Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2012 19:13:06 -0500
From: eleanor smith
Subject:
Chatham County has every reason to be proud today. According to the NC State Board of Elections, our fair county was the highest percentage in the state in voter participation, with a resounding 76.08% turnout of eligable voters, in the election just past. We are a passionate group here in Chatham County. We care deeply, and we take action.
We agree on few things, but we all agree that we believe in a promising vision of the future for our county, and that we can effect the county’s future, as citizens. We argue, of course, about how our future should be pursued, but we all want the same things, clean air and water and beautiful land. We want opportunity and work for our people, especially for our
children. We want a strong community where everyone is treated fairly and equally.
With a voter turnout of over 76% we demonstrated not just our passion, but our faith in our democracy. We showed we are an educated and thinking population with such a positive attitude we all did our absolute duty, and expressed our choices the best way we could, at the ballot box. Not every voter is happy with the results, in fact, not every voter was happy with the choices. But we voted, the turnout was fantastic.
We know that tomorrow will come, the next election will come, too, and be a test of our satisfaction with the winners last Tuesday. Every election illustrates this faith, and it is strong in Chatham County.
I am personally happy with our county’s choice to return Ellie Kinnard to the State Senate, and Sally Kost and Mike Cross to their offices on the Board of Commissioners. I am pleased Deb McManus won the seat of State House 54, retired by Joe Hackney.
It is not forever; in two years the whole thing happens again, with some of the same people, and some new ones running, but I hope the passion and hope and participation of Chatham County citizens remains the best in the state. It makes me proud to be from Chatham County.
Meanwhile, there are Planning Boards, and Advisory Boards that need the participation of concerned citizens to help our elected officials with their work. I hope every one of you will consider attending, or joining those boards. Given the level of turnout on Nov. 6, I know the interest is out there.