Dear Durham County Citizens:

Welcome to my website. I hope the information provided helps you understand my background, accomplishments, and ideas for the future. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me.

I've been honored to serve as your county commissioner since 1988. I have worked hard - researching issues, asking tough questions, and seeking innovative solutions.

I am proud of the County’s accomplishments during this term and my contribution to the Board’s effort. Specific accomplishments include: preserved a strong fiscal position and Triple A bond rating due to careful budgeting and financial management; worked with the School Board to focus continued gains in academic achievement and improving the graduation rate; promoted strong economic development capped by the Merck and Quintiles expansions; passage of two large bond referenda in 2005 and 2007; passage of the first Greenhouse Gas Action Plan in the state; worked with Duke Health System to develop a crisis access center and future City of Medicine Academy on the Durham Regional campus; and expanded  System of Care to serve over a thousand at risk youth and received a number of state and national awards.  

My priorities for the future include:

• Work with the School Board and community agencies to provide a sound education for all children and improve our high school graduation rate; provide a stronger network of community support for youth
• Promote sustainable development including resource conservation, development of a multi-modal transportation system, revitalization of downtown Durham and surrounding neighborhoods, and open space preservation.
• Work with the Criminal Justice agencies to continue to reduce crime and implement the recommendations of the Gang Assessment
• Promote quality economic development and prepare our citizens for the jobs of the future
• Expand System of Care to serve the homeless and dually diagnosed adults
• Continue to focus on efficient and effective delivery of county services

Over the past few years, I provided leadership on a number of initiatives including: coordinating the purchase of the New Hope Creek Preserve, an unprecedented partnership between four local governments and two nonprofits; spearheaded the use of high performance design for county buildings resulting in several LEED certifications; helped guide the effort to obtain funding for the East End Connector; and led the development of the city-county Results Based Accountability initiative.

During the upcoming term, I will continue to work hard to move Durham County forward.

Thank you,

Ellen Reckhow