Platform Issues

Nearly four years ago, I answered the call from many of you to run for Chatham County Commissioner in District Four.  I humbly stated in my introductory remarks that, as a Chatham County native who has been influenced by her parents’ activism, “my reason for running for office is to give back to this community.”

Now in my fourth year on the county commission, my commitment remains steadfast - and it is that commitment to the citizens of Chatham County that stirred me to run for re-election. I need your support, particularly in this time of so much political rhetoric and divisiveness. 

I continue to honor my pledge to you to work with all stakeholders in the rapid changes that are  happening in this county. 

 My priorities remain firm - 

• Balance the county’s rapid growth with preservation of our environment and farmland.
• Ensure safe drinking water and the protection of our natural resources.
• Increase affordable housing.
• Address the impact of climate change on our county.
• And - as a former teacher - support our schools. 

In four short years, I played a key role in efforts that:

• Reduced the county’s effective tax rate and created the new low income tax relief program.
• Secured the highest Moody’s AAA borrowing rate for the county.
• Initiated saving acreage for crucial farmland preservation and ensured the continued partnership with Triangle Land Conservancy to increase conservation lands.
• Created new park and trail projects including Parkers Ridge Park, and the George Pauly Nature Trail.
• Established greater financial incentives for our county schools’ teachers and support staff and restored Master’s teacher pay. Supported full-funded school budgets and expansion every year I have been county commissioner.
• Urged stronger environmental standards in our land-use planning, such as the tree protection ordinance and stronger flood mitigation efforts.
• Secured funding for Hispanic Liaison’s youth outreach program.
• Increased staffing hours for outreach and prevention to support the needs of Chatham’s housing insecure and homeless populations.
• Increased access to adults and high school students for Chatham Promise - free community college access.
• Created a new Ecological Landscaping program at CCCC.

And that’s just the beginning of a long list of achievements on your behalf. 

        I continue to advocate for Chatham County and its citizens by lobbying at the NC Legislature and by investing any spare additional time at state and national conferences, and attending UNC School of Government sessions, state and national conferences, and lobbied at the NC Legislature to strengthen my leadership capabilities, build regional relationships, and to advocate for Chatham County and its citizens.

I firmly believe that Chatham County needs leaders who value our differences, and who work to build a truly resilient and equitable community. Let’s work together to build a future for young people facing the impacts of climate change. Let’s make sure development is done thoughtfully, so we don’t sacrifice the beauty of the natural world that makes Chatham so special.  

As a lifelong Chatham resident I have witnessed the fast-paced growth taking place in Chatham, and will focus on the long term health of our families, community, and environment. I know what we need to protect. My experiences have given me the skills to work with people of diverse backgrounds, ranging from those who have just arrived in our county to those who are life-long residents, so that we can all work together to protect this place we love.

I mentioned that I need your help.  A viable campaign in Chatham County now requires reaching the tens of thousands of likely voters - and especially newly registered voters.  The costs are substantial and it will take contributions going toward my own specific campaign expenses,  and also supporting Chatham candidates up and down the ballot who share my priorities. Your support will be crucial to my campaign’s success and the future of Chatham County.

I hope you’ll join me.  I look forward to seeing you soon and thank you very much for your support and your vote.

Katie Kenlan

paid for by Katie Kenlan for County Commission Committee

To make a contribution, please visit 

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/katie2026 

Feel free to visit my campaign website at https://katiekenlan.com/ 

or call me at 919-619-7517