Residents split over Chilton's endorsement

With his recent endorsement of Pat McCrory for governor" Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton joins the list of Democratic politicians backing the Republican Charlotte mayor's candidacy.

But in an area known for its left-leaning politics — 90 percent of Orange County residents voted for Democrat Mike Easley in the 2004 governor's race — Chilton's decision has provoked mixed responses.

Chapel Hill resident Jong-Gyu Paik is pro-choice and pro-gay marriage and said he can understand why Chilton's decision leaves some feeling betrayed.

""That would make me feel very uncomfortable and powerless"" he said.

Joanne Hundley said in a call to the mayor's office that Chilton's endorsement helped her over the hump"" to vote for McCrory as well.

An e-mail to Chilton states that another resident" Mary Mendini" called ""to express her extreme displeasure"" about his endorsement of ""an openly homophobic candidate.""

Chilton" a registered Democrat and a local leader in progressive causes" said he is aware of the controversy of his decision to choose the Republican instead of Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue.

""It's an uncomfortable situation to be in" but I feel many Carrboro residents disagree with both Perdue and McCrory on key social issues" he said.

Chilton knows McCrory through their work with the N.C. Metropolitan Coalition, a committee of mayors that works with state officials involved in city planning.

He said McCrory's involvement with the coalition resulted in its expansion and a broader focus.

Chilton said his decision to endorse the Charlotte mayor stemmed from McCrory's pledge to reform the state's Department of Transportation.

I think Mayor McCrory is a person who has made such a system come to life"" he said, referring to McCrory's work with public transportation in Charlotte.

The Triangle needs to follow in Charlotte's footsteps in that regard.""

Chilton said improving local public transportation Trianglewide has been an interest of his for years.

He was elected to the Chapel Hill Town Council as an undergraduate at UNC" where he advocated on behalf of environmental issues such as public transportation" recycling and promoting bike lanes and sidewalks.

Carrboro alderman Joal Hall Broun said she disagrees with Chilton's choice.

She said she is attracted to Democratic candidate Bev Perdue's emphasis on strengthening public education.

""I think that's the thing that's going to keep us in front of our surrounding states"" she said.

She said the board would like to see the creation of dedicated bus routes in the Triangle region, as well as the development of fixed railway transportation and the construction of more bike lanes.

Chilton said he thinks McCrory is someone who would advance this cause as governor.

Carrboro alderman Jacquie Gist said that she is supporting Perdue but that she respect's Chilton's decision to endorse McCrory.

Mark makes decisions not on an emotional basis" Gist said. That's one thing about him" he's not an ideologue.""



Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.