Why did I vote to expand the library in such uncertain financial times? During down economies citizens depend on libraries for more than just books. Benjamin Franklin created what has led to the modern library. His model was different from our public libraries and involved “literary societies” that would purchase shares in the venture and would allow guests to subscribe for a fixed term for a fee. These were called “social libraries.” This model was not sustainable because the only means of obtaining financial security was through donations and fees. This early model evolved into “circulating libraries” and “school district libraries,” but each model had flaws and could not survive on it’s own. However, when all three models were combined, there was success. The first “public” library opened in Boston in 1854. We have come a long way.

Today there are over 9000 libraries in America. The computer age is forcing massive change in modern libraries. Libraries across the U.S. are running out of space and funding for the new 21^st century model. Towns are taking another look at the role of their libraries and are working to understand the needs of their citizens. A recent University of Washington study shows that 1/3 of Americans age 14 and older depend on library technology to find a job, do homework, apply for college, communicate with the government about benefits, learn about health care options and connect with their community.  People from all walks of life use library computers to perform both routine and life-changing tasks.  Millions of people across America see libraries as an essential tool to connect them to information, knowledge and opportunities. We have to recognize that the role of the public library has changed.  We must support our local library as it creates opportunities for our citizens who do not have access at home or at work to online services, and must recognize the role our library plays in workforce development, education, health and wellness, and access to government services.  Almost all Americans view their local library as an important education resource. Most of the citizens I have spoken to in the past year agreed that the library is a pillar of our community: a community center, a family destination and a cultural center. It is much more than a great place to check out some new bestsellers.

WCHL Commentary

3-3-2010

How much can a cell phone call cost? Well if you’re driving, it could cost you your life. My question to you is “Is it worth it?” Using a cell phone while driving delays a driver’s reaction as much as having a blood alcohol level at the legal limit of .08%. Nearly 6000 people died in 2008 due to distracted driving, mostly cell phone use. 515,000 crashes, ½ million people seriously injured. Studies show that driving while talking on a cell phone puts the driver at a 4x greater risk of a crash.  Knowing this, some people still do it. But why?

When you drive and talk you get a kind of tunnel vision. You don’t see what is going on in the periphery, so if there is a car, a pedestrian, a bike, scooter or anything else, you just don’t see it. You cannot hold a cell phone, drive and look into your mirrors at the same time. When you talk and drive you may also experience something called inattention blindness. This means that about half the things that are going on in front of you are removed from your vision. The problem is that you don’t get to choose what you can and cannot see because you are involved in a conversation and your focus is not on the road. You could miss a stop sign, a red light, a stopped bus, an oncoming car or worse a pedestrian.

I think you have to ask yourself the question “Is this phone call worth your life or killing someone else?” You can tell when someone is one the phone while driving. They swerve and make wide turns, drive slowly and pay no attention to their surroundings.  The next time you get into your car turn off the phone ring and let the call go to voicemail. Pick up the message when you safely arrive at your destination. Be a good role model. Statistics show that teens and young adolescences are more likely to get into a crash than adults while driving and talking or texting on a cell phone. Maybe if they see you taking a stand by making your car a no cell phone car, they will do the same. Humans are not wired to multitask  – driving and talking. We think we can do it, but the truth is we cannot and we are deceiving ourselves and risking the lives of others. Please. Don’t use a cell phone while driving. Don’t become a statistic.

A RESOLUTION SCHEDULING A PUBLIC FORUM ON CELL PHONE USE

BY MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS (2010-02-08/R-6)

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby

schedules a Public Forum for February 22, 2010 to receive comment from citizens

regarding the use of cell phones by operators of motor vehicles within the public rights of

way in Chapel Hill and the possible regulation of such use.

This the 8th day of February, 2010.

At the Town Council meeting on January 25, 2010, I petitioned the council to open discussions about prohibiting hand held cell phone usage while driving in Chapel Hill.  I also proposed that the town hold a public forum on this topic where concerned citizens can express their opinions about this issue.  Since the election I have heard from many citizens who feel that it is becoming increasingly dangerous to drive in Chapel Hill because people are not paying attention to the road. The problem is particularly bad on campus.

Currently, there is no ban on handheld cell phone use while driving in North Carolina, though drivers under 18 and school bus drivers are banned from all cell phone use while driving, and all drivers are banned from texting while driving.  Local jurisdictions in North Carolina may or may not need specific state statutory authority to ban cell phones. This is a question that town attorney Ralph Karpinos would pose to the NC legislative body if Chapel Hill chooses to go forward with a ban.Throughout the country there are 7 States that ban hand held cell phone use while driving. Six states allow localities to ban cell phone use while driving and 11 jurisdictions in those states have done so. Localities are prohibited from banning cell phone use in 8 states.

Someone asked me what I was doing on my computer last night at the Town Council meeting. No I wasn’t e-mailing, texting or checking my Facebook. As a new member of the Town Council I have volunteered to go paperless. That means that I will read, view, and make all my comments on the computer and follow the agenda as the meeting progresses electronically. Laurin Easthom has been doing this for quite some time, and as you can see she has got the process down. I strongly support  paperless meetings and will continue to improve as time goes on navigating from page to page and to links provided by staff.

Congratulations to Donna Bell. I look forward to working with you on the Chapel Hill Town Council.

There are a lot of people to thank for helping me get elected to the Chapel Hill Town Council. First, the citizens who voted for me, I am honored. My family, who stood behind my every move and supported me from day one. My treasurer, Sue Jackson, who is a dear friend and a great person to have on my team. My campaign manager, Brooks Rainey Pearson, who is the most brilliant young woman I have met in years. My friends, you are all very special and I will always remember your efforts and involvement in my campaign.

Swearing in takes place December 7, 2009, Town Hall.

1.  We talk a lot about growth and where it should occur.  Clearly the Town Council can influence the rate of growth through its planning and zoning powers, granted by the NC Legislature.

What are your goals and objectives for growth?   Building on a question asked at the Visioning Task Force focus groups, how much growth can Chapel Hill support and still maintain our values – the things that people like about living in Chapel Hill?  How would you determine growth rates that are “sustainable”?

• The Town Council must have a clear vision for growth. Incorrect assumptions and developer’s plans should not drive policy. Chapel Hill needs to develop a master plan for density that does not allow for piecemeal building, and should ensure that planning documents are flexible enough to accommodate the changing needs of the community.  We must ensure that increases in population work in concert with stepped-up services such as police and fire protection, schools and social services. As we cannot grow beyond the rural buffer that protects our wetlands and agricultural resources, it will become increasingly important that we manage the space available to us in an intelligent manner.

2.  New development occurs on vacant land, or developers buy properties to redevelop for a completely different purpose.  Examples of the latter are East 54 and Greenbridge, and proposed projects such as Rams Plaza, University Mall and University Square.   Development of any type can bring desired amenities for the Town but can also cause undesirable consequences, such as a changed Town character, environmental damage, the loss of affordable housing, increased traffic, and the migration of small scale retail from present locations.

Given that development and change are inevitable, please suggest ideas about how each of the unwanted consequences could be addressed in future development proposals.

• We should take the advice of the comprehensive plan and develop local design guidelines that take into account the existing characteristics of the neighborhood in which each new building will be built.
• We must identify, protect and preserve open spaces, paying special attention to critical areas. We should re- visit the Development Ordinance to evaluate its effectiveness identify where it should be strengthened.
• We must insist that developers do not focus residential development exclusively on luxury housing, but also include entry level housing. I would like to see an agreement reached between developers, non-profits and financial institutions to foster the development of workforce housing. We should create a task force to look into the best way to approach this issue.
• The Town should work with landlords in creating incentives to attract locally owned business.

3.  Chapel Hill prides itself on an open public process with fair, consistent rules and development review process.  Citizen Advisory Boards ensure that citizens are involved in decisions that affect them.  A Concept Plan process helps guide developers toward a concept desired by the Town.

Please comment on whether the Town’s process is working as it should, and offer specific ways it could be improved.   Is the process achieving the results we want?

• I have heard from citizens that the permitting process can appear unfair. I am in favor of citizen boards, as I feel that they promote transparency.  The permitting process should be published on the town web site in an accessible format so that citizens and developers alike can better understand the process. Town Departments need to communicate their concerns to each other and help each other to understand their operating procedures – currently it can seem as if each department runs independently of each other, which fosters doubt and suspicion in builders and developers. All departments must understand processes to avoid giving incorrect information to builders that end up costing them large sums of money to remedy.  Advisory Board leaders must coordinate so their advice does not contrast with advice from other boards, which leaves projects in limbo.

4.  For the last few years the Council has embraced a policy of encouraging higher densities along major transit corridors through zoning changes based on certain assumptions about transit and population estimates, e.g. a planned hotel on MLK near I-40, and the 54 East project already built at the proposed transit hub.

Do you support the policy of putting density on major transit corridors and why?  What changes, if any, would you want to make in the policy?

• Yes, I support this policy, but I feel that the roadways must be ready for the additional density, and public transit service should be in place first.  An example of where this did not happen is in the Chapel Hill North apartment and office site, a huge project that will likely create much additional traffic and dangerous conditions at intersections. We must work to mitigate the added noise and air pollution that will come with additional traffic, and will need to increase the ridership of public transportation. Our current road system cannot accommodate a large increase in single occupancy vehicles as we grow. We will need increased service to Durham, Hillsborough and Raleigh. I will push for increased regional transit including a light rail, and for a light rail to transport students commuting between campuses.

5.  Chapel Hill and UNC signed a Development Agreement in June 2009.   NRG worked with the Town of Chapel Hill and UNC to ensure that interests of Chapel Hill neighborhoods were taken into consideration, particularly in transportation planning.  Our recommendations and neighborhood concerns are found at  http://www.nrg-nc.net Section 4.16 of the Development Agreement calls for both parties to conduct an assessment of the Agreement, within 3 years of the effective date.

When the review of the Development Agreement comes up, name three issues that you will consider to determine whether or not the Agreement is a success, and discuss in general terms what you will be looking for as measures of success.

• The three things that concern me the most are traffic improvements, parking spaces and the 750-acre protection from build out.  If these agreements change at any point I will consider the process unsuccessful. As is stated over and over again, the Agreement is a working document, which means that there is room for re-evaluation and improvements. Both town and gown must maintain a transparent system in which changes will be accessible to the community in a timely manner so that their opinion can be heard. The 3-year review process should indicate if the agreement is being upheld.

6.  Public participation cuts across all aspects of Town Government.  During the Carolina North planning process, many neighbors emphasized the importance of improving public participation.  See attached NRG recommendations report.

What is your view of public participation in Town Council decisions, and your ideas for updating Town strategies to reflect current-day technologies and media?

• I my survey of citizens I found that many people feel that there was not enough transparency or availability of information provided in a timely manner during the Carolina North planning process.  Many people felt that they were not able to follow the progress and so they lost interest.  I would like to see the town website reflect changes made in real time.  The website should be utilized as an outreach tool.  I feel that we should empower the advisory boards and put more weight into the conclusions they come to.  There should be an email list-serve that citizens can opt into to receive updates on Town Council decisions and to view council member voting records.

Q: Do you support the current ordinance which provides the option for candidates to use public financing of elections?  Explain your position.

I am honored to participate in the VOE program and feel that it will be an historic event for our town and state. VOE reigns in campaign spending, puts government back into the hands of the public and ensures that politicians are accountable to the voters and not special interest groups.

Q: Should the heavy reliance on residential property taxes be reduced? If so, how can this be achieved??

This should be achieved through the provision of incentives for new local business.  We should strive to keep the commercial tax base local. For every $1.00 spent at a local business, 45 cents are reinvested locally. When that same dollar is spent at a corporate chain, only 15 cents are reinvested locally.

Q: What is your position on encouraging high density along major transit corridors?

Although I support density along transit corridors for the sustainable land use and improved transit service benefits it brings, it will become increasingly important that we protect the surrounding lower-density residential neighborhoods.  Density along transit corridors should be coupled with more transit options for the parts of town that are already relatively dense.  The two go hand in hand.

Q: Should the Chapel Hill Public Library be funded in a different way?  Explain your position.

Chapel Hill residents can no longer be responsible for paying the majority of the cost of operating a library that benefits both town residents and county residents.  Orange County and Chapel Hill should work together in revising library budgets and funding methods to resolve this issue.

Q: What is there in your public record or other experience that demonstrates your ability to be an effective leader? Please be specific about your public and community service background.

I am an active volunteer for the Inter-Faith Council’s Community Kitchen and serve on the Ironwoods Home Owner’s Association where I am the chairperson of the Neighborhood Impact Committee.  I was a member of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) Board of Directors from 2001-2007, and held the positions of vice chair, secretary of the board, chairperson of the human resources committee, and chairperson of the natural resources committee.  I also served on the OWASA community outreach, art, and property committees.  I am a former member of the Chapel Hill Technology Advisory Committee and the SGC at Seawell Elementary School.  I served as President of the Chapel of the Cross Pre-School Board of Directors where I was also the fundraising chairperson.  I am a member of the North Carolina Sierra Club, Lillian’s List, the NRG and Orange Democratic Women.

Q: How do you define yourself politically and how does your political philosophy show itself in your past achievements and present campaign platform?

I am a progressive liberal with many of the attributes associated with that title, including strong environmental protectionism and an understanding of the importance of social justice.  My work with OWASA, the Neighborhood Impact Committee and the Inter-Faith Council reflect this, as does my campaign’s emphasis on social and environmental sustainability. My past achievements and present campaign platform go beyond my political leanings, however.  As a woman I understand the importance of women’s voices in the political sphere. As a mother I feel strongly about efforts to improve educational opportunities for all Chapel Hill children.  As a small business owner I am an advocate of local businesses.  As a citizen I feel compelled to serve

Q: Identify a principled stand you might be willing to take if elected that you suspect might cost you some popularity points with voters.

Banning plastic bags in local retailers.  I expect there to be pushback from businesses, as paper bags are more expensive than plastic bags, but if the Outer Banks can successfully implement such a policy, then Chapel Hill should be able to do so as well.

Q: The Independent’s mission is to help build a just community in the Triangle. How would your election to office help further that goal?

I will help build a just community by empowering citizens by giving voice to their concerns.  Simply stated, I intend to be a voice for the people.  Since announcing my candidacy in early June, I have been actively seeking an understanding of the issues that are most important to the people of Chapel Hill.  To that end, I held several Community Conversations and Meet and Greets.  I shared coffee with local officials and community leaders.  I created a survey that is available on my website.  Through all of these efforts I have gained a thorough understanding of what the average citizen needs and wants, and I will not let them down.

Q: In the midst of a difficult economic situation and a tough budget year, what’s one thing that the town is cutting that you would save and what’s one thing that’s been saved that you would cut?

I would save cost-of-living increase for town employees.  Though their salaries and benefits have been maintained, I fear we will lose town employees to surrounding areas where the cost of living is lower.  I feel that town employees should be able to afford to live in town.

Chapel Hill residents can no longer be responsible for paying the majority of the cost of operating a library that benefits both town residents and county residents.  Orange County and Chapel Hill should work together in revising library budgets and funding methods to resolve this issue. Though this is not something that has been “saved” per se, it is a budgetary issue that once resolved, will ease the pressure on the town’s budget.

Q: What’s your approach to growth in Chapel Hill? Where should the town grow? How do leaders manage it?

It is my opinion that the governing body of Chapel Hill must have a holistic approach to growth and density that emphasizes citizen input and continually revisits planning documents to ensure that they accurately reflect the needs of the community.  As we cannot grow beyond the rural buffer that protects our wetlands and agricultural resources, it will become increasingly important that we manage the space available to us in an intelligent manner.

My priorities regarding growth and density in Chapel Hill are as follows:

• Protection of property rights
• Affordable and diverse housing options
• Pedestrian and bicycle friendly roadways
• Protection of open spaces for recreation
• Preservation of historic places
• Sustainable economic development
• Heightened citizen participation in direction setting and growth

Q: Do you think recent efforts to revitalize Franklin Street, such as adding welcome flags, using new parking rules, implementing Touchdown Carolina, etc. have been effective? What more needs to be done downtown? What would you do to increase occupancy rates and make Franklin Street a more vibrant and economically successful entity?

I think these efforts should be commended and feel that we must continue to develop programs that promote convenience and accessibility to downtown. Downtown is the heart and soul of Chapel Hill.  As we work to improve downtown, we should do so with an eye to linking Chapel Hill’s history and tradition with new ideas and attractions.  For example, we should encourage re-development that promotes cultural tourism, such as the proposed conversion of the Varsity Theatre, a Chapel Hill landmark, to an Arts venue.  In addition, I feel that we should work with landlords to provide incentives to fill empty office spaces and storefronts downtown.

Q: While Greenbridge has been lauded as an environmentally friendly housing development, there are also concerns that it threatens adjacent lower-income neighborhoods. What do you think the town’s strategy should be in regards to gentrification?

I feel that the Greenbridge approach to building is exactly how we should be building.  That said, I feel that that Greenbridge has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the surrounding neighborhood, and should be held to each and every promise they made to the Northside Neighborhood during negotiations. Though Greenbridge is a sustainable building, we cannot be sustainable as a community if we do not protect our diversity.  Sustainability encompasses not only environmental sustainability but social sustainability as well. Gentrification is a social justice issue and should be treated as such. I do not believe that growth need bring negative consequences for those in the surrounding area, and feel that this outcome indicates a failure of the governing body to manage growth wisely.

Q: What is your opinion Chapel Hill’s inclusionary zoning procedure and its intent? Are the right people being served by it? Are the right types of properties (ie) condos, single-family homes, etc) available through the program? Should payment in lieu be accepted? Is the program, as it stands now, in a position to provide long-term success for residents?

I feel that the intent behind inclusionary zoning is noble, but that in practice it can fall short of its goals.  A family of four cannot live comfortably in a 600 sq. ft. condo. The program will remain successful only if we build and maintain sustainable housing that can accommodate residents ranging from the single town employee to a family with children.  More could be (and should be) done to serve the community that inclusionary zoning aims to help. At the same time, the council should be commended for the implementation of inclusionary zoning.  Viewed from the national stage, our program is a success, and we should be proud.  Chapel Hill currently has 137 homes designated as “affordable.”  Within two years 78 downtown condominiums will be added to the mix.  This will present a unique challenge for the Home Trust management as they work to find the right occupants for these units.  Another concern is the fact that Home Trust predicts up to a 3 million dollar deficit in the next five years related to home management, maintenance and re-sale.  Because of these challenges I am in favor of payment in lieu, but feel that it should not mean a builder can automatically avoid the 15% policy. I suggest that each project be reviewed individually to determine the best approach for that particular development.

Q: What makes Chapel Hill unique to you? How would you preserve that while advancing it?

When I was driving to the UNC vs. Citadel football game yesterday, my family and I were marveling at the tree canopy and how beautiful it is.  We feel lucky to have landed in the southern part of heaven.  Whereas I recognize the need to grow and do not lack a vision for the future, we cannot take away the distinctive features that make up the fabric of Chapel Hill.  Again, I stress a sustainable approach – respect for rural buffers, re-development downtown, and intelligent growth.

Q: With that in mind, the town’s comprehensive plan emphasizes regional planning and cooperation. How should this collaboration take place? On what kinds of issues? And, what strategies would you borrow from your neighbors that could work in Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill’s Planning Department’s cooperation with other planning departments in the region is crucial for promoting sustainable growth patterns, and should be implemented on issues relating to economic development, land use control, connective transportation, and environmental protection.  Though it is not in our planning district, a strategy that I feel Chapel Hill could borrow from our neighbors is Durham’s emphasis on supporting the Arts, as they have done through the Golden Belt Artist Cooperative.  I feel that Chapel Hill would benefit from a stronger emphasis on cultural tourism, particularly downtown.

Q: How do you view UNC’s relationship with the town? What’s the state of it, given recent Carolina North developments? How will you help further that relationship in the future?

I feel that the relationship between UNC and Chapel Hill is strong, and I commend the new chancellor for his efforts in working with the Town, such as when he tabled the siting of a new airport in Orange County.  I feel that the relationship will be strengthened by increasing citizen trust in the University.  In my survey of over 100 citizens, I have found that there is a wide range of opinions on Carolina North.  Many people feel that the negotiations between the University and the Town went on for too long and that they were not able to follow the progress and therefore lost interest.  Many felt that there was not enough transparency or a great enough availability of information provided in a timely manner.  In the future I feel that it will be crucial to allow citizens to have greater input in partnerships between the University and the Town, and to provide them the resources necessary to facilitate their involvement.

Q: The 10-year plan to end homelessness is underway. How will the town monitor progress on the plan? What accountability measures are or should be in place? What are the hurdles to accomplishing it? How can the town overcome those obstacles? What is not in the plan that should be?

I believe the goals of the 10-year plan to end homelessness should be more realistic and should stop speaking of human beings as statistics. Every person is different and the reasons for homelessness are unique to each individual. The 10-year plan does not take into account the level of service needed to sustain programs and the facilities at the Inter-Faith Council. It should support the IFC relocation plan for the Community House and Kitchen and should prove to be a stronger partner, particularly in providing services needed for the shelter and in preventing people from returning to homelessness.  The IFC is underfunded by local governments and relies on the goodness of citizen volunteers, synagogues and churches for donations. One very important donation made last year by the late Joe Hertzenberg for more than $385,000 bought the IFC time and will play an important role in the big move from Franklin Street to their new location. As a volunteer of the Inter-Faith Council, I am on the front lines of this issue.

More specifically, each of the 5 goals stated in the 10 year plan need to be monitored and revisited frequently to see if the goals are being met.

1.Reduce Chronic Homelessness

Establish an evaluation system to measure the cost of chronically homeless individuals to the town before and after they receive housing.

2.Increase employment

Evaluate and monitor employment and training programs and make sure there is employment available after the training process is complete.

3.Prevent Homelessness

The major causes of homelessness need to be addressed.  Providing safe and supportive environments where people can seek help before they become homeless will promote success.

4.Increase Access to Services

Monitor people in need of help before they fall though the cracks of the system.

5.Increase Public Participation in Ending Homelessness

Publish success stories so more people will volunteer. Their success will breed more volunteers.

Q: What important town departments or agencies have been, in your opinion, chronically underfunded? What have been the ramifications of that shortage? If elected, where would you find the money to more fairly fund these areas? Conversely, what town departments or agencies have been overfunded?

When elected I will review each program and department with the town manager to ensure that funds are distributed in a way that will preserve a balanced Chapel Hill while providing the services that citizens deserve.

The planning department really struggled with the recent Carolina North Agreement. This department was underfunded and understaffed throughout the processes, which led to late postings of amended agreement policies and mistakes in reporting. UNC was well staffed, which gave them a clear advantage in negotiations. Although the police and fire departments seem to be well funded, I would like to see more officers on the beat, walking or biking on Franklin Street to ensure the safety of visitors downtown and to enforce panhandling rules.

I applaud free transit and the purchase of hybrid busses but feel that the Public Works building to house them came with a price tag too high for taxpayers to absorb ($50,000,000). This is an example of poor budgeting. The town should have considered more reasonably priced options for building on the land that came practically free from the University at 1.00/year.

I would continue to fund the development of greenways and Parks and Recreation programs. I would not cut benefits to town employees. They are barely surviving on their salaries and asking them to give up benefits or even partial benefits would be a mistake.  Finally, I feel that with the current economic downturn the decision to wait on the library expansion was necessary.

Q: Many of the town’s workers live in outside communities due to the high cost of living in Chapel Hill and the lack of what some term “a living wage.” What would you do to address this? Should it be addressed? Is it important for our police, firemen and public works officials to live in the community that they serve?

This is an issue that has come up repeatedly in my meetings with citizens. In my survey of over 100 Chapel Hill residents there was an overwhelming call for more entry-level housing. The residents of Chapel Hill agree with me that it is important that town employees are able to afford to live in town. If Chapel Hill grows more and more expensive we will become a one-dimensional town with no diversity, and no town can remain sustainable without diversity. “Diversity” includes a diversity of housing options. We must insist that developers do not focus residential development exclusively on luxury housing, but also work to include affordable entry level housing (beyond the requirements of inclusionary zoning) so that the people who keep our town safe and who educate our children can also live here. This absolutely must be addressed, and it must be addressed soon.