Coffee conversation: Mayor Foy talks transit with town residents

Kudos to Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy for his ""Coffee with the Mayor"" outreach initiative" the first of its kind which was designed to share the town's perspectives and hear resident input on alternative transportation.

Foy rode the G bus from his house Wednesday morning to meet with residents at Starbucks on East Franklin Street. About 30 residents showed up" exceeding expectations.

""There was a great interactive dialogue fostered between the mayor and residents"" Chapel Hill mayoral aide Carlo Robustelli said.

After the coffee session, Foy led an informal Walk and Talk"" tour of downtown Chapel Hill during which he discussed future areas of town interest and his vision for the downtown area.

Outreach events such as these are vital to maintain a healthy dynamic between town residents and their elected officials.

Having ""Coffee with the Mayor"" is a much more personal way for residents to interact with town officials and voice concerns about town issues than attending town council meetings" which can tediously drag on for hours.

The event also was a fitting way to kick off the regional SmartCommute Challenge which takes place from April 15 to May 30 and seeks to raise awareness of alternative commute choices in the Triangle.

The town will sponsor another outreach event on May 15 when the town council and mayor will talk about biking downtown and how to use the bike racks on the front of Chapel Hill Transit buses.

Given the success of the first event the town is looking forward to hosting more of them in the future.

Residents are obviously encouraged to attend. These events are the epitome of open government.

Citizens should take advantage of these opportunities to hear from their elected leaders and voice their concerns about our town.