The five candidates seeking election to three seats on the Charlottesville City Council answered questions Wednesday in a candidate forum held by the Fry’s Spring Neighborhood Association.
Almost 20 people attended the forum which was held at Cherry Avenue Christian Church.
Candidates participating in this forum:
Scott Bandy (I) – Challenger
Wes Bellamy (D) – Challenger
Kathy Galvin (D) – Incumbent
Anson Parker (R) – Challenger
Mike Signer (D) – Challenger
Timeline for audio podcast (download at right or in iTunes)
00:01:08 — Welcome by moderator Jeff Greer, President of Fry’s Spring Neighborhood Association
Opening statements
00:02:20 — Order of responses: Bandy, Bellamy, Galvin, Parker, Signer
Three questions from neighborhood association
What does the city’s goal for more affordable housing mean for the Fry’s Spring neighborhood? How would you implement this goal in our neighborhood?
00:13:18 — Order of responses: Bandy, Bellamy, Galvin, Parker, Signer
The City’s population has increased by 10 percent in just the past five years. Is this a reasonable and sustainable growth trajectory? Why or why not?
00:32:03 — Order of responses: Bandy, Bellamy, Galvin, Parker, Signer
As a municipality in a “Dillon Rule” state, Charlottesville has only those powers that are granted by the Commonwealth. Are those powers as they currently exist sufficient for Charlottesville to be governed effectively, or is there additional authority that you would like to request from Richmond?
[NOTE: Signer had to leave forum before this question was asked for a prior engagement]
00:50:45 — Order of responses: Parker, Galvin, Bellamy, Bandy
Audience questions
Regarding the U.S. Constitution, would you support a requirement for high school students to learn and memorize at least the Bill of Rights?
01:07:35 — Order of responses: Bandy, Bellamy, Galvin, Parker
We have a lot of renters and landlords in our neighborhood. How can Council make things better for them?
01:11:00 — Order of responses: Parker, Galvin, Bellamy, Bandy
What will you do to attract business to Charlottesville and offer incentives for small businesses to stay here?
01:19:42 — Order of responses: Parker, Galvin, Bellamy, Bandy
Closing statements
01:30:00 — Order of responses: Parker, Galvin, Bellamy, Bandy
