I am writing to state my continued support for Margaret Brown, Orange County commissioner for the past four years. She has done an outstanding job of holding on to the vision she had when she was first elected. Margaret's leadership has been evident in many areas.
Since she has been in office, several new schools have either been built or are in progress in Orange County. The new Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill promises to not just fill a need for more space, but to become a cutting-edge facility in many respects. I think her commitment to improving our schools is a very high priority, and I want to see her continue her work and dedication in this area.
I am also concerned that our county's high cost of living has kept so many people from living here. As I watch new developments go up, the houses get larger, the lots smaller and the prices become way out of reach of most of us. Margaret proposed and helped pass the first-ever Affordable Housing Bond for $1.8 million in 1997, which is a crucial first step in allowing for a more diverse population in our community. Her leadership is helping us make affordable housing a priority at a time when the trend has been the opposite.
Margaret has been prominent in pushing for cleaner drinking water and increasing park and recreational spaces. She is also trying to initiate a trail and bike system in Chapel Hill and Carrboro that I strongly support.
Margaret Brown has done a lot in her first term in office. I want her to have the chance to keep pushing these projects ahead and completing a lot of the work that has been started. We are fortunate to have someone so dedicated and clear-sighted in office. Let's re-elect Margaret Brown on Nov. 7.
Mia Prior
Carrboro
