Spencer next municipality to consider Declaration of Interdependence

Published 12:00 am Monday, January 9, 2017

By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

SPENCER – The Declaration of Interdependence is making its way through the 10 communities of the county, and Spencer is next.

Greg Edds, chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, will present the declaration to the Spencer Board of Aldermen at its meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 600 S. Salisbury Ave.

The declaration is “a unique opportunity to partner with surrounding communities to encourage innovation, economic development and entrepreneurship,” according to the document.

The goal is to align the core goals and beliefs of Rowan County’s 10 communities to encourage innovation and economic growth.

Edds has presented the document to governments in China Grove, East Spencer and Granite Quarry, and those towns’ boards all adopted the document unanimously.

The document did not receive the same reception from the Salisbury City Council last week. It was adopted, but in a 4-1 vote.

The principles of the declaration include honesty, trust and mutual respect, a commitment to learning from one another and sharing information, and a focus on new ideas while cultivating assets and maximizing opportunities.

In other business, the board will:

  • Hear reports from departments, the town manager, the mayor and board delegates.
  • Hear public comment.
  • Proclaim Jan. 16 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and February as Black History Month.
  • Hear from the Community Appearance Commission.
  • Make an appointment to the Centralina Council of Governments.
  • Consider the meeting schedule for 2017 and consider allowing Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings to be held on alternate months.
  • Hear an overview of the town’s financial report.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.