Ruby Sinreich's blog
The DTH reported today that John Link is retiring after 18 years as the Manager of Orange County government. I have long felt that the "manager/council" form of government (which is employed by all of the towns here as well as the county) works best when the manager does not stay in place for longer than his or her bosses, the elected officials.
When the executive remains in place for along time, a lot of power accumulates in that office. Many of us have seen examples of elected officials stepping gently to appease the staff, when it should really be the other way around. I think our managers should have term limits. Ten years in office, for example, is plenty of time to accomplish strategic inititiatves, realize one's vision, and then leave on a good note.
County Manager John Link announced his retirement at a meeting of the Orange County Board of Commissioners Thursday.
Link, who has served as county manager for 18 years, will step down effective Aug. 31.
In a written letter to the commissioners, Link expressed his gratitude and attachment to the county.
I couldn't be happier to announce the web site (and campaign of course) of Mike Nelson for Orange County Commissioner! This year the seats of Alice Gordon, Steve Halkiotis, and Barry Jacobs will be open. I don't think any of them has announced whether they are running. Candidates have until February 28 to file for the primary.
Mike deserves some credit for helping Carrboro become the wonderful and successful place it is right now. He is poised to be a strong leader on environmental issues, which are currently staring the county in the face. And he also has plenty of experience with social and economic issues as the former Mayor of Carrboro.
The support of the current county commissioners for extending water and sewer lines into the Rural Buffer is one of the main reasons I have decided to run. The Rural Buffer, separating Chapel Hill/Carrboro from the rest of the county, is one of Orange County's greatest assets. We should cherish it and seek to protect it at all costs.
The Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission is opening an exhibit today at Town Hall that will include "photos, yearbooks, prom invitations, church bulletins, signs, etc., in order to highlight the people, churches, businesses, and recreational activities that have defined the African American community in Chapel Hill for decades." (CHPAC says it starts at 5:30, but I can't even find a mention on the town web site!)
Wednesday was the anniversary of the Greensboro Four's courageous action at a Woolworth lunch counter that sparked a national sit-in movement.
The Independent Weekly has a great profile on the man who thoroughly rocked us First Baptist on Martin Luther King Day: The Rev. William Barber, president of the NC Conference of the NAACP.
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