Government

There have been a few misconceptions about Carrboro's Revolving Loan Fund floating around recently. I would like to clear them up.

In June of 1985 the NC Dept of Natural Resources and Community Development gave Carrboro the right to use program income from the repayment of principal and interest from 3 economic development loans made to businesses in Carrboro to start the Carrboro Revolving Loan Fund. The loan proceeds from the three loans totaled $275,000. To date no local tax dollars have been added to this fund, all funds have accrued from the principal and interest from the repayment of the original three loans. There is also some additional interest accrued on the repayment amounts added to the fund from the investment of the repayment dollars. The three original businesses are still operating and employing people.

Over a period of 21 years the Town of Carrboro has loaned money to 33 businesses. Weaver St Market, the first to receive a loan has expanded once in it's original location and has since expanded to Southern Village and soon to Hillsborough. It is a major employer.

Neighborhoods for Responsible Growth (NRG) has again decided against officially endorsing any candidates in this cycle. However, we're very interested in helping citizens to understand the positions of the candidates on issues we care about.

NRG presented all candidates with a short questionnaire, and the candidate responses are posted to our website. We invite all interested citizens to browse the answers at NRG's Chapel Hill Elections 2007 page.

The questions we asked were:

On density and growth

1. In its Comprehensive Plan, Chapel Hill is committed both to denser urban development and to protection of existing neighborhoods. Do you see any conflict between these goals, and what do you feel is the best way to achieve them?

On environmental protection

2. Please describe at least three ways you feel the Town could do a better job protecting creeks and other environmentally sensitive habitats.

On cooperation of local governments

3. What suggestions do you have for better ways for the local governments in the Orange County area to work together?

Voter registration for this fall's municipal and school board elections closes a week from tomorrow, so get thee to a voter registration form (PDF)!

I'd like to take a look at candidate money in 2007, but I haven't had time to read the reports yet. Can you help?

We should certainly give the Orange County Board of Elections some kudos, along with the County web staff, for some great improvements to the content available on their web site. Right now they have campaign finance reports from 6 of the 8 candidates who plan to spend over $3,000. Those who plan to spend less do not have to file detailed reports.