So part of my job as Public Editor is to put letters online that don’t get published in the DTH. I have yet to do this. I figured a good place to start would be with all of those election letters that never printed. It appears that Dan Coleman mobilizes for letter to the editor submissions better than any other candidate. So here are the letters (in no particular order).
I’ve known Dan Coleman for nearly twenty years. During our long friendship, I’ve been impressed by Dan’s passion for politics as well as by his intelligence and good humor.
I share the belief of many of Dan’s supporters that he brings both breadth and depth of thought to local politics. We need local political leaders who have the ability to think through issues and guide truly compassionate decision-making. In my experience, Dan has demonstrated this ability. Since the late 1980s, when he organized the Orange County Greens, Dan has impressed me as well-informed and forward looking. He’s written a fine book on Green Politics, a well-researched novel about a (19th/20th) turn-of-the-century Anarchist, and countless thoughtful letters to local newspapers. His intellectual reach is wide, though his feet are firmly planted here in Orange County.
Dan’s service describes the range of local progressive politics: Carrboro’s delegate to the Long Range Transit Committee; Chancellor Moeser’s Leadership Advisory Committee; Economic Sustainability Commission; New Horizons Task Force; NAACP; and, current member of the Carrboro Board of Aldermen. As a Carrboro High parent, I was particularly pleased when Dan volunteered to represent the Board of Aldermen in discussions of safety improvements for Smith Level Road.
Finally, Dan is a well-known consensus builder. He is caring, critical, and connected to key county and state representatives like Mike Nelson and Ellie Kinnaird.
Dan’s diverse talents bode well for Carrboro. He is a friend who has earned my respect and support through twenty years of informed, passionate activism.
Sincerely,
William Stott
Carrboro, NC
Keep Strom on Council
This town has made some amazing steps forward in the past eight years, and much of that has been due to the able leadership of our Town Council. We’ve modernized our Land Use Management Ordinance, introduced fare-free bus service, instituted Neighborhood Conservation Districts, expanded greenways, and introduced and adopted a series of environmentally-friendly policies. We’ve faced tough talks on Carolina North as we move toward a plan that works both for our community and for UNC.
Bill Strom has been at the forefront of all these issues and more. He has never failed to stand up for the community and the quality-of-life issues that make Chapel Hill such a great place to live. But what is striking is how far beyond parochial thinking his leadership goes. His initiatives and approaches reflect a farseeing approach to our problems and future that is all too rare among our political leaders. He has worked for sensible development instead of sprawl, sensible transit options instead of wider roads, downtown revitalization instead of strip malls.
As a citizen, I have found Bill accessible, helpful, and effective. His support on neighborhood issues has been strong. We can count on him to lead us in the right direction.
We’ve made a lot of progress, but there are difficult days ahead. Let’s keep Bill Strom on Council.
Mike Collins
Our Incumbents Deserve To Be Re-Elected
I am writing in support of the re-election of all five incumbent officials in Chapel Hill: Mayor Foy and Council members Greene, Hill, Strom and Ward. I have served for eight years on Town advisory boards (Transportation, Community Design Commission, Planning, Streetscape Master Plan Review, Town Operations Center Design, Northern Area Task Force) and have worked with all of the incumbents during those 8 years. I believe that these individuals have performed an outstanding job in managing Chapel Hill’s growth while maintaining those qualities of Chapel Hill that we value so highly. They have done so while implementing strategies to both maintain and increase our existing inventory of affordable housing and to protect the character of existing neighborhoods. These individuals all have strong records of environmental protection, encouraging sustainability, and insuring the protection of minorities. Furthermore, they have demonstrated a willingness to listen to the citizens of Chapel Hill and to work with their colleagues on the Town Council to provide us a community that functions well and is a pleasure and privilege to call home. Please join me in the upcoming election to re-elect Mayor Kevin Foy and Council members Sally Greene, Cam Hill, Bill Strom and Jim Ward.
George Cianciolo
The Chapel Hill Town Council faces a difficult task: to preserve the admirable essence of our town amidst the pressures and opportunities of growth and change. I am delighted that we will have the opportunity to re-elect Bill Strom to the Town Council because he has demonstrated notable skill and leadership in all aspects of Chapel Hill governance, and particularly in preserving neighborhoods, supporting and sustaining our natural environment, and seeking opportunities to enhance town-gown cooperation. A vote for Bill Strom is a vote well cast.
Steve Reznick
Chapel Hill
Bill Strom makes it a joy to vote on election day. Whether it’s neighborhood protection, downtown revitalization, or environmental stewardship, Bill works hard, listens carefully, thinks freshly, and gets results.
Our neighborhood is grateful for Bill’s attention and leadership in negotiating plans for the South. Columbia Street widening project, the UNC Central Campus and, now, for Carolina North—always working for the good of the Town and neighborhood preservation.
Eight years ago, Bill called to ask about my work with other progressive communities on Low-Impact Development Design and stormwater management. Thanks to Bill’s leadership, and our progressive Council, Chapel Hill is now a leader in environmental stewardship and an example for other communities.
Please vote to re-elect Bill Strom.
Kimberly Brewer
Re-Elect Sally Greene
As a member of the Chapel Hill Town Council, Sally Greene has proven to be an extraordinarily effective advocate for the preservation of our neighborhoods, our environment, and our open space. Her keen intellect enables her to formulate public policy to realize the Town’s long-term goals, and thus enhances our quality of life in Chapel Hill. Sally is also an active participant in making this community a positive and enriching place to live through her leadership on issues ranging from civic justice to homelessness.
Please join me in re-electing Sally to the Town Council.
Janet Kagan
Dear Editor,
I am writing on behalf of Dan Coleman for Alderman.
Dan is a long term area resident with a history of service who is well aware of the subtleties of the development issues facing the town. In his time on the Board of Aldermen he has exhibited the leadership we need.
If the town of Carrboro is to achieve its goal of a strong downtown economy, we need Dan’s participation. We need a leader who has proactively made the effort to reach out to business owners and individuals to strengthen the local business community. He has show his commitment in the time that he has put in talking and listening to different points of view and encouraging cooperation among groups.
Dan knows that the success of Carrboro’s future will depend heavily on the success of small independent businesses and he has gone out of his way to strengthen relationships among business owners to actively promote the wealth of commercial activity in the downtown area. Dan is alone among the aldermen at the early morning business association meetings and always has time to participate in new initiatives to promote the town.
Carrboro is a small but diverse community with conflicting needs and demands. We require the humble input of those who seek to guide our future development through many unknown outcomes. We need leaders like Dan who are fair-minded, practical and can reconcile complexity.
The growth Carrboro is experiencing creates a set of issues that lack clear black and white answers and certainly don’t lend themselves to inflammatory remarks. Dan is a skilled consensus builder and excellent listener who can take intelligent and nuanced positions on complicated issues. He has served the town well and deserves to be re-elected in this crucial time in the town’s development. That’s why I’ll be voting for Dan.
Jenny McMillan
4 for 4 (More)
UNC voters have an opportunity to return four very qualified council members back to the Town Council this fall. Sally Greene, Cam Hill, Bill Strom and Jim Ward (in alphabetical order) have all provided the Town and University students with excellent leadership on a whole host of issues over the past four years. Working through the transition to a new town manager, Roger Stancil has proven to be an excellent choice. Issues surrounding Carolina North have been treated fairly. Lot 5 development will bring a new dimension to a downtown that is evolving. The new public works and bus facilities are excellent examples of green design. And above all, they have found a way to increase town services without tax increases. While there are other good people running for Council, for these and their many other accomplishments the existing four Council members: Ward, Strom, Hill and Greene deserve to be re-elected. And don’t forget to vote for Kevin Foy for mayor. He has provided superb leadership of a Council that has accomplished a great deal over these past four years. Be sure to vote Tuesday, November 6. Every vote counts and the students are generally under-represented in those who turn out to vote.
Alan E. Rimer
Re-elect the CH Incumbents
I am voting to re-elect all five incumbents in Chapel Hill: Mayor Kevin Foy, and council members Sally Greene, Cam Hill, Bill Strom and Jim Ward.
I have worked with this council for the past eight years while serving on five town boards and commissions, and believe this council has made significant progress in many areas: fiscal responsibility, preserving the character of our neighborhoods, tree protection, managing growth, relations with UNC, affordable housing, environmental protection and fare-free bus service.
While not perfect, these council members have worked tirelessly on these issues and have been very accessible to the town’s citizens. I believe these incumbents will continue to maintain the qualities of Chapel Hill that we so highly value.
Gene Pease
Letter to Editor:
I met Dan Coleman in 1986 when we were both members of the Coaltion for Alternatives to Shearon Harris, an organization which won all the battles but lost the war to stop Shearon Harris from opening. Since then I have worked with Dan on a myriad of issues from promoting energy-efficiency and alternative energy, lobbying for energy-efficient schools, monitoring growth and development, advocating for a living wage, promoting a sustainable local economy, the list goes on and on.
He is one of the most knowledgeable people in our community on issues of progressive policy, from the macro to the micro. He has proven equally adept at representing citizens’ concerns on the Carolina North development as at helping to create a community garden for local residents. I hope that he is elected to the Carrboro Board of Alderman so that he can continue his good work.
Mark Marcoplos
October 22, 2007
I am writing in support of the re-election of Mayor Foy, Council Members Bill Strom and Jim Ward and the election of Penny Rich to Council. Mayor Foy, Council Members Strom and Ward have provided the Town with leadership and vision on many fronts in the past. I also strongly support the election of Penny Rich. I served with Penny on the OWASA Board and had the opportunity to get to know her and see her in action on Board matters. Her passionate leadership, positive attitude and vision for Chapel Hill will make her a valuable member of the Council.
Randy Kabrick, P.E.
Coleman supports community-initiated projects
Please consider voting for Dan Coleman for Carrboro Alderman. I support Dan primarily because of his respect and support for community-initiated projects such as the Carrboro Community Garden, Carrboro Greenspace, the ReCyclery, and the Really Really Free Market. Dan makes a habit of actively engaging with people involved such projects.
I also support Dan because he grounds his commitment to building the local economy not only in locally-owned businesses, but in locally particular interests and needs. He has a strong interest in creative approaches to local economic planning, such as those articulated through the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, and has the energy, focus, and responsiveness to move forward with such approaches.
Dan stands out as the most receptive, most responsive, and most thoughtful representative currently on the board. His concern for Carrboro’s future is evident in his remarkable attention to details in proposed developments, and in his commitment to hearing and understanding residents’ diverse perspectives. Please join me in supporting Alderman Dan Coleman for another term.
Vinci Daro
Carrboro
To the Editors:
I value the Independent’s investigative journalism. Where’s the investigative element in the Indy Chapel Hill election endorsements?
Regarding “the financial ramifications of the controversial downtown redevelopment initiative” (Independent, 10-24-07, p.15): Why no mention that for a year and more Council members Strom, Greene, and Hill failed to let our downtown development national consultant guide their planning? Why no note that the coliseum-style plan pushed by Sally Greene had to be totally changed by NCSU Dean Marvin Malecha, recruited by then Town Manager, Cal Horton? The Indy’s investigative staff should follow the money and time expended. Our current perceptive Town Manager, Roger Stancil, has himself advised the current Council that “time is money.”
The Indy’s fine reporters could cover the many comments that Chapel Hill’s permitting process takes too long, costs too much, restricts our tax base. Why does the Independent so often focus only on what the Sierra Club focuses on?
UNC has already committed to preserving 75% of its Campus North land and to build sustainable buildings. Both towns have met with UNC in LAC Committee meetings without the problem Cam Hill fears.
The Indy could connect the dots between Food Lion’s two years, crushed by Chapel Hill’s politics as usual, only reopening an old building in Ram’s Plaza – and now taxpayers
paying an Economic Development Officer to expedite improvements there.
As a member of the local NAACP, I am also sensitive to all minority concerns.
Chapel Hill, vote for real diversity. Give the whole community a voice on Town Council.
Mayor: Kevin Foy (he has respect for our biggest employer, UNC)
Council: Bill Strom (he follows plans for future rail transit)
Jim Ward (botanist able to hear others)
Matt Czajkowski (bicyclist with financial training, experience)
Penny Rich (water conservationist, ties to businesses)
School Board: Jamezetta Bedford (experience with variety of education needs)
Michael Kelley (financial focus for schools)
Mia Burroughs (experience with students-at-risk)
Annetta Streater (wants to close achievement gap)
Lynne Kane
Chapel Hill, NC
Cam Hill has been a terrifically effective member of the Town Council and highly deserves to be reelected.He has brought a listening and caring leadership to the board that is fair to all parties. His service to our community ensures that we will grow in a responsible way that will maintain the charm of our Chapel Hill. We need his balanced approach as we deal with all the upcoming difficult issues of growth and change.
It’s rare to find an elected official as genuine, modest, and considerate as Cam. Vote for him this fall and keep him working for us.
Scott McLean
I urge you to support Cam Hill for Chapel Hill town council. Development in Chapel Hill is accelerating and is making much of my home town indistinguishable from any other town. Finding the balance between inevitable growth and preserving the special character of our town is our biggest challenge. Over the last four years Cam has shown that he is a hardworking, well informed, and sensible leader. Please vote for Cam Hill.
Jim Vernon
As a member of Carrboro’s Transportation Advisory Board and a local business owner, I would like to share a bit about Alderman Dan Coleman’s leadership on transportation alternatives and local business initiatives.
Dan understands the connection between transit and land use planning and has been a strong advocate for Carrboro’s needs. He is Carrboro’s delegate to the Long Range Transit Committee, and has also represented Carrboro on Chancellor Moeser’s Leadership Advisory Committee. There, he joined Mayor Chilton in insisting that pedestrian, bicycle, and transit trips should be the highest priority for Carolina North.
Dan is a strong advocate for local business. He brought the author of The Small-Mart Revolution, Michael Shuman, to speak publicly about the importance of small businesses to local economies. He has also met with me to discuss starting a Balle (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) chapter in Carrboro.
If you want a walkable and bikable town with a strong local economy, then I strongly recommend voting for Alderman Dan Coleman on November 6.
Daniel Amoni
A healthy democracy depends on responsible, well-informed voters who make electoral decisions based on candidates’ proven performance.
As a Carrboro alderman, Dan promotes local business, supports transportation alternatives, protects open spaces, and limits urban sprawl. In short, he works diligently to ensure that Carrboro remains a vibrant and progressive community in a time of globalization and unprecedented growth.
Dan’s proven track record merits broad support from the Carrboro electorate. And that’s why, as a resident of Carrboro and as a longtime runner who values our town’s commitment to sidewalks and greenways, I will be voting for Dan Coleman on Nov. 6.
Thanks and regards,
Ismail Suayah
Carrboro, NC
Dear Sir:
The Town Council is going to be dealing with many issues in the near future and paramount among them is negotiating with the University for the best resolution of Carolina North’s impact on the community. The mayor and many others have shown that they have a handle on the basic problems, and Bill Strom has proven to be an outstanding negotiator. Strom is strong in his position with the appropriate balance and fairness needed to protect the town as it comes to terms with the inevitable growing pains that Carolina North will bring to us.
Let’s continue with Bill Strom on the Town Council for mutually beneficial resolution of Carolina North’s impact on our town.
Sincerely,
Ray and Pat Carpenter
Carrboro is fortunate to have an engaged citizenry led by creative and committed community leaders. Among our very best and brightest is Dan Coleman, who offers a rare combination of abilities, foresight, and sense of community for our town. Since we moved here 18 years ago, I have admired Dan’s work to help us grow smartly in ways that enhances our people, local businesses, and ecology, to protect our greenways and natural areas, to keep our town affordable for all, and, most importantly, to help empower citizens to work together to create solutions for a better future. I am grateful that as an alderman, Dan has provided invaluable leadership on issues that matter to all of us. Dan has made Carrboro more inclusive, diverse and fair in terms of housing affordability, taxation, job opportunities, and access to our greenways. His oversight over the Carolina North project will make a difference for future generations here. Please vote on Nov. 6, and mark your ballot for Dan Coleman. Stephen Dear Since 2001, council has generally represented my support of the environment, neighborhoods, sane transportation planning, downtown revitalization, and other progressive issues. Bill Strom is one of the leaders up for reelection who has helped to transform the council, and I am writing to urge you and your readers to support him in November. I met Bill in the mid '90s when we worked on behalf of neighborhood interests. He had the vision and endurance to seek two successful terms on the council, and in his bid for reelection, I support him wholeheartedly. While I haven't agreed with him on everything, I know him to be a tireless advocate for the people of Chapel Hill. Bill and like-minded council members have helped to prevent Weaver Dairy Road and Columbia Street from being converted into four-lane thoroughfares. He was an early supported of Citizen Action for Responsible Roads (CARR), and continues to advocate for environmentally sane solutions to the town's transportation problems. As usual, turnout promises to be low in this year's local elections. While there doesn't seem to be much controversy this year that might drive greater turnout, I urge readers not to be complacent. We need people like Bill to watch out for the town's interests. Sincerely, BurwellCarrboro is fortunate to have an engaged citizenry led by creative and committed community leaders. Among our very best and brightest is Dan Coleman, who offers a rare combination of abilities, foresight, and sense of community for our town.Since we moved here 18 years ago, I have admired Dan’s work to help us growsmartly in ways that enhance our people, local businesses, and ecology, to protect our greenways and natural areas, to keep our town affordable for all, and, most importantly, to help empower citizens to work together to create solutions for a better future.I am grateful that as an alderman, Dan has provided invaluable leadership onissues that matter to all of us. Dan has made Carrboro more inclusive and diverse and fairer in terms of housing affordability, taxation, job opportunities, and access to our greenways. His oversight over the Carolina North project will make a difference for future generations here.Please vote on Nov. 6, and mark your ballot for Dan Coleman. Stephen DearI have known Sharon Cook for ten years. Sharon is a dedicated, community
oriented citizen. Presently Sharon is a member of the Carrboro Town Planning
Board and is also a representative to the Carrboro Greenways
Commission.Sharon would be an excellent addition to the Carrboro Board of
Aldermen. She would truly represent all the citizens of Carrboro, something
sorely needed given the current make-up of the Board.Elizabeth Kent
I first met Bill Strom in 1991 when we were both neighborhood activists
just north of town where I still live and Bill lived at the time. I
have followed his work in Chapel Hill since he first ran for office and
I'm pleased that he has remained true to his principles of sustainable
and community-enhancing development. His leadership on energy
efficiency, climate change, transportation and neighborhood protections
helps all of us in the area. With the coming development at Carolina
North, I am glad that Bill is fully engaged to make sure that the
University and the community at large are well served by these huge
changes in our community.I encourage your vote for Bill Strom.
Lee Rafalow
Orange County
Dear Editor,
Carrboroans driving down
Hillsborough Road have surely noticed the community garden that
flourishes on the future Martin Luther King, Jr. Park site. The garden
is a partnership between the Carrboro Community Garden Coalition, a
grassroots group of novice and experienced gardeners of which I am a
member, and the Orange County Partnership for Young Children's Healthy
Kids initiative.The success of the garden owes a great deal to Alderman Dan
Coleman who took time to meet with the organizations and to facilitate
discussions with the Mayor and Board of Alderman and with town staff.Many are not aware that the garden is now watered from a pre-existing
well, which will soon be powered by a donated solar pump set to be
installed this winter by local solar experts. The well was scheduled
to be capped, but Alderman Coleman recognized the value of this water
source and the importance of demonstrating the use of solar power in this manner. It
is largely due to his initiative and perseverance that, while other
gardens suffer under the drought, the community garden flourishes.As the Sierra Club pointed out in its endorsement, we in
Carrboro are fortunate to have such a forward-thinking and hard-working
public official. Please join me in voting for Alderman Dan Coleman on
November 6.April McGreger
Cam Hill grew up in Chapel Hill and has seen it evolve from
the small college town I remember of the 70s into the high-priced suburban
community we live in today. He
refuses to accept that the “locals” have no say in the future their town. He has
been willing to both stand up to and work
with those institutions most responsible for the direction in which
Chapel Hill has moved. I am a Real
Estate Broker in this town, and my business obviously benefits from the growth
in population and price of housing. Cam would like to curb both through
“smart growth” policymaking. I can
think of no one I would rather have representing and overseeing the collective
interests of Chapel Hill’s diverse community than Cam Hill, and I strongly urge
you to vote for him.Sammy Martin
Franklin St. Realty
For the past year and a half I have been part of a group that has been attempting to preserve the site of the old Sparrow Pool and turn it into an ecology and community center. I write because throughout this process Alderman Dan Coleman has been absolutely invaluable to our efforts. In fact I think we might have given up long before if it were not for his support?both in terms of his knowledge of the town and area, and his moral support, because of his true commitment to the livability and sustainability of Carrboro.
Throughout this time Dan has taken the time to meet with us repeatedly, explaining and even researching the zoning and relevant land use ordinance provisions. In addition, Dan brought other aldermen and community leaders to the site to introduce them to us and to our project.
What was so impressive to me was that this was all "extra-curricular" in terms of Dan's responsibilities as an alderman. But it is yet another instance (and many friends of mine have had other similarly positive experiences) that attest to not only how committed he is to both community life in Carrboro and environmental issues writ-large, but how much he is willing to give of his own time and effort in order that we residents can actively participate in making this town the special place it is. (Considering the state of democracy surrounding us, this access was almost startling!)
Please join me in voting for Alderman Dan Coleman on November 6, I really can?t think of anyone who better embodies what such a job can and should entail!
Sincerely,
Michal Osterweil
Grad Student, UNC Dept of Anthropology
Dan Coleman brings a unique blend of knowledge and skills to the Board of Aldermen. Since the beginning of his service as an Aldermen, he has carefully listened with an open mind to all sides of policy deliberations, has been particularly attentive and responsive to public input and has provided an important voice in support of issues such as affordable housing , neighborhood protection and sustainable development. Regarding the Northern Transition Area, he served as co-chair of the New Horizons Task Force which was created to help the town respond to the concerns of newly annexed residents. He has addressed in his votes the concerns of Carrboro and County residents in the Northern Transition Area involving environmental, traffic and light pollution issues. He is thoughtful, creative, hard-working, collaborative, and proactive, and a person of highest integrity.
I strongly encourage your vote for Dan Coleman.
Jay Bryan
Carrboro voters should be aware that Alderman Dan Coleman understands that Carrboro is impacted by more than what goes on around Main Street. One aspect of that is Dan’s understanding of the threat of a serious nuclear accident at the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant, a threat that could leave our storefronts (to say nothing of our homes) empty for decades.
Dan knows that the plant has been out of compliance with NRC fire safety regulations for over 14 years and the significant risk that poses. He led a delegation of local elected officials to meet with Congressman Price to discuss the problem. This resulted in an independent fire safety study now underway by the Government Accountability Office.
Dan is the best sort of local official: one who works hard to realize progressive community values in Carrboro and yet clearly understands the big picture. I urge Carrboro voters to elect Alderman Dan Coleman to another term in office.
Pete MacDowell
There are dozens of ways I could make the case for voting for Alderman Dan Coleman. One of them is to review the list of supporters who attended his campaign kick-off.
I didn’t know everyone at the event, but here are a few of the notables among the thirty or so present: Carrboro’s Volunteer of the Year Jackie Helvey, El Centro director Ben Balderas, Nerys Levy of Friends of the Carrboro Library, Carrboro Business Association chair Greg DeWitt, Carrboro Planning Board chair James Carnahan, Carrboro Film Festival organizer Nic Beery, 2005 alderman candidates Catherine DeVine and David Marshall, community activist Ellen Perry, and Patrick McDonough of the Village Project.
I could not put it better than State Senator Ellie Kinnaird, who told those assembled “when you see the array of people here who are supporting Dan Coleman, you’ll know why he is the best candidate.”
All these fine citizens are supporting Alderman Dan Coleman. And so am I.
Zemo Trevathan
Please return Dan Coleman to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen on Nov. 6th. Through my work on Carrboro advisory boards, I have gotten to know Dan Coleman well during his first Alderman term. Dan is always one of the most informed, prepared, and intelligent decision makers on the BoA. Dan is articulate, accessible, and gives generously of his time and talents. Dan serves Carrboro well. Keep Dan Coleman on the BoA.
Mary Rabinowitz
Fellow Carrboro voters: the time has come to make town finances a major part of your thinking about who should get your vote this November. Simple facts: Carrboro has the highest municipal tax rate in the state, its present five-year budget plan requires a 50% increase in that tax rate to maintain bare bones services, and a group of elected officials (and BOA candidates) is hell-bent to quadruple the planned density in northern Carrboro. If approved, town finances will deteriorate and the tax rate will rise even more because Carrboro-style development raises town costs more than revenues. You can’t run your household like that, and Carrboro can’t either.
I urge you to vote for the candidates who understand the financial ruin that is coming Carrboro’s way. Sharon Cook, Katrina Ryan, Brian Voyce, and Joal Broun can collectively reverse the path to financial disaster that the Mayor and others on the BOA have been blazing. The way forward begins with recognizing the problem: all of these candidates understand how serious the problem is. They also understand that unless Carrboro’s Mayor and BOA apply common sense and foresight to the town’s budget problems, the Carrboro that you know and love won’t be that same town in five years.
Please do not make the mistake of believing the town can tax its way out of this mess. Take the problem seriously, as these four candidates are, and vote for them on November 6.
Bob Connolly
Associate Prof. of Finance
UNC-Chapel Hill
South Columbia Street and Weaver Dairy Road and are not issues in this year's election, and I thank several members of the current council for keeping these roads from becoming four-lane highways. Mayor Foy and Mayor Pro Tem Strom have provided consistent leadership throughout their tenures on the council. Council members Greene and Hill were elected after these transportation issues were resolved, but they have been steadfast supporters. Council member Ward became a strong supporter in 2002, and he is to be commended. Foy, Strom, Greene, Hill, and Ward are endorsed by the Sierra Club and deserve reelection.
Sincerely,Michele S. Ware I enthusiastically support Dan Coleman for Carrboro alderman.
In twenty years as a community activist, Dan has demonstrated an
impressive ability to study the issues and press for change with a
view toward the long term. On the Board of Aldermen, he has earned a
reputation as a well-prepared, thoughtful alderman who comes to every
discussion with an open mind and a genuine interest in widespread
community participation.
Dan's own participation has been extensive, from serving on housing
and transportation advisory boards to organizing living wage and civil
liberties campaigns. Dan understands that economic development,
environmental protection, and social justice are interconnected, and
he supports thoughtful development that relies on the creativity of
Carrboro's residents. Dan knows that smart approaches to issues like
expanding the commercial tax base require us to take our time and get
things right.
Please join me in voting for Dan Coleman on November 6.
Damon Seils As members of the business community and active participants in Chapel Hill
events, including the Annual Community Dinner, we know it is important to
have a Council member like Matt Czajkowski. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber
of Commerce writes that "if elected, [he] will bring a coherent and
pragmatic understanding of local issues to the Council." Matt is further
described by the Chamber as the "strongest and most attractive candidate for
the Chapel Hill Town Council."
We urge concerned voters to help elect Matt Czajkowski, a longtime Chapel
Hill resident, chief financial officer of a local bio-tech firm and a
proponent of building a vibrant downtown. He will bring to the Council
long-needed financial experience, and address such issues as improving
quality of life, increasing green space, and encouraging bicycling as well.
Victor and Carol Minton
Chapel Hill, NC During the 18 years that I have been privileged to serve as a Carrboro
Alderman I have shared the board table with many dedicated members of
our community.Of all of the Alderman I have worked with Dan Coleman
stands out as among the best.
As an Alderman I judge my colleagues with a different set of standards
then I do as a voting citizen.As a citizen my main concern is that
those I vote for to represent me share my values and my goals for our
town.The standards I use to judge my fellow alderman include:coming
prepared to board meetings,being actively involved with and attending
the meetings of assigned committees and work groups,treating staff and
fellow board members with respect,being mindful that in a democracy
public officials are servants not aristocrats and being true to their
word.During my time on the board I served with some fine people with
whom I had strong policy disagreements but respected and appreciated as
co-workers.
Dan Coleman has earned both my vote as a citizen with his intelligent
approach to economic,social and environmental issues and my respect as
a colleague who I can count on to approach his job with integrity and a
strong sense of responsibility.
I ask the citizens of Carrboro please to vote for Alderman Dan Coleman
so that I may continue to work with him to serve our town.
Thank you
Jacquelyn Gist
Carrboro Alderman
I admit it. I was wrong. I was
not in favor of Dan Coleman being appointed Carrboro Alderman in 2006.
Honestly, it was a bit selfish because I so much enjoyed reading his
insightful columns on local politics in the Chapel Hill Herald. I felt
his forthright, illuminating articles were a service to the community
and I knew the Herald would not continue his column if he became
alderman. But Dan's positive contribution to Carrboro and the area
has increased in his new position. His encyclopedic knowledge of local
issues and his passion for effecting government that is rational, fair
and open-minded have combined to make Dan an ideal representative.
We're lucky to have him as a Carrboro Alderman.
Mayi Sanchez I am writing to urge Carrboro voters to support the
reelection of Alderman Dan Coleman.
As an economic development consultant, I have had the privilege of working in hundreds of communities across America, including Carrboro last year, and I can honestly say that have not met an elected official who “gets it” more than Dan. He’s smart, engaged, hard-working, and compassionate.
He’s also feisty, in the right way. I’ve been impressed with how Dan has resisted calls for quick fixes, like big box stores or industrial recruitments that could destroy Carrboro, and instead has pushed to protect the incredible beauty, history, and culture of your community through more modest expansions of locally owned businesses.
Over the past year, I’ve seen Dan learn from – and become a teacher for – elected officials nationwide who are trying to increase their tax base through local entrepreneurship, local business alliances, and “Think Local First” buy-local campaigns.
Most communities I work with dream of having a visionary leader like Coleman. Carrboro is lucky – all you have to do is reelect him.
Sincerely, Michael H. Shuman
I am writing to support Bill Strom's re-election to Town Council in Chapel Hill. I have known Bill for 15 years, and have always found him to be thoughtful, honest, and committed. He has brought these qualities and more to his service on the Town Council, leading with enthusiasm and intelligence. He has worked tirelessly on environmental issues, public transportation, and affordable housing. Bill is a good listener, and he has the skills and experience to tackle the challenges we face now, including Carolina North and the climate crisis. Although I don't live in Chapel Hill, I write to support Bill's re-election because I know he will push for solutions that will benefit all of us in this region. Larry Bohs Two years ago when I was a senior at UNC, Kevin Foy, Sally Greene, Cam Hill, Bill Strom, and Jim Ward voted to appoint me to the Chapel Hill Planning Board. That body is the main advisor to the Town Council on development issues, and it had been years since an undergraduate student had been appointed. This is just one of many examples of how these Council members have gone beyond talking about listening to students to taking substantive action to make sure students have a place at the table. Over the summer when the Board of Elections tried to move the early voting site away from campus, all five of these incumbents spoke up for keeping it downtown so that student voices would be heard. When Student Body Presidents James Allred and Eve Carson have approached the Council with issue of concern to students, all five of these incumbents have been responsive and supportive. With Kevin Foy, Sally Greene, Cam Hill, Bill Strom, and Jim Ward serving on the Town Council students can know they have leaders who value their place in the town and will pursue policies to their benefit. Please go to the Post Office this week during early voting and give them your support. Tom Jensen Vice Chair, Chapel Hill Planning Board UNC Class of 2006 "As I look at the list of people and organizations endorsing Dan Coleman for Carrboro Alderman (mostly from outside Carrboro), I think, where is the shame? How could they do it? Where is their moral compass? What motivates them to support such a person? What kind of communities are Carrboro and Chapel Hill? Let’s be clear about the character of Dan Coleman. Mr. Coleman hit a young woman in Anderson Park with his car. He hit her twice. He hit her deliberately. He was much older than the woman. He was seated in a weapon of greater power. He was seated in a position of greater authority (appointed alderman). When confronted by this woman, who was acting as a volunteer crossing guard to protect schoolchildren at a Carrboro High School event, Mr. Coleman became enraged. He was enraged that this woman of no consequence would dare to delay him. After all, he’s important. He’s a town official. Who is she? She doesn’t even live in Carrboro. If she did, she would’ve let him go. She’s smaller than he in his two ton weapon. She’s vulnerable. So he hit her with his car. Not hard enough to hurt her, but hard enough to remind her who’s boss. Eyewitnesses were horrified at his actions. Some started to call 911. Did Mr. Coleman stop and apologize? No. Realizing that rational, stable people were horrified at his violence, he calls 911. He lies to the 911 operator. He spins a fanciful yarn about a woman jumping on his car. This story is so unbelievable, the 911 operator asks him to repeat it. He does. Carrboro police arrive. His police, not her police, for she doesn’t live in Carrboro. He does. He’s a Carrboro alderman. The police separate everyone and listen. Mr. Coleman lies again. He tells the police that she jumped on his car. He had time to cool down. He had time to consider telling the truth. He didn’t. Lying to the police in an official report or statement may be a crime for you, but he knew that he’s a Carrboro alderman. Remember, Mr. Coleman called 911. He asked for the police to take action against this woman. He said the woman jumped on his car. He sought to cause this young woman a world of hurt. He used his imprimatur as alderman to try to convince the police that he hadn’t hit her. Rather she was a lunatic jumping on his car. Did Mr. Coleman’s prevarication end there? No. He issued a first media statement in which he could’ve told the truth. He didn’t. Thankfully, honest citizens saw what happened. What if they hadn’t? What if she, a young woman of no power, had been alone at the time? How would this story have played out if Mr. Coleman wasn’t caught in his pack of lies? Mr. Coleman has now issued another statement in which he says he hit the woman, in which he says she didn’t jump on his car. Mr. Coleman didn’t say that he lied to the 911 operator, lied to the police, lied to his fellow Carrburbans, and lied to all of those who endorse and support him. In an Alice in Wonderland turn, his most high profile supporters commend him for “coming clean”, as if he had a choice. Where are the staunch supporters against women being intimidated by men in positions of power? Where are the staunch supporters against women facing violence from men? As a boy growing into manhood, I was extremely fortunate to have as a physician an amazing woman. Dr. H. Margret Zassenhaus was a kindly soul with a strong German accent. She was a good doctor, despite those nasty needles. She emigrated from Germany after the war. She became more than our doctor. She became a family friend. I learned of her story. I learned of how during the war she saved the lives of hundreds of political prisoners through her quiet courage and resistance in Germany. To see her you would never know that she held the highest honors from many countries in Europe, that she was a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. I used to talk to Dr. Z. How could what happened in Germany happen? Her answer boiled down to this, good people let bad things happen. Good people enabled bad behavior. Bad behavior, fueled by evil, boiled over. It can happen anywhere. When I look at Mr. Coleman’s endorsements I think back to Dr. Zassenhaus. Mr. Coleman no longer matters. He is what he is. It’s that list of endorsees that stand out. Enablers all, they erode the moral fiber of this community. Where is the shame? Sincerely, Brian D. Voyce" We are writing as parents of Carrboro High School Cross Country team members. We wish to share our perspective on the incident in which Dan Coleman ran his car into a volunteer who was stationed at a cross walk to protect our children in our first home meet at Anderson Park in Carrboro. For those of us who witnessed the attack by Dan Coleman, it was a frightening encounter and we feared for the volunteer and runners. For the rest of us, who heard stories from our children about the incident, it was alarming. Politics aside, we feel the press has for the most part understated the seriousness of Dan Coleman's behavior. Worse yet, his lack of admission or remorse was disturbing to us parents and citizens. His confession and apology came late, only after mediation, and just before the election and the date he would have faced assault charges. Sue Coppola Mary Hamilton Peggy Bush Coach Jay Crooker Representing 30 other parents of the Carrboro High School Cross Country Team
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