And today's appointees are: Alito and…

So I haven't actually heard anyone who seems to be in the know saying it's a done deal. I've read such comments in the paper, perhaps from some of Carrboro's newest residents.

Some folks seem to think that the Alderman will surely--or should surely--appoint someone from the NTA. At first glance, that does seem fair, but I think it's also important to remember that our newest residents (including non-voting children, I suspect) number about 800, or about 5% of Carrboro's current population. Does this group differ from residents of "Old Carrboro" so significantly that they deserve their own representative? And will that person also be able to serve the other 95% of Carrboro's residents? (And have we hashed through this issue enough already?)

Other folks have suggested that Carrboro will appoint a political "insider," like James or Dan. I think it's unfair to suggest an appointment of either of these committed Carrboro residents would be some kind of cronyism when they are obviously both terribly competent and dedicated folks.

Joan wrote on the other thread:
Mark, will you all have a public conversation? (Or has that already happened?) Or, ostensibly anyway, do you just mull over what you heard and vote your own mind individually?

Yes, it will be a public discussion, although obvciously each Alderman will have some latitude about how much they want to say publicly about it. But such discussion as happens will be public and so will the voting.

I also think that, since they are unlikely to appoint Katrina (just a hunch on my part), they won't appoint anyone else who ran in November. Though I think reasonable folks could make a solid argument for appointing Catherine, others might be so angry about Katrina, that it might be easier to avoid all of the November candidates.

Mark, we posted at the same time. Thanks for the answer. What an un-fun decision for you all.

Ruby, the mayor and aldermen have stated repeatedly that they won't base their selection on targeted representation. If the best candidate happens to live in the annexed area, fine. We're also assured that the application process levels the playing field, treating newcomers and prior candidates equally.

Well, on the one hand I think the field is so strong that Carrboro cannot lose. But on the other hand, eleven people are sure to be disappointed.

I agree with Mark, based on my reading of the applications, what I know of some of the applicants backgrounds and their "performance" (at least the bit I could hear ;-)) during the Q&A, Carrboro wins this evening. Every candidate would do well by Carrboro.

The calculus could be confused by measuring incommensurates. Take Dan and James. Both have good "inside-the-beltway" knowledge, both have served the 'burg of C in one way or another over the years. Should James reluctance to run in '05 equal Dan's not running at all? I've seen arguments that suggest some equivalence - but isn't this a new ball game?

Speaking of "new ballgame", isn't that the argument for dispensing with Katrina's, Cat's and David's electoral efforts? I'm biased, I think their interest counts for something but then again - what? And was their support a pure sample in time? Seems to be that's what some have suggested ("if the election was held today....").

On the ideas front, Cat, David and Katrina all brought new ideas to the table - all spoke eloquently and publicly (at one point or another ;-) ) in support of their platforms. Was that public display worth more than James', Dan's, Lydia's or any of the other applicants strong rhetoric on their "pet" points (as most, but not all, spoke to in their applications)?

Of course, as Fred pointed out, none of us is the audience for any of the applicants pleas - so why measure at all?

So, maybe it'll come down to some measurables - previous public service, knowledge of the 'burg - some difficult to quantifies - ability to make unpopular decisions ("soup kitchen"), ability to put up with non-sensical rants (FP's wireless comes to mind), ability to put up with sensical rants - and personal preferences - who can I sit next to meeting after meeting, who would I drink a beer with?

What if the Board selects no one? Is that permissible under the Town Code? What is lost by the six struggling along as a Board of six until the next election? One clear outcome - all votes would require an extra-majority if all six are voting. That might be interesting. ;-)

7:06pm and 46 seats still left.

Six reporters, two town staff, Mr. Madden and myself and it's 7:18pm.

Applicants Lydia, Dan, Cat, James are here right before the clock....

and Robert...

Herrara just ran in....

Mark is saying they should dispense with public input...says they've received a lot of comments via email, mail, phone over the last couple weeks...

Now asking how they should vote for Alderman...
Suggesting paper ballots...

David M. just came in.....

Meeting called to order. All Alderman except Herrara are here....

Jacquie says she came around on paper ballots because it's a positive approach - vote in the affirmative -

Alex is disagreeing with this approach..

He's of two minds about it - it'll be reductive in nature so somebody will be "left out"...

No new candidates have shown up....

Jacquie disagreed with Alex's voting procedure because it's a bit confusing...

Randee is agreeing with the positive approach - this way they don't have to talk about the perceived weaknesses in the candidates - they can find that which is most positive in each candidate....

Jacquie is confirming that each Alderman's vote will be announced - such as Jacquie voted for David M. etc.

This is going to be, potentially, several rounds to secure the 4 of 6 majority.

Mark is making sure everyone understands those that get 4 votes are immediate appointees - otherwise they can be reconsidered...

They could continue all evening if no one secures 4 votes and pickup next time...

Bro n is uncomfortable with the voting method but she'll accede to the board's wishes...

She's asking how the person from annexation could be sworn in today - she's confused about the timing of the annexation - anyone selected tonight from the former NTA will be sworn in

Herrara says ballots OK as long as no hanging chads...

Mark Chilton said that he had a 13th slot added to the ballot because there's no rule requiring that an Alderman be selected from the list of applicants!!!

That's a twist...

He's asking for public comment...

Joal is making a general comment on the process - she's thanking folks for applying...

Joal is thanking folks for contacting her - says it'll be a difficult decision - that they have some superb applicants - some themes she responded to....

that you like Carrboro
that Carrboro stay affordable
keep Carrboro Carrboro - preserve that ineffable quality that makes Carrboro unique

Jacquie is speaking about how she was so impressed

"Wishes we had the same [caliber] of choice for national office"...

Hopes the 11 folk that don't make it will still participate - that joining an advisory board will be of more value than joining the BOA

she wants to see those folks she doesn't agree with, especially, join the boards to keep that "creative tension"

Randee is thanking folk for contacting her - wishes all of the BOA success in choosing this night....

John says he knows all the applicants applied "for the big bucks"

He's talking about the huge time commitment - that it's "a great sacrifice"

He appreciates the applicants making the effort considering the amount of time it'll take...

Besides the annexation vote this is the 2nd hardest vote he's had to take - every single person has something special to bring Carrboro - imploring the 11 left out of "the big bucks" to join the boards - to help make "dreams reality" for Carrboro

Mark - "don't forget John the glory and awesome power"

Alex - this is probably the 2nd hardest vote

Many of the folks are his friends and/or folk he's worked with for years....

Mary - Welcome to Carrboro !

Mark thanking folk for going through the huge application process - impressed by answers - ask that folk will consider running for the BOA or some other offices

Alex is asking for the BOA to specifically address each candidates strengths/weaknesses

He's reading from prepared remarks....

Alex is thanking for the applicants for all the efforts - "hopes that you'll still have coffee with me after this"

John H. is up next.

John H. is complimenting the BOA's current structure. Says he's going to work on listening.

Alex - would I like working with someone I like - yes , would I like someone that would ally with me - yes

At this place I suggest that there are other considerations - these considerations are based in fact

Fact 1. - He's saying that there's a group of folk that aren't being represented - that Carrboro is perceived to be more cliquish - he's setting up an annexation choice

Fact 2. - Alex - There's just been an election where the 4th place candidate represents this new group (the annexees) that feels disenfranchised...

He says "here and now we face a new challenge" - "no matter how many iterations" he went through he keeps coming back to the fact that there's a candidate that was selected by folk, has demonstrated a commitment, etc.

"If you asked me 6 months ago if I'd support Katrina Ryan 6 months ago if I'd support her I'd respond 'Are you on crack?'"

He's going on to say that their differences will actually strengthen the board - well said Alex - Katrina gets one vote.

John H. - you can be a single issue candidate but you can't be a single issue member of the board - you need to listen to those folk you don't agree with....

Sorry comments are hitting out of order.

Alex - would I like working with someone I like - yes , would I like someone that would ally with me - yes

At this place I suggest that there are other considerations - these considerations are based in fact

Fact 1. - He's saying that there's a group of folk that aren't being represented - that Carrboro is perceived to be more cliquish - he's setting up an annexation choice

Fact 2. - Alex - There's just been an election where the 4th place candidate represents this new group (the annexees) that feels disenfranchised...

He says "here and now we face a new challenge" - "no matter how many iterations" he went through he keeps coming back to the fact that there's a candidate that was selected by folk, has demonstrated a commitment, etc.

"If you asked me 6 months ago if I'd support Katrina Ryan 6 months ago if I'd support her I'd respond 'Are you on crack?'"

He's going on to say that their differences will actually strengthen the board - well said Alex - Katrina gets one vote.

Sorry comments are hitting out of order.

Alex--I know you may never read this, but I'll say it anyway. I'm proud of you. Your reasoning was flawless and beautifully thoughtful. Your willingness to put the community ahead of our personal preferences is what I have always believed to be the essence of truly democratic leadership. And you kept your sense of humor while being a statesman.

Terri

He's looking for someone that can uphold the oath for all the folk of Carrboro - some that supports environmental, social, economic justice

We have folk in this list that have been doing this 20 years...

Sounds like Dan is going to be John H.s choice

He's talking about someone with a proven track record...

John H. - "that guy is Dan Coleman" - he's someone that even on the campaign trail I had an argument with - he's someone that he learned that folks can change - 20 years of fighting for social, economic and environmental justice

Mark C. is up - speaking to the candidates that ran for BOA

Mark C. - hopes those that ran will consider running again - must say that the discussion of what would've happened if it'd been a pick 4 instead of a pick 3 seat is very hypothetical - that a pick 4 race would've been a different exercise...

That while he finds the folks that ran great candidates - he doesn't find the results of their run compelling...