For 12 years, the Cary Biennial Survey has shown that Cary residents’ top concern, cited more often than all other concerns combined, is excessive growth. Excessive growth strains our schools, increases traffic and causes water shortages, among other problems.

Despite this persistent message from residents, Cary was the fifth fastest growing city in the nation last year.

Morrisville residents have also expressed ongoing concerns about the rate and quality of growth in their area. Residents have objected to both proposed tax increases and a long-range land use and transportation plan.

Many citizens of Cary and Morrisville view their communities as composed predominantly of residential neighborhoods and support balanced growth that does not damage or exploit those neighborhoods, but rather enhances the overall quality of life. In other words, development density that is appropriate to the surrounding community. Residents value family neighborhoods, good schools, adequate infrastructure, tree-lined streets, uncongested roadways and the resulting attractive quality of life.

On Oct. 6 Cary residents will elect District A, District C and one At-Large representative.

On Nov. 3, Morrisville residents will elect a mayor as well as District 2, District 4 and one At-Large representative.

The sad truth is that it is often easier for citizens to complain about municipal government than it is to take action to affect real change. In the unfortunate case, the most active participants in town government are those who stand to reap some financial gain, which can result in special interests having disproportionate influence.

Citizens of Cary and Morrisville are crying out for elected officials who will work to protect and enhance the quality of life that residents enjoy, and to preserve the investments they have already made in their homes and communities.

Between now and the mid-July filing deadline, qualified Cary and Morrisville residents have the opportunity to “throw their hat in the ring” and sign up as a candidate to represent the interests and the will of their neighbors.

These are citizens and candidates of integrity, honesty and with the skills necessary to provide real and effective leadership. These are citizens and candidates committed to balanced growth, representative and transparent governance and fiscal responsibility.

DavisandHighHouse.org is a non-partisan organization that was formed in 2007 to preserve neighborhood quality of life with development density appropriate to residential communities. DavisandHighHouse.org will continue to serve as a voice for individual citizens, as a focal point for community action, and will encourage voters to support candidates who are committed to “a balanced approach to growth.”

MorrisvilleAction.org was formed in 2008 to enhance the quality of life for Morrisville residents by supporting responsible growth of a density appropriate to residential communities. We are a non-partisan group of citizens that will encourage voters to select candidates of integrity who support responsible growth.

If you are interested in, or are considering, running for elected office in Cary or Morrisville this fall and would like the support of these community organizations, please contact us.

Cary candidates, please e-mail info@davisandhighhouse.org. Morrisville candidates, please e-mail info@morrisvilleaction.org.