This week’s most significant event was approving a $348 million budget for fiscal year 2011.

Monday I called all council members to see if they had any questions for Thursday’s council meeting. I was only able to get in contact with council members Portman, Smith, and Adcock. None of them had any concerns or questions. As a result, the meeting with staff about the agenda went very quick. The conclusion was that the meeting would go quickly unless council members had a new problem with the budget. After the meeting I spoke briefly with the town manager on a variety of issues including transit.

Monday night the Holly Springs mayor, Dick Sears, and Joe Zonin of Carolina Brewery hosted all mayors, spouses, and town managers with a tour of the brewery. Mr. Zonin gave a history of the brewery and information about other breweries in the area. At the time Carolina Brewery started investigating whether or not to start a business in this area there were only two breweries in North Carolina. This type of business has increased drastically over the last few years in North Carolina and now there are a few new startups in the area. Mr. Zonin was a great host and a good time was had by all. BTW, in case you are wondering beer tasting was provided in addition to water and soft drinks. But as expected all in attendance behaved responsibly and truly just tasted.

Tuesday morning I briefly attended the State of Cary being held at Prestonwood Country Club and hosted by the Triangle Business Journal. I attempted to give a state of Cary update in two minutes which turned into about five. Even though I ran over I was still very rushed and I am sure my thoughts sounded a bit disjointed. Nevertheless, I did get major points across including how we are in great position to lead the region out of the recession. And I encouraged the businesses to work with the town and elected officials to partner in moving the town forward.

Wednesday I did a taping of Cary Matters with council member Adcock. The main topic was on the budget. There were also questions on noise, green initiatives, and potholes. The taping went smoothly and we were done in 37 minutes.

Thursday started with an interview by WRAL on Mayor Meeker’s comments about the Wake County School board’s policy direction. My understanding is that Mayor Meeker wants to form a group of local leaders to see if what is being done is legal and if not then he intends to file suit. In the interview I stated that I would rather not comment on what Meeker said without talking to him first. Then I was asked about my personal opinion. My response was that I can only speak as mayor and as mayor it is my responsibility to work with any school board that is elected. This includes the majority members and minority members. I have followed this policy since being elected in 2007. I meet and/or talk regularly with school board members. I feel that I have a strong relationship with several of the current school board members on both sides of the issues.

After the WRAL interview I met with representatives from the SV Temple. They recently had a complaint about noise and wanted to make sure I knew they complied. These people desperately want to be good neighbors and good citizens of the town. I am thankful they are here in Cary.

The council meeting followed and lasted only 55 minutes. The main topic was the budget and there was only one issue which was brought up by council member Frantz. He was opposed to the $348 million budget because there was a transportation cost increase for council members. The increase amounted to around $10 a month. While I respect his opinion, I do not believe this is a reason to vote against a budget which has the lowest tax rate in Wake County with the highest level of service.

Emails this week were mostly about abortion with most of them asking us to keep it in our health care plan. Other emails included a comment against shared sick leave and a comment against Mayor Meeker’s position against the school board.

Next week is 4^th of July week. Currently I have a couple of meetings scheduled and a ribbon cutting for the new Raleigh-Garner-Cary animal shelter.

Well that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, July 4^th. Please feel free to email me with a comment.