NAME: * Dan Coleman

AGE: 55

OCCUPATION: software developer

EDUCATION: Brown University; UNC School of Business Administration Program for Technical Managers

POLITICAL PARTY AND EXPERIENCE: Democrat; Economic Sustainability Commission, Carolina North Leadership Advisory Council, Transit Partners Committee, Long Range Transit Study Committee, Orange County Economic Development Commission, HOME Consortium, New Horizons Task Force, Triangle J Council of Governments, Metropolitan Planning Organization (alternate), Orange County Solid Waste Advisory Group, Orange County Affordable Housing Task Force

CIVIC ACTIVITIES AND OTHER AFFILIATIONS: Weaver Street Market member (previously served on Board of Directors), ArtsCenter Capital Campaign Planning Committee, NAACP member, Sierra Club member (previously served on executive committee)

WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? I would like to build on the accomplishments of my first term. In that time, the town has approved new commercial buildings downtown, installed sidewalks and traffic calming in many neighborhoods, finalized long-needed plans for bike paths on Estes Drive and Smith Level Road, intensified our focus on economic development, and approved a long range parks and recreation strategy. I bring over 20 years experience in local politics and with it a resolve to go the extra mile to meet with concerned citizens, to work hard, to stay informed, and to work collegially for Carrboro's success and well-being.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 919-960-6720, www.alderdan.com, dan@alderdan.com, PO Box 434, Carrboro, NC 27510

Please answer these next questions in up to 250 words each:

1. What specific steps would you take to diversify Carrboro's tax base? Dan Coleman: During my current term, I have focused on improving Carrboro's commercial tax base. I serve on both the Carrboro Economic Sustainability Commission and on Orange County's Economic Development Commission. In addition, I have had numerous meetings with Carrboro business owners. The first key to a stronger commercial tax base is the space for business to grow. I worked with fellow board members to create a new mixed-use zone for a large property downtown and recently approved the first building in the redevelopment of the “ArtsCenter” site. Currently, we have new commercial space in the works along Roberson and Lloyd streets. The current review of the northern small area plan is expected to identify additional areas with commercial potential in north Carrboro. The second key to a successful, sustainable economic development strategy lies in its local economic foundation. Whereas chain stores send their profits to distant headquarters, local business spends and reinvests here in Carrboro. It is common sense that local government's economic development investments be placed where they will yield the greatest return and provide the best value to our citizens. I have been and will continue to advocate for policies that support the entrepreneurship of our citizens and that encourage a culture of “think local first” throughout Carrboro. With those two pieces, Carrboro can meet its goals: zoning and land use policies that encourage new commercial space; and an economic development strategy that supports the local entrepreneurs to fill those properties.

2. What has the town learned from recent annexations that it can apply to make future annexations more smooth and productive? Dan Coleman: There are two kinds of annexations, voluntary and involuntary. The vast majority in Carrboro are of the former variety, and these tend to proceed without problem or controversy. Recently Carrboro underwent a difficult involuntary annexation of several neighborhoods in the northeast of town. Although there are no additional annexations of that sort on the horizon, there are lessons to be learned from the recent experience and applied in the future should the occasion arise. For 14 months, I served on the New Horizons Task Force which discussed this issue at length. There, I learned a great deal about the problems with the recent process. This was particularly helpful to me since I was not yet an Alderman when the annexation was deliberated. Communication must be improved. Affected residents should be notified as soon as the Board of Aldermen or town staff begin discussing annexation. Information must be accurate and realistic, including time tables for provision of services and the anticipated taxes. Simple matters such as communicating meeting times and posting announcements in public places can be done better than in the past A transition task force like New Horizons should be set up prior to the annexation to discuss issues that may arise. In addition, the timing of annexations must be improved. The annexation must be effective at the start of the fiscal year to prevent the large tax bills seen by recent annexees.

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