By Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Andrew Williams
, a 22-year-old student and full-time employee of State Farm Insurance, has filed the paperwork to become an independent candidate for the Charlottesville City Council. He made his announcement outside of City Hall on May 13, 2009.
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Williams pledged to visit all 8 of the City’s precincts to build a grass-roots campaign dedicated to the interest of “students and their families” as well as the working class. He is a student at Piedmont Virginia Community College, and says he’s lived in Albemarle, Louisa and Fluvanna Counties. Williams said his youth would allow for a “new perspective” on City Council but said he understood that his independent campaign would be an “uphill battle.”
Acknowledging that his campaign is in its infancy, Williams said he would be listening to voters in order to develop positions on the issues facing the City. He said public safety will be a major theme of his campaign. A further statement from his campaign regarding his positions will be issued within the next two weeks.
“I have to go and speak with as many people as possible in the City to figure out what are the major concerns that people focus on this year, and this day,” Williams said. “I believe that it is very important to look at how the City allocates funds and to scrutinize management of the budget.”
When asked to explain his position on the adopted community water supply plan, Williams said he would have to decline to answer until he has spoken with citizens to hear their views.
No independent has won election to City Council in the past 40 years, according to City Council Clerk Jeannie Cox. Williams said he felt confident that he could overcome the odds and have a successful campaign.
Any other independent candidate interested in running for City Council has until June 9, 2009 to file paperwork with the City registrar.
See Charlottesville Tomorrow’s
Election Watch page
for complete coverage of the City’s 2009 elections.
