Gurley Delivers State of Wake County Address

11/19/2007

In his State of the County address today, Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tony Gurley highlighted programs, partnerships and people that are building the foundations for the future of the capital county and providing its quality of life today.

"Over the last year, we have faced many challenges and celebrated many achievements," Gurley said. "And with the help of our citizens, business leaders and nonprofit organizations, together we are laying foundations for a future that promises to be one of the brightest in North Carolina, and in all of the United States."

Among many achievements of the year, Gurley said the Commissioners took pride in helping fund the first freestanding hospice in Wake County. Hospice of Wake County broke ground in October 2007 for The William C. Dunlap Center of Caring, also made possible with generous donations from the community. Gurley also recognized the family of the late Sheriff John Baker Jr., and he praised Baker’s contributions to the community, announcing that Commissioners would vote later in the meeting to rename the Wake County Public Safety Center in Baker's honor.

Gurley applauded the County’s partnerships with numerous nonprofits and recognized individuals in the audience, both of which allow Wake County to maintain its position as a national leader. Volunteer physicians at Allied Medical Ministries, he noted, provide health care to working, uninsured Wake County citizens. The 80 churches in the Child Welfare Faith Community Partnership are committed to helping support foster and adoptive families for abused and neglected children.

Gurley said Wake County is privileged to have the best school system in the state, and the largest. "We all recognize that education is directly linked to attracting business, high-paying jobs, and maintaining a great quality of life," Gurley said. "No one contributes more to this goal than our teachers, especially Wake County Teacher of the Year Paige Elliott."

Whether citizens take classes at Wake Technical Community College, enjoy the beauty of the County’s open space, or receive supportive housing services from CASA, Gurley said, it is partnership that makes Wake County successful. He pointed out the efforts of groups like the Wake County National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee and the Sheriff’s Citizen Well-check Program.

"They fill a void between the public and private sectors, assisting those who are unable to advocate or care for themselves," Gurley said.

Gurley discussed how the foundations for the future that are built today will affect everyone, citing the voter-approved bonds for libraries, Wake Tech and open space; the Citizens’ Facilities Advisory Committee recommendations; and the Stormwater Management Task Force recommendations.

Gurley applauded the efforts of Wake County’s economic development program, partnering with the state and the Chamber of Commerce, for bringing corporations such as Credit Suisse, Fidelity, RBC, Novartis and Network Appliances and their high-paying new jobs to Wake County.

Gurley also praised County programs that have won state and national awards: "I am proud of Wake County," he said. "We are strong in delivering the responsibilities of County government. But government is just one facet. Our businesses, the nonprofits and the citizens of Wake County are the real drivers behind our success."

In concluding, Gurley stated, "The state of the County is sound, the future is bright, and we are all blessed with caring neighbors and unlimited potential for prosperity and success."

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