Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2011 20:36:38 -0500
From: Jan Nichols
Subject: Coalition closing — Thank you for all your support!
February 6, 2011
(Pittsboro, NC) – Members of the Chatham Coalition, the citizen’s political
action committee that transformed elections in Chatham County, decided
recently to dissolve the organization and use their energies and talents for
new endeavors.
Formed in 2004 by a handful of citizens alarmed at the uncontrolled and
unplanned growth of Chatham County, the Chatham Coalition became a
non-partisan political force backing candidates who advocated for
environmental stewardship, planning for growth, strong public schools, open
government, and preserving Chatham’s rural character while recruiting
21stcentury jobs.
“All of the volunteers involved in the Chatham Coalition have worked with
passion and dedication over the past seven years for a shared vision of
Chatham.” said Jan Nichols Chair, “While we believe the Coalition has
reached an end point, we will all continue to participate in preserving the
wonderful quality of life that we have here.”
The Coalition encouraged candidates to run as slates, resurrected the
practice of door-to-door canvassing, targeted precincts with mailings and
phone calls, and urged voters to hold candidates accountable after the
election. These tactics proved so successful they were adopted by Republican
opponents in 2010.
Seven years ago the county commission rubber stamped any development that
came before it. When the Board of Commissioners, led by Bunkey Morgan, was
poised to approve the massive development of Briar Chapel without demanding
mitigation for streams, a new school, or including affordable housing, the
incumbent commissioner told assembled citizens to vote them out if they were
unhappy. So they did. As a result of advocacy by the Coalition and many
other citizens, Briar Chapel was modified and became a much better addition
to the county as well as a more responsible development and Newland
Communities is a good corporate citizen.
“During the past seven years,” says Nichols, “I had the pleasure of meeting
and working with so many wonderful Chatham citizens and I want to thank all
our supporters for their time, talent and financial support given to the
organization. Together we accomplished a lot and made a difference in the
future of our county.”
The Chatham Coalition galvanized and organized hundreds of citizens to
demand greater scrutiny of developers, and resurrect a plan for growth that
had been shelved by Commissioners intent on approving all requests for
re-zoning. As a result of helping elect leaders who supported the Coalition
platform, Chatham County became known across the state for its support of
public education, smart growth planning, regional cooperation and protecting
Jordan Lake from pollution. Although the Chatham Coalition differs on
policy with some of the other local groups, we are proud that our collective
energy spurred on a greater interest in elections in Chatham County.
An involved and informed electorate is vital to a functioning democracy. We
strongly advocate that the citizens continue to follow the policies and
decisions of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.