Ramona Allen (D)
Ramona Allen
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My name is Ramona Allen I was born in Alamance County and have lived here all of my life.
I am Married to Steve Allen, together we have 9 children one deceased. We have 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. I currently work in Subsidized housing as a Property Manger which I have been doing over 20 years. I am also a Pastor of God Encounters Outreach.
I have collaborated in the community with other agency such as the United Way, Health Department, and Police Department just to name a few. I attended Alamance Community College and Also Liberty University. I have also work with other organizations Such as Teens destined to Succeed with the late Jane Sellars, which helps children that may be at risk reach positive goals as we mentor them I been presented with various Community Awards such WFMY's to those who care, Mayor award as a community advocate as well as a Community Advocate award from the Burlington Police Department just to name a few. I currently am the President on the Board for Mercy and Grace Outreach that advocates for the homeless. as a Property Manager I am also involved with setting the budget for the HUD properties I manger. I am also a Chaplin at the Alamance County jail and also teach a parenting curriculum to the women that are incarnated there.
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My motivation for running for County Commissioner came from several dreams the lord showed me and also from several years of watching the disparities and decisions being made in our county. after talking to so many people about what they were experiencing or not experiencing. There that tug came to be a voice. I could not continue to be quiet about what was not being done. I thought about all the things negative and positive that I might to endure and decided now is the time and someone had to speak for those that feel as Thow their voice had been taken.
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My vision for Alamance County is to first to rebuild the trust the people had in those they elect. Also to make sure our schools are fully funded and maintenance on the infrastructures. To do the research and to listen to those that have elect me, when making decision about new businesses and developments. Make sure my vote on the board reflects not just color, gender nor parties, but that everyone 's voice is heard and evaluated to reflect everyone. I believe in staying true to who you are and owning what you have said whether right or wrong, being willing to lay aside personal conflicts and recognize who we are representing. I want to see the county grow but at a rate where we can accommodate the growth. Also addressing our homeless population seeking out ways to lessen this population. Also, how we allocate our funding. Making sure those things such as education, first responders and agencies are fairly funded.
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School Funding, funding our first response agencies, and Better Budgeting.
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First finding other ways to obtain revenues such as sales tax. Making those want to build in our county pay their fair share in taxes. introducing taxes that don't cause a hardship on the residents. Taking one project at a time and doing that well before and evaluating after that is done, we have to work with. We must understand the outcome of cutting programs like literacy, domestic violence the problem that may be created later.
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You first must go out in the community and see what you community and its growth looks like. For instance, look at small business needs a facelift in order to attract more business for them. evaluate where we are now and according to that growth what we need to do to meet the needs of that growth. Also, how this affects the current residence as far as water if it is in rural area and also traffic will this cause us to create more or wider roads because of the traffic. Also, the wildlife because of cutting down trees.
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Communication is major when any entity comes together. Also, there must be some hands on which causes commissioners to visit the schools and speak to teachers to see what their needs may be at that time. And trying to help find those resources needed whether that be grants or scholarship which may help children that are struggling. Also finding where the children are periodically not waiting till the end of schools but at different margins to see what needs to be done at that time. And if the teachers need more help in classrooms maybe seeing about creating programs that retired teachers or interns can come periodically to assist.
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My plan is to visit those agencies and have a time of listening to where they are in the things they are doing in the community and to see what we can do as the board to make what they are doing successful and effective.
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How I plan to engage constituent voices is to listen to those leaders in the community that are articulating the voice of the community. By also showing up in their meetings to hear their concerns and how they are moving forward in what they do. offering advice is asked and volunteering when able.
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I have an Outreach where I am challenged to be a leader in many ways. I can remember last year when it was getting cold and I help with getting the city to allow Mercy and Grace to become a White Flag center to help some of the homeless from freezing to death. Many people were upset making comments about what should be done, when all it took was being persistent and contacting those that could make this happen. It is not about who does it or gets recognition for it but the needs of the community are met.