Chapel Hill mayor Mark Kleinschmidt reflects on his first term

Nearly a year and a half ago, Mark Kleinschmidt took office in the closest mayoral election in Chapel Hill’s history.

Kleinschmidt’s first term ends in November, and although he has yet to announce if he will seek re-election, he expects to make a decision in coming weeks — when he’s ready.

“I just want to own that moment,” he said.

In the midst of budget crises, Kleinschmidt said that his first term has been both a test and an honor.

“The issues have been challenging, but my personal experience as mayor has been very rewarding,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed being able to spend time with people and experiencing the whole array of Chapel Hill life.”

On November 3, 2009, Kleinschmidt narrowly defeated Chapel Hill Town Council member Matt Czajkowski, who ran on a business-oriented platform, in a bid for the mayor’s office.

“It was a narrow election, and that was kind of scary for me in the beginning,” said Lee Storrow, former president of UNC’s Young Democrats. “But he’s done a fantastic job.”

Kleinschmidt said he initially ran for mayor because he wanted to have more influence on issues that were important to him, and he believes he has achieved that goal.

“I have a sense of how I would like the community to develop,” he said. “Working with the community to define that vision is important to me.”

One way the town is working to define its vision is through the comprehensive plan, a document that suggests specific actions to help achieve future town goals.

Kleinschmidt said it’s important to maintain continuity in leadership through the comprehensive planning process.

“The plan is our road map for the next 15 years,” he said. “I think that the community is going to benefit from having continuity of leadership, but that leadership could come from all kinds of places.”

Chancellor Holden Thorp said Kleinschmidt has also worked to maintain and improve strong ties between the town and the University.

“His experience on the Town Council and his experience as a student at Carolina has served him well in maintaining town-gown relations,” Thorp said. “If you’re the mayor of Chapel Hill, relations with the University are very important.”

Kleinschmidt met with Student Body President Mary Cooper to discuss some ideas she has for the University and has also been a presence in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Center, Storrow said.

“He’s done a good job reaching out to students to create a tight bond with the University,” Storrow said. “Chapel Hill is really, really lucky to have him.”

Former Mayor Kevin Foy is not shy about his support for the current mayor, and he said he hopes Kleinschmidt will decide to run again.

“He’s an excellent mayor who serves the community well,” he said. “We should keep him in office.”

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