AUGUSTUS CHO

Questions for Chapel Hill Mayor Candidates



August 14, 2009

Full Name:   Augustus CHO

Age: 51

Occupation:  Retired Minister, Writer, Martial Arts Teacher

Years lived in area:  14 years

Education:  B.A. UNC ’82; M.Div., Westminster Theological Seminary, ‘90

Experience: 

        Transportation Board, 6/2005 - 9/2009,

        Chair, Transportation Board, 9/2008 - 9/2009

        Commissioner, Community Design Commission, 11/2008 - 9/2009

        Northern Area Task Force, 3/2008 - 8/2007

        Downtown Parking Citizen Committee, 7/2006 - 6/2007

        Former Chair, Orange County Republican Party, 3/2007 - 2/2008

        Author,

        Former columnist, Chapel Hill News

        Instructor, Central Texas College, Pacific Far East Campus

        Founder & Instructor: Cho's Tae Kwon Do

        Pastor, Presbyterian, retired

        For more info: www.augustuscho.com

Please limit each answer to 50 words or less.

1. Do you support the current ordinance which provides the option for candidates to use public financing of elections?  Explain your position. 

No: 

• It is a privilege to run for office; financial burden should not be on the public.
• We are a democracy, not a socialist state
• Freedom of expression includes supporting candidate of choice
• Voters should not be forced to fund all candidates via Voter-Owned Elections

2.  Should the heavy reliance on residential property taxes be reduced?  If so, how can this be achieved?   

Yes: 

• Presently an unsustainable ratio of 80% property to 17% commercial tax (3% other)
• Ratio needs to be realistically balanced: ideally, 50/50 ratio, otherwise - 2/3 property to 1/3 commercial at minimum.
• Diversify tax base: increase commercial base
• Attract new, more businesses downtown; offer tax incentive

3. Is the town's policy on affordable housing working?  What changes would you make? 

Not adequately: 

• Developers are not in business to run housing programs
• Offer flexibility to Home Trust, including increase in “in-lieu-of-payment”
• Allow developers alternatives: refurbish single-family residences in area, build duplexes in ratio to original requirement, support Habitat: manpower, funding, etc.
• Goal: increase affordable & workforce housing

4. Do you support the current Council's efforts to revitalize downtown by putting tax money into the mixed use development on Lot 5?  Explain.  

Yes: 

• Meets criteria of Town plan
• Mixed-use development
• High density
• Along transit route/corridor
• Anchor downtown revitalization
• Receive revenue income to sustain needed social services

It will be a long-term investment providing income over and above the current revenue utilized as a parking lot.



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