When Alice Gordon thinks about her 24 years as an Orange County commissioner, she remembers conserving thousands of acres of land across the county and approving innovative science wings at schools.
Gordon announced last week she would not be seeking re-election. She was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners in 1990, and her sixth and final term will expire this December.
“I felt it was time,” Gordon said. “I’ve accomplished most of what I wanted to do.”
During her time as commissioner, Gordon focused on protecting the environment, improving public schools and developing public transportation.
Gordon said she believes her greatest accomplishment in environmental protection is the county’s Lands Legacy Program. It has protected over 2,500 acres of forest, farmland and historic sites to date through both outright purchase and donated or purchased conservation easements.
She emphasized she will continue to work on improving educational facilities during her remaining time on the board.
And she said she takes great pride in the new Culbreth Middle School science wing.
“I really hope we can take these older schools and improve them,” Gordon said. “I’m hoping this Culbreth science wing can be a model of what we can do.”
Carrboro Alderman Randee Haven-O’Donnell, who Gordon helped mentor in her initial campaign for the Board of Aldermen, said she is sad to see her leave.
