitzsimon, progressive commentator of NC Policy Watch and John Hood, president of the conservative John Locke Foundation. "WakeUP wants voters to be informed, so we are inviting perhaps diametrically opposing perspectives on these elections and what they could mean for issues very close to home," according to Karen Rindge, Chair, WakeUP Wake County. Bob Geary, Wake reporter of The Independent, will moderate the discussion.

The meeting's agenda will include an update on priority growth-related issues for WakeUP Wake County, including: education and schools, water supply, and transportation and land use. WakeUP Wake County is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group working to educate the public and policymakers about solutions to growth issues in Wake and the Triangle. WakeUP has over 700 local members and supporters.

The event is free and the public is invited to attend. To learn more about the elections and key growth issues, visit www.wakeupwakecounty.com.

For more information, contact: Karen Rindge, krindge@earthlink.net, 828-3833.