by Susan Dickson Staff Writer Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Orange County Schools Board of Education. Incumbent Al Hartkopf is running for re-election, challenged by newcomers Eddie Eubanks, Steve Halkiotis, Tony McKnight, Jeff Michalski and Stan Morris. School board member Dennis Whitling resigned in February, following his arrest on charges of…
Candidates seek new county seats
by Susan Dickson Staff Writer Four Democratic candidates are running for one District Two seat on the Board of County Commissioners. No Republicans are running for county commissioner in the district. A 2006 referendum approved by voters increased the board from five to seven members and split the county into two voting districts. With the…
Seven reasons to vote yes
By policy, this newspaper does not endorse candidates. Matters of public policy, however, are fair game. After weighing both sides in the debate over a real estate transfer tax, we strongly suggest you vote for it. Here’s why: 1. Another source of funds — The transfer tax will be a source of revenue for schools…
The health care campaign
By Chris Fitzsimon Virtually every poll finds that the economy and health care are the issues people in North Carolina and the nation are most concerned about, and they are undeniably related. People know that if they lose their job, they will lose their health care. Even if they stay employed, they may face rising…
Putting testing to the test
By Steve Peha & Margot Carmichael Lester As we head to the end of the school year, we find ourselves in testing season. We also find ourselves unsettled as a nation with regard to the value and appropriateness of this now-annual ritual. Government officials at the state and federal levels contend that widespread testing is…
Letter to the Editor: Fire safety for the deaf
While Carrboro is in the process of revamping its building rules, I hope they will contact the State Fire Marshall’s Office about a little known federal law passed in 1997: (42 U.S.C. 4151—4157, 7 CFR 1930 Sub part C), which states that owners of apartment buildings must install visual alarms for deaf residents at no…
Letter to the Editor: Thanks, Val
On behalf of the Jung Society of the Triangle Area, I want to express appreciation for the fine article Valarie Schwartz wrote about our organization and its 25th anniversary. I have long enjoyed her writing when she was on the staff of the Chapel Hill News. How fortunate you are to have her with The…
Endorsement Letters: Page Vernon
For Vernon I have known Page Vernon for over 25 years. In that time, I have worked with Page in regards to youth and families in Chatham County in her role as attorney, guardian ad litem, board member and mentor. The words I use to describe Page are: honest, thoughtful, compassionate and fair. She knows…
Endorsement Letters: Neloa Jones
For Jones Orange County is at a critical point. Cost of Growth, Affordable Living and How Dense Should We Be? These are the vital issues before the Orange County Board of Commissioners. A $200 million city school debt faces us. Commissioners act as if it came from outer space.
Endorsement Letters: Bernadette Pelissier
For Pelissier Bernadette Pelissier would make a great county commissioner. She’s capable and fair-minded and will put energy and time into the position. If elected, she will put an emphasis on social services, including mental health and health care. She’ll be a strong advocate for affordable housing and the environment. She’ll make a good link…
Endorsement Letters: Moses Carey
For Carey I expressly disassociate my personal sentiments expressed here from those of the NAACP, in which I play a leadership role. I write to express my support for Moses Carey to represent us in the North Carolina Senate. Like many of my friends, I love Ellie Kinnaird and have the greatest respect and admiration…
Endorsement Letters: Ellie Kinnaird
For Kinnaird It’s unfortunate that we must choose between two fine public servants, Ellie Kinnaird and Moses Carey. Both have served us well for many years. Both are willing to raise controversial issues. Both are Democrats with liberal leanings. I missed their debate, but I heard it wasn’t much of a debate because they agree…
Carrboro High prepares for its first-ever prom
Turn the lights down and turn the music up: theme is ‘Glow in the Dark’ By Shannon David Carrboro Commons Writer “Get pumped CHS juniors because the first ever Carrboro High School prom is here! Get ready to turn the lights down and turn the music up,†read weekly announcements at Carrboro High School. On…
School Brief: Go Geckos
Morris Grove Elementary School Principal Amy Rickard recently announced that the school’s mascot will be the gecko and the school’s colors will be navy blue and green. Morris Grove will open on the corner of Dromoland and Eubanks roads in August. More than 150 students who will attend the school voted on the mascot and…
School Brief: Peace talker
Chapel Hill High School student Amber Bivins served as a spokesperson for the National Students Against Violence Everywhere Youth Advisory Board at the group’s national conference in Raleigh on April 4. The conference focused on Internet safety, gang prevention, bullying prevention and dating violence.