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Good morning, readers.
Wake County residents aren’t the only ones ushering in a new era of leadership.
On Monday morning, family, friends, city council members, school board members, and other elected officials filled the aisles inside the Durham County meeting room to recognize three new commissioners—Michelle Burton, Stephen Valentine, and Mike Lee—and two incumbents, current board chair Nida Allam and longtime commissioner Wendy Jacobs, who were all officially sworn into their positions. Sharon A. Davis was also re-elected to a third term as Durham County Register of Deeds.
The new board is notably less experienced than the previous cohort. Jacobs is the only current commissioner who served before 2020. But what the board lacks in official county government reps, it makes up for in skills and experience directly connected to some of Durham’s biggest challenges.
Lee and Burton bring years of expertise working in public education. Lee served on the school board from 2012 to 2020, and Burton spent her career in education working as a school librarian for decades. She also served as president of the Durham Association of Educators from 2019 to 2023.
Fellow newcomer Valentine is a social worker who also teaches Veterans Law at North Carolina Central University. During his campaign, Valentine said he wants to use his experience as a social worker and military veteran to curb gun violence in Durham and support the county’s health service outcomes.
Allam, with her adorable and rambunctious daughter nestled in her lap, told her new colleagues that she is ready to offer the same guidance that Jacobs offered her over the last four years. She welcomed the new commissioners into the Durham County “family,” an organization which consists of more than 2,000 people.
“I know they will accept you and love you as their own family,” Allam said. “Lean on them, support them and show them the love and gratitude that they so rightfully deserve.”
Read more about the ceremony here.
Enjoy your Thursday, readers.
—Justin
The INDY News Quiz is live and updated for the week of November 25.
Sponsored by Atomic Empire.
Durham
As Durham’s bus driver shortage continues, the school board is considering walk zones for students who live close to schools and express bus stops.
Wake
An investment deal to buy a majority stake in the North Carolina Courage has fallen apart.
Orange
The Town of Carrboro is suing Duke Energy over deception about climate change.
North Carolina
Unlike most of the rest of the country, Western North Carolina counties, typically Republican strongholds, shifted a few points to the left this past election.
Today’s weather
Sunny and windy with a high of 52 degrees.
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