Mark Chilton
Mark Chilton, an attorney and real estate professional now working with a nonprofit community development corporation, is running unopposed for his fourth term as Mayor. In 2009, the Chamber complained that Mr. Chilton had not prioritized economic development and had not provided the mayoral leadership that the tough economy required. In 2011, we've seen Mayor Chilton improve as an advocate for economic development and we hope he will press the Aldermen to make good on their long-standing goal of doubling the commercial square footage in downtown Carrboro. His commitment to job creation and economic development were made clear when he helped broker the 300 East Main parking solution, bringing government to the table to accelerate a private sector development. Mr. Chilton and the Chamber do not agree on all public policy positions and specifically, we wish he was a supporter of OWASA's need for permanent Jordan Lake allocation. While we think he is a creative thinker and problem solver, we have wanted him to take a stronger leadership role in seeking regional solutions within multi-jurisdictional partnerships. Regional cooperation has not been a Carrboro hallmark during Mr. Chilton's time as Mayor. All that said, the Chamber looks forward to working with Mr. Chilton to help make the Carrboro economy thrive.
Dan Coleman
Dan Coleman, a database software developer who was first appointed to office by a divided Carrboro Board of Aldermen in 2006, was elected in 2007, and is now running for his second four-year term. Mr. Coleman's priorities include neighborhood and environmental protection, housing affordability and strengthening the tax base by focusing (almost exclusively) on supporting small local enterprises. A vocal supporter of Carrboro-based small businesses and defender of quality of life as Carrboro's key business recruitment and retention strategies, Mr. Coleman is distrustful of regional and national enterprises and has been historically critical of and resistant to partnership with other regional players including the University, Chapel Hill, Orange County and the Chamber itself. He has a long history of service in our community and is one of Carrboro's best-researched and well-read Aldermen. Though the Chamber disagrees more often with his votes than his rhetoric regarding economic development, we are hopeful that if elected Mr. Coleman will be more cooperative and less confrontational when it comes to Orange County job growth and economic development.
Braxton Foushee
Braxton Foushee, an Orange County native, former business owner, current Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools employee, and former Alderman, is no newcomer to Carrboro politics. Mr. Foushee advocates for jobs and economic development that will benefit Carrboro's lower-income residents, particularly light industrial development for the Triem property and along the NC 54 corridor. The Chamber appreciates the support Mr. Foushee offers in suggesting that successful applicants to the revolving loan fund be or become Chamber members, and we understand why he wants businesses to have more skin in the game when they apply. Many of his economic and community development positions may conflict with current Aldermen priorities, which may create a challenge, but the Chamber thinks he will be effective in bringing issues into the discussion. As a former OWASA board member, we know that he'll be an advocate in addressing infrastructure problems like permanently securing our Jordan Lake allocation. The bottom line: Mr. Foushee is a business-friendly candidate with job growth as a top priority.
Lydia Lavelle
Lydia Lavelle, law professor and current Alderman, exhibits a pragmatic and open-minded approach to development and business growth. She has a deep understanding of the development process and neighborhood issues, and seeks business community input. Ms. Lavelle supports small business growth and is not opposed to larger and nationally-branded retailers. And well before election season, Ms. Lavelle went out of her way to promote and defend the Chamber publicly, saying, "I believe the positives of working with the Chamber outweigh [any of] the negatives, particularly in these days of finding our way back to economic prosperity." She is a progressive pro-business candidate who expresses a particular interest and background in, and commitment to, transportation issues. We hope that she'll see our side on the Jordan Lake issue, but overall we appreciate Ms. Lavelle's openness to working with the Chamber and look forward to continuing to work with her as an Alderman.
Michelle Johnson
Michelle Johnson, social worker and former local school system employee, supports additional development downtown, including advocating for walkable communities, and is a big proponent for mixed-use projects. She has a balanced approach and we appreciated her cooperative spirit, including her willingness to hear all sides. She was very knowledgeable about issues relating to residents and developers, but seemed less well-informed on economic development opportunities and challenges. Ms. Johnson pledges to represent all citizens well, but it appears to us that if pressed, Ms. Johnson is likely to side with neighborhood interests over community economic interests as she has been active in organizing against the proposed location for a new CVS Pharmacy. Her background as a social worker will help her engage and collaborate with the big personalities on the board and while Ms. Johnson is willing to listen to everyone, it's not yet clear that economic development is on the top of her priority list.
