The Vestry of the Chapel of the Cross, an Episcopal parish in Chapel Hill, has passed the following resolution:

In light of Amendment One, appearing on North Carolina ballots on May 8, the Vestry of the Chapel of the Cross endorses the following resolution, passed by the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina: Resolved, that the 196th Convention of the Diocese of North Carolina reaffirm the Episcopal Church’s historical support of gay and lesbian persons as children of God and entitled to full civil rights; and be it further Resolved, that the 196th Diocesan Convention reaffirm the action of the 71st General Convention of The Episcopal Church, which in 1994 called upon “municipal council, state legislatures and the United States Congress to approve measures giving gay and lesbian couples protection(s) such as: bereavement and family leave policies; health benefits; pension benefits; real-estate transfer tax benefits; and commitments to mutual support enjoyed by non-gay married couples”; and be it further Resolved, that the 196th Diocesan Convention reaffirms the action of the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (2006) in opposition to any state or federal constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex civil marriage or civil unions.

The Rev. Steven Elkins-Williams

Rector

Hemminer truly cares

County government matters, and many of us pay close attention to the decisions that impact schools, economic development and critical county services for public health and safety.

In that context, we encourage District 1 voters (Chapel Hill and Carrboro) to please re-elect Pam Hemminger as County Commissioner District 1. Pam is a thoughtful and engaging leader who truly cares about the people of Orange County – all of us.

Pam is leading the way to improve transparency to county government. She introduced online video streaming of commissioner meetings –which has helped many of us follow what the commissioners are doing.

Pam’s comfortable with the truth – and regularly chooses it over pandering to select groups. She has built open and candid relationships with community groups, and actively seeks citizen input on key issues such as transit, the landfill closing and Rogers Road, and economic development.

Pam knows money is tight – which is why she vocally opposed a $1 million conference room for the county commissioners and is moving cautiously to ensure that the county’s funding for libraries is sustainable. Pam was the single voice that stopped the commissioners from putting a waste transfer station in Bingham township – which in hindsight saved taxpayers millions of dollars in capital and ongoing expenses.

A sustainable future for Orange County will not be found in the triumph of towns over county or vice versa. It takes open, transparent leadership to find the rich and creative solutions that serve our growing and diverse community. Pam Hemminger exemplifies that leadership and everyone wins if Pam continues to serve as Orange County commissioner

Tish Galu

Bonnie Hauser

Susan Walser

Orange County

Live and let live

Thank you, Sam Taylor, for your thoughtful and scholarly discussion of the controversy which has become a political pawn (CHN, April 25, bit.ly/Jwp0r3). Some are voting for Amendment One because they think their party endorses it. Others are voting against it for the same reason

In the beginning, God gave man freedom of choice. He allows obedience or disobedience, even to Himself. This matter that some seek to legislate is between God and the persons involved. It is not the government’s business.

Before I go further, let me tell you that I am 86 years old, I am a woman, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a United Methodist and I am a Republican, but not a politician.

Truth and love is my agenda. .

Some suppose they are championing God by voting for it, but God does not need our help. He is perfect and loves perfectly and lets people choose; then offers them healing and forgiveness when they make wrong choices. We all qualify for forgiveness, because we are all guilty of failing to love God and to love others as ourselves. “Live and let live.”

Sybil Austin Skakle

Chapel Hill

Hemminger listens

I support Pam Hemminger for Orange County Board of Commissioners. Pam shares my values of education, environmental protection, analytical analysis, and civility. Pam is a quiet person; she listens without always feeling the need to speak. When she does speak, she frames her response in a way that you know what she is talking about, while providing thoughtful responses. I like her as a person and as a politician. With Valerie Foushee’s departure from the BOCC, Pam is the remaining commissioner who understands the challenges of managing our school systems. I urge you to vote Pam Hemminger for Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Terri Buckner

Chapel Hill

Hemminger gets issues

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with Orange County Commissioner Pam Hemminger to discuss issues related to solid waste management and the proposed transit route and funding. During the meeting it was apparent that Pam understands the issues. Currently completing her first term as a county commissioner, she served on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education and the Chapel Hill Transportation Board. Because Orange County controls funding for the schools it is essential that we have a strong advocate for the schools on the Board of Commissioners – especially as Valerie Foushee leaves, seeking a slot at the state level.

As Orange County considers a half-cent sales tax for transit, it is important that we are represented by an individual who understands Chapel Hill and Orange County transit needs and is willing to ensure that, should it pass, the sales tax dollars will be used in a way that provides an affordable, comprehensive solution which serves town and county residents as well as the university .

On May 8, we will be casting our votes for two county commissioners. I hope that you will join me in casting a vote for Pam Hemminger, and if you agree will share this information with friends and neighbors.

Julie McClintock

Chapel Hill