Government the problem in the demise of Northside

TO THE EDITOR:Leave it to a Daily Tar Heel columnist to turn a clear-cut case of government injustice into a racial issue when none exists.Although Domenic Powell himself spells out the cause of the demise of the Northside community (“Turning a blind eye to inequality,” Oct. 6) he is too blinded by ideology to recognize it. Powell correctly points out that when tax assessors determine that a property has increased in market value the government then levies higher taxes on the owners.

Inclusiveness is great thing about honors program

TO THE EDITOR: Hannah Thurman greatly misconstrued the purpose of the Honors Program at Carolina in “No great ‘honor’ in Carolina program” (Oct. 5). The program aims to promote a stimulating academic environment campus-wide, not just in a small elite population that hides out in special honors dorms and only socializes with honors students. The beauty of it is that anyone can participate.

No more gifts

The ban on certain state employees accepting gifts enacted by Gov. Bev Perdue is a good step to ensure accountability and transparency within her administration.The executive order, which was signed last week, prohibits any state employee within Perdue’s cabinet from accepting gifts from private organizations.A law in passed in 2007 provided guidelines similar to this policy’s, but this new order expands the definition of a state employee.

Making the best with cuts

University officials have shown particular finesse over the past months in dealing with budget cuts.Last academic year, students received e-mail update after e-mail update highlighting the different ways the University was going to cope with cuts from the state.And now, administrators’ prudence and foresight is paying off.The University is going to hire 60 new faculty members. Twenty-nine of those hires will be in the College of Arts and Sciences.It’s a great situation to be in, considering the economic climate of the rest of the nation.

No more gifts: Gov. Perdue signs order restricting her cabinet from accepting private gifts, increasing transparency

The ban on certain state employees accepting gifts enacted by Gov. Bev Perdue is a good step to ensure accountability and transparency within her administration.The executive order, which was signed last week, prohibits any state employee within Perdue’s cabinet from accepting gifts from private organizations.A law in passed in 2007 provided guidelines similar to this policy’s, but this new order expands the definition of a state employee.

Don’t pull a Kanye: Bring a ‘wingman’

Kanye West is a tremendous role model.By chugging Hennessy on the red carpet and stealing the microphone from Taylor Swift during the MTV Music Awards, he did something a goodie-two-shoes like Will Smith could never pull off — providing a vivid display of how alcohol can turn a talented, intelligent entertainer into a complete jackass (Sorry, I stole that from President Obama).

Making the best with cuts: University o?cials have successfully coped with budget cuts, can even hire new faculty

University officials have shown particular finesse over the past months in dealing with budget cuts.Last academic year, students received e-mail update after e-mail update highlighting the different ways the University was going to cope with cuts from the state.And now, administrators’ prudence and foresight is paying off.The University is going to hire 60 new faculty members. Twenty-nine of those hires will be in the College of Arts and Sciences.It’s a great situation to be in, considering the economic climate of the rest of the nation.

Cartoon for Oct. 8

Contact Mark Viser at mviser@email.unc.edu

Cartoon for Oct. 7

Television helps gays become accepted

In an article in The Daily Tar Heel last week, N.C. Pride spokesman Keith Hayes said, “Now the (N.C. Gay Pride) parade is really about celebrating what we have accomplished for gay civil rights — free from fear.” But even with gay marriage legal in four states and Gay-Straight Alliances at hundreds of schools, many people still adopt the quasi-tolerant stance of NIMBY: Not in My Backyard.But what about on your TV?

Stadium plans ignore reality

Surf over to NewKenan.com, the site detailing the planned renovation to Kenan Stadium that’s estimated to cost more than $70 million.There are fancy videos about “premium suites” and information about luxury boxes with flat-screen TVs and wet bars. Talk about cognitive dissonance. Every day I read articles about how we’re in the Great Recession — the worst economic downturn in 70 years. (Maybe the cost of renovation is supposed to be a nod to the time that has elapsed since the Great Depression — at a million dollars a year).

Bring on the debate

Since 1795, students of the University of North Carolina have aggressively used First Amendment rights and frequently petitioned our school for redress of grievances. And our unique public university perspective on state action and prior restraint has often encouraged debate on what exactly qualifies as the abridgement of speech on our campus.The ongoing Youth for Western Civilization debacle has shed more light on the subject. We’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly as this issue has run its course.

Coal protests miss point: Climate Action Plan will enhance UNC’s energy habits

Recent criticisms of the University’s use of coal and activists’ calls for faster action to end its use are unreasonable.The Climate Action Plan has already put long-term goals in place to reduce dependency on coal and convert the Cameron Avenue plant to use alternative fuel. Protesters feel that the University could be doing more and doing it faster. But the plan sets far more realistic and attainable goals and leaves the door open for longer-term innovation.

McElveen is a sensible choice for School Board

TO THE EDITOR:One of our votes in the school board election will proudly go to our friend and former neighbor Greg McElveen. As one currently serving on the board, he has demonstrated the qualities required to make our great district even better. His active involvement in the Parent Teacher Student Association Board and the District Strategic Planning Committee are just a few of his efforts. Greg is committed to bringing about excellence for all students. We encourage voters to go to his Web site, www.mcelveenforschoolboard.org, and learn more about Greg.

School Board needs to address achievement gap

TO THE EDITOR:I was wondering if the following could be asked of those running for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools school board?Currently, there is a lot of focus on helping struggling students to close the achievement gap, especially African-American, Latino and low-income students. What experience or ideas do the candidates have with the issues surrounding this group of students, and how do you plan to help the district close the achievement gap and help all students be successful?Julie Davis Chapel Hill

Gene Pease will be a solid member of Town Council

TO THE EDITOR:I am writing to encourage Chapel Hill voters to elect Gene Pease to the Town Council. His knowledge of the town’s budgeting process combined with his experience as a successful business CEO will provide a valuable new perspective on the council. In addition, I believe his proposals on a sustainable tax base and responsible government, strengthening our commercial tax base, establishing a budget and finance committee, and limiting benefits for council and staff members will assist in controlling wasteful spending and lowering tax bills.Joe Patterson

Pease has the experience, qualities for Town Council

TO THE EDITOR:I encourage all readers to vote for Gene Pease for Chapel Hill Town Council. As a former Town Council member, I have observed that Gene has precisely the qualities necessary to work with other council members to assure the right fiscal balance as the town continues to mature. Taxes are on folks’ minds, and Gene’s experience several years ago as head of the Citizen’s Budget Advisory Committee appointed by the council demonstrated Gene’s understanding of budgetary matters based on his experience as the CEO of his company.

Czajkowski is the most capable for town mayor

TO THE EDITOR:For more than 20 years I was privileged to own and operate Swensen’s Ice Cream Shop in University Square on West Franklin Street. During that time, I watched our town grow and change. Chapel Hill is still growing and changing and needs strong leadership to make sure we successfully continue positively in these very demanding times.

Governor’s School alumni should work for inclusivity

TO THE EDITOR:The article dealing with the new tuition charge for the Governor’s School summer program (“Governor’s School fee deters few,” Oct. 6) raised a lot of issues for me. As a Governor’s School alumna, I believe in the power of Governor’s School to transform lives. I also think this article focused on a narrow population that would not be affected by the tuition — students from the relatively wealthy area that feeds into East Chapel Hill High.

Now hiring: provost

The search for a new provost is well under way. In choosing a replacement for Bernadette Gray-Little, the University needs to select a candidate with extensive administrative experience who at the same time is in touch with the classroom. The provost is the second-highest ranking position on campus — below only the chancellor. The provost is also the chief academic officer of the University and has oversight responsibilities for budget and planning.