Czajkowski has common-sense plans

At a time when a new direction is clearly needed for Chapel Hill, Matt Czajkowski has already proven, as a Town Council member, to be a reliable source of sensible ideas and strategies for change. As mayor, he will have a powerful opportunity to bring these ideas and strategies to the fore.

Never willing to toe the line of the cabal that has run Chapel Hill, Matt has been most widely recognized for his lone stand against lifetime health care for Town Council members. But those who follow what goes on beneath the headlines know that he has consistently formulated and advocated common-sense positions on so many other aspects of governance. Those positions form the core of his election platform.

Specifically, Matt is committed to: stem the rise of property taxes, with no increases for the next two years; increase retail space and retail tax revenues; restore vitality and a feeling of safety downtown; balance growth and preservation of a sense of community; preserve the social diversity of Chapel Hill; and, overall, make local government work more efficiently.

Running without government financial support, partisan affiliation, or an ideological agenda, Matt is a leader who truly represents the interests of all the people ... one who embodies a rare combination of skills and attributes: vision and pragmatism, ideals and logic, financial toughness and humanity, real world management experience and grass roots awareness, and leadership and the willingness to listen.

A vote for Matt is a vote for sensible change. I am convinced that's what Chapel Hill needs.

Jeffrey Elliott

Chapel Hill

Gering's experience, vision are strengths

In the upcoming election of Town Commissioners for the Town of Hillsborough, my wife and I are giving our enthusiastic support to Mike Gering. Mike has served two terms already, giving him eight years of experience with town affairs. He has built a solid reputation for honest, open and intelligent decision making. Smart growth, financial strength and a pleasant small town ambience for the residents of Hillsborough, now and into the future, are his goals.

As an example of the kind of leadership that Mike brings to the Town Board to enhance our quality of life, he worked to make Gold Park a reality as he continues to pursue the River Walk project. Thinking ahead, he took the initiative to get the town to acquire part of the Collins property that can serve as a train station in the years to come.

As Hillsborough is approaching the limits of its water and sewer capacity, we are confident in Mike's ability to manage the growth of the town so we do not over-commit our resources to new development at the expense of the current residents.

Early voting starts Oct. 15. I encourage everyone to come out and vote, and I urge you to vote for Mike Gering.

Jim Boericke

Hillsborough

Czajkowski can make responsible change

Matt Czajkowski represents for us -- as residents, property owners and taxpayers -- the right candidate for responsible change in governing Chapel Hill. He knows that we must reduce the growth of our town's budget to maintain long-term financial sustainability.

Past policies have created a growing imbalance between the commercial and residential tax bases. Our town can be helped by expanding the non-residential tax base. Matt's professional background makes him the best choice to make these changes.

An active, inviting downtown is a necessity. Parking, safety and panhandling are issues Matt Czajkowski has and will continue to address head on.

Sandra and Stephen Rich

Chapel Hill