Elections & Politics

Penny Rich, who has served six years on the OWASA board among other things, has announced she’s running for council.

From her release:

I am announcing today my candidacy for a seat on the Chapel Hill Town Council.

The privilege of serving the people of Chapel Hill will enable me to bring this city back to its fundamental principles of a government that is progressive, accessible and will represent the people’s will.

My six-year term on the OWASA Board of Directors has enlightened me on the importance of being diligent about our water supply. I will tackle the broader issues with the same tenacity I exhibited at OWASA, and achieve the desired objectives for this government and the people.

Many Chapel Hill residents come from other parts of the country to enjoy the charm and beauty of this city. Our goals should embrace healthy and sustainable growth, without forgoing the special character that makes Chapel Hill a unique place to live and raise our children.

Chapel Hill should have a thriving downtown, with prosperous small establishments and adequate parking. It should encompass the business center of our town. The vision should include beautiful public areas alongside bustling cafes, restaurants, bookstores, theatres and markets. One of my priorities as councilwoman is to make the downtown area an attractive location, and focus on promoting the patronage of our businesses.

Town Hall needs to reach out to our citizens, and strive for a more representative government. This process will embolden us to become a more harmonious community, and move us forward to a brighter future.

Chapel Hill should remain true to its roots as a sharing community where no one goes hungry or homeless. Diversity and differences should be valued and supported.

Bio

Member of the OWASA Board of Directors, 2001-2007. Vice Chair and Secretary of the Board, Chairperson of the Human Resources Committee and Natural Resources Committee as well as serving on the Community Outreach, Art, and Property subcommittees.

Active in the Inter-Faith Council’s Community Kitchen. Former member of the Chapel Hill Technology Advisory Committee and former President of the Chapel of the Cross Pre-School Board of Directors.

Professional: Self-employed as a personal chef and food columnist with Southern Neighbor and other print/broadcast media.

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Pratt Institute. Master of Arts in Communication Technology, New York University.

Originally from New York City. Lived in Ft Lauderdale and New Orleans before moving to Chapel Hill with her family. Penny and her husband Christopher Voorhees have two sons, Mikko 12 and Brody 10.