Public Safety
Morrisville is one of the safest towns in North Carolina, with first responders that are well-trained, exceptionally well led, and, most important, focused on public service. While the leadership of the police, fire, and emergency response efforts report to the town manager, all of us (from the mayor and council to the first responders) have a responsibility to maintain this culture of service that starts when a new hire is first interviewed and then is sustained every day thereafter. As Satish has repeatedly asserted, it is this devotion to serving others that is his dominant motivation in seeking elective leadership. Add to that, Satish’s many years of service on the Wake County Fire Commission (representing Morrisville’s interests), and his commitment to public safety is beyond question.
Transportation
When Satish undertook his first election campaign for the council, polling results indicated that transportation and traffic congestion was the greatest concern for Morrisville residents. At that time, Morrisville was rapidly growing, but the town received little attention by the state. Since then, Satish and others used their considerable networking skills to secure millions of dollars for projects, such the recently completed Morrisville-Carpenter Road Project, McCrimmon Parkway Extension, the planned Airport Boulevard Extension, and town investments in sidewalks, greenways, upgraded intersections, and the Smart Shuttle to enhance mobility and connectivity throughout the town. It has taken eight years of road widenings, intersection upgrades, building bridges and under-passes, and other transportation projects, but the patience of us all has produced significant improvements. Aided by his degree in engineering, Satish’s cultivated connections in Raleigh have borne demonstrable fruit for Morrisville, with more to come.
Jobs, Businesses, and Government
It has become difficult to account for the businesses and jobs that Satish has helped bring to Morrisville. The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce put this at more than 4,700 new and well-paying jobs and more than $150 million in business investments during his first term alone. Those results have increased nicely since then – including support for small business development and grants supporting them. This is important for several reasons. First, commercial development tends to make best use of Morrisville land that is less suited for residential development due to air traffic noise from RDU. Second, tax revenues generated from this robust economic contribution keep taxes low for residents while sustaining town services and quality of life. And, third, a strong business and jobs environment make it easier for workers to withstand economic downturns and unemployment. Even in normal times, a vibrant economy promotes upward mobility as workers and residents navigate their careers. All of this explains Satish’s focus on this important area of his public leadership.
Education
Morrisville’s newer residents may not know this, but, when Satish first took office eight years ago, Morrisville’s in-town K12 education options were limited to two public elementary schools. While schools are not in the legal authority of Town Council, the Town Council undertook a full-court press, strongly advocating for local schools with the Wake County Public School System. Satish has been particularly effective in this effort, such that Parkside Valley Elementary has been built and is operational, a middle school is under construction, the Wake Tech Early College of Information and Biotechnologies has opened, and a high school is being designed for construction and planned opening in fall 2028. Satish’s relationships and advocacy within the Wake County Public School System have proven important and effective for Morrisville. And he will continue to be a strong voice speaking on behalf of Morrisville’s education needs.
Growth, Development, and Sustainability
Of all the issues in this election cycle, this may be the most controversial. For some, growth and development are the enemy of environmental sustainability. For others, sustainability is anathema to growth and development. Satish has studied this in depth through Harvard University’s School for Public Policy, and he believes there is a “Smart Cities” middle ground that supports and accommodates both perspectives. He believes these will be important in crafting Morrisville’s future.
Recreation, Parks, and Greenways
Recreation, parks, and greenways are your local government’s contribution to Morrisville’s quality of life. This is something of value, and Morrisville is often listed at the top of various “Best Of” rankings for the state and beyond. Satish began his life in public service advocating for development of the Northwest Park. At the time, he was the president of his neighborhood’s HOA, prior to his first term on the Council. Since his election to the Council, he has strongly supported improvements to Church Street Park that now hosts international events that produces tourism, community good will and international media attention. Currently, additional recreational amenities are under construction at Church Street Park for the benefit of Morrisville’s residents. A future dog park is being designed, and the Town Center will include a multi-purpose Town Green capable of hosting large and small cultural events and activities. Satish has been an important catalyst with each.