By Brooke Parker
Staff Writer
CHAPEL HILL – Economic development and housing affordability, with an emphasis on Northside and nearby neighborhoods, were highlights of a Chapel Hill Town Council candidate forum on Tuesday.
The forum was hosted by EmPOWERment Inc., Neighbors for Responsible Growth, Citizens United for Responsive Building, the Community Empowerment Fund, the Marian Creek Jackson Center and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP.
Eight of the nine candidates vying for the four available seats on the council attended the forum, while candidate Augustus Cho did not attend.
Candidate Jason Baker said that in focusing on economic development, the council needs to consider the economy and the environment equally, adding that the two go hand-in-hand.
“When we talk about environmental and economic justice, we are talking about providing jobs in our community,†he said.
Incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Jim Ward said the council needs to look out for the future of Chapel Hill, agreeing that job creation is key to helping the economy thrive.
“We need to grow jobs here so that we are not forcing the next generation away from this community,†he said. “Give them a variety of jobs in the future.â€
Incumbent Matt Czajkowski said he believed that economic development and jobs must come before housing affordability.
“What we have to do to [create housing affordability] is to create jobs for people that allow them to make a living wage and also to have the dignity that a job brings with it,†he said. “While affordable housing is vital, we as a country face the challenge of creating those jobs.â€
Candidate Lee Storrow said that funding safety-net programs is vital to economic development, mainly among the poorer demographic.
“If we aren’t doing the hard work to fund those programs, then I don’t think we can be successful,†he said. “We need to continue to fund our nonprofits in Chapel Hill.â€
Candidate Laney Dale said he believed that an improved budgeting system is key to economic development, adding that the community needs to play a larger role in local politics,“to make sure that we make the right decisions and that we take care of the entire community, not just the loudest.â€
Candidate Jon DeHart said he felt that the most pressing need in the community was affordable rental housing, emphasizing that taxes play a major role in housing affordability.
“I’ve worked in the housing industry, and it’s a major issue if you can pay your taxes or not,†he said. “We need to come up with some sort of fund to help people pay for their taxes.â€
Incumbent Donna Bell said she felt that the best way to deal with housing issues is to continue to grow and change in order to create a sustainable community.
“I believe that Chapel Hill might have to go back into the building business,†she said. “Back into the business of building and controlling larger properties.â€
Candidate Carl Schuler said he believes that transparency is necessary to create a more productive civic environment in Chapel Hill.
“My issues for Chapel Hill are largely built and based upon the common needs that have been addressed by many people I have come across in the town,†he said. “Having availability [to residents] is key.â€
The candidates will face off again in an online forum on Oct. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at orangepolitics.org