August 25, 2024
It’s time for my every three weeks update, but before I give you a rundown of everywhere I’ve been, I want to share with you several conversations I’ve had with Dare County residents, all of whom had the sound of “quiet desperation” in their stories:
· A client of mine who co-parents well with her ex, but is considering moving away because she can’t afford to refinance the former marital home, and selling it won’t give her the funds she needs to buy a new place
· A longtime resident of Hatteras Island who sees over-regulation of fishing driving younger people away, and worries that a traditional and historical industry may be lost
· Another longtime resident who worries that the swift pace of erosion will take his cottage away or that the extreme rise in insurance rates will force him to sell his home
· A teacher who loves her students but is finding it difficult economically to live here
Dare County is a very special place to live, work, raise a family, and retire, but recently, the concerns I’ve heard are really sinking in. The weight of the decisions that I am about to face if/when I win a seat on the Board of Commissioners is sitting a bit heavy on me right now.
To end on a more upbeat note, here’s what I’ve been up to since my last update on August 3rd:
· Attended a Board of Commissioners meeting
· Shared a very successful meet-and-greet with Katie Morgan, hosted by two new friends who reside in New York but wanted to make a difference here
· Attended a Buxton Civic Association meeting
· Attended the 90th annual Daniels Day in Wanchese…the most enjoyable family reunion I’ve ever attended!
· Attended the campaign kickoff for my fellow candidate running for school board, Melissa Zehner
· Attended the Bryan Series Chamber Concert in Buxton