Chapel Hill Town Council

Lots of interesting stuff in the Opinion section of today's Chapel Hill News. First is the editorial called Flap over benefits turns ugly.

The council made a serious error in judgment -- several of them, actually -- and in so thoroughly misreading the public's likely response it gave the appearance of being out of touch with its constituency.

But it didn't commit high crimes and misdemeanors. It didn't make off with the Town treasury, lead the town into war on false pretenses or kick puppies. [...]

Plus there is Laurin Easthom's guest column called Controversy stoked by those with other agendas. Its on her blog too.

Some of those who have been the most outspoken, and continue to criticize and continue to threaten to put out petitions on items other than health care, are Republicans. It is just an interesting fact. [...]

It’s budget time again and the good bet is that our taxes will increase. For those who desire/need a historical refresher, read the 2007 OP thread, "No Chapel Hill Tax Increase!"

I never got an answer on what not raising taxes in 2007 would do to the cost of things in 2008. Take a look at the budget documents for this year. The Mayor was quoted in the morning CHH saying that it might take a five cent increase per $100 valuation to fund the forecasted deficit.

And of course, rereading last year’s thread reminded me hom many folks told me that not having an increase last year had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it was a Council election year!

Let the games begin! Council members are expected to adopt the budget on June 9.