Billions at stake in ‘biologic’ medicines

Expensive medicines can make lifesaving treatments unaffordable. We allow drug companies to sell at monopoly-level prices to help them recoup investment, but these high prices come at the expense of our welfare. Fortunately for traditional drugs, generic competition can quickly and dramatically reduce prices after the monopoly protection provided by patents expires.

Cartoon for Nov. 5

QuickHits for Nov. 5

Tree fallingThumbs downA large oak tree fell on campus, inflicting minor injuries on two people. This incident answers the age-old question: If a tree falls on a college campus, does it make a sound?FloatsThumbs up

Chapel Hill Town Council should appoint Matt Pohlman to vacant seat to ensure democratic process

The election has made it clear: Matt Pohlman deserves to be appointed to Bill Strom’s former seat on the Town Council. In Thursday’s election, Pohlman finished fifth. He was just 201 votes behind Gene Pease. The two garnered 12.93 percent and 13.65 percent of the support, respectively.

Students should have say: Student Congress should pass bill allowing students to weigh in on UNC-CH’s ASG involvement

With the help of Student Congress, students might finally get to vote on UNC-Chapel Hill’s continued participation in the Association of Student Governments.A bill making its way through Congress right now would provide for a special referendum on ASG to be held Dec. 2.

Out-of-state, out of mind

Students should demand a fair, proportionate tuition increase for all students at the next tuition and fee advisory task force meeting Nov. 11.The N.C. General Assembly has mandated in-state tuition rise by only $200, or 5.2 percent. But under the most recent plan, out-of-state students would be subject to a 6.5 percent increase — $1,414.30 for the next school year.

Assault on Democracy: High number of appointed legislators a problem

The N.C. General Assembly must change current election law to uphold the democratic values to which it is sworn to protect.Of the 170 state legislators currently serving in the General Assembly, 31 were originally appointed by party leaders, not elected by their constituencies.

Safety matters more

Every Halloween, the town of Chapel Hill seems possessed by a single statistic — the size of the crowd on Franklin Street. But this is the wrong metric for measuring the success or failure of the tradition. So here is an alternative proposal: Forget about the size of the crowd. Instead, focus on its safety and the conduct of its participants.

After war, comfort is in little things

I recently went out on Franklin Street celebrating a Marine’s safe return home from Iraq. I did not know him well, but as I saw him greet old friends in the parking lot on Rosemary Street, my heart ached with how momentous this day was for him.But this conclusive victory had not brought everyone out into the streets.

Setting smaller target for Halloween is wrong idea

TO THE EDITOR:After reading the stories written after the annual Halloween celebration on Franklin Street, it is amazing to see exactly how naive Chapel Hill leaders continue to be regarding town events.

Article missed important details of project CATIE

TO THE EDITOR:In response to Monday’s, “Miller hopes to bring arts classes to schools,” (Nov. 2) I would like to make some clarifications about Catie Miller’s platform and involvement at UNC that the reporter failed to mention.

Ellis’ project to work with schools is enlightening

TO THE EDITOR:As someone who doesn’t typically vote in Homecoming elections, after reading the article “Ellis supports mental health” (Nov. 2nd), I felt compelled to support her campaign. Being an elementary education major, I am familiar with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School system and its underdeveloped programs for children with special needs.

Cartoon for Nov. 4

Cartoon for Nov. 3

Lee promises to recruit and retain quality teachers

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Brownstein’s character and credibility for School Board

TO THE EDITOR:I would like to take this opportunity to endorse Michelle Brownstein for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education. I have known Shell and her family for four years, and can personally attest to her candidacy, credibility and character. She’ll set three priorities in her vision for improving the educational outcomes of our district’s youth.

Haven-O’Donnell is good pick for Carrboro alderman

TO THE EDITOR:Opportunities to vote for continuity and change together are rare. We can for Carrboro alderman.Randee Haven-O’Donnell, an incumbent with a proven record, is a teacher who is committed, compassionate and thorough. She finds practical solutions to move the town forward.

Cook has needed skills for Carrboro Board of Aldermen

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Penny Rich has interests of Chapel Hill residents in mind

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Pohlman closely connected to UNC, will heed students

TO THE EDITOR: