The leadership of the local Chamber of Commerce provided a list of interesting questions but only solicited three possible responses: “yes, no, unsure”.
Several of the questions, such as “Will you actively support creating, by ordinance, a set of criteria for desirable development projects and then expediting the approval process for projects that meet the Council’s established objectives?” demanded a bit more nuance than allowed by those restrictive choices.
As I discussed during my Chamber interview, I am currently working as a member of the Town’s Sustainability Task Force on establishing criteria for locating various types of commercial and residential projects in Chapel Hill that will serve the needs of the whole of this community.
I asked Director Aaron Nelson, what constitutes a “desirable development project” as far as the Chamber is concerned? Does that align with the goals of the wider community? Interestingly enough, he had difficulty answering “yes, no or unsure”.
I appreciate the Chamber honoring my request to leave my answer to those questions I felt needed a bit more depth than allowed blank. It’s not that I’m “unsure”, it’s that the question was too broad to answer as accurately as I usually like to.
Here is the Chamber’s commentary and audio of my responses during the Chamber sponsored forums. The Chamber did an excellent job this year on putting together this presentation.
The Chamber’s commentary on my candidacy:
Will Raymond, a software engineer and entrepreneur making his third run for council, is stressing more fiscal conservatism this time around, even being so bold as to say that Chapel Hill cannot now afford a public library expansion. His depth of consideration of issues and determination to point out unintended consequences of council actions is a valuable asset to the town. Raymond, a tireless volunteer on town bodies, has previously tried to guide voters through the minutiae of various processes when making his points, but so far this campaign has shown more accessibility into his philosophy of town government and appears to grasp how different being an elected official would be from serving on committees. “A council member’s voice carries beyond the citizen podium.”
This is the third time I’ve run on a fiscal responsibility platform. In 2005, the financial difficulties caused by habitually draining the Town’s reserves and the issuance of extraordinary bond debt were on the horizon. In 2007, the Town’s struggle to maintain its fiscal footing was not being clearly reported by the Council during an election year. In 2009, the community understands the problems we face. The clouds surrounding our Town’s fiscal condition are lifting. The need to live within our community’s means quite apparent.
So, as the Chamber points out, with the cupboard bare, a continued economic downturn and our citizens groaning under their tax burden, my campaign has once again focused on rebuilding our Town’s financial foundations.
My response to the Chamber’s request to list up to three specific things you would do to make Chapel Hill a better place to start and grow a business.
1. Downtown. Realize remaining recommendations of Parking task force. Champion practical amenities: directory of services, fixed sidewalks, family-friendly pocket park, better lighting and signage, public bathrooms.
2. Streamline University Square redevelopment using successful Carolina North public process.
3. Centralize business recruitment/retention under one office; coordinated by clear strategic/tactical plans. Define short/long term, objectively measurable, growth targets. Tie performance goals to Council policies (realign previous policy). Commit to publicly assessing progress (including quarterly report cards).
