Strom cites innovative ideas
By: Joseph R. Schwartz, Senior Writer
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: City
Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Tem Bill Strom was just a concerned neighbor when he made his first foray into politics in 1985.
Then living north of town, he helped spearhead a grassroots effort to fend off a "massive sprawling development" that would have extended sewage service seven miles outside Hillsborough.
"I realized that the proposal was getting some traction, and if I didn't get involved, it was going to dramatically affect where I was living," he said.
By speaking up and bringing in national experts to make their case, Strom and other residents were able to stop the project.
Now seeking his third four-year term on the town council, he said his passion for community leadership has not wavered.
"We've had a really coherent approach to growth in town, and I'm running because I want to see that continue," Strom said.
He plans to accomplish that goal by further developing public transportation options in the Triangle, examining Carolina North, seeking to create more public and affordable housing and attempting to reduce the town's carbon footprint.
Strom, who as mayor pro tem serves as a council member and occasionally represents Mayor Kevin Foy at ceremonies, has worked on all of those issues during his time in office.
Chapel Hill Transit went fare-free under his watch, and he's treasurer of the Triangle Transit Authority Board of Trustees.
He served as the town's lead delegate of UNC's Horace Williams Leadership Advisory Council, which developed a set of guiding principles for Carolina North, and he's proud to say that he's "represented the town on every town-gown committee and group that's been established" since gaining a council seat in 1999.
Strom has worked with Empowerment Inc. and Affordable Rentals Inc. to develop housing. And he's supported efforts to target sustainable growth and helped oversee the creation of a new public works building with environmentally friendly features.
With that background in hand, Strom said that his candidacy offers a proven track record of innovative leadership and that his desire to immerse himself in long-term issues will allow him to make sound decisions.
"It's interesting, you can just show up and vote if you want at meetings, or you can be an active council member," he said.
"I've always prided myself on being an active council member."
Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.
Bill Strom
Acts as mayor pro tem and is in his second term on the council.
Represents Chapel Hill on the Triangle Transit Authority Board of Trustees.
Wants to foster improvements to public transportation options.
Supports "good growth" that avoids sprawl, is mixed-use and is environmentally sustainable.
Find out more
Phone: 933-2711
billstrom@nc.rr.com
www.stromforcouncil.com
Then living north of town, he helped spearhead a grassroots effort to fend off a "massive sprawling development" that would have extended sewage service seven miles outside Hillsborough.
"I realized that the proposal was getting some traction, and if I didn't get involved, it was going to dramatically affect where I was living," he said.
By speaking up and bringing in national experts to make their case, Strom and other residents were able to stop the project.
Now seeking his third four-year term on the town council, he said his passion for community leadership has not wavered.
"We've had a really coherent approach to growth in town, and I'm running because I want to see that continue," Strom said.
He plans to accomplish that goal by further developing public transportation options in the Triangle, examining Carolina North, seeking to create more public and affordable housing and attempting to reduce the town's carbon footprint.
Strom, who as mayor pro tem serves as a council member and occasionally represents Mayor Kevin Foy at ceremonies, has worked on all of those issues during his time in office.
Chapel Hill Transit went fare-free under his watch, and he's treasurer of the Triangle Transit Authority Board of Trustees.
He served as the town's lead delegate of UNC's Horace Williams Leadership Advisory Council, which developed a set of guiding principles for Carolina North, and he's proud to say that he's "represented the town on every town-gown committee and group that's been established" since gaining a council seat in 1999.
Strom has worked with Empowerment Inc. and Affordable Rentals Inc. to develop housing. And he's supported efforts to target sustainable growth and helped oversee the creation of a new public works building with environmentally friendly features.
With that background in hand, Strom said that his candidacy offers a proven track record of innovative leadership and that his desire to immerse himself in long-term issues will allow him to make sound decisions.
"It's interesting, you can just show up and vote if you want at meetings, or you can be an active council member," he said.
"I've always prided myself on being an active council member."
Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.
Bill Strom
Acts as mayor pro tem and is in his second term on the council.
Represents Chapel Hill on the Triangle Transit Authority Board of Trustees.
Wants to foster improvements to public transportation options.
Supports "good growth" that avoids sprawl, is mixed-use and is environmentally sustainable.
Find out more
Phone: 933-2711
billstrom@nc.rr.com
www.stromforcouncil.com
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