Sherri Zann Rosenthal

Location

Durham, NC

Running For

City Council

Affiliation

non-partisan

"Sherri Zann: Championing Communities, Affordable Housing, and Community Voices!"

Issues

Increasing affordable housing options

Durham needs a Comprehensive Housing Plan that combines subsidized housing with market rate housing strategies to provide housing for all incomes. Preserving existing affordable housing and adding to it is key. We now have a net loss of affordable housing as we fail to maintain what we have, and have no plan to preserve private rental housing with affordability restrictions that are expiring. Finally, we should have a plan to disrupt the predatory low-end rental housing market.

Offering alternative methods for public input and participation

Resident participation should come first, setting the prioritized values for solutions before staff designs the action plan. Right now, public hearings are scheduled immediately before the Council votes, which is way too late and results in polarized positions instead of community building.

Public Safety

When you call 911, someone should answer. That hasn't been true of our Emergency Call Center, which hasn't met minimum national standards for over 4 years. We have an over 27% vacancy rate on our police force. We had more accidents after the recent storm when we lost electricity for days because we didn't have enough police to direct traffic and go to accident sites. We need safe spaces for our teens to go in the evenings, as well as a vocational education program for high school students to learn trades.

Get me trending

#SRosenthal2023

Endorsements

Sunrise Durham

"Sunrise Durham is the local branch of the Sunrise Movement, which champions sustainability and an effective climate change response."

NCAAT: North Carolina Asian Americans Together

"NCAAT takes action to create a world based on equity and inclusion for all."

Equality NC

"Equality NC is the statewide organization seeking inclusion and equality under law for everyone, focusing on serving the needs of LGBTQ+ North Carolinians."

Candidate info

About me

Hello, my name is Sherri Zann Rosenthal and I am running for City Council as a non-partisan candidate. My passion for community volunteering translates into a dedication to serving the people of this city. When I'm not volunteering, you can find me enjoying time with my dog, kayaking, and singing jazz. As a retired Deputy City Attorney for Durham, I have extensive experience in affordable housing creation, making me the only candidate who has actually created housing. I firmly believe in the power and potential of local government, which is why it has been painful for me to witness the current four-member majority on City Council neglecting core responsibilities such as operating the 911 Call Center and preserving affordable housing. My priorities include increasing affordable housing options through a comprehensive plan that combines subsidized and market rate housing, preserving existing affordable housing, and finding solutions for the expiring affordability restrictions on private rental housing. Additionally, I am committed to offering alternative methods for public input and participation, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in public meetings. Public hearings need to be scheduled earlier in the decision-making process to foster community building rather than polarized positions. With your support, I will work tirelessly to make positive changes and create a thriving community for all.

Why I'm Running

I am Sherri Zann Rosenthal, and I am running for City Council as a member of the non-partisan party because I believe in the power and potential of local government. With my experience as a community volunteer and retired Deputy City Attorney, I have a deep understanding of the issues facing our city and the skills to address them. I am the only candidate who has actually created affordable housing, and I am committed to increasing affordable housing options in Durham by implementing a comprehensive housing plan that combines subsidized housing with market rate strategies. Additionally, I am passionate about offering alternative methods for public input and participation, ensuring that accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of decision-making. It is time to prioritize resident participation and establish a community-driven approach to problem-solving. Together, we can preserve existing affordable housing, disrupt the predatory low-end rental market, and create a stronger, more equitable Durham. When I'm not volunteering or fighting for affordable housing, you can find me enjoying time with my dog, kayaking, or singing jazz.

Current Occupation

Community volunteer

Past Experience

I retired 3 years ago from serving as Deputy City Attorney for Durham. I was hired for my affordable housing creation expertise, and I'm the only candidate who has actually created housing. I created the legal side of all the City's varied affordable housing programs. I worked for City government because I really believe in the power and potential of local government. As I've watched the actions of the current four-member majority on City Council, it's been painful to see them hollow out the City's capacity to fulfill core responsibilities, like operating the 911 Call Center, keep the streets in good repair, or preserve existing affordable housing.

Fun Fact

When not volunteering for local non-profits, I love being with my dog, kayaking and singing jazz.