On October 17, 2013, Charlottesville Tomorrow and The Daily Progress co-sponsored a candidate forum for the four candidates seeking election to the Charlottesville City Council.
The Democrat incumbent candidate is Kristin Szakos. The other three candidates are Republican Michael Farruggio, Democrat Bob Fenwick, and Republican Buddy Weber. Two of the five seats on the council will be determined in the November 5 election.
About 40 local residents came to the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to hear the candidates respond to questions posed by the sponsors and the audience. Read this article for complete coverage by The Daily Progress. The audio podcast is available in the box at right.
OPENING STATEMENTS
SEVEN MODERATOR QUESTION TOPICS
1. Please describe your past experience that qualifies you to be on Charlottesville City Council?
2. Name one specific area of the city budget that you are concerned about and why. Do you think it deserves more funding or less?
3. If real estate tax revenues increase, should Charlottesville lower its property tax rate? Why or why not?
4. Charlottesville City Council has provided the school division with one-time funds to balance recent budgets. Besides listening to feedback from a recently appointed Blue Ribbon Commission, what steps should Council take to help the school board build a more sustainable school budget?
5. Private developers and the University of Virginia are currently implementing a City Council vision of a more densely developed West Main Street that dates back to the early 2000’s. Do you support this vision? Why or why not?
6. What specifically should city council do to promote employment and what type of jobs will be your priority?
7. Earlier this year, Council enacted a stormwater utility fee that will go into effect in 2014 to replace and rehabilitate the city’s stormwater pipes. Do you support this program? Why or why not?
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS — 01:14:50
CLOSING STATEMENTS — 01:49:30
