NAME: Michael L. Roberts
AGE: 46
OCCUPATION: Senior manager, software engineering development management at Fidelity Investments
EDUCATION: B.S., information systems management, University of Maryland
POLITICAL PARTY AND EXPERIENCE: Republican; Morrisville Planning and Zoning Board, 2005 - present, chairman, Morrisville Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, 2004 - present; member, Wake County Stormwater Management Task Force
CIVIC ACTIVITIES AND OTHER AFFILIATIONS: American Legion, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers Association, President Ridgemont Homeowner's Association, American Planning Association, Habitat for Humanity, National Recycling Coalition, Homeowner Association of North Carolina
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? As Morrisville continues to grow, I will continue to put our neighborhoods and businesses first. This past year, I have led efforts with citizens and businesses to ensure the road improvements to Morrisville-Carpenter are completed as promised. In conjunction with the mayor and commissioners of Morrisville, I successfully presented logical solutions to the Board of Education to move unsafe bus stops off busy roads within Morrisville. I bring leadership to ensure we find solutions to our growth, maintain our safety, and take steps to preserve our community.
CONTACT INFORMATION 388-8905; www.ElectRoberts.com; 111 Leacroft Way, Morrisville, NC 27560-7759
1. What should the town do to relieve traffic congestion?
We need to develop local solutions for traffic issues by focusing on town roads that serve as major thoroughfares. This past year, I headed an effort pulling citizens and businesses of Morrisville together to successfully present over 800 signatures or 5 percent of our population, to start the work on the Morrisville-Carpenter Road improvements promised in 2004. We also need to establish regional partnerships with surrounding towns, Wake County and the N.C. Department of Transportation to improve state roads.
2. Should Morrisville develop a distinctive town center? If so, what would you like to see in a town center?
Absolutely. Morrisville is in the heart of the Triangle, and a town center will greatly enhance its visibility. As a member of the Planning and Zoning Board, I was intimately involved with the development of our town center plan, which will be receiving the Marvin Collins Planning Award from the N.C. Chapter of the American Planning Association on Sept. 28. This recognition illustrates a true community effort to design a plan which represents the whole of Morrisville. The plan can be seen at: www.townofmorrisville.org/planning/documents/TownCenterPlan2007.05.024.pdf