All souls to the polls

Government Matters

October 22, 2013

Early voting is well under way and we cannot over-emphasize how important it is for you to cast your vote. After you vote early (and take a few friends with you), you have many other opportunities to have your say. Take some time to fill out a survey on subjects important to you and consider attending the public hearing for Central West or the public meeting for a potential county fair. Got stuck in traffic on the way to the polls? Get your transit and transportation updates at our next EDPP meeting!

Vote early (or on Nov. 5)

We know the expression is "vote early and often," but we're just asking you to vote once and make it count. How can you be sure to be an informed voter before you head to the polls? Find out who's running, watch a replay of our candidates forums (Chapel Hill or Carrboro) on The Peoples Channel, and then read our voter guide. You can also find nonpartisan information at WCHL and NC Voter Guide. Not registered? Not a problem! For this election cycle, you can register at one-stop voting locations. If you're a traditionalist and only vote on Election Day, make sure you find a time between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Nov. 5 and know where to go!

Survey says...

Many people want YOUR opinion and they're asking questions about some important subjects. This is your opportunity to express your views and share your perspective, even if you're relaxing in your pajamas. Please take a moment to fill out these surveys from RDU Airport about air service and the NC Department of Commerce about economic development and broadband access. Additionally, the Town of Chapel Hill has four surveys out as part of their reformat of the Land Use Management Ordinance. Consider participating in the surveys on Bed and Breakfasts, stormwater management, signage, and/or parking lot landscaping, as all subjects have an impact on local businesses!

Have YOUR say: Central West

Sometimes your perspective can be shared at the polls and sometimes in your pajamas, but sometimes, you have to show up

in person. The Chapel Hill Town Council had a public hearing last night on the Central West plan (where the heck is Central West, you ask? The area is around MLK Blvd. and Estes Dr.) and they will have a second hearing 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 25. Please consider attending to encourage Council to endorse a well-thought out plan that will improve the Town and the surrounding neighborhoods. Can't make it? You can always email mayorandcouncil@townofchapelhill.org

to let Council know that well-planned development along transit and transportation corridors makes sense.

Getting acquainted

Need to find good employees? The Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board Business Solutions Team is offering an introduction to the state's new website that matches employees and employers. Come get acquainted with the tool 9:00 a.m., Tuesday Oct. 29, at Orange County Career Center, located at 503 West Franklin St. The training will include an online video introduction to the new site, registration in the system, labor market information, and assistance posting current job vacancies. If you're looking to hire, consider attending and RSVP to Crystal Taylor.

Getting around

Speaking of transportation and transit corridors, are you wondering how our community's corridors work? And what our plans are for accommodating future traffic and ridership? Come to the November Economic Development & Public Policy Committee meeting, 8 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Chamber. We'll hear from Joe Milazzo, director of the Regional Transportation Alliance; Brian Litchfield, director of Chapel Hill Transit; and Kumar Neppalli, a transportation engineer at the Town of Chapel Hill. This will be the last EDPP meeting of the year, so we hope you can attend!

Save the date to advocate!