Another candidate has entered the race for one of the four seats on the Chapel Hill Town Council up for election this fall.

Southbridge resident Rachel Schaevitz became the second candidate to announce their intention to run through a press release Tuesday morning.

Schaevitz is a Carolina Public Humanities postdoctoral fellow at UNC and is currently serving on the American Legion Task Force assigned with considering future options of the approximately 36-acre property the town purchased last December. Schaevitz was also appointed to the town’s Cultural Arts Commission in June.

“Chapel Hill is a truly remarkable place to live, and we should enhance the qualities that make it special: sustainability, diversity and excellent education,” Schaevitz said in a release. “With your help, I want to build on Chapel Hill’s leadership in sustainable development, green technology, innovative multigenerational land use, creative entrepreneurial initiatives, and outstanding public education.”

Schaevitz said in announcing her candidacy that providing affordable housing options for those who would like to call Chapel Hill home will be a priority of her campaign.

“I believe it is time to enact a practical plan to ensure that all those who work here can also afford to live here, and that the families who have lived here for generations can continue to do so. Affordable housing should be at the heart of future development, and should be the result of a purposeful process that aligns with a strategic vision for Chapel Hill.”

A campaign launch party for Schaevitz will be held at 10 o’clock the morning of Saturday, July 8, at the Chapel Hill Community Center, according to the release.

The candidate filing period for seats on the town council will officially open in July. Allen Buansi is the only other candidate to announce their intention to run for council. Mayor Pam Hemminger has announced she will seek a second term.

The seats up for election are currently held by George Cianciolo, Sally Greene, Ed Harrison and Maria Palmer. None of the incumbents have announced their intentions for this fall.

Photo via rachelforchapelhill.com

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