NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 20, 1999

TOWN OFFICIALS SPREAD THE WORD ON UPCOMING CARY BONDS

CARY, NC -- They may not draw crowds like the Backstreet Boys or the Rolling Stones, but the staff from the Town of Cary is out on tour. Keeping the same sort of hectic schedules as they meet with numerous civic organizations, professional associations, churches, and PTA’s, the Town’s professionals are spreading the word about the upcoming Cary Community Bond vote scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 1999. Town Manager Bill Coleman and Assistant Manager Ben Shivar have already spoken to more than a dozen groups and nearly a thousand people, and before the bond vote in two weeks, those numbers will climb to more than two dozen organizations and several thousand citizens. Coleman and Shivar are communicating important information about the $149 million vote for water, streets, and parks projects.

"We are talking to anyone who will listen," said Town Manager Bill Coleman. "Unfortunately, Cary traditionally has a low voter turnout, so the Town is making every effort to encourage citizens to go to the polls."

During the presentations, Town staff discuss Cary’s history with bonds, and outline the critical points of the four issues facing voters in February. Staff also shows a six-minute video which reinforces the key elements of Cary Community Bonds. Each session ends with questions from the audience.

"There is a lot of important information to share with citizens," said Assistant Town Manager Ben Shivar. "We want voters to have everything they need to make their decisions on the bonds in February."

In addition to making public presentations, the Town is distributing educational materials to all Cary residents via utility bills and direct mail. And on the Town’s website, officials have posted comprehensive information on all aspects of the bonds. The Town is also showing the information video on the area cable television access channel.

Cary Community Bonds include four issues totaling $149 million: $62.6 million to expand 15 miles of streets and 1.5 miles of sidewalks; $66.5 million to modify the Cary-Apex Water Treatment Plant and to build four elevated water storage tanks; $10 million to fund one-fifth of identified parks and recreation needs over the next 10 years; and $10 million for a swim center.

There is still time to schedule a bond presentation. Citizens interested in having Town staff present the facts on the bonds should contact the Town Manager’s Office at 469-4007 during regular business hours. Presentations can also be scheduled over the Town’s website at www.townofcary.org.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Ben Shivar, Assistant Manager, 469-4003

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951