N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon is scheduling information sessions for residents in Vance and Granville counties to discuss relevant topics of interest to his neighbors who are now his constituents.

The first forum, set for Monday, Sept. 18 at Perry Memorial Library, is about broadband internet. The meeting is just one way to connect residents with the appropriate state government staff. Things get underway at 6 p.m., but Sossamon said it’s a time when residents can not only learn about programs but also share concerns with those whose jobs are carrying out projects at the local level.

“I’m bringing the people you need to talk to – the folks that are dealing with this day in, day out,” Sossamon said. “They can answer questions, send you additional information… they will give you means to get in touch with them. If you have a concern,” he said.

Sossamon was on TownTalk Tuesday, and he said he takes to heart his responsibility to represent the people in House District 32 – and part of that includes providing information.

“I get a lot of calls and emails about broadband,” he said, so he chose that for the first forum topic.

A second forum on broadband connection will be presented in Granville County at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Granville County Expo Center on Hwy. 15 just south of Oxford.

The topic for October is transportation, with dates and locations below:

• Granville: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Granville County Expo Center
• Vance: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 in the commissioners’ room at the old Courthouse.

 

The dates and locations for November’s topic – mental health – are still being worked out, he noted.

Representatives from the state’s department of information technology will be on hand to explain terminology, and answering questions like “what is the Digital Divide?” and “when will broadband be available in my area?”

There are programs that offer discounts to eligible residents for broadband access, Sossamon said.

“If it’s available, but not affordable, it means nothing to the average person,” he said.

Participants can view a color-coded map to have an idea of where connectivity already exists and proposed next steps to add connectivity.

There’s also a survey that can be submitted to state officials to provide feedback.

“It’s important to the state…so they can see how well they’re doing, especially in Vance and Granville counties,” Sossamon said.

Contracts have been awarded to provide broadband internet, but it takes time, he reminded.

Realtors will be invited to meetings earlier in the day for the transportation forums. The 10 a.m. gatherings will take place in the same location as the evening sessions. Sossamon said he wanted to have a special time with realtors because “they are extremely interested in what’s going to happen to roads.”

DOT divisional directors will be on hand for realtors at 10 a.m., governmental leaders at 3 p.m. before sharing with the public at 6 p.m.

 

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