Town leaders headline Young Democrats meeting

Monday 7-8 in Howell 104, Young Democrats meeting with speakers: Councilman Lee Storrow and Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt. Lee talked about the importance of voting, especially as students. Mark talked about how the UNC Young Democrats made the difference in the 2008 presidential election, and said that they could make the difference again. He literally got down on his knees to demonstrate how he had begged people to vote when he ran for mayor 4 years ago, and he begged the young democrats to vote and to tell all their friends and neighbors to vote. He also called the Republican plans crazy.

UNC student Austin Gilmore’s tweet to Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt last week resulted in an enthusiastic reply — and a guest speaker for Gilmore’s group, the UNC Young Democrats.

Kleinschmidt and Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Commissioners Bernadette Pelissier spoke at the group’s meeting Monday night in Howell Hall.

“I really just enjoy the energy they bring to advocacy about current politics,” Kleinschmidt said.

Both Kleinschmidt and Pelissier discussed getting students excited about the November election, as well as plans to improve transit in the county.

Chapel Hill Town Councilman Lee Storrow, a 2011 UNC graduate, introduced Pelissier.

Storrow said without all of the student support he garnered in his campaign last year, he would not have won his seat on the council.

Kleinschmidt also appealed to students about the importance of participation in local politics.

Getting down on his knees and referencing the musical Chicago, the mayor reminded students of his close mayoral election in 2009: “The YD made the difference.”

Gilmore, president of UNC Young Democrats, said he saw the meeting as a chance for students to understand their impact in local politics.

“It’s a really good opportunity for us to introduce the student body to Bernadette,” he said.

Pelissier is running for re-election as an Orange County Commissioner.

Support from Young Democrats is essential to her re-election, Austin said.

Pelissier also spoke about the importance of a transit infrastructure in the Chapel Hill area.

“I have my heart in making sure we have good air quality, clean water — and transit will get more cars off the road,” she said.

Junior Jonathan Edelman, a Young Democrats member who attended the meeting, agreed with Pelissier.

“Bernadette gave a lot of good reasons for why we need transit,” he said.

Kleinschmidt said without the youth vote, North Carolina will return to its status as a red state in the presidential election.

“He was very inspirational and made me feel inclined to volunteer for the campaign,” said freshman Sarah Glick.

And Kleinschmidt matched her enthusiasm.

He said he hopes students are energized — both for the presidential election and local Orange County elections.

“I’m fired up,” he said. “I’m going to be working my ass off.”

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