CHALT 2021 Endorsements for Chapel Hill Mayor and Town Council
CHALT Endorses Hongbin Gu for Chapel Hill Mayor
“Hongbin approaches problem solving with a laser like focus on results.”
In most of the tough cases that have come before Council, Hongbin has been the most prepared member on the dais. For almost every proposed development project—and not just the high-profile ones—she has walked the site, driven the streets, spoken with the neighbors, and solicited advice from a diverse group of experts….she has brought new and marginalized groups together with residents who have long been active members of our community. This shows unique leadership. We find Hongbin’s community-focused vision for building Chapel Hill’s future compelling and inspirational.
While CHALT endorsed Pam Hemminger the past three terms, Pam has not shown the bold and decisive leadership we had hoped to see in addressing some of the most fundamental challenges facing the town. For example, she has done little as mayor to substantially revise the Blue Hill district form-based code that regulates new development, such that we continue to see a proliferation of unsightly apartment projects that don’t fulfill our housing needs or bring community amenities – this finding is acknowledged in the Rod Stevens housing report.
CHALT Endorses Adam Searing and Vimala Rajendran for Chapel Hill Town Council
Adam Searing has the most relevant experience in government affairs including local planning. He is articulate, thoughtful, and optimistic and has the skills to advocate for development the Town needs, to champion our local businesses, to push for much-needed affordable housing, and to insist on the right mix of commercial businesses.
Vimala Rajendren has a long record of support for, and work with, a wide range of good causes and groups that caught CHALT’s attention. As a local business owner, she is especially aware of how town development policies can work to the detriment of established local enterprises. As an immigrant herself, she understands the needs of new residents.
Read about CHALT’s careful process for making endorsements here.