Citizen "Discussion Group" with NC Representative Ty Harrell

What an interesting Thursday evening! I attended one of Representative Ty Harrell's community input sessions where he has a panel discussing "hot topics" and answering questions turned in by those in attendance. Last night's topic was mandatory year-round schools. Details will come on Friday, but suffice it to say that this particular meeting proved to be quite an intimate get-together! The 7:00 event at the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce drew SEVEN citizens - I'm serious. We ended up doing away with formal protocol, and basically having an informal question and answer time with: Representative Harrell (newly elected, District 41, replacing Russell Capps), Susan Parry (School Board member), Lindy Brown (newly elected County Commissioner), and Chuck Dulaney (WCPSS Growth/Management). Although the turn-out was disappointing, I think we all agreed that the back-and-forth exchange time was a rare opportunity. Of course, the frustration only grew as we listened to some of the same old attempts to rationalize decisions, but at least we got to ask a few point-blank questions. Too bad the three guests had to take up so much of the discussion time. Even with just 7 of us there, we didn't have time to cover even half of what we needed to.

Sorry, but it's late and tomorrow's a big day. I'll try to share a few specific insights as soon as I can. Thanks to the other folks who were there. Great questions were asked and excellent points were made. What a team effort all of this is!!