A recent story on WCHL informed us that Orange County rural residents were upset because, although they represent 40% of the county population, they would only receive 12% of services under a newly proposed Orange County Bus plan. One commissioner agreed, saying that it is crucial that county residents receive transit services in proportion to their investment in the overall plan.
I disagree. Receiving services in proportion to one’s investment is not achievable, nor should it be, with regard to government services. For example, many persons do not have children but they still pay taxes for schools. I don’t currently need the Department of Social Services, the Seymour Senior Center or our county jail – still, my taxes help finance these county budget items. In fact, with regard to transit itself, many residents of our towns get little or no bus service currently, yet our municipal taxes go toward our extensive and successful bus service.
One cannot view providing transit services only with regard to overall population. Transit services succeed if they are concentrated in areas that are dense — like in Carrboro-Chapel Hill and Hillsborough where 60% of the county population lives. It is economically sound to have most transit routes, including light rail, where they can carry large numbers of people.
This benefits the county as a whole – by helping our county’s workforce and other passengers move around efficiently, by informing our long-term land use planning, by helping us to avoid sprawl and create well-placed economic development opportunities, and by reducing our carbon emissions.
I ask everyone to consider that what might seem to be a benefit for one segment of our county can turn out to be a benefit for all of us.
Related Stories
‹

City of Mebane Loosens Water Usage Restrictions, Still Encourages ConservationAs the City of Mebane continues repairs on a water treatment plant, the local government issued an urgent message to residents on Wednesday morning to stop using water amid a drastic shortage.

Orange County Opening Recovery Assistance Center for Storm VictimsOrange County will open a Recovery Assistance Center (RAC) to provide essential services and support for residents affected by Tropical Depression Chantal this week. The center, located at the Drakeford Library Complex at 203 South Greensboro Street in downtown Carrboro, will operate from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. from July 10 through July 12. “The […]

Days After Historic Rain, Chapel Hill and Durham Under Another Flash Flood WarningMany areas of Orange County, Chatham County and the rest of central North Carolina are again under a flash flood warning on Wednesday.
![]()
Orange County: Storm Recovery ContinuesChair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 9th. She discussed the continued recovery from Tropical Depression Chantal. She discussed the stage water restriction in Mebane, which has led to the closure of some of Orange County's large employers. She also talked about services disrupted by the storm, and services the county is providing for folks who have been displaced, and more.

'We Need Help': Orange County Flood Victims Beginning to Pick Up the PiecesOrange County residents whose homes were flooded during Sunday's storm shared their emotions and what help they need in the aftermath.

Orange County Reports First Fatality From Storm; Shelter Opens for Flood VictimsAs the area continues assessing storm damage and waiting for high waters to recede, Orange County opened a public shelter at Smith Middle School.

Local Gov. Services in Orange County Closed on Monday After Flooding, Road DamageSeveral typical local government services in Orange County are delayed or closed entirely on Monday, July 7 as the area continues responding and recovering from flash flooding and storm damage from Tropical Depression Chantal. Under the state of emergency issued on Sunday night, the Orange County government said all of its offices and facilities will […]

Mebane, Orange County Warn of Lake Michael Dam Potential Failure Amid Heavy RainUPDATE: During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders said the Lake Michael Dam did not fail. Residents in the area, however, are encouraged to remain in higher ground until high waters recede. Below is the initial story published early Monday morning. The City of Mebane warned residents in […]

Dozens of Water Rescues, Evacuations Reported in Orange County After Flash FloodingHeavy rains fell on Orange County and the region on Sunday, causing flash flooding and leading to both evacuations and road closures.

Union Grove Farm to Appeal Ruling Preventing Construction of Music StageUnion Grove Farm in rural Orange County will appeal a ruling from the county preventing the construction of a "Farm Stage."
›
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines