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July 21, 2003 Page 191 a portion of those funds for a convention center. He stated the increase would also provide funding for the Expo and a sports marketing program and would bring new jobs to the County. He objected to the concept of creating a new authority to provide oversight for the Arena and the convention center. Mr. Thomas Hill stated he would like to see a convention center in Cabarrus County but opposed an increase in the occupancy tax. He stated private funds should be used to pay for a convention center. There was no one else present who wished to address the Board, and Chairman Freeman closed the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. Chairman Freeman presented the following Statement. Statement from Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert M. Freeman July 21, 2003 The Board of Commissioners has a vision for Cabarrus County. In that vision, citizens and businesses are prosperous. High-paying jobs abound and there is no unemployment to speak of. The economy is thriving and diverse. There is an unprecedented level of sustainability. Children receive a top-notch education in fine schools. Excellent higher educational opportunities provide them an even brighter future. Families and friends play and relax together in the many parks scattered throughout the county. Crime is under control because people have good jobs. Quality of life is high. There is an unwavering sense of community; of belonging. People care not just about the well being of their families, but about their neighbors too. The local governments in the county cooperate, recognizing we are stronger and more prosperous if we work together for the benefit of all, rather than going our separate ways. Many government services are consolidated so they can be delivered more efficiently and effectively. Taxes and fees are low but service levels are high. Tonight we've heard from many people who share our vision of prosperity and cooperation and we applaud their efforts and commitment to our county. Our vision can be a reality, but we must think in new ways, be open to new ideas. We'll hear and talk about some of those ideas on August 6th. That's when experts and visionaries from around the state in the field of economic development will come to the Arena and Events Center to share their knowledge with the elected and business leaders of our community. This economic development summit is a step toward our vision. Another step will be taken one week from tonight. I've called for a joint meeting then of the Board of Commissioners and the Concord City Council to discuss the possibility of building a publicly owned convention center. While we have read in the newspapers that the city council is seeking about $20 million from Cabarrus County taxpayers to construct a convention center, we have never received such a request from them, nor have we received an invitation to discuss the issue with them. Next Monday will be the first such discussion to be held. I said earlier our vision can be a reality, but we must think in new ways and be open to new ideas. Next Monday, the time for that will have come. The editorial in Sunday's Independent Tribune called for elected officials to put away egos and turf concerns and act in the best interest of the county by building a convention center, we agree. That's why we've called for the joint meeting. And that's why we have developed the concept of a Convention and Arena Authority.