by Katie Orlando

DAVIDSON – Positively Davidson, a new group advocating existing Davidson policies, will hold a community gathering Thursday, Oct. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Alban’s Church. The group embraces Davidson’s planning, way of life, aesthetic and public programs, and is reminding voters about these assets in light of the upcoming election.

The Davidson Coalition for Fiscal
Responsibility, another citizen group, has criticized town leadership’s accountability and handling of MI-Connection, property taxes and other fiscal decisions.

“(Positively Davidson) was created in light of the coming local elections and in part as a response to a concern about the Davidson Coalition for Fiscal Responsibility and its negativity about town values and policies that we hold to be important to creating the sense of community we have here,” Michael said in an email.

Positively Davidson supports the town’s planning policies, public safety and health services, community programs, historic downtown and outdoor spaces, according to the release.

The group also feels that the things it values are due to decisions made by the town board.

“We feel strongly that Davidson did not happen by accident and want to make sure that the electorate is informed about town programs and policies that make Davidson a unique and sustainable town,” Michael said.

Positively Davidson is not formally endorsing any candidates, but Michael says they plan to before the election.

The Davidson Coalition for Fiscal
Responsibility will intentionally not endorse any candidates.

Positively Davidson started around a kitchen table, with about 10 members, Michael said. They felt that there was greater interest in Davidson about the November elections and decided to open the discussion to the community on Oct. 20.

The group does not have any other events planned at this point. For now it is encouraging voter registration and early voting for people who will be out of town election day.

“We hope to get Davidsonians out to vote, and out to vote intentionally and thoughtfully for candidates who understand and value our small town planning principles and community values,” Michael said.