Frances Shetley: Jacobs working for all
Barry Jacobs could have no better endorsement than the one written by Thomas Crowder, the chair of the Triangle J Council of Governments (CHN April 14).
The title of the letter, “Jacobs courageous, atypical leader” fits him perfectly. Mr. Jacobs’ involvement with the Council of Governments shows that he is not only working for Orange County but to meet the goals of all of us.
Barry Jacobs has my vote for county commissioner. I hope he will have yours as well.
Frances Shetley
Carrboro
Letter to the editor published in the Chapel Hill News, April 28, 2010.
Ruby Sinreich: Jacobs serves Orange well
Local blogger and activist Ruby Sinreich recently posted her personal endorsement of Barry on OrangePolitics.org. You can too!
I’ve known Barry since meeting him through a mutual friend and volunteering for his first campaign 12 years ago. Now he’s running for a fourth (and probably final) term on the Board of Commissioners. I don’t agree with every vote of ANY single elected official, and Barry is no exception. But I have found him to be smart, hardworking, and open-minded.
He brings a deep understanding of many critical issues facing the county such as smart growth, affordable housing, environmental preservation, economic development, and social justice. He has the experience to know the people and history on these issues, and knows how to get things done. There’s no part of the county that Barry doesn’t care about and hasn’t worked to improve, for example he has worked for the creation of a downtown Carrboro library in addition to helping to create the existing Cybrary and supporting increased funds for the Chapel Hill library.
Also, I helped to create his web site, so I hope you’ll visit it. 
http://barryjacobs.org
Ruby Sinreich
Chapel Hill
Paul Falduto: Jacobs a proven leader on BOCC
I am writing to strongly encourage my fellow Democrats to vote for incumbent Barry Jacobs for Orange County Commissioner (At-Large). In his three terms, Barry, who lives in the Hillsborough area, has been very supportive of economic development and agricultural policies that benefit this part of the county. He started the annual county Agricultural Summit, now in its 12th year. He worked to obtain federal funding for the local farmers market and has championed the farm easement purchase program, which allows farmers to stay on their land instead of selling for development. He was instrumental in the creation of the new Piedmont Agricultural Processing Center, scheduled to open later this year in Hillsborough, results of a collaborative effort involving four counties, plus the state and federal governments. He is also a supporter of the proposed Buckhorn Village project, which will create hundreds of new jobs for northern Orange residents.
Early voting starts this Thursday at the County Board of Elections. Vote Barry Jacobs, For Orange.
Paul Falduto
Efland
Bob Epting: Jacobs unsurpassed
Barry Jacobs has worked harder than any elected leader I know to invigorate and civilize political dialogue in our community.
His skill and patience in listening to and accommodating competing views is unsurpassed in the more than 40 years I have lived and worked here.
His service as chair of the Board of Commissioners, as chair of the Triangle J Council of Governments, as chair of the OWASA Board of Directors, and as chair of the County Planning Board, confirms the confidence his peers have shown in his leadership skills.
The net result of his service has advanced our community’s watershed and natural resource protection policies; assured strategic land development planning and management; produced outstanding, efficient schools; created rural and farmland enhancement programs; and, always, underscored the special importance of promoting local and regional appreciation of water supply protection and conservation.
I encourage all Orange County voters to vote for Barry Jacobs in the May primary, and to re-elect him this fall as Orange County commissioner.
Bob Epting
Chapel Hill
Letter to the editor published in the Chapel Hill News, April 21, 2010
Bryant Colson: Proven track record
On May 4 the citizens of Orange County will get the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. This is a right that I do not take for granted, a right that I personally cherish and consider a privilege in a country that, despite its faults, is the best in the world.
As a citizen of Orange County, I am extremely impressed with Commissioner Barry Jacobs. Having worked with Barry on the Human Relations Commission, I have noted his commitment to social justice and safe communities. His support to quality public education is unrivaled.
I have seen his passion and desire for sustainable economic growth by diversifying the Orange County tax base and reducing our dependence on residential property taxes.
Our agricultural heritage, affordable housing, senior and library services have all seen Barry’s support and efforts.
My vote on May 4th, will be for commitment, dedication and a proven track record. My vote will be for Barry Jacobs.
Bryant Colson
Hillsborough
Letter to the editor published in the Chapel Hill news, April 21, 2010
Steve Henry Herman: Jacobs sensitive to neighborhoods
I’ve voted for Barry Jacobs in every election, and each time there has been yet more reason to do so. Mr. Jacobs understands we are a county of established neighborhoods; when these neighborhoods are threatened by profit-driven developers, he does what he can to assure that any new development is done with proper care and respect.
Make sure to vote in the primary May 4 or we could see Mr Jacobs ousted by a candidate whose values could not be more different. Joe Phelps is the darling of the so-called “Tax Revolt” crowd; his primary objective seems to be to make it easier for developers to turn us into another version of Wake or Durham counties. Mr. Phelps was at best a disappointment as mayor of Hillsborough, and there is no reason to believe he would function any better as a county commissioner.
There is no question that Orange could use a better balance between its residential and commercial tax base. To get this right, however, will require leaders with Barry Jacobs’ experience, sensitivity and good judgment, or we will soon find ourselves living in a place we don’t recognize.
Steve Henry Herman
Chapel Hill
Letter to the editor published in the Chapel Hill News, April 18, 2010
Barry Katz: Re-elect Commissioner Jacobs
Over many years, I’ve had opportunities to work with Commissioner Barry Jacobs and to observe him in his capacity as a steward for all the citizens of Orange County.
He is always extremely well-prepared to discuss the issues at hand, and he is respectful of his colleagues and his fellow citizens’ concerns in public meetings. He has invaluable experience and expertise in urban and rural planning, solid waste disposal, transportation, environmental preservation and affordable housing. I believe he is the most capable elected official we have who can address these issues in the future.
His position as chair of the Triangle J Council of Governments confirms that his leadership and personal qualities are highly respected throughout the Triangle region. I urge my fellow Orange County citizens to re-elect Barry Jacobs county commissioner.
Barry Katz
Chapel Hill
Letter to the Editor published in the Chapel Hill News, April 18, 2010
Thomas Crowder: Jacobs a creative leader
It is an honor working alongside Barry Jacobs on the Triangle J Council of Governments. Barry is hard working and a creative thinker. In fact, Barry is so highly respected by his peers on the Triangle J Board, he was asked to serve two terms as chair, rather than the customary one-year term.
Barry is a consistent and strong voice for regional cooperation and for visionary pro-active approaches to land-use planning, including transit and water protection. He is keenly attuned to the needs of the average citizen, yet recognizes the importance to include the business community and other jurisdictions in addressing the difficult challenges confronting Orange County and our region.
I consistently find Commissioner Jacobs to be a careful and respectful listener who is willing to ask the hard questions. More importantly he possesses the courage and leadership needed to make the difficult decisions necessary to ensure Orange County’s and the Triangle Region’s future is environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable. Orange County is lucky to have him as their elected representative.
Thomas G. Crowder
Chairman
Triangle J Council of Governments
Letter to editor published in the Chapel Hill News, April 14, 2010