“While the town council lets citizens talk at every meeting, I think speaking at a podium in front of the council for three minutes isn’t the best way to have a profound dialogue,” Storrow said. “For the last couple of years, I have had lots of different informal events to provide feedback — open office hours at coffee shops, focus groups.”
The first event will be today at DSI Comedy Theater at 5:30 p.m. with Meg McGurk, executive director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership. She will be answering frequently asked questions about downtown Chapel Hill.
“This is a great opportunity to get citizens, business owners and community leaders to have a conversation about what different interests and thoughts they have,” Storrow said.
The second meeting will take place Saturday at Rogers Road Community Center at 1 p.m. to discuss social and environmental justice.
The third session will be at the Siena Hotel on March 5 and will discuss economic development. The last event will be at the Chapel Hill Library March 12 with speakers from the Orange County Board of Commissioners and UNC discussing intergovernmental relations.
“This is a great vehicle to get platforms out and to the forefront,” said David Caldwell, director of the Rogers Eubanks Neighborhood Association. “It is a great addition to communication for the community.”
Caldwell said these events give Chapel Hill residents a chance to put a face to the sometimes unapproachable politicians and to see their mannerisms and attitudes.
“I am happy to see politicians coming out from behind the desk and meeting citizens firsthand,” Caldwell said.
