Ordinarily, the editorial after an election day, and especially after a primary, is our opportunity to scold. Turnout has been so dismal for so long that it’s part of the drill. We even took to reporting the numbers in inverse as a form of shock therapy (as in, “73 percent of the registered voters failed to vote Tuesday”).

But by late Tuesday night, it was clear that an energized presidential primary in an already-tumultuous and not-so predictable election year has sparked a serious interest in the act of voting. In Orange County, 47.8 percent of registered voters cast a ballot this primary.
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By Paige Johnson

For a senior in high school, there is no greater season than spring. Warm weather and trees in bloom seem to coincide with a 12th grader’s growing sense of triumph and potential. Prom night, family celebrations and high school graduation are only days away. Her future is filled with promise or, at least, that’s how it should be.

The future of far too many students in our state does not include this rite of passage. They never celebrate reaching the milestone of high school graduation because they drop out. In fact, roughly one-third of North Carolina’s high school students fail to receive a high school diploma.
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By Elaine Mejia

Earlier this month, presidential hopefuls John McCain and Hillary Clinton, along with gubernatorial candidate Bill Graham, endorsed a temporary gas tax holiday to last through the summer vacation season. These proposals should come as no surprise given the squeeze that rising gas prices is putting on middle-class families.

While the notion of suspending the federal and state gas taxes is attractive in its simplicity and political popularity, it would do little to help working families affected by the downturn in the economy. Moreover, it would have devastating consequences on already-strained public-road construction and maintenance budgets.
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By Chris Fitzsimon

When the votes are finally counted Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, except for a few possible runoffs, the primary season will be over and the general election push begins.

There are plenty of issues likely to define the general election battle in statewide and legislative races, and plenty of issues that should define it, and if past campaigns are any indication, the two lists are likely to have little in common.
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By policy, this newspaper does not endorse candidates. Matters of public policy, however, are fair game.
After weighing both sides in the debate over a real estate transfer tax, we strongly suggest you vote for it. Here’s why:

1. Another source of funds — The transfer tax will be a source of revenue for schools and parks that is not the ad valorem property tax. In Orange County, there is already a hefty tax burden on homeowners, especially longtime residents now living on a fixed income. Each year, as budgets are settled, much of the tension is over balancing support for a growing school system with the property tax burden. Like it or not, that dynamic will remain in place for a considerable time. An increase in commercial development, seen as the main way to reduce the burden, won’t happen overnight and, given the pace of residential development, may only help us maintain the balance we have now.

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By Chris Fitzsimon

Virtually every poll finds that the economy and health care are the issues people in North Carolina and the nation are most concerned about, and they are undeniably related.

People know that if they lose their job, they will lose their health care. Even if they stay employed, they may face rising premiums and co-pays they can’t afford or their employer may drop their coverage altogether.

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By Steve Peha & Margot Carmichael Lester

As we head to the end of the school year, we find ourselves in testing season. We also find ourselves unsettled as a nation with regard to the value and appropriateness of this now-annual ritual. Government officials at the state and federal levels contend that widespread testing is the only way to insure successful reform. But the general public, when it looks at test results, isn’t so sure. In the middle, of course, are administrators, teachers and kids, three groups whose opinions don’t seem to matter as much as perhaps they should.

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While Carrboro is in the process of revamping its building rules, I hope they will contact the State Fire Marshall’s Office about a little known federal law passed in 1997: (42 U.S.C. 4151—4157, 7 CFR 1930 Sub part C), which states that owners of apartment buildings must install visual alarms for deaf residents at no cost. This applies to all apartment buildings, old or new.

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On behalf of the Jung Society of the Triangle Area, I want to express appreciation for the fine article Valarie Schwartz wrote about our organization and its 25th anniversary.

I have long enjoyed her writing when she was on the staff of the Chapel Hill News. How fortunate you are to have her with The Carrboro Citizen now.

Marilyn A. Dyer

For Vernon

I have known Page Vernon for over 25 years. In that time, I have worked with Page in regards to youth and families in Chatham County in her role as attorney, guardian ad litem, board member and mentor. The words I use to describe Page are: honest, thoughtful, compassionate and fair. She knows which questions to ask, how to assess complex situations and communicate solutions. Page Vernon has all the qualities for making just and difficult decisions in a court of law. It is without question that I fully support her election to district court judge!

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For Jones

Orange County is at a critical point. Cost of Growth, Affordable Living and How Dense Should We Be? These are the vital issues before the Orange County Board of Commissioners. A $200 million city school debt faces us. Commissioners act as if it came from outer space.

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For Pelissier

Bernadette Pelissier would make a great county commissioner. She’s capable and fair-minded and will put energy and time into the position. If elected, she will put an emphasis on social services, including mental health and health care. She’ll be a strong advocate for affordable housing and the environment. She’ll make a good link between those of us who live in town and folks in more rural areas of the county. I’m voting for her in the at-large district for county commissioner and encourage you to as well.
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For Carey

I expressly disassociate my personal sentiments expressed here from those of the NAACP, in which I play a leadership role. I write to express my support for Moses Carey to represent us in the North Carolina Senate. Like many of my friends, I love Ellie Kinnaird and have the greatest respect and admiration for her work over the years. Like Senators Obama and Clinton, she and Moses have almost identical political positions. So why am I voting for Moses over Ellie? Two reasons.

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For Kinnaird

It’s unfortunate that we must choose between two fine public servants, Ellie Kinnaird and Moses Carey. Both have served us well for many years. Both are willing to raise controversial issues. Both are Democrats with liberal leanings. I missed their debate, but I heard it wasn’t much of a debate because they agree on most of the issues. It’s unfortunate that this race not only divides our community, but I see where it has divided households too. So how will you make your decision if you haven’t already? For me the choice is clear. I grew up with Ellie’s sons and much later I watched Ellie as mayor of Carrboro help shape it into the vibrant, unusual town that it has become today. There are many reasons Carrboro is a great place to live. Ellie Kinnaird is one of them.

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Might as well just bring a tent and a sleeping bag to the Town Commons next weekend.
The sequence of events goes like this:

Friday, May 2 — Arcade Fire, Superchunk rock show and rally for Obama
Saturday, May 3 — Farmers’ Market 30th Anniversary/First Really, Really Free Market of Spring
Sunday, May 4 — Carrboro Day

See what I mean?

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