Local Candidates Attend Forum at Public Library

Both Chapel Hill Town Council and mayoral candidates attended the meeting, which was sponsored by Citizens for Livable Communities. The meeting began with three-minute speeches by the candidates and ended with small group discussions with residents.

Mayoral candidates Kevin Foy and Lee Pavao presented their platforms at the meeting. The third candidate, Cam Hill, did not attend the meeting and could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Foy said it is important for the town to have a say in development stemming from different University plans. The council approved UNC's Development Plan on Tuesday, putting into gear the University's plan for growth during the next eight years.

"I think most of us would agree that Chapel Hill is a livable community right now," Foy said. "The question is how to make it continue being a livable community as it changes."

Pavao said Chapel Hill should strive for stability as well as prosperity in the face of development issues. "A sustainable community is one where the environment is healthy, the economy is robust, there is clean air and green space connecting communities and the population is diverse," Pavao said.

Nine of the 10 council candidates attended the forum.

Town Council candidate D.R. Bryan talked about using smart growth ideas from Southern Village to develop downtown Chapel Hill.

Council candidate Larry Daquioag encouraged redefining affordable housing to mean independent living and not home ownership.

Council candidate Lisa Everett said Sunday she was notified of the meeting but forgot to attend.

Council candidate Richard Giersch pointed to the need for more affordable housing in the center of Chapel Hill.

Council candidate Mark Kleinschmidt said he is concerned about relations between the town and UNC regarding expansion.

Council candidate Bob Reda talked about the need for stronger ordinances on development and the environment.

Council candidate Diane Vandenbroek said a council member's job should be listening to the wishes of residents.

Council candidate Dorothy Verkerk expounded her desire to see a system of neighborhood schools return to Chapel Hill.

Incumbent council candidate Edith Wiggins stressed the need for more diversity in Chapel Hill, both in community functions and local government.

Later in the meeting, candidates spoke with residents in small groups while committee members moderated. Issues that arose were the widening of Weaver Dairy Road, campaign finance reform and the accessibility to local government for everyone.

The City Editor can be reached

at citydesk@unc.edu.