Mayoral Candidate Kevin Foy Is Chapel Hill's Best Choice for Environment

I am writing to express my support for Kevin Foy for mayor of Chapel Hill.

Foy has demonstrated superb leadership ability.

I think it is important for voters to appreciate the kinds of contributions he has made to our community.

Foy has been a strong advocate for the environment of Chapel Hill and its surroundings.

Among other things, he served on this year's bond task force and as a result the bond will be on November's ballot that includes $10 million to purchase land and $10 million for parkland development.

Foy also serves on the committee to ensure that the 170-acre Greene Tract, jointly owned by Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County, remains open space for the whole community. As development proceeds, this will be an important legacy for future generations. In fact, it has potential to be a kind of Central Park for Chapel Hill.

Foy has also supported better public transportation, another important environmental issue.

Foy led the task force on fare-free buses. Through a series of negotiations, the task force developed a plan to provide free bus service to the entire town.

As a result, beginning in January the buses in Chapel Hill will be free.

This effort involved work and cooperation to carry out: adoption of the plan by both towns, agreement by UNC students to increase student fees and contributions from UNC. Not only will this plan help students get back and forth to school, it will also expand demand, enabling the town to increase the frequency of buses. Better transportation provides an alternative to single-occupancy vehicles and reduces the need to widen roads and build more parking spaces. This reduces the amount of impervious surface and water run-off, leading to less water pollution and air pollution.

I have always appreciated Foy's thoughtfulness and honesty. He is the kind of leader who takes the time to understand the details of issues and builds consensus.

He has a compelling vision for Chapel Hill and the drive and skills to make the vision a reality. I hope you will join me in voting for him Nov. 6.

Tiffany Kiernan
Chapel Hill