Rao (D) challenges Gurley (R) for Wake District 3 County Commission Seat (Examiner.com/Raleigh)

From article and phone interview with Commission Candidate Steve Rao:

"We have to provide basic social services; these times are tough and people need help that the county needs to continue to provide despite cuts in funds from the state."

And on the environment: "Keep Falls Lake clean and safe; the region needs to improve mass transit to decrease reliance on private vehicles and reduce harmful emissions into the air we breathe."

What I want every citizen to know is "what it was like here 30 or more years ago before Magnet schools creation and RTP creation—I’m about bringing people together to make the right decisions. We have to tackle tough issues."

"Revenues are down, but expenses for the county are rising—there are no easy answers. How will the county fund all the changes being discussed by the school Board that will cost millions?"

According to Rao, "When elected, I will take the lead and see if the county is using the most effective technology to hopefully, find savings to fund the priorities I just mentioned. I can do that based on my experience and knowledge gained in the private sector as a businessman."

Mr. Rao ended with this statement: “I don’t have all the answers, but I can learn. I will try to remember my base of support and those who voted for me, but I can reach across party lines to find solutions. That’s what I want to find—real solutions to the problems we face.”

This is the first time Rao has run for election. He is a 2009 graduate of the Institute for Political Leadership (IOPL) based in Greensboro, NC.

Rao is a former college tennis player and runs to stay in shape. Check out his run in Cary on October 10th. For more information see the website here. He has done runs in towns across Wake County, most recently in Apex. For more info go here
and also read the complete article at Examiner.com.