Candidates Discuss Transportation Issues

The transportation forum was hosted by Citizen Action for Responsible Roads. N.C. Senate candidates Sens. Ellie Kinnaird and Howard Lee, both D-Orange, and Republican Peter Morcombe attended. Joining them were House candidates Reps. Joe Hackney and Verla Insko, both D-Orange.

Morcombe said the state should divest its interest in many aspects of the transportation infrastructure and turn development over to the free market process.

"I believe that transportation to the greatest extent possible should be handled by the private sector," he said.

Though he did not question the inherent value of state involvement in transportation issues, Lee said an area's residents should have a say in decisions made concerning transportation in their communities. "I believe policies on local roads should involve locals in the decision making process," Lee said.

Kinnaird echoed Lee's sentiment, emphasizing that Orange County is a unique region and has transportation needs particular to its residents.

"We aren't like the rest of the state," she said. "Development is absolutely key in Chapel Hill, and we are fighting for what we want here in Chapel Hill."

Hackney said the scope of development should expand to include not only road improvements but other modes of transportation -- bike lanes and light rail included.

"We ought to look at transportation as transportation and not just roads," Hackney said.

He emphasized the need for an integrated system in Chapel Hill that includes options for youth who cannot yet drive and the elderly who have special needs.

Insko also said the needs of the non-driving population present a particular set of problems that are difficult to circumvent in North Carolina's communities.

"The way our cities are developed does not lend itself to getting around on bicycles or walking," she said.

Lee agreed that North Carolina citizens do not live in a way that is conducive to using alternative forms of transportation.

"We are our own worst enemy because we are piling on top of each other and are not willing to be even a little inconvenienced," he said.

Hackney conceded that residents will not take advantage of mass transportation until it is as convenient as traveling by personal vehicle.

"What we must do in the future is provide a convenient, reliable and affordable alternative," he said.

Morcombe said that he thinks devoting revenue to research is key to developing user friendly mass transportation.

"The piece of the pie I'd like to increase is the research part," he said.

Insko said that no matter what stage of development the state's transportation system is in, residents should press leaders to address transit issues. "This should always be an election issue," she said.

Kinnaird echoed Insko's admonition.

"Come to your elected officials," she said. "We have often intervened successfully."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.