To the Editor:

As current president of the Washington-Beaufort County Board of Realtors, I believe it is important to acknowledge our local and state associations’ support for the Connect NC bond referendum campaign.

The Connect NC $2 billion bond will affect realtors all over the state, both personally and professionally, as this referendum will attract business and growth while improving the livelihoods of North Carolinians from the mountains to the coast.  The Connect NC Bond will move NC further into the 21st century through statewide improvements in education, parks, safety, education, recreation and water and sewer infrastructure. Almost every county is slated to receive the benefits of this bond and it is a smart move for North Carolina and thus, all NC realtors.

The $200-plus million of bond proceeds slated for eastern NC universities and community colleges will allow these institutions to build, renovate and equip new science and other facilities needed to meet current student needs. Beaufort County Community College, in fact, has left no question about its support of the bond, as the college would receive more than $6.5 million in funds from it. Mark Nelson, vice president of administrative services at BCCC said the majority of that money would go toward a Public Safety Training Complex that would include a 500-by-600-foot driving pad to conduct training for law enforcement personnel. East Carolina University would receive about $90 million from the bond, thus paving the way for the construction of a 150,000-square-foot biotechnology and life sciences building. In addition, the bond will also provide $309.5 million to support grants for local governments, including Beaufort County, to improve their water and sewer systems. All in all, many feel that by supporting the bond, it will promote the economic development of our region. Voters in our region are encouraged to support our businesses and the Connect NC bond package by voting “yes” on March 15 in recognition that this is an investment in our people and our future success.

 

Bobby Clark
President, Washington-Beaufort County Board of Realtors