Chuck's Accomplishments

Chuck listened to citizens' concerns:

• After more than ten years of failed efforts, a revised and updated Land Development Code was adopted in 2007. Chuck pushed for its adoption and fought efforts to weaken it.
• Renovation of the Historic Courthouse is nearing completion-within budget and on time! Chuck played a critical role in moving this project forward and seeing to it that the public and private interests involved worked together successfully. He was the voice that insisted the renovated building be more than just a museum; and he argued successfully for it to become the seat of government. What was nearly rubble a few years ago is now whole and intact. It is a monument to our heritage and a focal point for pride in what a community working together can accomplish.
• The new Sugarloaf Elementary School will open this year, and renovations of Dana Elementary are in progress. Chuck has consistently voted to renovate or rebuild Mills River Elementary and Hillandale Elementary. These schools will be "green schools" with the most modern energy-saving designs because of Chuck's vision and advocacy.
• A Nuisance Ordinance was a priority for Chuck, and the Board enacted an ordinance that provides for cleaning up properties with junk cars, abandoned mobile homes and trash.
• Chuck supported the establishment of an Enforcement Department which is charged with the responsibility for enforcing ordinances, particularly land use ordinances. In addition, the county now is able to assume local responsibility for enforcing soil erosion and sedimentation laws, which had previously been enforced by the State of North Carolina.
• A Leash Law, which Chuck supported and voted for, was approved.
• Building the Animal Shelter was another McGrady priority and, with his support, this was accomplished.
• The county had an unenforceable Noise Ordinance when Chuck took office. Chuck supported revising the ordinance to make it enforceable, and now the county can address noise problems related to racetracks and barking dogs. Both the Sheriff and the District Attorney have committed to enforcing the new ordinance.
• A Floodplain Protection Ordinance was adopted allowing county residents to obtain federal flood insurance. Chuck voted in favor of this Ordinance.
• Completing the Human Services Building was the cornerstone of Chuck's 2004 campaign, and this was among the very first of the major projects approved by the Board after his election-along with the Animal Shelter, the Historic Courthouse and the Sugarloaf School. Chuck's vote was critical in moving forward these long delayed and desperately needed projects.

New Ways to Work:

• Chuck supported and voted in favor of consolidating the offices of Tax Collector and Tax Assessor which created a "One-stop shop" for residents' tax issues.
• In keeping with his view that not all problems are the county's alone to solve, Chuck was instrumental in increasing support for non-profits that work in the community on a range of human services and environmental protection. An important example of this support is the United Agenda for Children, which was an important McGrady initiative that demonstrates his commitment to finding ways to maximize the effectiveness of county dollars spent and for identifying non-monetary ways to support and facilitate problem solving by others.
• Chuck was pleased with the outcome of a small project which received funding from the federal government, the City of Asheville, the City of Hendersonville and the county to work with farmers and other landowners in Mills River to protect the water quality of the river. As a result of the successful partnership between different governments, farmers and landowners in Mills River, Henderson County has now expanded the program to all of the rivers and streams in the county.