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Thank you, President Obama, for ARRA

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Staff

Sally Greene and Dan Coleman

As local elected officials, in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, respectively, we have a unique perspective on how the current economic downturn has affected the lives of families and the health of our communities. Although Orange County has fared better than many others, we too have seen record levels of unemployment.

We have also seen first hand how President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has created jobs and supported the provision of essential public infrastructure. Although many, like Nobel Prize-winning Princeton economist Paul Krugman, argue that the stimulus should have been bigger and that another round of funding is needed, much good has already been done.

While national attention has been focused on matters like health care, war and taxes, ARRA has garnered little publicity for its contributions. Here are a few of the many positive impacts seen in our towns:

Our shared bus system received funding to purchase para-transit vehicles to provide essential transportation for those of limited mobility, often to help those who cannot drive to get to their medical appointments. We were also able to purchase energy-efficient hybrid buses to replace aging gas-guzzlers in our fleet. ARRA funded the construction of bus shelters and pedestrian safety islands built by local contractors. These are essential elements for a community that prides itself on having one of the highest per-capita bus-ridership rates in the country.

Our towns share a “Retrofit Ramp-Up” grant geared toward community-scale energy-efficiency retrofits of existing buildings. Improvements like weatherization, duct sealing and improved efficiency are good for the environment, good for the homeowner and good for the economy. By lowering energy bills, this will directly benefit homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments. And it creates green jobs and entrepreneurship in our area.

In Carrboro, ARRA funded the Ashe St. sidewalk, which provides much-needed safe access to Carrboro Elementary School in downtown. No longer do children have to walk along a dangerously narrow roadway to get to school.

Outside Carrboro Town Hall you will find an ARRA-funded, solar-powered bus shelter, exemplifying the town’s commitment to both energy and transportation alternatives.

In Chapel Hill, ARRA funded renovation work in 15 public-housing apartments, including badly needed deck repairs and the installation of water-efficient toilets, all leading to more work for local contractors.

ARRA also supported the installation of ramps for accessibility for the disabled in several locations and a badly needed sidewalk along U.S. 15-501 near the UNC campus.

Look back at this list, a partial one at that, and contemplate the benefits provided and, especially, the many jobs created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Now multiply that by scores of communities across the state and nation and you will discover an impact that is quite vast.

This election season, loud voices are urging voters to support candidates who want a do-nothing government, one that would leave ordinary Americans prey to predatory corporate interests and unrestrained market forces – the same environment that has led to the largest gap between the rich and the poor in the nation’s history.

We agree with Professor Krugman that more is needed. To strengthen and continue such programs, President Obama needs help. We must elect legislators who will break the Senate deadlock that stalled so many of the president’s initiatives. Much of the frustration with Washington is based on the misconception that the president has attempted too little and overlooks those who in lock-step have thwarted his initiatives.

What is true for Washington is true for Raleigh as well. Gov. Perdue has had successes such as the N.C. Mobility Fund, which will fund critical transportation projects across the state. Like President Obama, she needs help in the legislature to do more.

Please join us in supporting candidates who believe in a government that cares, one that puts real meaning to the phrase “for the people.”

Sally Greene is a member of the Chapel Hill Town Council. Dan Coleman is a member of the Carrboro Board of Aldermen.

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