Why I'm voting for Starkweather

By Austin Lybrand
Posted Monday, April 28, 2008

 E-mail this page    Printer-friendly page

Pittsboro, NC - I've known Jeffrey Starkweather since the 1970's, when he purchased the Pittsboro Herald and turned it into an award-winning newspaper.

Jeffrey always did his homework. He always mastered his material. He was not afraid to ask the hard questions in pursuit of the facts. He was not afraid to argue for what was right, or to encourage us all to do better. He later brought those same attributes to the practice of law and to his advocacy for smart growth, open government and thoughtful economic development.

Two years ago, he gave of himself tirelessly to help ensure the election of three county commissioners worthy of the 21st century. Since then, he has worked energetically to involve county citizens in the creation of a county economic development plan and to ensure fair and secure elections.

What important threads run through this lifetime of service?

I see in Jeffrey Starkweather a man who ardently believes in the kind of democracy described by Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address: a "government of the people, by the people, for the people." I see in Jeffrey Starkweather a man who understands that such a government requires not only an informed public and a free and open flow of information between the people and their elected leaders, but also leaders who put aside their egos and remain truly open to dialogue with the citizens even after they are elected. That is why I am honored to support Jeffrey Starkweather for Chatham County Commissioner.