Zapple for Commissioner

Zapple for Commissioner Rob Zapple~Democrat~Approach To Issues I’m Rob Zapple, and I’m running for County Commissioner. I’m a small business owner, the husband of a small business owner, a father and grandfather, and a citizen who believes that government needs to work better for all of us, to be successful.

I want to ensure that the County uses our money more efficiently, that we bring together individuals, other government bodies, and businesses, to find solutions to our problems, through common sense, hard work, and cooperation. Growing The Economy

The safety and security of our County includes building a strong economic base with more jobs and a sound future. I run a business here, and I understa

I want to ensure that the County uses our money more efficiently, that we bring together individuals, other government bodies, and businesses, to find solutions to our problems, through common sense, hard work, and cooperation. Growing The Economy

The safety and security of our County includes building a strong economic base with more jobs and a sound future. I run a business here, and I understa

Operating as usual

At the NACo Conference hearing from US Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.
07/11/2021

At the NACo Conference hearing from US Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.

At NACo Conference in Washington DC, in the Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee debating a national resolution in...
07/09/2021

At NACo Conference in Washington DC, in the Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee debating a national resolution in support of federal legislation that will allow the purchase of sand for Coastal Storm Damage Reduction (beach renourishment) from foreign sources. All existing environmental protections and standards will be enforced.
The resolution passed. This is good news for NHC and coastal communities throughout the US.

At NACo Conference in Washington DC, in the Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee debating a national resolution in support of federal legislation that will allow the purchase of sand for Coastal Storm Damage Reduction (beach renourishment) from foreign sources. All existing environmental protections and standards will be enforced.
The resolution passed. This is good news for NHC and coastal communities throughout the US.

First session of my day at the NACo conference in DC includes a deep dive into the seriousness of the drought that is cl...
07/09/2021

First session of my day at the NACo conference in DC includes a deep dive into the seriousness of the drought that is clobbering the western and southwestern parts of our country and what policies counties are using to help adapt to what appears to be a new normal of dramatically less rainfall.
Interesting, and important to learn about the issues facing other county commissioners in very different areas from us.

First session of my day at the NACo conference in DC includes a deep dive into the seriousness of the drought that is clobbering the western and southwestern parts of our country and what policies counties are using to help adapt to what appears to be a new normal of dramatically less rainfall.
Interesting, and important to learn about the issues facing other county commissioners in very different areas from us.

10/29/2020
Elect Rob Zapple

Elect Rob Zapple

If you can Early Vote in person, please do it tomorrow, Friday, or Saturday. Don't risk your vote not being counted because you misunderstand the rules.

Don't put your absentee ballot in the mail. It's too late.

You can deliver your ballot to ANY EARLY VOTING SITE until 3 p.m. on Saturday October 31st.

You can deliver your ballot to the Board of Elections on weekdays from now until Election Day, November 3rd at 5 p.m.
FIVE P.M.......NOT WHEN THE POLLS CLOSE!

You must fill out the official container envelope and have your ballot witnessed, even if you are delivering it in person.

Your absentee ballot will not be accepted on Election Day at a precinct polling place - ONLY at the Board of Elections.

https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2020/10/06/commissioners-approve-historic-vote-selling-nhrmc-to-novant-health-in-bi...
10/08/2020
Commissioners approve historic vote, selling NHRMC to Novant Health in billion-dollar deal | Port City Daily

https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2020/10/06/commissioners-approve-historic-vote-selling-nhrmc-to-novant-health-in-billion-dollar-deal/?fbclid=IwAR3O_vGlVq0J6R5wtdUSshd4iNXHbnXoS2zUJ-JHb3WPfbbPwiueiX2aZj0

(Center) New Hanover County Chair Julia Olson-Boseman flanked by the CEOs of New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Novant Health signs the Asset Purchase Agreement and accompanying documentation…

10/05/2020

Your kind words of support over this past year have sustained me.

“Zapple can continue to peddle his bu****it elsewhere but I will continue to strongly object to him doing so in the form...
10/02/2020
It’s a high-tension moment as a board in flux prepares for the monumental NHRMC sale decision | Port City Daily

“Zapple can continue to peddle his bu****it elsewhere but I will continue to strongly object to him doing so in the formal record, especially when his talking points would go unrebutted. Each and every point he makes in this “manifesto” is … rebuttable by accountants and lawyers — neither of which is he,” White wrote.

Zapple replied, objecting to White’s language and insisting again that unanswered questions about the deal with Novant were a problem.

“Please stop with the abusive language and personal attacks that are meant to bully and intimidate — they don’t work. Your persistent use of foul language not only reveals a lack of creative thought but is also an embarrassment to you and our County Government.

“The questions I have raised come from a thorough reading of the 160 pages Asset Purchase Agreement, they are not a part of some other agenda. It is concerning to me that we are this deep into the process and there are still significant gaps and legitimate unanswered questions in the final contract,” Zapple wrote.

In an interview, White stood by his language.

“From the very beginning of this process, Rob and his fellow cronies have intentionally used words such as ‘corruption ‘and ‘liars’ to suggest that Pat, Julia and I have committed crimes and acted unethically. Those words are much more ‘foul’ to me than calling them what they really are — which is bu****it,” White said.

Built in 1967, New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s main campus has outgrown itself, with physicians concerned that without outside financial resources, the hospital will continue to fall behind the…

09/29/2020

UPDATE: Julia Boseman has refused to allow my comments to be entered into the public record. This is what Democracy looks like?

09/27/2020

Please show up and participate in the last chance for public comment regarding the sale of the hospital. 5pm, Monday, downtown old courthouse. Limited to 3 minutes per person. The final vote has been moved up to next week, October 5th.

06/04/2020

Be proactive. Be prepared. Here’s how to Vote By Mail.

05/04/2020

Citizens should expect that committee/board appointments are made by considering who has the most knowledge on a given issue, or who is willing to do the work of learning the issues, and above all, who will best stand up for the citizens of New Hanover County. Instead, appointments are worked out as if we are a 7th grade club made out of two cliques, and appointments are prizes to be awarded and traded. You’re not surprised, are you?

04/29/2020
Elect Rob Zapple

Elect Rob Zapple

New Hanover County Democratic Convention
Saturday, April 25th 3:00pm

Good afternoon,
My name is Rob Zapple and I have the privilege of representing you as a New Hanover County Commissioner. It's an honor to speak with you today, and I would like to thank Richard Poole and the entire Executive Committee of the New Hanover County Democratic Party for inviting me to participate in this important and unique event – coming to you live by Zoom.

We are, today a nation at risk, and there has never been a time in our history when effective government was more important to the safety and well being of our citizens.
The speed with which the Covid-19 virus has changed the lives of every American has been unbelievable. Less than 60 days ago, the stock market was booming, high school seniors across the country were eagerly awaiting for news from colleges and universities, and our county’s unemployment rate was hovering around 3.5%, what most economists considered full employment. Covid-19 was little more than a curiosity, something that was happening somewhere else...in China and Europe, maybe on the West Coast, but it had nothing to do with New Hanover County. Most of us had never heard the term, ‘social distancing’, before the end of February – today it is the guiding principle of our lives.
It is in times of emergency that government either fails us...or makes us stronger. We look to our local government for the leadership and the wisdom to take the actions and make the decisions that will make us safer, help us return to our normal activities, reopen our businesses, and reconnect with our friends and families without fear for our health and safety. That is the essential test that government must pass...and that is our challenge.

During this pandemic your New Hanover County government, in partnership with the City of Wilmington, our beach communities, and the leadership and staff of our County owned hospital, have come together to support Governor Cooper’s plan based on the advice of medical experts and solid scientific data. As a community we have rallied behind the core message of ‘stay at home’ and social distancing to stop the exponential growth of the virus – and, the good news is - it has worked!
Our County has reported just 76 positive cases of Covid-19 in a population of more than 235,000 citizens and 48 of those have recovered. As of Friday there were only 4 Covid-19 positive patients at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Our hospital and our County Health Department have more than adequate supplies of PPE and ventilators on hand. A plan for widespread testing throughout New Hanover County is in the works, with more on that coming this week. We have, as a community, ‘flattened the curve’ – and, so far, have prevented a surge of serious cases from overwhelming our hospital.
Now we can begin the slow, cautious path back to what will be the “new normal.” At the end of April, the county's additional restrictions will be lifted. If, on May 8th, we're seeing a downward trend, we'll begin Governor Cooper's three stage plan to re-open our County and the state. But, unless we continue to follow the guidelines and observe social distancing, while under the State of Emergency, we could quickly slide backwards and experience a second surge of the virus. None of us want that to happen.
The economic and psychological damage that has already been done to our community over the past two months is enormous. Revenues that support our County services – sales tax, property taxes, and room occupancy taxes – will all be reduced this year, next year and possibly for years to come. Funding for our schools, our sheriffs, our libraries and our parks will be under close scrutiny as we try to do more with less.

The economic uncertainty will affect all aspects of our lives in New Hanover County – including the future plans for our County owned hospital. The nine-month process of ‘exploring’ options for NHRMC has resulted in 6 large healthcare systems submitting proposals in response to the Request for Proposal that was sent out across the nation. Five of those responses would eventually result in selling our hospital to another entity. All of these proposals were written prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the promises of lavish sale prices will need to be recalculated and reconsidered as healthcare systems across the nation are reporting losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The world has changed...dramatically. As a County we need to step back and reconsider these proposals in light of the pandemic that has for the most part overwhelmed major institutions and has already redefined what healthcare means to our citizens. And, along the way, we should thank our lucky stars that we were not tethered to a much larger healthcare system that could have suffered staggering losses and looked to the PPE and personnel of New Hanover Regional to fill their needs - sapping critical supplies from our community. Sometimes, being independent and having control of your destiny is a good thing. New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s success in preparing our community and managing its resources during this pandemic has significantly benefited our community – while many other hospitals across the nation have been thrown into chaos. It begs the question - why isn't remaining independent at the top of the list of possibilities the hospital is considering?
All of what we're experiencing reinforces the importance of having strong, competent local leadership. We have a once in a generation opportunity this November to turn the political course of New Hanover County in a new and positive direction. There are three seats in play on the County Commission in this November’s election. Commissioner Barfield is up for re-election and his representation of all citizens in New Hanover County, his experience over 12 years of service has helped to make our County a better place to live. We need Jonathan on the Commission to continue our work. We also need the experience, the intelligence and the commitment of Leslie Cohen and Dr. Kyle Horton, to help turn challenge into opportunity and move our county forward.
Having four, solid Democrats on our County Commission is within our grasp with this election. It would be a first in modern history. It can only happen, though, if the people in this virtual room – the core of the Democratic Party in New Hanover County – make a commitment to work hard throughout the summer and fall to get Jonathan, Kyle, and Leslie elected.

This campaign season is going to be unlike anything that we have ever seen. House parties, Coffees with the Candidates, even Candidate Forums will all be reimagined in a post Covid-19 world. A greater reliance on social media, direct mail and personal contact will all be part of the ‘new campaigning’. This will all take dedication and hard work to make a Democratic sweep in November a reality.
One more thing – money. More than ever before the candidates will need your financial help. Without the ability to meet one on one or, in large groups, the traditional methods of raising campaign funds will be severely restricted. We need your help with donations but even more so in finding creative ways to help rewrite the Campaign Book and motivate voters to get out and vote.
From the national, to the State, to our local elections - this is our year. Let’s get out and show what Democratic leadership can do. Re-elect, Jonathan Barfield, elect Dr. Kyle Horton, Leslie Cohen, Harper Peterson, Deb Butler, Marcia Morgan, Adam Ericson, Clayton Hamerski, Stephanie Walker, Hugh McManus and Chris Meek!
It's up to us...and it's never been more important. Stay safe and healthy – and remember to file for an absentee ballot, today!
Thank you.

New Hanover County Announces Additional Restrictions
03/28/2020
New Hanover County Announces Additional Restrictions

New Hanover County Announces Additional Restrictions

New Hanover County, in collaboration with the City of Wilmington and the towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach, will be implementing

NHC press conference regarding state and county restrictions.
03/28/2020

NHC press conference regarding state and county restrictions.

At NACo Conference - presentation on Federal issues that impact counties - including federal funding for Coronavirus eme...
03/02/2020

At NACo Conference - presentation on Federal issues that impact counties - including federal funding for Coronavirus emergency response, proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, election security funding, and proposed $760 billion infrastructure investment package - and how it will impact County projects.

Now, here’s an excellent public speaker and a Senator that is getting things done. Great vision for the future - big sup...
03/02/2020

Now, here’s an excellent public speaker and a Senator that is getting things done. Great vision for the future - big supporter of Joe Biden.
Senator Chris Coombs - Dem. - Delaware.

At NACo Legislative Conference - getting an up to the minute update on Corona Virus by Dr. Michael Wolfe from Center of ...
03/01/2020

At NACo Legislative Conference - getting an up to the minute update on Corona Virus by Dr. Michael Wolfe from Center of Disease Control (CDC).

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321 RL Honeycutt Dr
Wilmington, NC
28412

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2:30pm update today downtown with Anderson Cooper!

On HLN this morning!

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Looking forward to 4 more years (at least!) of serving the citizens of New Hanover County.

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Our Story

I’m Rob Zapple, and I’m running for re-election for County Commissioner. I’m a small business owner, the husband of a small business owner, a father and grandfather, and a citizen who believes that government needs to work better for all of us, to be successful. I want to ensure that the County uses our money more efficiently, that we bring together individuals, other government bodies, and businesses, to find solutions to our problems, through common sense, hard work, and cooperation. Growing The Economy The safety and security of our County includes building a strong economic base with more jobs and a sound future. I run a business here, and I understand the importance of a healthy business climate. I’m committed to finding innovative ways to encourage the responsible growth of clean industries and robust businesses that can help enhance the future for all of us. Taxes Considering the recent recession, the slow recovery, and our property reassessments, I feel strongly that government needs to work within the constraints of the taxes it now collects and remain revenue neutral. The taxpayers of New Hanover County understand that their taxes must be used to make our community safe, to maintain our infrastructure, and to invest in our collective future. However, they also understand that you can’t get something for nothing, that you can’t spend what you don’t have. As your commissioner, I promise that I’ll make sure we get what we pay for and don’t pay for what we can’t afford. Ensuring Safety As a commissioner of New Hanover County, my first priority will be the safety of our citizens. I will support a strong law enforcement effort—one that is both effective and efficient. I will encourage communication and cooperation between city, county, and state law enforcement agencies with the primary objective being the safety and security of our community. Education Education is our future. I raised my family right here in New Hanover County – all three of my children were educated in the New Hanover County public school system and as of May of this year, all three will have received degrees from the North Carolina University system. Education is an issue I understand and care a great deal about. It’s the County Commission’s job to make sure funding is available. The jobs of the future will demand a well-educated workforce and we need to prepare for that future. I will be working to make sure that local and state funding is allocated to the programs that help ensure the best educational practices for all our children. This is an investment worth making; it’s about our children, our future. Environmental Concerns Safety and health come first. We need clean water, clean air, and clean land. I have great concern about pollution caused by any new or existing business, that would impact our fragile environment. Being Responsible with our Trash We should be responsible for our own trash. Period. The citizens of New Hanover County have made wise investments over the years to create the infrastructure that we now have. The New Hanover County Commission needs to take control of this issue. As a community, we need to fund the upgrade of our Waste to Energy incinerator to protect our environment and create a thriving job market. Funding? We’re either going to spend the money in our own county now or spend it later shipping it to another. Arts Funding The cultural arts in New Hanover County have been and continue to be an economic driver in our community, an engine that has proven to be a magnet for tourism, business, and real estate development. I have participated in the leadership of several cultural institutions in New Hanover County and can speak with confidence about the value of every dollar that is invested in our cultural activities and organizations. The facts are clear: Cultural arts dollars create a significant return on investment to the taxpayers. And I believe that we can increase that return on investment. New Hanover County is a destination for people outside our area. It is our live theatre, concerts, films, museums, and historic architecture, along with the Cape Fear River and our beautiful beaches, that attract thousands of visitors and new residents every year. Investing in the arts and culture of our community is investing in our economic growth and in the future of New Hanover County. Thank you for your interest in making our home an even better place to live and prosper.

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