why re-elect gale?
Fiscal responsibility
In 2008 I voted to lower Cary’s tax rate from 42 to 33 cents; it remains the lowest in Wake County. I have also supported strategies to help Cary maintain its AAA bond rating such as increasing our financial reserves beyond the 4-month state requirement; setting a debt ceiling that we have not exceeded; decreasing our debt service by refinancing debt at strategic times; and budgeting conservatively during a significant recession and slow economic recovery.
Economic viability & growth
Although many pundits predict a ‘jobless’ recovery, Cary has experienced a lower unemployment rate than a majority of North Carolina and Wake County towns. We have welcomed the location of new employers like Deutsche Bank and the growth of local employers like the Lord Corporation and SAS Institute. Last year Cary grew at a comfortable rate of about 3%.
Infrastructure & amenities
In 2009 I voted to shelve many worthy capital improvement projects because we did not have sufficient cash to fund them and they would have required the Town to assume additional debt. However, at the same time I voted to move forward with road improvements (example, repaving Cary Parkway) and renovation of the old Cary Elementary School that opened in August as the beautifully renovated Cary Arts Center.
Quality of life
Even with one of the lowest staff to resident ratios in the state (8:1000) Cary continues to offer citizens a high level of service that translates to ongoing recognition as one of the safest towns in the United States with an exceptional quality of life. .
Citizen involvement and transparency
An important part of my Council role is bringing citizens and staff together to facilitate communication; ensure that citizens’ concerns are heard and to seek mutually agreeable solutions. I’ve assisted District D residents and other citizens in navigating Town policies to resolve issues such as the installation of traffic calming devices; inspections; storm water run-off/drainage; and sidewalks. I have also insisted on more transparency in how town business is conducted.