James Merritt was appointed to the Chapel Hill Town Council this evening (Monday) by a unanimous vote. He will serve the remaining year of the term of Bill Thorpe, who died last month.
Following is his application letter to the Town Council:
I would like to submit an application for the open seat on the Chapel Hill Council. I have enclosed my resume that highlights my name, address, education and key employment over the last thirty years.
I was born in Chapel Hill to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Merritt, who were descendents of the Merritt-Nunn families residing in the Chapel Hill and surrounding Orange county. My education began in the Chapel Hill City Schools.
My post-secondary education was completed in several higher education universities and technical institutions, which prepared me with the fundamentals dealing with all phases of comprehensive institutional planning. These skills have been used, made operational and enhanced through 30 years of hands-on educational planning. I held several
administrative positions in several educational environments.
I am applying for this seat to help my home town move ahead with the expansion project to evaluate policies related to a $16.5 million library expansion. As a former assistant principal, I am very familiar with economic/budget, spatial, utilization, bond financing, architectural, technological and temporary accommodation issues that relate to building a new or renovated library. With the economy in major crisis, I am also aware of a need to reevaluate the impact on a reasonable timetable.
As a former guidance counselor with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in counseling, I can help guide the Council on accommodations related to town events for holidays, University, regular community, partygoers, small business owners, and other activities. These activities help make Chapel Hill the special unique college
town that it is and a place where we all enjoy living.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.