Local elections are coming up this November. Two candidates are running for mayor, and seven candidates are competing for four town council positions. The ECHO attended local candidate forums organized Sept. 9 and 21 to see what they had to say. Here are the takeaways:
Mayor
Pam Hemminger
Incumbent
• Real estate agent, from business background.
• Prioritizes Climate Action Plan (reducing wastes, building efficiency, promoting renewability, etc.)
• Wants to make the parking situation downtown better.
Josh Levenson
Challenger
• New resident of Chapel Hill, worked in STEM and education.
• Would raise taxes to pool together resources to reduce emissions.
• Supports a compost pick-up program, wants to make walking and biking more feasible.
Town Council
Tai Huynh
Challenger
• Computer science student at UNC, a second-generation immigrant.
• Believes that engaging the youth is crucial, as well as other communities “that are not always invited to the table.”
• Wants to make Chapel Hill greener by investing in infrastructure, reducing waste and plastics, and having accessible public transportation.
Renuka Soll
Challenger
• Second-generation immigrant, has served on multiple N.C. and local boards.
• Wants to build sustainably and protect green spaces.
• Supports raise for hourly wage public workers.
Jessica Anderson
Incumbent
• Policy analyst.
• Would increase funding for Climate Action Plan, affordable housing and incentives for local businesses.
• Hopes to improve public transportation.
Nancy Oates
Incumbent
• Board member and liaison on 12 committees.
• Wants to further Climate Action Plan, develop affordable housing and public transit, and get businesses to come to Chapel Hill.
Michael Parker
Incumbent
• Chair of Transit Committee.
• Wants to develop a comprehensive climate action plan, which would include walkability in the town.
• Wants to revitalize downtown Chapel Hill by bringing in more jobs.
Sue Hunter
Challenger
• Background in the nonprofit sector and behavioral community health research.
• Emphasizes increasing affordable housing and implementing climate action, by reducing car usage and encouraging walking and biking.
• Wants to ensure everyone that comes here to work can also afford to live here.
Amy Ryan
Incumbent
• Chemistry major, experience in greenscape architecture, has served over 17 years on town boards and commissions.
• Focuses on community planning for a greener environment.
• Wants to add incentives for new businesses to develop here.
