“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission via email to viewpoints@wchl.com

To the right, you’ll see some of the most recent submissions from community members. You can also visit the full “Viewpoints” archive here, to see other topics that have been discussed in the past. Anything is up for conversation, explanation or debate – and all submissions are reviewed by the Chapelboro team.

 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Viewpoints: Constitutional Changes Are Rarely Necessary

Constitutional amendments are supposed to be rare. They are supposed to matter. They are meant to alter foundational principles or governmental structure when absolutely necessary. 

Viewpoints: Stop the Monstrous New Pentagon Budget

Increasingly often, it’s just hard to believe one’s lying eyes. Last Tuesday, the House Armed Services Committee released its proposed 2027 Pentagon budget (NCAA) of a staggering $1.15 trillion. And get this: section 224 of this bill proposes essentially melding together the armed forces of the US and Israel.

Viewpoints: CHCCS Leaders Should Vote Against Closing Glenwood Elementary

Our public schools are in crisis. In the last four years alone, 57 public schools in N.C. have closed. Declining birth rates are part of the story, but so are chronic underfunding and private school vouchers that divert taxpayer dollars. These forces are making it increasingly difficult for public schools to attract students and retain the best teachers for them.

Viewpoints: An Appalachian’s Warning for Hillsborough

As someone originally from Appalachia who grew up in Western North Carolina, I recognize the warning signs when I see them here in Hillsborough. The views expressed by Commissioner Hughes and the board at large last night on AI and data centers being “inevitable” hit a nerve with me. My grandparents, my parents, and I have heard this language before.

Viewpoints: The World at Our Doorstep

On May 28, Glenwood Elementary School will celebrate its annual Culture Night, sponsored by the PTA. While Glenwood has for several years been a magnet school,

Viewpoints: A Few Ideas

We place murals of Black Lives Matter on buildings, yet most of the men and women on the streets are people of color. I am calling on local governments and nonprofits to invest more in and for these vulnerable and marginalized residents.

Viewpoints: A Pedestrian’s Concerns

I feel vulnerable on walkways and roads where I have to look out for cars and bicycles. Let’s all try to stay safe as we have to interact on these shared spaces. Here are safety rules that can help us all stay safe.

Viewpoints: Why Is Orange County Planning To Cut Funding for Chapel Hill Public Library?

Why is Orange County planning to eliminate funding of $621,000 for the Chapel Hill Public Library (CHPL) – a cut that would dramatically reduce CHPL service levels for all Orange County residents?

Viewpoints: Citizens Voices or Taxation Without Representation?

Chapel Hill’s Town Council voted 8-1 to hold a public hearing on Wednesday April 29 to discuss changes that could shrink Council membership from eight to six members, plus give the mayor a four-year term.

Viewpoints: The Echo of 20 Seconds

Faith West writes that on Tuesday, everything changed for the Carrboro High School community after hearing gunfire outside.

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