By Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The two Democrats running as a ticket for the Charlottesville City Council have opened up their headquarters on the Downtown Mall at 418 Main Street. Incumbent
Dave Norris
and newcomer
Kristin Szakos
will share office space with other Democrats seeking election in Virginia. They also announced
the launch of a new campaign website
.
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 City Council Candidates Dave Norris (D) and Kristin Szakos (D) |
Szakos and Norris
were the victors in a May 9, 2009 “unassembled caucus”
in which over 1,600 Charlottesville residents cast a ballot. Szakos said City Democrats took the summer off from campaigning, but have discussed what themes they want to advance between now and election day. She said Democrats would make a special effort to reach out to city residents who have not yet participated in local government.
“And the theme that we’re using is ‘Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Charlottesville,” Szakos said. “Because the one thing that really ties Dave Norris and [Democratic Sheriff’s Candidate] James Brown and me together is a vision for a Charlottesville where people are engaged and listened to.”
Norris said the ticket would be discussing affordable housing, education, and public safety. He also said economic development would play a role in the campaign.
“We want to promote green business, green jobs for our community and jobs that provide a living wage for our residents,” Norris said.
While the Democrats have taken the summer off, Independent candidate Bob Fenwick has been busy holding a series of issue forums on Saturday mornings at Charlottesville’s downtown mall. Recent events have included Fenwick’s talks on the
Meadowcreek Parkway
,
fixing Charlottesville’s sidewalks
, and
the community water supply plan
.
The last day to register to vote is
October 5, 2009
. Election Day is on
November 3, 2009
.
TIMELINE FOR PODCAST:
01:00 – Welcome from City Councilor Holly Edwards
02:00 – Comments from Council candidate Kristin Szakos
03:30 – Comments from Mayor Dave Norris
06:30 – Comments from James Brown, Democratic candidate for Sheriff
08:00 – Szakos previews the campaign
