This week’s Hometown Hero, presented by Hendrick Southpoint, is Orange County Commissioner Renee Price, who was recently named the North Carolina County Commissioner of the Year.

The award was bestowed by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners during their virtual annual conference.

Price recently spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck about the honor, as she became just the third Orange County Commissioner to win the award — joining Moses Carey and Richard Whitted.

She said was extremely emotional when she found out she won the award because of her love for the job and the fact that she was selected to win by her peers. 

“I really enjoy it because I get to work with people,” Price said. “And I get to serve people. If I can go home at night and feel like I’ve done something to help someone—even if it’s very small—I feel good about that. I just want to do my part to help make this world a better world.”

Price was selected this year mainly for her work on the association’s Board of Directors and the steering committees for both Justice and Public Safety as well as Health and Human Services.

Of all the accomplishments in her career, Price said there are two she’s the proudest of.  The first was spearheading the effort on the Raise the Age initiative, which keeps 16 and 17-year old kids from being automatically tried as adults if they commit a crime. That law went into effect across North Carolina on Dec. 1, 2019.

While her work has been impressive to say the least, Price was quick to credit others for their efforts connected to her winning this prestigious award. 

“I didn’t get this award by myself,” Price said. “It was the people of Orange County that elected me. And I work with the people of Orange County to do whatever I’m accomplishing. It’s not a solo act. So, in a way, this award is for all of us.”

Price is running unopposed for her seat this fall — ensuring at least another four years in the job.

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