Tax will have low effect on cost of living

Finally the state legislature granted Orange County government the ability to levy a land-transfer tax, a fairer way to pay for building new schools than other options available to county government.

One of the most frustrating problems that our local governments face is how to equitably pay for all of the new schools that Orange County requires because so many families with school age children want to move here, in large part to join our excellent school systems. Orange County taxpayers take great pride in the quality of our schools and have generously supported the school systems with their property tax dollars.

However, their patience and their pocketbooks are being strained by the rapid pace we are adding new schools. When I was an elected official, citizens often asked us to make the growth pay for itself and take some of the burden off of the annual property tax. The land-transfer tax will mean that at the time houses are sold, 0.4 percent of the sale price will be dedicated building schools.

The real estate and home-builder associations lobbied the legislature to deny us this option, but when they failed they turned their attention to lobbying the voters of Orange County to defeat the initiative on the ballot.

Among the options for paying for schools, the land-transfer tax will have the least impact on the cost-of -living in Orange County for most citizens. It will not be part of the annual property tax bill or, like a sales tax, collected on every purchase. Since it is a percentage of the purchase price, those paying or collecting the most for their houses will pay the highest tax.

Please consider voting yes for the land-transfer tax on the May 6 ballot. -- Diana McDuffee, Carrboro

School board must maintain transparency

It is often said that public schools are in need of parent or community involvement. I believe this to be true, but not the entire story. For parents to get involved, they must first be informed.

Recent controversy surrounding the Orange County School Board and the removal of Title 1 funds from two schools in the district have brought this to my attention. Many parents were, and still are, unaware that this decision had been made in large part because attending school board meetings is difficult for working families, and the minutes of school board meetings, while available online, are not official scripts of the meeting.

Other than attending meetings, there are few means through which parents can become informed about their child's school system. This puts parents at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to their ability to organize and express concern over school board policy.

One solution to this issue has been raised for many years by school board member Al Hartkopf. Hartkopf has petitioned the school board to either televise school board meetings or make them available via webcast. Hartkopf's suggestion is insightful as it seeks to open up the process for all parents to become engaged in their child's education. It restores a crucial component to the current system community involvement.

Kudos to Hartkopf for working to maintain true transparency in board activities and recognizing the importance and value that occurs when parents engage in their children's education. -- Ashley Ward, Mebane

Senator sets example on campaign spending

The best example of campaign finance reform is right in our midst. Senator Ellie Kinnaird has never taken corporate PAC money and limits individual contributions to maintain her independence. She has consistently run her campaigns on small contributions from her constituents.

Ellie's independence allows her to vote her conscience, and that of her constituents. Early on she voted against the state budget because it didn't fund needed priorities. Such stands are not popular with the leadership, and she paid a price for it. Could she have taken such stands had her campaigns been funded from Raleigh or beyond? Not likely.

Vote for Ellie Kinnaird on May 6. -- Allen Spalt, Carrboro

Story too focused on project builder

I was deeply disappointed to read your cover story, "Builders urge new strategy" (April 16). The article both ignored the concerns of the meeting at Internationalist Books and Community Center, as well as the discussion that occurred at the event.

Much like most discussions of Greenbridge, the article ignores the multiple voices of the community in favor of the singular voice of Tim Toben. Because of the high cost of its condos and the subsequent increase in property value of surrounding homes, many members of Chapel Hill and Carrboro express serious concerns that the Greenbridge project displaces (and erases) a historically low-income community.

This article indicates the work of erasure has already begun, as the real needs of a struggling community are ignored under the opaque banner of sustainability. There is hope, as the article fortunately illustrates, that opportunities remain for creating a living situation that is both environmentally and socially responsible and sustainable. -- Daniel Elam, Chapel Hill

Evergreen is source of terrible smell

Regarding your Triangle Trouble Shooter article in Saturday's paper, I think Chapel Hill may be having the same smell that I'm having in my yard.

There's been a sickly sweet/sour stink in my yard that sometimes smells like a dead animal. I finally figured out it was the blooms on my red tips (Photinias?). I have roughly 20 of these 20-foot evergreens in my yard as a hedge. I have lived in my current home for over 12 years and have never seen these red tips bloom as much as they have this year.

My thought is that the drought has caused the overabundance of these blooms. I hope this may help you in your search for an answer. -- Karen Brown, Chapel Hill

Volunteers drive fundraising success

On April 12, a wonderful group of volunteers hosted UNC Lineberger's fifth annual Beach Ball, supporting leading-edge cancer research and treatment right here in our community.

The original Beach Ball began more than 10 years ago with a small celebration hosted by the family and friends of Missy Julian-Fox after she successfully battled breast cancer at UNC Lineberger. With Missy's guidance and support, a new group of volunteers resurrected the Beach Ball in 2004.

The Beach Ball has been led by an amazing group of volunteer leaders including past and current chairs Mary Seagroves, Janis Tillman, Lee Harney Harris, Jeanhee Hoffman, Suzie Havens, Bev Foster, and Deborah Shah, and hundreds of energetic volunteers. Their accomplishments are amazing. Over these five years, more than 3,500 people have attended the Beach Ball, and the funds raised at this year's event will take us over the half-million-dollar mark.

This kind of fundraising success depends on the generous support of our loyal corporate sponsors, especially our Lineberger Leadership partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and Long Beverage Inc. We also thank our generous hosts, University Mall, and the many businesses and individuals who donated items to support this year's event.

The funds raised through the Beach Ball have a direct impact on the progress we are making against cancer by helping UNC Lineberger's physicians and researchers deliver new treatments and programs to our patients and to communities throughout North Carolina.

Thanks to our wonderful 2008 Beach Ball committee, volunteers and patrons. -- H. Shelton Earp III, Director, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Proposal would reduce tax burden

I am writing in support of the land-transfer tax being proposed by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

This tax will enable property owners to enjoy increases in their property value for as long as they own it without having to pay additional yearly property taxes, and payment of the tax is delayed until the property is sold, when the owner will receive revenue.

The Citizens for a Better Orange County, a group led by local Realtor Mark Zimmerman, argues that the tax unfairly targets senior citizens and low-income residents. Contrary to their argument, this tax will provide needed relief to these two groups who are more likely to be on fixed or non-discretionary incomes. Allowing the county to mitigate necessary increases in the yearly ad valorem property taxes, the transfer tax will provide necessary relief to these citizens during these economically challenging times.

The slick, well-financed effort to defeat the transfer tax is being led by Realtors who are more interested in protecting their commissions than in helping the citizens of Orange County.

Please join me in approving the transfer tax and allowing Orange County to grow while minimizing the burden of growth on our senior and low-income citizens. -- George J. Cianciolo, Chapel Hill

Senator has been effective advocate

Democrats have a surfeit of riches this election year, nationally and locally. Let's hope we take the opportunity to restore vigor to our democracy. Locally, we have state Sen. Ellie Kinnaird and her challenger, Orange County Commissioner Moses Carey. He has long supported issues I have advocated in affordable housing and health.

However, my vote and continuing support goes to Kinnaird. In her years in the legislature, Kinnaird has worked patiently and persistently on the problems that affect all North Carolinians. With hard work, she has made progress in areas that improve lives, in the justice system, health, housing, and the environment.

Join me in supporting Kinnaird in the May 6 primary. -- Nancy Milio, Chapel Hill

A positive force for county board

Neloa Jones, a strong, articulate advocate and activist for her community, has proven that she would be a tremendous positive force on the BOCC, bringing a level of integrity, critical and independent thinking that is sorely needed. Along with being fiercely intelligent and independent she thoroughly educates herself on any issue before offering an opinion.

It is also obvious that along with her analytical talents she displays great empathy for all people and would base her advocacies on the citizen's interests and not special interests or her own political career.

Please vote for Neloa Jones Orange County commissioner.-- David Richter, Pittsboro

State leader touts senator's work

Ellie Kinnaird is the type of public servant we all aspire to be. I can think of few others who care so genuinely about their fellow citizens and work so tirelessly on their behalf. Her work in the state Senate has brought real benefits to Orange and Person counties and to all the people of North Carolina.

Ellie's steadfast support for a fairer justice system, a cleaner environment, and a stronger university has led to progress on all counts. She truly affects how people feel about ideas that will make North Carolina a better place -- and she has affected the Senate in an incredibly positive way. -- Marc Basnight, State Senate president pro tempore

Neighbor worthy of voter support

Bernadette Pelissier is a neighbor and friend. She is running for county commissioner and is truly worthy of your support.

Her concern for water conservation is evident by her strong leadership on the OWASA board, and although she understands that because we live in such a special place, others will follow, she is dedicated to seeing that open spaces are preserved. There is more: She has a keen understanding of the other issues that have come to the public's attention.

She is a kind soul with a fierce dedication to keeping our small part of the world sustainable and beautiful.-- Gail Alberti, Chapel Hill

County can boast of great candidates

There's a lot of cynicism in our democracy these days. But for Orange County Democratic voters, we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the primary ballot.

Not only can we vote for fine progressive candidates in our local races such as Bernadette Pelissier for county commissioner. We also have the opportunity to vote for Bev Perdue for governor and Jim Neal for U.S. Senate, both of them residents of Orange County.

In addition, we can vote for Chapel Hill's native son for lieutenant governor, Hampton Dellinger. There's no lack of enthusiasm and involvement when it comes to Orange County, and I'm proud to support these outstanding candidates. -- Kevin C. Foy, Mayor, Chapel Hill

Candidate has wealth of experience

Why did Moses Carey's fellow commissioners across the state elect him as their president in 1993? Why was Carey later named N.C. Outstanding County Commissioner of the Year? Because he is known to be a man of uncommonly good judgment and proven leadership ability.

With his law degree, health-delivery management experience, solid performance on the N.C. Environmental Management Commission and nearly a quarter-century of stellar public service at the county level, Carey's offer to serve us in the state Senate is just too good to pass up. -- Anne and Billy Barnes, Chapel Hill

Senator has record of local support

Ellie Kinnaird has been a relentless champion in the state Senate for social justice, the environment and issues of clean government. She is often referred to as the moral compass in the state Senate.

What students and newer residents to our community do not know is that as an activist and then as mayor of Carrborro, she is responsible for a lot of the things people love about Carrboro today such as the bike paths, preservation of Carr Mill Mall, the Town Commons and the revolving door loan for downtown helped establish many of the keystone businesses in downtown Carrboro.

I hope people will join me in reelecting this visionary politician. -- Greg Gangi, Carrboro

Candidate displays leadership qualities

I have worked with Bernadette Pelissier on the OWASA board of directors. She is passionate about our community and will be an excellent choice as a county commissioner.

Bernadette has the leadership qualities needed to tackle hard issues including the environment and climate change, managed growth that our water supply can maintain, social and economic justice, affordable housing and a transparent government allowing community input to address current and future issues of importance.

She's got what it takes to balance the social, economic and environmental needs of Orange County. Join me in voting for Bernadette Pelissier, May 6, for the county commissioner at large seat. -- Penny Rich, Chapel Hill

Commissioner has worked for residents

On May 6, one of the votes I cast will be for Moses Carey to represent me in District 23 of our state Senate.

Moses has served over 23 years as an Orange County commissioner. He has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the uninsured, the underinsured and to improve health disparities. He has also worked hard to improve education. Carey is a local leader with broad support throughout the state of North Carolina. He is committed to giving citizens a voice in the decision-making process.

Moses has the ability to be unbiased while listening to the citizens on the issues facing our legislature. -- Lydia F. Mason, Chapel Hill

Outsiders would block transfer tax

With Orange County growing so fast, it seems we need new schools every time we turn around. Somehow we have to pay for educating these new children, who are our future. Counties have very few options in paying for schools. Mostly, they rely on the property tax. Every property owner has to pay this tax every year whether or not they are contributing to the growth.

With the option of the land-transfer tax, part of the burden for new schools would be born by those buying and selling property, residential and commercial. Much of that activity is directly tied to growth. A small tax on sales will help reduce dependence on the property tax.

Opposition to the transfer tax is organized by real estate interests outside Orange County that have contributed buckets of money.

Support for the proposition is from real Orange County citizens, including many current and former local officials who have struggled with these questions.

I don't want outsiders telling me how we should fund our schools. I'm voting FOR the Land Transfer Tax and urge you to as well. -- Susan W. Spalt, Carrboro

Senator has been a state leader

Orange and Person counties are extremely fortunate to have Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, one of the most dynamic, committed and progressive senators in North Carolina.

Kinnaird led -- and won -- the battle to win a moratorium on the death penalty in the N.C. Senate. Four years after her courageous leadership, the entire nation is following in her footsteps. She is a well-know champion for the environment. She is a leader on every issue that comes before the General Assembly regarding human rights and women's rights.

There's not a more welcoming legislative office than Kinnaird's. Keep her working for Orange and Person. -- Lao Rubert, Chapel Hill