WASHINGTON, DC – The Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), including Alamance County Commissioner Bob Byrd, recently concluded their historic trip to Washington, D.C. at the invitation of Senator Thom Tillis. NCACC Board members from across North Carolina spent two days in the nation’s capital to meet with the state’s top federal
elected officials, including Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Burr (R-NC), and members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The group also held its first Board meeting of the 2016-17 presidential year at the National Association of Counties’ headquarters.
The County Commissioners also met with top private sector leaders, federal government officials, and senior members of Senator Tillis’ staff to engage in discussions covering a wide range of issues, including the federal budget and appropriation process, the impact of mental health on public safety, the need to expand broadband access in rural communities, as well as national security and the defense industry.
Commissioner Bob Byrd said: “It is really important that local, state, and federal governments work together to address issues at the local level. I appreciated Senator Tillis reaching out to the counties across the state. This was a worthwhile trip and a great opportunity to network with other County Commissioners.”
Senator Thom Tillis said: “I enjoyed welcoming county commissioners from across North Carolina to the nation’s capital to discuss critical issues confronting our local communities, including the need to implement federal regulatory reform, and improve intragovernmental cooperation to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic,” said Senator Tillis. “The needs of each and every county in North Carolina is unique, and I look forward to continuing to partner with county commissioners and other local officials to support initiatives and policies that help their communities innovate and thrive.”
Senator Richard Burr said: “It is always a pleasure to visit with North Carolinians dedicated to helping the people and communities of our state succeed. North Carolina’s county commissioners are the folks on the ground working every day to find solutions to the problems our communities face. I look forward to continuing to work with them to help North Carolina’s economy grow and create jobs.”
Photos provided by Chris Baucom, NCACC