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Start your engines

Monday begins the filing period for the spring primaries and fall elections. We will be collecting information as we go at the 2006 OP Election Guide.

Known candidates so far are Mike Nelson (D), Jamie Daniel (R), and incumbent Alice Gordon (D) for County Commissioner; and Adam Stein (D) for Superior Court Judge.

Please post any reports of additional candiates filing in the comments.

Common Sense in Chapel Hill

Please join hosts Mark Chilton, Mayor of Carrboro; Jefferson Holt; Lex and Ann Alexander; and Katie Early on Wednesday, February 15th from 7:00 to 9:00PM at 3 Cups (431 West Franklin Street) in Chapel Hill for an evening of food, drink and conversation to benefit the Common Sense Foundation.

Those in attendance will be the first to receive copies of Common Sense's newest publication on a woman's right to emergency contraception. Admission is free; donations are encouraged. To RSVP, contact me by e-mail at brian@common-sense.org or by phone at 919-821-9270.

Under new management

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.

School of Hard Knocks

I'm a little stunned. I knew that the University was working on designing and opening a model school for 3 and 4 year olds. What I didn't know is that city schools officials and UNC have proposed a plan to remove pre-K through second grades from Seawell Elementary School and site Seawell's youngest students at “First School”--- a model FPG Child Development Institute program designed to “assure a successful school entry experience for all children.” The pressure is on to review and accept this surprising proposal quickly and to turn Seawell Elementary School into a grades 3-5 school.

Question Chilton On Radio

Thursday, February 9, 9:15am to 10:15 am, on WCOM 103.5FM Carrboro/Chapel Hill (live stream: www.communityradio.coop), Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton will be interviewed live by The ESP Team on their political chat show.

Call in on 929-9601. Keep trying. It's community radio, and there is only one telephone line.

Too often people complain, and then don't 'show up' when they have the opportunity. You have the opportunity to 'show up' next Thursday - seize the opportunity!

Geoff Gilson
"The ESP Show"
WCOM 103.5FM
theespteam@yahoo.com

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