Marshall makes push to localize business

David Marshall said a lot of things have changed since he decided this summer to run for the Carrboro Board of Aldermen.

"When I first started running, I had a general idea of where things stood in Carrboro," he said.

"But attending forums, listening to what people are asking about and what their concerns were, have changed me a lot on what this race is about."

Marshall spends most of his day learning - he is simultaneously pursuing a master's degree in public policy from Duke University and a degree from the UNC School of Law.

He said that he thinks his public policy studies give him a more analytical outlook on issues.

"I think I take a more measured approach," Marshall said.

On the issue of affordable housing, he cites his law studies as a tool for the town to investigate the possibility of inclusionary zoning.

"I don't there's a monolithic approach to affordable housing," Marshall said.

"I'd like for the Board of Aldermen to use the full extent of their powers - I see Carrboro as a leader, not just any other town."

Marshall said he thinks Carrboro needs to expand commercial offerings to relieve the residential tax burden and to improve the quality of life for residents.

"What I would love to see is a Carrboro where people wouldn't have to leave town to buy everything they need," he said.

"I don't see it as purely an economic cause and an economic machine. In the end it's not about increasing wealth, and it's not about people being able to buy something right around the corner."

Marshall said that reducing residential taxes should not translate into cutting services.

"Town services are incredible here - Steve Stewart is a magician," he said, referring to Carrboro's town manager.

He added that another advantage of localizing business is reducing the number of cars on the road.

Tom Jensen, leader of Students for a Progressive Chapel Hill and a volunteer at the Sierra Club's candidate forums, said he thinks Marshall's enthusiasm for improving lives is heartfelt.

"He has a compassion for people that I've never seen so genuine in a politician," Jensen said.

Jensen also was impressed by Marshall at a forum hosted by Pa'lante.

"Listening to him talk about how much he cares about low-income children - you could feel it in his heart."

Marshall said he wants to see the town increase awareness of ways residents can get involved in town issues.

"If I had known years ago that you don't need to give 100 percent of your time to the town, I would have gotten involved a lot sooner," he said. "There are these avenues, these venues to give your time to see the betterment of the town."

 

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