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List of mayors of Chapel Hill, North Carolina facts for kids

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Mayor of Chapel Hill
Incumbent
Jessica Anderson
since 2023
Formation 1869 (1869)
First holder Hugh Blair Guthrie


The Mayor of Chapel Hill is the main leader of the town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The mayor helps run the town and make its laws. They lead the eight-person town council. The mayor also votes on all important decisions the council makes.

The mayor is seen as the official leader of the town. This means they represent Chapel Hill in official events and in court. They are the main contact for the town council when dealing with state and federal governments.

What Does the Mayor Do?

The mayor and the town council work together. Their main job is to create and follow rules for the town. These rules help keep people healthy and safe. They also make sure the town is a good place to live. This includes making sure things are comfortable, convenient, and orderly for everyone.

How Are Mayors and Council Members Chosen?

People in Chapel Hill vote for the mayor and council members. These elections are nonpartisan, meaning candidates do not run as members of a political party. Council members serve for four years. Mayors serve for two years.

To become a mayor or council member, you must be a registered voter. You also need to live in Chapel Hill. While in office, they cannot hold any other paid government job. Mayors and council members must also share information about any property they own in town. They must also share their business interests.

Voting Rules for the Mayor and Council

Sometimes, a mayor or council member might not vote on an issue. This can happen if the issue involves their own money or official actions. If a member is present but does not vote, it usually counts as a "yes" vote.

What Happens if the Mayor's Office is Empty?

If the mayor's job becomes empty, a new person is chosen. This person serves for the rest of the original mayor's term. If too many council members are missing, the mayor can appoint enough people to help. Then, the council can fill the other empty spots. If the mayor is also absent, the governor can help fill these spots.

A Brief History of Chapel Hill's Mayors

The role of mayor in Chapel Hill has changed over time. Before 1879, the mayor was a magistrate. This person was hired by the town's leaders. They mostly handled police duties. In 1879, a new rule made this role official.

In 1895, another change happened. The town decided that citizens would vote for the mayor. On May 5, 1895, John H. Watson became the first mayor elected by the people.

List of Chapel Hill Mayors

# Mayor Term start Term end
1 Guthrie, Hugh BlairHugh Blair Guthrie 1869 1872
2 Watson, John H.John H. Watson 1872 1872
3 Carr, John W.John W. Carr 1873 1874
4 White, JohnJohn White 1874 1874
5 Mickel, AndrewAndrew Mickel 1874 1876
6 Watson, John H.John H. Watson 1876 1879
7 Cheek, MerrittMerritt Cheek 1879 1882
8 Watson, JonesJones Watson 1882 1883
9 Watson, John H.John H. Watson 1883 1884
10 McDade, A.J.A.J. McDade 1884 1885
11 Watson, John H.John H. Watson 1885 1887
12 Pritchard, William N.William N. Pritchard 1887 1888
13 McDade, A.J.A.J. McDade 1888 1891
14 Watson, John H.John H. Watson 1891 1895
15 Barbee, Algernon S.Algernon S. Barbee 1895 1901
16 MacRae Jr., James C.James C. MacRae Jr. 1901 1903
17 Roberson, William S.William S. Roberson 1903 1907
18 Barbee, Algernon S.Algernon S. Barbee 1907 1911
19 Roberson, William S.William S. Roberson 1911 1913
20 McLendon, L.P.L.P. McLendon 1913 1914
21 Roberson, William S.William S. Roberson 1914 1927
22 Council, ZebulonZebulon Council 1927 1933
23 Foushee, John M.John M. Foushee 1933 1942
24 Madry, R.W.R.W. Madry 1942 1949
25 Lanier, Edwin S.Edwin S. Lanier 1949 1954
26 Cornwell, Oliver K.Oliver K. Cornwell 1954 1961
27 McClamroch, RolandRoland McClamroch 1961 1969
28 Nathaniel Lee, HowardHoward Nathaniel Lee 1969 1975
29 Wallace, JamesJames Wallace 1975 1979
30 Nassif, Joseph L.Joseph L. Nassif 1979 1985
31 Wallace, JamesJames Wallace 1985 1987
32 Howes, JonathanJonathan Howes 1987 1991
34 Broun, KennethKenneth Broun 1991 1995
35 Waldorf, RosemaryRosemary Waldorf 1995 2001
36 Foy, KevinKevin Foy 2001 2009
37 Kleinschmidt, MarkMark Kleinschmidt 2009 2015
38 Hemminger, PamPam Hemminger 2015 2023
39 Anderson, JessicaJessica Anderson 2023 Incumbent
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