In the upcoming Carrboro Board of Aldermen election, I will cast enthusiastic votes for Randee Haven-O’Donnell and Sammy Slade.
Randee understands the critical challenge of keeping housing affordable in Carrboro. She is passionate about the need to bring more commercial development to town to lessen the tax burden on residents and rightfully advocates that this commercial development should be built in a mixed-use development pattern to make it easier to walk to local businesses. Randee has also demonstrated leadership in transportation through her support for cycling improvements and extending light-rail transit to Carrboro from Chapel Hill.
Sammy is a leader in many community-building activities, most notably the Community Garden in MLK park, where I have seen his ability to get others involved in a worthy project focused on a common goal. Sammy understands that the twin challenges of climate change and peak oil demand that Carrboro’s land-use plans include higher densities for new and infill development and that additional density can be accommodated in town while maintaining that which makes Carrboro special.
Most importantly, I support Randee and Sammy because I have seen both of them engage fellow citizens through thoughtful, active listening when discussing issues. Both Randee and Sammy understand the strategic issues for Carrboro’s future and care deeply about listening to residents. I encourage all registered voters in Carrboro to join me in supporting these excellent candidates!
PATRICK MCDONOUGH
Carrboro