Kleinschmidt sees write-in competitor

Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt might have some competition in today’s election.

A last-minute write-in candidate has mounted a campaign against the uncontested incumbent mayor.

Tom Henkel, a retired college physics professor from New York, has emerged as a write-in contender.

Discontent stemming from disagreement with the town’s development plans fueled the competition.

Henkel said he is unhappy with the plan for Central West Focus Area, which includes those neighborhoods along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between the Carrboro town limits to the west and near Fordham Boulevard to the east.

The plan would allow large-scale development in the area. He believes that’s too aggressive for the town.

“It would create a massive traffic disaster,” Henkel said.

He supports an alternative plan, which he said would reserve more green space in the area.

Henkel said he first thought of the idea of running for mayor when people asked him if they could write in his name.

“I think Mark Kleinschmidt ought to have some competition,” he said.

Debbie Jepson, a Chapel Hill resident who has been vocal during the Central West input process, said she supports Henkel’s views against the current plan.

Jepson cannot vote because she’s not an American citizen, but she still supports Henkel’s efforts.

“Tom is standing to say we really don’t like what you’re doing,” she said.

Henkel said he also wants to see the town invest more in sustainable energy.

“I know a few things about leadership and I think I could bring some leadership to the town,” Henkel said.

Will Raymond, Henkel’s neighbor, said he supports him because he thinks problems in Town Hall require new leadership. Raymond said he also supports the idea of write-ins in general.

“I encourage people who think there are things fundamentally wrong,” Raymond said. “This is a way to send a message.”

Raymond said he doesn’t know what the outcome of tomorrow’s election will be, but he hopes there will be enough support for write-ins to get the attention of the council and mayor.

Kleinschmidt said he hopes his record in the town will help him keep the mayor seat. He said he wishes Henkel the best of luck as citizens go to the polls tomorrow.

“I think I’ve provided strong leadership in our community,” said Kleinschmidt. “I’m looking forward to another two years as mayor.”

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