Nancy and I are grateful to be able to host this event for my friend, Russ Stephenson. Friends joined us in supporting his re-election to Raleigh’s City Council. Councilmember Stephenson’s vision for Raleigh is that it will continue to grow sustainably in ways that combine economic competitiveness, environmental stewardship, social equity and regional cooperation. He strives for innovative and thoughtful improvements in all of these areas that will keep Raleigh and its citizens healthy and prosperous for generations to come.