Helena C

@DurmBull But they know Google Sheets and Google Forms at least, right?

I am so shocked that folks graduating from college with business degrees get hired and say they have never seen Excel. How is that even possible? We are having to enroll folks in Excel classes when hired.

@aaron_lubeck @hekla_min Old North Durham Neighborhood association fought hard to save brick gutters and granite curbs in the early 2000's. Thankfully that save good chunks of Old North Durham and Cleveland Holloway's streets. I believe it is a standard to retain them where still intact.

Indeed, granite curbs are amazing. They’re all over the Urban tier of Durham. It drove me bat shit crazy when I realized that: 1) the city’s engineering department was REQUIRING builders to tear out the historic curbs and replace them with new suburban (concrete) curb cuts, and 2) the historic preservation community was completely indifferent to it.

What are the critical elements of Durham’s architecture?

@msbsexton @carolina27712 @wltregay I think we would be very disappointed to learn how often it might simply be to get an elected office on their resume to move on up the political ladder. Or in Durham politics nowadays, to specifically consolidate power.

How important is it to you that school board candidates do something connected to youth? (Recently was surprised by lack of involvement w/youth from candidate questionnaires, including a returning member who said parenting was the extent. Which, fair. But surprised me.)

@conradikal I am really ready for her to go away after March 5th

@DurmBull @wltregay Uuggh, I am just now seeing the Committee endorsed her. Where else?

@wltregay Yeah I’ve seen she’s gotten the big endorsements lately. It could be interesting.

I don’t live in NC Senate 22, but is Woodard expected to lose the primary in that race?

@carolina27712 Also I find it interesting that Javonia Lewis is not in the inner circle of the School Board's PA alliance but somehow gets their nod for County Commissioner. Durham politics is just toxic.

Apparently white moms with kids in private schools feel super comfortable casting shade in Black women serving public schools, super cool. Love the PA experience. 😑

Can’t speak yet in their endorsements but after hearing folks speak, my BOCC votes are currently at: Wendy Jacobs, Nida Allam, Jovonia Lewis, & Mike Lee. My fifth vote is leaning Stephen Valentine due to his planning commission experience.

@carolina27712 Since I really refuse to engage in PA's process any longer, can you shed any light on what the rationale was for not supporting the 2 Black women incumbents? (esp given Burns & Allam have exactly the same length of service, and Howerton is the longest serving commissioner)

@guyindurham @carolina27712 Have you had contact with the survivor or just the rumor mill?

@law4community My question, bordering on critique, is she selling folks a rapidly depreciating asset on land they don't own in mobile home parks?

Although, I have some criticism around wholesaling. In this situation, the sellers appear satisfied with their negotiations, and its providing affordable housing to people who can’t afford a SFH, luxury apartment or luxury townhome.

A social worker, turned real estate investor and problem solver to the lack of affordable housing. She flips mobile homes and sells them for an affordable purchase price or a rent to own price. “Armed with a determination to enter the real estate market, Nichole invested in a $500 course on mobile home investments. With a $20,000 home improvement loan, she began rehabbing mobile homes in North Carolina, targeting units with acquisition costs under $10,000.” share.newsbreak.com/5u7udx1p

@carolina27712 If we are being completely honest, I wish tract builders had to live in the townhomes they are throwing up everywhere.

But I thought they were doing poor people a favor and “that’s all some people need”?

@aaron_lubeck That community is lovely but the median price is $2,040,000. How are folks supposed to be inspired about something so unattainable for most folks in our communities?

I'On (near Charleston) is the gold standard for New Traditional Neighborhoods. I'on is beautiful, walkable, mixed-use and inspriring. Last week the developer was asked, "Could you get I'on approved today?" He said "No. No way. Not in the age of social media." ionvillage.com

@carolina27712 As a Realtor I always decline to contribute to the PAC for just this reason

Look at that, NC realtors flooded with GOP donations. Hmm.

@DurhamComplete Fair point. I just think we deserve a transparent and fair process. Fingers crossed the picture becomes clearer.

@bullcitynerd @DurhamComplete Yeah, and technically Javiera was running for Mayor last time. Things change. I still maintain that choice would only make the PA fan club happy

@HelcatC @DurhamComplete Technically AJ Williams is the next highest vote recipient from the last ward election

@carolina27712 @bullcitynerd @DurhamComplete Then why not get in the race now. 12 people have come forward today, I would not trust a process that landed AJ out of the blue

@bullcitynerd @DurhamComplete I assume that was also a consideration for folks endorsing Leo!

@hamentaschennow @bullcitynerd I haven't listened to the work session yet, but was it disclosed how many staff make over $90k? Why not eliminate or reduce down to $500 at most for folks over that income level. Let's be frank most people making over $90k probably worked from home so saved $ during pandemic

@bullcitynerd Here's the thing: there aren't that many making over, say, $90k. I don't understand how we can get that much higher than $3k for the lowest paid workers. I'm afraid we'll get back to what some folks were implying: that there's magic money someone is hiding. There isn't.

More on the Durham City council work session Consensus seemed to emerge that:

@DurmBull @wltregay That government cheese was all the rage in public housing in New York City. I was available to us through the same "free lunch" programs and picked up in school cafeteria. I can't lie it made for a great grilled cheese sandwich for us latch key kids during the summer.

@wltregay Did someone just show up at houses with blocks of cheese? Or did you have a cheese distribution center? I have so many questions. 😂

That government cheese took up a lot of space in the fridge.

@aaron_lubeck Go to any Lake community in the area and you will see many different flavors of this type of structure to store folk's recreational toys.

Introducing: THE TEXAS TINY HOME! Garage for RV Garage for F350 Garage for 4-wheelin' SuperATV, and 450sf living space (in back)

@wltregay Facts!

It seems like everyone in Durham needs an edible and a massage or something. Yeesh.