Updates from Commissioner Laura Meier
Hello to all,
If you live in Mecklenburg County, you are aware that the Board of County Commissioners has had some tough votes and are poised to appoint a new commissioner. I would like to update you on the votes, why I voted the way I did, and inform you of various county news.
Happy Reading!
Regards,
Laura
Charlotte enjoyed snow twice! Freedom Park lake.
I walk almost every day in Freedom Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. I often stumble upon wildlife. These are the times I wish I had my actual camera and not just my phone!
MASK MANDATE RESCINDED
STARTING FEBRUARY 26, 2022
The BOCC voted unanimously to rescind the mask mandate in Mecklenburg County starting February 26th. I didn't take this vote lightly. What people don't see are the behind-the-scenes discussions, the meetings we have with school personnel, the conversations with medical professionals and the emails that fly around among commissioners and Public Health. This is what you hired us for: to find out the best information before we cast a vote as a representative of the people.
The bottom line is shifting COVID-19 conditions such as improved trends, vaccine, testing and treatment availability, higher immunity in the county (from vaccines and prior infections) and stable hospital capacities, make it clear that it is time to transition to mask-optional.
We can still wear masks. Nothing truly has changed.
My hope moving forward is that we can reach a place of peace and reconciliation in Mecklenburg County and this country. COVID-19 is not a political issue. It's a health issue! It is not going away, and we must learn to live with it daily, respect one another's decisions and have compassion for others.
The evening of the meeting in which we voted (February 16) the room was packed with those who were 99% against the mask mandate. It was quite a boisterous group, to say the least.
Over the last several months, one of our fellow commissioners has been absent from our meetings. Local legend and trailblazer Ella Scarborough, who has served Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte in many capacities, has just recently requested a paid medical leave of absence. The BOCC voted unanimously to grant a medical leave of absence; however, the 'paid' part became a hot topic of discussion.
I voted not to continue her salary. Again, this is a vote that I did not take lightly. I believe that by paying her for another year while she does not contribute is a dangerous precedent. I wonder about the employees or other elected officials who might also have similar circumstances, and who is it for us to decide who is worthy and who is not? The fact is, Commissioner Scarborough has not truly contributed for a few years and has been paid. Her family is in a situation where countless families find themselves.
I believe we needed to separate emotion from fact, separate the person from the issue. As commissioners, we are tasked with spending taxpayer money responsibly. I do not feel this is a responsible way to spend your money at this time.
In the end, the motion passed and Mecklenburg County will continue to pay Ms. Scarborough's salary and benefits through the end of her term in December. I wish her and her family the best possible outcome. She is truly an icon of this community.
...which brings me to...
At-Large Commissioner Seat Open for Applications
Click HERE to find out about qualifications and the application process to be considered for appointment to the BOCC at-large position.
Last year, I had the pleasure of touring Home Again Foundation's first campus of affordable housing cottages and attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This month, I came back to see the homes lived-in and loved! I am a strong supporter of Home Again Foundation and their mission of "providing sustainable, affordable housing with supportive services for the homeless and those who are at-risk of becoming homeless."
Visit their website at https://homeagainclt.org/
The City of Charlotte's sewer project is coming to Madison Park along Little Hope Creek. Neighbors gathered on a rainy Friday afternoon to hear from both city and county officials who were there to hear concerns. I was there as well and have continued to hear from residents. Compromises are being made and concerns are being heard. Democracy at work!
Update on Marion Diehl Pool:
With the structure being 45-50 years old, they ran into several issues which continued to put them behind (4 change orders). Add Covid, supply issues, employee shortage, and finally, a problem with designer and contractor communication, we have that perfect storm.
Where we are now: there is a major problem with floor drainage in the dressing rooms and so inspectors will not release any COH (Certificate of Occupancy). I have not seen it myself, but it's enough that the dressing rooms/restrooms/showers cannot be used. I am happy to tell you, however, that the necessary design IS forthcoming and the work will follow.
One final problem is that the pool deck is also not draining which is a hazard, and thus, no COH would be issued. Design and work forthcoming.
Personally, having heard the details of the situation, the county is handling it as best as they can. You could make the argument that I am biased, but honestly, I am not-- I have been pressuring staff since I took office in December 2020. They have avoided any expensive litigation up to this point, and for that we should all be thankful as litigation would suspend any work whatsoever.
Mecklenburg is withholding money from all said parties until the work is complete. It's the only leverage they have. They find no joy in this situation. They want nothing more than for the pool to be open and the project in their rearview mirror.
Completion was supposed to be June 2020. Opening will hopefully be Summer 2022 (with great hopes for June).
Recently, the BOCC approved ARPA (American Rescue Funds Act) funds for Carolina Farm Trust's innovative solution for a food desert in West Charlotte. Commissioner Elaine Powell and I had the privilege of touring the site. I am thankful for people who have vision! Stay tuned-- this is an extraordinary endeavor and is bringing a solution to one of the County's biggest problems.
MY RE-ELECTION UPDATE
My opponent from 2020 has announced via social media he is running again to try to regain his seat on the BOCC. He is making noise on social media as well as conservative talk radio.
Therefore, as with any candidate, I will need to raise money for printing, postage, yard signs, etc. Any contributions to my campaign are very much needed and appreciated.
The primary is May 17th but I do not have a primary opponent (as of yet) so my election is November 8, 2022.