February 2006

Last year WCHL was "Building Bridges," so tell us, have we successfully crossed those troubled waters, or is there still work to be done?

My fingers are still numb from typing up summaries of last year's Community Forum, but it's time to start looking forward to that big talk once again. Because the community should not just be on the receiving end of a discussion, I want to get all of you involved now.

Please, state in no uncertain terms what you think the issues for this year's talk should be.

Right now we're leaning toward traffic patterns/pedestrian safety… workforce housing versus affordable housing… crime and public safety. What's the new wrinkle in the Town/Gown debate?

Are we off base? What's more important to you? Who should be the people talking about what matters the most to this area? (And since we want at least 7 people on each panel, don't be shy about nominating folks)

Thanks, Daniel.

After much discussion, the County Commissioners have settled on a proposal that we the voters will get to decide on this fall. They suggest leaving the board at 5 members, with 2 elected at-large (as all five are right now), 2 elected from the Chapel Hill "Township" (which includes Carrboro), and 1 elcted from the rest of the county.

The Board of Commissioners tentatively agreed Thursday on an election map that would require three of the five commissioners to live in newly created districts. Although the board is adding this residential requirement, all county residents will vote on all seats in the primaries and general election.

Voters will decide yea or nay on the plan in a referendum in November...

Internationalist Books and Community Center will commemorate the life and legacy of its founder Bob Sheldon on the date of his murder 15 years ago. On Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 5:30 PM, friends will gather to reflect on memories of the late political activist, to dedicate a public memorial in his honor, and to share their vision for the store as it begins its 25th Anniversary Celebration, which is ongoing throughout the year.

The event will take place at Internationalist Books located at 405 W. Franklin St.

For more information, call 942-1740 or go to: http://www.ibooks25.blogspot.com/

Fun, fun! The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership is searching for a marketing slogan to attract business to Franklin Street. According to the N&O today businessman Lex Alexander likes “Left of Center, Right at Home”. Other members aren't so sure about this slogan. They want Alexander to go back to his Durham marketing firm and try again.

I think the Partnership needs some local input. Surely, we can help them out. Any suggestions for a catchy slogan?

Businessman Lex Alexander introduced the motto to fellow board members Wednesday after a recent brainstorming session with a Durham marketing firm.

They stared at him, wide-eyed and silent. Developer Tom Tucker managed a short "Uh... ." Other board members laughed nervously.

Alexander said the slogan meets at least one of the board's goals: It gets attention. "To me it says that we're eccentric, but it's a friendly place," he said.