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Durham's Mayor William V. "Bill" Bell announced today that civic leaders Nathan and Wanda Garrett and Cynthia Brodhead have been named co-chairs of the "8 Bonds For A Better Durham" Committee, a diverse group of Durham citizens that is advocating for the passage of the City of Durham's $110 Million Bond Referendum on November 8, 2005.

If approved by City voters, the bonds would provide funds to construct and improve City streets and sidewalks, water and sewer lines, and public spaces, such as parks, cultural centers, and public buildings. The more than 80 projects that would be funded by the bonds were recommended by a 28-person citizens group and City staff and subsequently approved by the Durham City Council.

The committee will kick off its campaign at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2005, at the historic Hayti Heritage Center, located at 804 Old Fayetteville Street, Durham.

"I can't image better leaders for our campaign than the Garretts and Cynthia Brodhead. The Garretts are two longtime Durham residents, who have been a part of the very fiber of this community through their business and civic participation for more than two decades," Bell said. "Cynthia Brodhead, who, like so many other Durham residents, is new to our area and has taken special interest in seeing Durham become a better place to live, work, and play. Together, they represent a 'dream team' to lead this effort."

Nathan Garrett is a longtime Durham businessman, attorney, and certified public accountant. Among his many leadership roles, he has served as president of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, chairman of the board of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, chairman of the board of trustees of Fayetteville State University, and as a trustee of Duke University. He currently serves as chairman of the Parrish Street Advocacy Group. Garrett earned his law degree from North Carolina Central University, where he served on the business school faculty for many years.

Garrett noted that the projects were endorsed by a broad-based citizens committee and are vital to Durham's continued growth and improvement. "It is critical that these eight bonds pass in November so the City can continue to provide high-quality services as the City prepares for future growth," Garrett said.

He noted that with the City's AAA bond rating, the highest credit rating a municipality can achieve, the general obligation bonds represent the most cost-effective way for the City to invest in its future. If all eight of the bond questions are approved by voters, the average cost to the owner of a $150,000 house will be less than $8 a month by 2011, when City officials estimate all of the bonds would issued. "I am honored to help lead this effort with Wanda and Cindy," Garrett said.

Wanda Garrett is a former parole commissioner for the state of North Carolina. Among her numerous civic activities are service as a member of the board of directors to Durham Technical Community College and the Durham Arts Council. She earned a law degree from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and also served on NCCU's faculty for many years. Her support for all eight bonds is personal.

"These projects will touch all residents' lives, by ensuring that we continue to have a modern water and sewer system, safe places for families to play and experience culture, safe streets and sidewalks for drivers and pedestrians, and quality facilities where City employees can continue to serve the citizens," Garrett said. "Also, I have grandchildren and they have friends. I really want the children to have a wonderful place to live and grow. I want Durham to become even better so when they become adults, they will feel it is worthwhile to stay here. This is home and we need to take care of it."

Brodhead, a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law, moved to Durham from New Haven, Conn., in July 2004, when her husband, Richard H. Brodhead, became the ninth president of Duke University. In little more than one year, she has become active in numerous civic organizations. Brodhead is a member of the board of directors of SEEDS; the Historic Preservation Society of Durham; the Durham Arts Council; the American Red Cross; and the Ronald McDonald House.

"I am delighted to have the chance to work with Nathan and Wanda and our '8 Bonds For A Better Durham' Committee," Brodhead said. "To me, it's very basic: we need to be good stewards of the infrastructure on which our quality of life here in Durham depends - our City streets and sidewalks, our water and sewer facilities, our parks and recreational facilities, our cultural facilities, and all of the other items that would be supported by the bond proceeds.

"The citizens who spent a year or more identifying these priority projects clearly believe they are an investment in a better Durham," she added. "I do, too. I'm confident the voters will support all eight bonds as a statement that Durham invests in its future."

On November 8, 2005, Durham voters will consider more than 80 improvement projects in eight separate bond categories: public safety, cultural facilities, parks and recreation, public improvement, neighborhood improvement, streets and sidewalks, water and sewer, and parking. To ensure accountability and effective communications with residents, the city manager has recommended the creation of an oversight committee of experts in finance, construction, and other areas that would review bond expenditures and chart progress. The Durham City Council is expected to vote on the committee's creation at the next Council meeting on October 3, 2005.

If approved, most of the projects covered by the bonds would begin within one to three years. Among them: improving police and fire facilities and equipment, repairing and replacing sidewalks, resurfacing roads, rehabilitating water and sewer lines and facilities, upgrading parking decks and renovating such Durham landmarks as the Hayti Heritage Center Performance Hall, the Carolina Theatre, the Armory, Durham Athletic Park, and new community facilities in Walltown and Northeast Central Durham, the former Holton Middle School, which will offer vocational, as well as recreational opportunities for residents.

For more information on Durham's bond referendum, visit the "8 Bonds For A Better Durham" website or the City's website.