Soliciting rumors: Who's running in 2009?

Nice to see you. This is that time of the (election) season when 'who is not running?' is also a good question.

Keep an ear out for Mark Kleinschmidt to announce for Chapel Hill Mayor sometime today. 

don't want a history here of spreading a false rumor,,,

I am running again.   Hopefully I've shown that one can have a job and perform on the council, too.  It's not easy, as I've said all along.  But the council is worth it.So let the rumors surround others, not me!  I am thrilled to want to serve again, if Chapel Hill will have me.  

Will Raymond is also rumored to be gearing up again.  Strictly hearsay. 

http://www.carrborocitizen.com/main/2009/05/28/foy-says-he-wont-seek-re-...

Foy Won’t Seek Re-election this Fall
I’ve been a member of the Chapel Hill Town Council for the past twelve years, and I’ve been Mayor for the past eight years. Being Mayor of Chapel Hill is the best job in North Carolina, because you get to meet and talk with so many people from around the state, you get to work with an exceptionally qualified professional staff, and you see so much interest in issues from people in the community. Besides all that, you always have something amazing to celebrate – like (only in the last couple weeks) a national championship at UNC, a national idol – Anoop Desai—, and high school students who analyze and challenge the town’s commitment to environmental protection.

I’ve given a lot of thought to whether I should ask voters to elect me again this Fall. But because I have accomplished the things that I set out to do when I first ran for Mayor in 2001, I am not going to run for re-election this year.

When I asked voters to elect me in 2001, I set out some fundamental themes that would guide me:
1) protect the natural environment;

2) respect and nurture the community’s commitment to education; and

3) keep our community a welcoming place that values diversity.

Chapel Hill has made a lot of progress on each of these goals. One of the joys of my time in office has been the extent to which our community has embraced and focused on making each of these a priority. For example, we have expanded environmental protection, especially near streams (including the 750 acres of open space in our inventory); we have strengthened our ties with UNC; and we have added hundreds of units of housing that are affordable to teachers, nurses, and police officers.

Lots of other things have also come up over the course of my time as mayor. First among them has been the Council’s responsibility to hire a new manager. Roger Stancil is an excellent manager and we are fortunate to have him. He and the town staff are among the best in the nation. We have objective proof of that because we see examples all the time – just one being the way our police department, fire department, parks and recreation, transit, public works, and communications office adroitly manage an event like Halloween.

Anyone who serves in a position like mine understands how difficult it can be to move on, because there are always new challenges to face. But it is time for another person to lead in Chapel Hill. I look forward to our future, and I am confident that Chapel Hill will continue to be a great place to live, work, and go to school.

Statement from this afternoon here.

My tenure as Mayor of Carrboro coincided with the first 4 years of Kevin's service as Mayor of Chapel Hill.  It was my distinct pleasure to work with him on issues of mutual concern.  I've always been impressed with Kevin's commitment to put sound policy above immediate political concerns.  He's a public servant rather than a politician; those are few and far between.  I'm sorry to see him retire though I certainly understand that you know when it's time to go.  Thanks, Kevin, for serving your community with distinction.

1.  Open election for mayor and one declared candidate, Mark Kleinschmidt.2.  One open Council seat.

Mark Kleinschmidt is scheduled to be my guest on the "Ethics Matters" radio talk show tomorrow morning at eight. The program is on WCOM, 103.5 FM. You may also stream the broadcast online at either of the following sites. At some point in the program I will open up the phone line for questions and comments. The number is 919-929-9601. Call in & take part!          http://carrbororadio.com          http://www.ethicsmattersradio.comJames Coley

According to that blog which shall not be named (I don't read the comments either anymore), Penny is running again

Penny is running.  She was interviewed by WCHL 1360 this afternoon and it will air at 5:00 this evening.  Her announcement is as follows: "I am proud to announce my candidacy for Chapel Hill Town Council. While
running in the 2007 council race I was honored to meet many folks that
live and work in Chapel Hill who share my love for this beautiful town.
Chapel Hill has a bright future, and I believe I would be a positive
addition to the Town Council as they guide us through the next phase of
growth. As a small business owner raising a family in Chapel Hill, I
represent the unique perspective of the average everyday citizen. In
the coming months I look forward to talking to the people of Chapel
Hill to gain an understanding of their priorities, needs, and concerns.
I can best represent Chapel Hill by ensuring that everyone has the
chance for their voice to be heard as we shape the future of our town."

on the Council. I really appreciated working with her on the OWASA Board and I know she would bring some good energy to the Council.

1.  Open election for mayor and two declared candidates, Mark Kleinschmidt and Augustus Cho (and maybe more!).2.  One open Council seat (M.K), one incumbent announced (Laurin Easthom), and one new candidate (Penny Rich) (and probably many more to come!).3.  Two more incumbents yet to declare, Ed Harrison and Jim Merritt.

Now he'll probably run for a different office to feed his need.

Anyone else get the flyer excoriating Insko for her vote re: state employees' health care and her (non-)action re: Blue Cross/Blue Shield --  "paid for by the Working Families of SEANC)"?  Or hear the similar ad on WCHL this morning?  I bow to no one in my fury at health insurance companies' actions and policies, and certainly at the ad paid for by BX/BS against health care reform proposals. I've also been disappointed by Insko's vote/actions on a number of issues and wouldn't mind seeing a stronger candidate arise from the progressive/liberal ranks. However, I worry a little when the campaign season begins with an angry, negative blast targeting a specific candidate (and yes, a Democrat), especially when possible opponents aren't even named yet (are they?). Are we in for a season of attacks on non-conservative candidates launched tangentially (and paradoxically) out of certain, hot-button "grassroots" anger-issues?