Theresa Watson

This question is for Orange County Board of Commissioners

3)How do you define yourself politically and how does your political philosophy show itself in your past achievements and present campaign platform?

I define myself politically as a pragmatic, independent, and well-rounded person who listens to many different points of view while focusing on solution oriented options to problems. That approach has been reflected in my previous work as president of a non-profit organization, as a member of the Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment, and as a member of the Chapel Hill Sustainability Task Force Committee. In my capacities in these entities I have focused on problem definition and solution options. For example, in assisting families with finding affordable housing relative to their income levels, I have also focused on helping to develop jobs so that these families have the opportunity to earn more money. The same is true for Carrboro because we need to develop more job opportunities for residents so that the tax base and town services can be optimized.

4)The Carrboro Board of Aldermen made changes in recent years to how the town’s revolving loan fund is administered, including pushing for more follow-up with businesses. What are your thoughts on the fund’s performance in recent years? What could be done to improve the fund’s performance?

Since its inception in 1986, the Revolving Loan Fund has provided many businesses the opportunity to expand in the Town of Carrboro. It was created to provide incentives for individuals to start new businesses or to expand, thus, creating more jobs in the Town of Carrboro. I believe that the program and the fund’s performance have been good for the residents of Carrboro and should be maintained. However, to improve the program we need to have more publicity about the positive outcomes from the program and more precise evaluation measures to insure the effectiveness of the program.

5)Affordable housing remains an issue in the town of Carrboro. What would you do as a board member to address the issue?

We need to explore how affordable housing is being offered and its pricing structures for residents. Often, residents can be priced out the current pricing structures because the existing affordable housing is sometimes too expensive. We need to have business/housing community forums where the need for jobs and affordable housing can be more thoroughly discussed and examined. We need to help businesses grow so that more jobs are available, thus, potentially reducing the need for more affordable housing. Additionally, we need to advocate for better ways to link affordable housing residents with more job opportunities.

Additionally, we need to explore to see if there is a better way to encourage and incentivize landlords, especially landlords of large apartment buildings, to have a percentage of their units be available to lower income residents.

6)Town officials continue to push for changes in town regulations to make downtown more “pedestrian-friendly?” Is downtown safe enough for pedestrians today? If not, explain what you would do to improve the situation.

I do believe that downtown Carrboro is pedestrian friendly and currently safe for pedestrians. The Town of Carrboro continues to improve areas throughout the town to make it safer for pedestrians. The addition of crosswalk markers on Greensboro Street and on Weaver Street has been helpful. I think that town has done a good job adopting safety changes relative to changes in the dynamics of the town.

7)Identify a principled stand you would be willing to take if elected, even if it cost you popularity points with voters.

I will not support additional construction or development where the necessary infrastructure is not readily available.

8)The Independent’s mission is to help build a just community in the Triangle. How would your election to office help further that goal?

My election to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen would assist in the continuing development of a just community in the Triangle by utilizing my minority background as another way to provide more community outreach and inclusiveness through more one-on-one town resident communications, through more town family oriented programs, through more job promotion oriented programs, and through more outreach programs to the growing Latino population in the town of Carrboro.

9)Downtown Carrboro is known for its quirky, small-town businesses and buildings. What sort of development decisions would you support to either continue this path for downtown Carrboro or make a change?

As a member of the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, I would continue to maintain and support the uniqueness and individuality of Downtown Carrboro by supporting construction and development which compliments the existing structures in Downtown Carrboro. Additionally, I would encourage the development and implementation of community artistic proposals to also compliment the Downtown Carrboro ambiance.