Carissa Graves
Carissa Graves
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Candidate did not provide biography.
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What motivated me to run for the Alamance County Board of Commissioners is deeply rooted in my commitment to serve and improve the community where I live, work, and raise my family. Having served as Mayor and as a member of the Green Level Town Council for more than a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how local government decisions directly impact the quality of life for our residents. My experience as a business owner and educator has also shown me the critical need for strong leadership in areas like economic growth, education, and public safety.
Alamance County faces a unique set of challenges, from addressing school funding issues to ensuring smart, sustainable growth that respects our rural heritage. I believe that my background in law, accounting, and public service uniquely positions me to help the county navigate these challenges. I’m not running just to be a voice at the table, but to bring solutions that foster economic opportunity, support our public schools, and improve the quality of life for all residents.
Ultimately, I’m running to represent the diverse voices of Alamance County and ensure that our county’s future is bright for generations to come.
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My vision for Alamance County is to create a community where growth and opportunity are balanced with a commitment to preserving our heritage, ensuring everyone has access to resources that improve their quality of life. I envision a county that fosters economic development, provides world-class education, supports public safety, and promotes inclusivity.
As a County Commissioner, my actions will support this vision through:
Sustainable Growth: I will advocate for smart growth policies that respect our rural roots while promoting economic development. This includes supporting businesses, creating jobs, and attracting investments that benefit all residents.
Education: With 17 out of 39 schools currently struggling, I will work closely with the school board to ensure proper funding, enhance facilities, and support programs that provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
Public Safety and Health: I will prioritize improving public health and safety resources, ensuring that our law enforcement and emergency services are well-equipped and that healthcare is accessible to all.
Government Accountability: I will work to ensure that Alamance County’s government is transparent, responsive, and accountable to its citizens, making sure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to support community initiatives.
By focusing on these areas, I believe Alamance County can grow in a way that benefits all residents, while staying true to the values that make it a special place to call home.
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I believe the three most significant needs for Alamance County is
1. Education Improvement. With 17 of our 39 schools identified as failing, there’s an urgent need to address the quality of education in our county. We must ensure adequate funding, improve school infrastructure, and support teachers to give our students a strong foundation for the future.
2. The Courts System: Our courts are facing backlogs and capacity issues that directly impact our ability to deliver timely justice. As the county grows, so does the strain on the legal system. We must address staffing needs, improve infrastructure, and invest in resources that help alleviate delays.
3. Land Development Planning: Alamance County is growing rapidly, and without a clear plan for land development, we risk overdevelopment and disorganized growth. We need a comprehensive land use and zoning plan to guide where and how development occurs. Thoughtful planning will protect our rural areas, ensure infrastructure is in place before development, and promote balanced growth that benefits all residents.
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My approach to taxation, budget prioritization, and resource allocation is centered on balancing fiscal responsibility with meeting the critical needs of Alamance County’s residents.
Taxation. I support a fair and reasonable tax structure that ensures the county can meet its obligations without overburdening taxpayers. I will carefully examine the tax base to identify areas where we can maintain taxes, while ensuring that essential services like education, public safety, and infrastructure are adequately funded. Efficient government spending and the elimination of waste will be key to maintaining low taxes while delivering high-quality services.
Budget Prioritization. My focus will be on prioritizing key areas such as education, public safety, and economic development. This means ensuring schools receive the funding they need to improve performance, law enforcement and EMS services are well-supported, and the county can invest in infrastructure projects that promote long-term growth. We must also protect services such as healthcare access and affordable housing, by allocating resources where they have the greatest impact on our community.
Resource Allocation. I will work to ensure resources are allocated transparently and equitably across the county. This includes conducting thorough assessments of departmental needs and looking for opportunities to collaborate with state and federal programs to supplement local funding
By focusing on these principles, I aim to maintain a balanced and sustainable budget that addresses the immediate and future needs of Alamance County.
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The Board of Commissioners should approach land development and future growth in Alamance County with a focus on sustainable, smart growth that balances economic expansion with the preservation of the county’s rural character and natural resources. Here’s how I believe this can be achieved:
Comprehensive Land-Use Planning:
The county should implement and regularly update a comprehensive land-use plan that considers both current and future needs. This includes zoning policies that guide where residential, commercial, and industrial developments should occur.
Infrastructure Development:
As Alamance County continues to grow, it's critical that infrastructure—roads, water, sewer systems, and public transit—keeps pace with that growth.
Preserving Agriculture and Open Spaces:
Protecting Alamance County’s agricultural roots is essential. The Board should implement policies that balance development with the preservation of farmland and natural spaces.
Engaging the Community:
It’s essential to involve residents, local businesses, and community organizations in the development planning process. Public forums, surveys, and collaboration with local stakeholders will ensure that growth reflects the needs and desires of the community.
By focusing on smart growth strategies, the Board can guide Alamance County’s development in a way that encourages economic progress, protects natural resources, and ensures a high quality of life for all residents.
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An effective relationship between the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) Board of Education and the Alamance County Commissioners is critical for addressing educational challenges and ensuring the success of students in the county. For this relationship to work, it requires:
Open Communication and Collaboration between the ABSS Board and the Commissioners. Both bodies must meet frequently to discuss budget needs, educational goals, and infrastructure improvements.
The Commissioners and the Board of Education must align on a shared vision for the future of education in Alamance County. This includes focusing on improving failing schools, supporting teachers, and creating environments conducive to learning.
There must be Equitable Resource Allocation. The County Commissioners control funding for school infrastructure and resources, while the ABSS Board handles how that funding is used. I will ensure that budgetary decisions reflect the most pressing needs in the school system, particularly in areas such as failing schools, safety, and teacher support.
Lastly, the Board of Education and the County Commissioners must be accountable for educational outcomes. This means addressing problems proactively, whether they relate to school infrastructure, transportation, or underperforming schools.
As a Commissioner, I would advocate for joint meetings to ensure both sides understand the challenges and priorities of the school system. I will work to ensure that education remains a top priority when making budget decisions, and that school needs are met in a timely and effective manner. I would push for transparency and work to hold both boards accountable through consistent oversight, review, and follow-up on how funds are being used and how results are measured.
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To achieve Alamance County’s goals, I will foster strong partnerships with local governments, state agencies, and community organizations through three key strategies:
Open Dialogue and Collaboration. I will maintain regular communication with local leaders and state representatives to address shared concerns like transportation, housing, and economic growth. By holding collaborative planning sessions, we can ensure that we are aligned in our efforts and make the best use of available resources.
Leveraging State and Federal Resources. Working closely with state agencies will be a priority to secure funding for crucial projects. This includes advocating for grants, infrastructure improvements, and economic incentives that support growth in Alamance County.
Building Strong Relationships with Community Organizations:
I will collaborate with nonprofits and advocacy groups to address issues such as affordable housing and healthcare, ensuring essential services reach those who need them most.
These strategies will help us achieve sustainable growth and strengthen our community connections.
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To engage constituent voices in the decisions of the Board of Commissioners, a combination of transparency, accessibility, and proactive outreach will be implemented.
Regular Town Halls and Public Forums:
Holding regular town hall meetings and public forums across the county will allow residents to share their concerns on key issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development. This ensures diverse communities are represented in the decision-making process.
Open Lines of Communication:
Open communication channels, such as phone, email, and social media, will be maintained to gather feedback. Digital tools like surveys will help engage those unable to attend meetings, expanding participation and inclusivity.
Citizen Advisory Committees:
Forming citizen advisory committees on specific areas like public safety, education, and economic development will provide residents direct input, ensuring diverse perspectives inform decisions made by the Board.
Transparency and Accountability:
Communicating Board decisions clearly and regularly, including publishing meeting minutes and updates, ensures transparency. Public understanding of the reasons behind decisions fosters trust and keeps the community informed.
Engagement through these methods will ensure that Alamance County residents are actively involved in shaping the future of the county.
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One specific leadership experience that illustrates how I will be an effective leader for Alamance County is my service as Councilwomen, Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor of Green Level, NC, where I served and led the town council through three terms of significant progress. During my tenure, I worked with the council and community stakeholders to address infrastructure needs, improve public safety, and secure funding for key projects.
A major challenge we faced was updating the town’s water and sewer system to accommodate population growth while maintaining affordable rates for residents. I helped our board secure grants and funding from state agencies to support this effort, ensuring that we could make these improvements without increasing the tax burden on our community. This experience required effective collaboration, budget management, and strategic planning, all of which are essential skills for serving on the Alamance County Board of Commissioners.
Through this leadership role, I demonstrated my ability to listen to constituents, work with other government officials, and take action that positively impacts the community. This experience prepared me to navigate the complex challenges that Alamance County faces today, and I am committed to bringing the same level of dedication and effectiveness to this position.