By Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Thursday, September 03, 2009
The
Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors
(CAAR) has formally endorsed Republican
Rodney Thomas
in his campaign to unseat incumbent Democrat
David Slutzky
in the race for the Rio seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. CAAR has also indicated it will make campaign contributions to Republican
Duane Snow
, who is running for the Samuel Miller District seat, as well as to City Council candidates
Dave Norris
(D) and
Kristin Szakos
(D).
 Candidate Rodney Thomas (R-Rio) accepting the Republican nomination in May 2009 |
In 2005, CAAR endorsed Slutzky in his race against Republican
Gary Grant
.
“This time around it’s more of a case that Mr. Thomas is better aligned with some principles that are important to CAAR,” said the organization’s President-elect Greg Slater. Specifically, Slater said Thomas is a supporter of low real estate taxes as well as property rights.
Duane Snow is running to fill the seat being vacated by the retiring Sally H. Thomas. Also on the ballot are Democrat
Madison Cummings
and Independent
John Lowry
.
“CAAR believes Mr. Snow’s long-time community presence and solid support of business makes him an ideal candidate for Supervisor,” wrote CAAR officials in a press release.
The endorsement and the decisions on financial support are the result of interviews with all the candidates seeking election to both bodies. All will receive financial support from the Realtors Political Action Committee of Virginia.
“It’s quite an extensive process that involves candidate interviews and recommendations to our Board,” Slater said. “We think the political process is an important one and we encourage our members to get involved.”
Thomas will receive $10,000, Snow will receive $2,500, and Norris will receive $1,500. Szakos was offered $1,000 but is declining all money from political action committees.
“I have a policy from when I first started this campaign not to accept PAC money,” Szakos said. “I’m pleased to have their moral support.”
