I would like to address the signs recently posted along MLK Blvd and Estes Drive that accuse me of not consistently fighting for the best interests of our community. I am grateful to those who have called out this cowardly behavior. Those signs were posted by an individual, or group, who would rather spread fear than have an open dialogue about our community’s future. I would just ignore it if it weren’t a symptom of a more serious problem facing Chapel Hill.
These past few years we have seen a marked increase in divisive messaging taking the place of open discourse. It’s on your neighborhood listserv, on social media, and of course, on Next Door. I would like to speak specifically to the “othering” of your local government and of those who serve in it – a campaign designed to sow mistrust and suspicion by misrepresenting the decisions made and the motives behind them. For instance, I can’t tell you how many times I have read on social media that my colleagues and I are “in the pocket of developers”. That we only care about “enriching out-of-state corporations”. Usually, I laugh it off. I can’t even comprehend what that means or how we could possibly benefit in the way that we are so often accused (note that I didn’t accept donations from developers during my first run, nor am I this time).
All of this is designed to make you forget that those serving on the Town Council, on the School Board, as Mayor, care about this town as much as you do. That we are your neighbors and friends. Our kids go to school together, are on the same soccer team. We shop at the same grocery stores. We are you. It is this othering that allows someone to put those signs up, without a thought as to how it would affect my kids to see them, or my 80-year old father (although, when I told him about them, true to form he quipped, “I just wish they had included your first name!”).
It’s time to say enough is enough. It’s time to call out the lies and to question the trustworthiness of information sources. We are in this together and we have to do better if we want to succeed at making Chapel Hill better. We have serious work to do and important conversations to have. My door is always open. Let’s talk.
Key election dates:
*Voter registration deadline: October 8 (you can also register during Early Voting)
*Early voting: October 14-October 30
*Election day and last day to return absentee ballots: November 2
Get involved!
There are so many ways to get involved in my campaign and we need your active engagement. Here are just some of the ways to show your support:
*ATTEND A FORUM: The Democratic Women of Orange County are hosting a virtual, “speed dating”-style Meet the Candidate forum tonight at 7pm. You can sign up here.
*DONATE: Funds are needed to help us get the word out. You can donate here.
*VOLUNTEER: Volunteers are needed for canvassing and lit drops, to make calls, table at Festifall and more. Sign up here to CANVAS and here to be contacted as specific volunteer needs arise.
*YARD SIGNS: Message us if you would like a sign for your yard. We will deliver it to your door!
Let us know if you have other ideas! You can always reach me via my social media platforms or my campaign email address: info@stegman4chapelhill.com
Thank you for your support!