Our March 5th election of Durham County commissioners resulted in the two incumbents (Jacobs and Allam) with Durham power (money) support were re-elected. The two incumbents who sometimes bucked the development steamroll, Burns and Howerton, were defeated. On the bright side, the first candidate I recommended, the one with a proven record of putting Durham county, and we citizens who live here, ahead of monied developers’ interests, Stephen Valentine, made it into the top 5 and will be a force for good. Unfortunately, he won’t be sworn in until January, 2025, when the next four year cycle starts.
In addition to Valentine, two other newcomers, Burton and Lee, will be on the BOCC starting next year. I have an open mind on them.
If we want to save what little remains of Durham’s open spaces, waterways, and woods, we have to pay attention and act. Elected officials need to see many of us at hearings, in person or virtually. I understand that isn’t possible for many of us, but you can also let your fingers to the talking with properly directed emails. Most important, we have to VOTE.
Only 26% of Durham county registered voters participated in the March 5th election. So, 74% of us have not earned the right to complain about what happens in our county. From the local government’s perspective, if you don’t vote, you don’t care, you are fine with whatever they decide. Just saying!
Save Durham 