NAME: Liz Johnson (incumbent)
AGE: 47
OCCUPATION: Morrisville commissioner and community volunteer
EDUCATION: B.A., mathematics, concentration in elementary education, College of Mount Saint Vincent, 1981
POLITICAL PARTY AND EXPERIENCE: Commissioner, District 3, Morrisville, 1999-present; Triangle J Council of Governments Smart Growth Committee, 2002-present; Center of the Region Enterprise, 2005-present; Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Advisory Committee, 2005-present; N.C. League of Municipalities Finance and Administration Committee, vice chairwoman, 2006-present; N.C. League of Municipalities Community and Economic Development Committee, vice chairwoman, 2004-2005; Wake County Growth Management Task Force, 2000-2005; appointed to Wake County Intergovernmental Liaison Committee, 1999-2000; appointed to Morrisville Planning Board, 1998-1999
CIVIC ACTIVITIES AND OTHER AFFILIATIONS: PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network) Team Hope North Carolina volunteer, 2003-present; Green Hope High School PTA member and volunteer, 2004-present; office volunteer at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1998-present; member and former chairwoman, of the Triangle Alumnae Chapter of the College of Mount Saint Vincent, 1997-present; Lufkin Road Middle School PTA member and volunteer, 2001-2007; Pines of Carolina Girl Scout leader, 1998-2005; Morrisville Elementary PTA member and volunteer, 1998-2004; faith development teacher at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1997-2000.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? I have consistently demonstrated dedication and unwavering commitment as an advocate for Morrisville citizens as we tackle the challenges of our community. I keep an open mind, listen to the views of all constituents, evaluate the facts, and work with my fellow elected officials arriving at responsible decisions. Once re-elected, I will continue to build on our successes, improving our quality of life. Top priorities will continue to include transportation improvements, managing growth, development of Town Center plan, greenway construction, addressing storm water issues, while keeping a strong fiscal standing.
CONTACT INFORMATION: 462-8859; Liz@LizJohnson.org; www.LizJohnson.org
1. What should the town do to relieve traffic congestion?
A. Lobby the State Legislature to re-evaluate how the N.C. Department of Transportation allocates state and federal funds. Specific attention needs to be given to the state's equity formula and the distributions from the Highway Trust Fund. B. Update Morrisville's land use and transportation plan to re-prioritize transportation projects, identify funding sources and partners, and review growth and development's role in transportation improvements. C. Continue to be proactive in advocating for regional cooperation and regional solutions to our traffic issues; continue to coordinate with our municipal neighbors on development and transportation improvements.
2. Should Morrisville develop a distinctive town center? If so, what would you like to see in a town center?
Yes. Morrisville is working toward this goal based on the adopted town center plan, which has received a 2007 State Planning Award from the N.C. Chapter of the American Planning Association. The plan describes the community's vision for this area, laying the groundwork for a vibrant focal point that honors Morrisville's history and creates a center of community into the future. The plan includes: preservation of historic structures, a main street commercial district, cultural arts facility, parks, transportation improvements, greenway and sidewalk connections, new housing opportunities, and implementation strategies.