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          On October 6, 2011, approximately 200 members of the community gathered at East Chapel Hill High School to participate in a “stakeholder meeting,” the second scheduled event in a series of events associated with the drafting of the Chapel Hill 2020 comprehensive plan. Equipped with high-tech voting devices and packets outlining the various proposed mission statements and themes for the plan, citizens expressed both support and concerns alike through the press of a button.

Some, myself included, left feeling a sense of disappointment that citizens in attendance had been given little opportunity to verbally articulate their frustrations in any sort of forum-like fashion. Even more, I asked myself what each of the plan’s proposed provisions really encompassed. As a student of sociology and activist for marginalized people, the ambiguity and overtly positive spin on the plan is worrisome.

The North Carolina chapter of the Sierra Club proudly announces its endorsements for the 2011 Carrboro races.  The Sierra Club supports candidates with demonstrated knowledge of local environmental issues who will provide strong leadership on matters including growth and conservation.For mayor of Carrboro, the Sierra Cub endorses incumbent Mark Chilton.For Carrboro Board of Aldermen the Sierra Club endorses incumbents Dan Coleman and Lydia Lavelle, and challenger Michelle Johnson.  Mayor Chilton, who has held the mayor’s office since 2005, earns the Sierra Club’s continued support for his consistent leadership on environmental issues affecting the town and county.