In an age when political debate generally turns into personal attacks Chapel Hill should be proud of all the candidates who sought local office for not lowering themselves to the mud slinging that often times makes up our national elections. All of the candidates deserve our thanks and praise for their willingness to commit the time and energy that is required to run a campaign.

The only blight upon our otherwise honorable election was the unfortunate incident involving our former councilman, Cam Hill. I can't argue with any of the facts contained in the flier that Mr. Hill mailed out days prior to the election but that is because the flier contained no facts. The piece that was sent was filled with the negative opinion of one person cloaked in the guise of an organization. An organization that did not exist until after the flier was sent.

I believe Mr. Hill owes an apology to all the candidates and the citizens of Chapel Hill for allowing his "sour grapes" over losing his council seat two years ago to ferment into a "bitter tongue".

I wish Mr. Kleinschmidt the best of luck. It will not be an easy road, especially knowing that over half of the voting citizens voted for someone else. I just hope that our mayor-elect will have the good sense to surround himself with people who are not afraid to express and own their opinions. This is, of course, just the opinion of one citizen, but at least I am a citizen who is willing to sign my name.

Tara O'Donnel

Chapel Hill