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 at hand and is willing to roll up her sleeves to get the job done. 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

Binkley and the Bible

Flo Johnston, in her Faith in Focus column of April 29, headlined Binkley Baptist church’s “Commitment ceremony to oppose Amendment One.”

Usually Flo reports the pertinent facts regarding a church or other group’s activity or upcoming event. This time she seems to let her own view show by stating in her own words that Binkley does “not support adding discrimination to the state constitution,” thereby distinguishing itself, she says, from the official stance of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Out of curiosity one day, out for a stroll in the neighborhood, I asked the wife of a Binkley Baptist pastor what might be said at Binkley to someone who didn’t consider faith in Christ as the Savior to be important. Her response was muted and yet passionate. There would be no need to say anything. The path a person is on would be respected and defended.

It may be that at Binkley Baptist, Bible passages about marriage, sexuality, and even Christ the Savior are not relevant. The Bible itself may be seen as merely one book among many, part of the New-Age smorgasbord which can include pretty much anything you want, except of course the Savior – the one who reportedly broke social protocol to associate with untouchables and outcasts, prostitutes and “sinners,” and invited them to believe in him as the Savior. Some of them wept at his love. None of them demanded that Jesus support their lifestyle.

Perhaps Flo will reassure her readership, at some future opportunity, that at Binkley Baptist one need fear neither discrimination nor that the gospel of Christ the Savior might be preached. Someday Binkley might further distinguish itself from its denomination by embracing the kindness and mercy of the Unitarians, and quit affronting people with the word “God” altogether. By the time that happens, I wonder: what further changes to “marriage” will have been proposed?

John Bauer

Chapel Hill

Love one another

The casual reader of the newspapers may conclude that all Christians are opposed to same-sex marriages or marriage-like relationships. The truth is that Christians run the spectrum from total opposition to total agreement, even in a particular denomination.

We would like to be counted among those who are open and affirming of such relationships. As such we are opposed to efforts to outlaw these relationships via an amendment to the Constitution of the State of North Carolina. We take seriously the teaching of Jesus to love one another even as God loves us, and so we oppose enshrining discrimination into the constitution of our state.

Ann Carr Adkins

Clerk of Session

Church of Reconciliation

Romney the right choice

Reporting on the upcoming election has suggested that Mitt Romney may be the eventual Republican nominee. What may not be as clear to readers are the reasons that Romney, and not another candidate, is the right man to lead our country as this moment.

Our economy is under assault from President Obama’s efforts to transform it into a European-style welfare state. While other candidates have spent their lives in government as the beneficiaries of taxpayer dollars, only Romney has led a successful career helping new companies get started and producing thousands of jobs. Further, his success in business and his command of the issues make him the candidate most likely to defeat Barack Obama in November. And when it comes to foreign policy, Romney is proud of America’s greatness.

Mitt Romney is the right choice for our state and our nation.

Alex Arnold

Chapel Hill

Vote for 2, get 3

I am voting for Mark Dorosin and Pam Hemminger for the two District 1 seats on the Orange County Board of Commissioners. I have known both for years as fellow parents and have been proud of how they’ve served in elected positions, Mark on the Carrboro Board of Aldermen and Pam on the CHCCS Board of Education and currently as an Orange County commissioner. Both are dedicated to improving our community. Their opponent, Penny Rich, has about one and a half years remaining on her term on the Chapel Hill Town Council. So votes for Mark and Pam for County Commissioners will leave all three of these capable people serving our community.

Merle Thorpe

Carrboro

Morally repugnant

I wish that I knew just the right words to say to those that are thinking of voting for the amendment to make them understand how morally repugnant this amendment is. I cannot, in good conscience, vote to approve any piece of legislation that would define a group of the citizenry as second class citizens, without the rights and protections that the rest of us have.

I’ve noticed a lot of bible thumping going on when people speak out in favor of this amendment. I will remind you that the bible also states to give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, those without sin to cast the first stone and my particular favorites, that we are all God’s children.

I’m pretty sure that those that had voted not to end slavery, not to allow women the right to vote or voted against school desegregation are the same types of persons that would vote in favor of this amendment. I wouldn’t waste my time attempting to change their minds but those of you sitting on the fence, please vote for what is morally right. Would you vote in favor of restricting your right to choose? Please vote No against this amendment.

Greg McDonald

Chapel Hill

An easy decision

I voted early for Mark Dorosin for Orange County commissioner. It was an easy decision.

Mark is ideally suited to serve our community on the county board. He has been an effective advocate for those who can least protect themselves, owned a local business, and served on the Carrboro Board of Aldermen. I really got to know Mark when we were on that board together. He is committed, creative, hard working, and brings a sense of humor that helps ease the way to getting things done.

Join me in in voting against Amendment One and for Mark Dorosin as county commissioner.

Allen Spalt

Carrboro