Carrboro Mayor
Mark Chilton
The History of My Direct Correspondence with
Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton
Written Sept 28, 2009:
Mayor Chilton-
I wish I could be writing this message under better circumstances.
My name is Chris Higginbotham and I live in the apartment in Marilyn Kille's barn. You know the background, so I'll spare the normal introductory remarks. I know you know who I am and I'm sure you can
understand my plight. I signed a lease with Marilyn Kille in good faith and expected to live in an apartment for the remainder of my graduate education. As it is not customary to ask a potential landlord about pending litigation regarding a rental opportunity, I entered this situation unknowingly and find myself one of the most directly affected parties. It's certainly not something I hoped for in my last semester of graduate school.
Here's the easiest way I can break it down, sir: every member of this affair has been accused of wrongdoing - except for me. But carrying out an order for Ms. Kille to vacate the apartment at the end of October
affects me the most immediately and directly. What can you accomplish at that time that you can't accomplish on January 1, aside from allowing the only person in this affair who everyone agrees is completely
innocent to finish out his education without having to move?
I have decided not to take sides in the legal issue. At this point, my concern about this matter is limited to how it affects me. I'm fine with that sounding selfish. I've done nothing wrong here and I deserve no punishment. I've already been forced to interrupt my education once in service of my country. I would like to not have to interrupt it again. I just want to finish out my education without the added burden of a mid-semester home hunt and move. I think that two months is not too much to ask for in a case that has already been going on for more than two years.
For now, this communication is just between us. I feel that the small favor I am asking can be granted at that level. Thank you for considering my position on this matter.
Best Regards,
Chris Higginbotham
--
Christopher Higginbotham
Roy H. Park Fellow
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Mark's response Sept 29 at 2:26 p.m.
Dear Mr. Higgnbotham;
I found this message in my spam filter, so perhaps your prior email was accidentally deleted without being read. I am sorry if I did that (which I probably did). In any case, I will pass your request on to the Board of Aldermen and the group can make a decision as to whether to change our present course of action.
Thank you;
-Mark Chilton
My follow-up on Oct. 12 at 11:40 a.m.
Mayor Chilton -
Thanks for your response and for taking action. I'm wondering if there has been any movement on the request. I realize it's a busy time for you and the Board, what with election day approaching, but I'm sure you can all appreciate how the coming deadline is affecting my semester. It would sure be nice if I could focus all of my attention on school.
Thanks again. I hope to hear from you soon.
best,
chris
--
Chris Higginbotham
Mark's response on Oct. 12 at 12:02 p.m. (only 22 minutes later)
Dear Mr. Higginbotham,
I am sorry to have to tell you that the Board considered your request and declined to change the terms of our settlement agreement.
I do hope that you can find a short term rental and that your remaining time at UNC goes well. I am sorry that you got caught in the middle of a situation that you did not knowingly create.
Sincerely;
Mark Chilton
Mayor of Carrboro