During this local election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for races representing Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their background in the community and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their answers (lightly edited for clarity and brevity) are shared here, as well as links to their respective campaign websites or pages. If a candidate did not respond or chose not to speak with 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro, it will be designated with no audio.

CHCCS Board of Education

(4 seats)

The 2023 race for four seats available on the CHCCS Board of Education has one of the deepest fields in recent memory. Three out of four sitting members are running for reelection, several people who initially filed have either pulled their names or dropped out of the race, and the remaining 12 candidates are vying for a spot on the board.

Here are the questions each candidate was asked and responded to:

  • Why were you inspired to join this race?
  • What are the top three issues your campaign is built on?
  • How do you believe CHCCS ought to balance the recognition and demand for being a top district in the state while also recognizing the inequities among its student population? What policies do you support in addressing those inequities? 
  • What are any current policies in the district you wish to maintain/expand if elected? What are any current policies you wish to see changed? 
  • When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of? 

Meredith Ballew

(Photo via Ballew for CHCCS.)

 

Rani Dasi (Incumbent)

(Photo via Rani Dasi for School Board.)

 

Vickie Feaster Fornville

(Photo via Vickie for CHCCS.)

 

Barbara Fedders

(Photo via the Barbara Fedders Campaign)

 

Jane S. Gabin

(Photo via Gabin 4 School Board.)

 

Solomon Gibson III

(Photo via Solomon Gibson III)

 

Mariela Hernandez

(Photo via Mariela for CHCCS Board)

 

Honoria (Honor) Middough

(Photo via Middough for Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board)

 

Renée Peet

(Photo via Peet4CHCCS)

Update: Renee Peet shared a statement on October 10 saying she is dropping out of the race and endorsed other candidates in her place. Her name will still be on the ballot for voters.

 

Ashton Powell (Incumbent)

 

Michelle Rissling

Rissling did not respond to 97.9 The Hill’s requests for an interview.

 

Taylor Tally

(Photo via Tally4CHCCS.)

 

Deon Temne (Incumbent)

Photo via Deon Temne 4 CHCCS.

 

Allison Willis

(Photo via Allison Willis)

 

Early voting in Orange County runs from Thursday, October 19, through Saturday, November 4. Election Day will be Tuesday, November 7. For more election coverage and candidate introductions, visit Chapelboro’s Local Election Coverage page.

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