Local election results

In the races covered by Charlottesville Tomorrow during 2009, the following candidates were elected tonight:

Albemarle County Board of Supervisors

• Independent Dennis Rooker (Jack Jouett)
• Republican Rodney Thomas (Rio)
• Republican Duane Snow (Samuel Miller)

Charlottesville City Council

• Democrat Dave Norris
• Democrat Kristin Szakos

Thank you to all of the candidates who participated in our interviews and candidate forums during this important local election.

City candidates emphasize citizen input; local government accountability

By Connie Chang & Brian Wheeler
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Friday, October 23, 2009

With less than 2 weeks left until Election Day, citizens had one last opportunity to hear Charlottesville City Council candidates come together to discuss their views on local issues.  All five candidates relayed messages of the need for a more accountable local government, preservation and acquisition of green space, and methods to assist those in the lowest-economic bracket in the City.

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Bob Fenwick (I), Paul Long (I), Moderator Jack Brown

At the Wednesday night forum hosted by the Alliance of Neighborhoods in City Council Chambers, Democrats Dave Norris and Kristin Szakos and independents Bob Fenwick, Paul Long, and Andrew Williams, responded to questions provided in advance as well as to inquiries from the audience. The Alliance of Neighborhoods was created in 2008 in order to protect the quality of life for Charlottesville and Albemarle County neighborhoods, which was a theme that resonated throughout the forum.

One of the prepared questions asked candidates to respond with measures they would take to improve traffic conditions and safety on Charlottesville roads. All of the candidates agreed that implementing traffic calming measures can help lessen problems associated with automobiles already on the road, but that more emphasis should be made on encouraging pedestrian and transit use. Many felt that expanding the current transit system to include more routes with more frequent service should be a transportation commitment made by the City.

Long, who has been a long-time advocate of alternative forms of transportation, said that there should be an “equal commitment to transportation” as with other issues Council must consider.

Candidates also agreed on the need to preserve green space throughout Charlottesville. With current state law, the City of Charlottesville does not possess the authority to require developers to protect green space with new projects. However, incumbent Dave Norris (D) noted that for the first time in many years, the City currently has funding to purchase green space and has worked to expand its tree planting program.

Dave Norris (D), Kristin Szakos (D), Andrew Williams (I)

The forum called into question the capacity of local government to address citizen concerns. Several agreed that citizens need an “ally” in the City who they can depend on to listen to their requests and follow-through with results.

“The ability and willingness to listen should radiate through the department,” said Andrew Williams, the race’s independent write-in candidate.

The Alliance asked candidates whether they would eliminate or change the structure of the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority and the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority, both entities are jointly administered by Charlottesville and Albemarle County. No candidate called for the elimination of the water authority and only Norris said the City’s participation in the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority should be reexamined in the next year.

“Both of these organizations have hard working and competent employees…but the leadership is dysfunctional,” said Fenwick who cited the community water supply plan and the lawsuit against Peter van der Linde as examples.

“I think we need to make sure these folks work for us,” said Szakos.  “One way to do that is to be more proactive in who we chose to put on those boards and commissions.”

On these particular boards, there is only one voting member who is not there by virtue of their job in local government or as an elected official.  That seat is currently held by citizen Michael Gaffney who was jointly reappointed by City Council and the Board of Supervisors in December 2008.

Norris also commended citizens for stepping up and questioning on-going work of the RWSA and RSWA.  He said the addition of elected officials on both boards earlier this year would lead to more accountability.

Another audience question prompted the candidates to discuss their priorities in assisting the City’s poor. Fenwick identified jobs, education and neighborhood associations as the main elements to reaching this goal.

“The key to a strong city is strong neighborhoods,” said Fenwick.

Other candidates agreed that the City must work hard to close the achievement gap and affordable housing gap for its citizens by providing a broader range of job opportunities and investing in technical and vocational training.

“We need to come together with businesses and non-profits to figure out how to get a community that doesn’t fail our kids,” said Szakos.

The candidate forum was moderated by Jack Brown, a member of the Executive Board of the Alliance of Neighborhoods, and was attended by about 30 people.  The forum was broadcast live on public access television.

TIMELINE FOR PODCAST

01:00 - Introduction from Jack Brown, member of the Executive Board of the Alliance of Neighborhoods
03:00 - Opening statement by Andrew Williams (I)
04:31 - Opening statement by Kristin Szakos (D)
07:14 - Opening statement by Bob Fenwick (I)
10:35 - Opening statement by Dave Norris (D)
12:59 - Opening statement by Paul Long (I)
16:30 - Prepared Question 1: Countless surveys, formal or informal, over the past decade show traffic as the top problem confronting every city neighborhood -- too many cars and too much speeding.  But we have seen little effective action by city police, the planners, or NDS.  Quite the reverse.  What specific actions do you propose to address the problem?
25:54 - Prepared Question 2: Lately, Charlottesville has been placing an emphasis on our urban tree canopy.  Almost all can agree that our green surroundings are a matter of civic pride, and a draw to tourists and potential residents.  Would you support requiring developers to actively plant street trees and other significant vegetation-- even if it means that they might have to slightly reduce the size of their project to allow for this?
33:25 - Prepared Question 3: Almost every neighborhood organization has experienced the following scenario: They go before Council and/or the Planning Commission requesting assistance for a problem affecting their neighborhood.  These issues run the gamut from traffic relief to sidewalks to zoning conflicts.  Frequently, they are told that leaders or city staff will look into the problem and revisit the situation within a proscribed number of months, or meetings will be set up asking for neighborhood input.  But more often than not, the request either falls through the cracks, or the neighborhood's wishes are ignored, resulting in a carrot & stick scenario.  What would you propose to stop this frustrating and time-consuming cycle?
43:58 - Prepared Question 4: Many people in the city feel that both the RWSA and RSWA, including our appointed representatives on these Boards, are failing to represent the wishes of many residents.  In light of all that's happened over the past few years, should we do away with the Authority model entirely, or would you propose changes to the existing model?  What would those changes be?
53:40 - Prepared Question 5: What specific areas (e.g. institutions, joint services) could and should be administered jointly with Albermarle County?  For example, would you support joint City/County "Charter Schools" that can draw from the best of both school systems?  Should first responder services be merged, and if so, how and when?
1:06:36 - Audience Question 1: What is the number one thing you would do to help those on the lowest-economic rung?
1:12:27 - Audience Question 2: Are there city management issues that give you cause for concern? What are they? What do you plan to do about them?
1:17:57 - Audience Question 3: The city assessor has indicated that city assessments are down this year. Would you be more inclined to increase taxes or reduce services to make up for this shortfall?
1:23:40 - Audience Question 4: What will you do to offset the destruction of our natural resources by actions that the city may take?
1:29:45 - Audience Question 5: Do you favor requiring all landlords to conduct regular quality maintenance?
1:33:31 - Audience Question 6: Why say that the YMCA will be next to Charlottesville High School when it will really be in McIntire Park which we're trying to save?
1:37:15 - Audience Question 7: Why should City Council continue to support the Meadowcreek Parkway when the County has not lived up to its part of the agreement by for example, building the Sunset-Fontaine connector?
1:41:22 - Audience Question 8: We do not yet have a state-approved 30-50 water plan required by law by 2011. Will you pledge to get decade by decade calculations of the amount of water needed as required by the state plan before signing any agreement with the County to move forward with a new dam?
1:45:13 - Audience Question 9: Why did City Council allow the RWSA and RSWA to "fly under the radar?" Isn't it the responsibility of City Council to make sure that proper maintenance is done for the reservoir? Why wasn't dredging done? Is City Council paying attention?
1:51:46 - Closing statement by Paul Long
1:52:56 - Closing statement by Bob Fenwick
1:54:17 - Closing statement by Andrew Williams
1:56:06 - Closing statement by Kristin Szakos
1:57:00 - Closing statement by Dave Norris
1:58:18 - Closing remarks by Jack Brown

2009 voter guides now available in interactive online format

The Charlottesville Tomorrow - Daily Progress 2009 Voter Guides are now available in an interactive page-flipping format.  Special thanks to Catstone Press for making this special contribution to our local election coverage offerings.  Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Click to view the 2009 City & County Voter Guides in an interactive window.

Note: You can still download individual PDFs too:

City Voter Guide | County Voter Guide

2009 voter guides now available for download - Can you help us put them in the mail?

Thanks to the generous support of BB&T and The Daily Progress, we have been able to print two great looking voter guides covering the 2009 local elections.

 

• Download 2009 Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Voter Guide
• Download 2009 Charlottesville City Council Voter Guide

Now Charlottesville Tomorrow needs your help to ensure we can deliver all 25,000 copies to every voting household in Charlottesville and Albemarle with a contested race for City Council or the Board of Supervisors.

This week we need to raise about $5,000 to cover the mailing costs for this important publication.  I hope you will consider making a tax-deductible gift to help us distribute these voter guides and to help the community make an informed choice in the November 3rd general election.  

Donations may also be mailed to:
Charlottesville Tomorrow, 230 Court Square, Suite 201, Charlottesville, VA 22902
 
Charlottesville Tomorrow has produced voter guides for every local election since 2005.  In the past, we had full funding to ensure the voter guide was made available to each voter.  In the current economic climate, we have had to get creative and find partners to help us publish the 2009 editions.  To put the voter guides in the mail, we just need a little more financial help from our subscribers to get the job done.  As someone who trusts and values our in-depth content on local elections, I hope you will join BB&T and The Daily Progress to make this year's voter guide a complete success.

Here is some feedback we received in a recent election: 

"I'd like to take a moment to thank you and your co-workers for producing and distributing the Charlottesville Tomorrow Voter Guide....Perhaps your thoughtful, apolitical approach will inspire others to work toward a democratic process which brings people together to discuss our commonalities, and at the least, you have empowered citizens to vote." 

Also, be sure to visit our Election Watch 2009 website where you can download copies of the voter guide, review candidate bios, listen to candidate interviews, and even watch videos of recent candidate forums.  Thank you for your support!

City Council Candidates Forum

On October 7, 2009, the five candidates for two seats on the Charlottesville City Council participated in a forum sponsored by Charlottesville Tomorrow and the Free Enterprise Forum. Independents Bob Fenwick, Paul Long and Andrew Williams sat next to Democrats Dave Norris and Kristin Szakos as they answered several questions on land use, transportation and infrastructure in Charlottesville. Each candidate also gave a three-minute closing statement.

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WATCH THE VIDEO:

City Council Candidates Forum from Charlottesville Tomorrow on Vimeo.

QUESTIONS:

Question 1:
Should we start the planning process over on the fifty-year community water supply plan?  Why or why not?

Question 2:
The Charlottesville City Council vision statement describes “Economic Sustainability” as a key element for the City’s future.  The goal says:  “We have a business-friendly environment in which employers provide well-paying, career-ladder jobs and residents have access to small business opportunities…”  How would you assess Charlottesville’s economic condition today?  As a Councilor, what specific strategies would you pursue to generate new jobs and economic vitality?  What is your vision for the City addressing economic development opportunities?

Question 3:
Do  you support the proposed grade separation at Route 29 and Hydraulic Road as a City transportation priority?  Why or why not?

Question 4:
Over the last four years, the community has had an average population increase of 1,167 persons annually, 225 people per year in the City and 942 people per year in Albemarle County.  What do you think of this rate of growth and how should we plan for it?  How would you define sustainable growth for our community?

Question 5:
The city has vowed to increase density near the downtown area, how will you balance the desire for density with citizen concerns about changing the character of neighborhoods.

Question 6:
How do we ensure the community infrastructure—roads, sidewalks, fire/rescue facilities, libraries, etc.—is in place to support our current population, new development and redevelopment in our designated growth areas?  To what degree should this infrastructure be funded by the real estate property tax, a gas tax, developer proffers, or new service districts?

Question 7:
Do you support the Meadowcreek Parkway?  Absent a court decision that stopped this project, if you get the opportunity to vote on an element of McIntire Road Extended or the Meadowcreek Parkway Interchange, and the result of your vote could have the effect of stopping the project indefinitely, how will you vote and why?

Audience question 1:
Charlottesville last purchased parkland three decades ago. Do you support the acquisition of parkland for passive recreational purposes? Will you commit now to this as a major line item in the 2011 Capital Improvement Plan budget? Assuming the Meadowcreek Parkway is built, should the master plan the eastern half of McIntire Park include a botanical garden?

Audience question 2:
Is it healthy for Charlottesville to be controlled by a single political party?

Audience question 3:
What role should industrial enterprises play in Charlottesville’s economy? Do you support attracting manufacturing industries with blue collar jobs, and if so, how would you do so? In addition, please state your position on national chain retail stores.

TIMELINE FOR PODCAST:

• 01:00 - Introduction from Brian Wheeler of Charlottesville Tomorrow
• 02:15 - Neil Williamson of the Free Enterprise Forum reads the rules
• 04:00 - Question 1
• 12:45 - Question 2
• 24:30 - Question 3
• 32:00 - Question 4
• 41:30 - Question 5
• 52:20 - Question 6
• 1:04:30 - Question 7
• 1:12:40 - Audience question 1
• 1:23:30 - Audience question 2  
• 1:31:00 - Audience question 3  
• 1:42:30 - Closing statement from Paul Long
• 1:45:30 - Closing statement from Kristin Szakos
• 1:48:00 - Closing statement from Andrew Williams
• 1:51:15 - Closing statement from Dave Norris
• 1:54:30 - Closing statement from Bob Fenwick

Democrats running for Council call for neighborhood advocate in City Hall

This article is an extended version of what appears in today's Daily Progress. Download the prepared remarks and media release

By Brian Wheeler
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Mayor Dave Norris and City Council hopeful Kristin Szakos on Tuesday called for a variety of initiatives they said would strengthen the voice of city neighborhoods in local government.

“One of the key things that we are proposing is the establishment of an Office of Neighborhood Advocate,” said Szakos.  “Someone whose job is to work with neighborhoods and to work with residents in our neighborhoods to help them navigate city hall...but to also help city government reach out to them.”

Szakos and the incumbent Norris, campaigning together for the City Council, called for the new office during a press conference at City Hall.

“We hear over and over that residents want more of a voice, and want more support from city hall, in these decisions that are being made that affect our neighborhoods,” said Norris. 

“People feel that nobody is listening to them,” said Szakos.  “The city should also encourage volunteers to work for the city in neighborhood advocacy, historical preservation, and other areas.”

Norris said the new full-time employee would require no new funding in the city’s budget and that it could be created by reassigning an existing staff member or reallocating funds from a currently vacant position.

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Bob Fenwick, an independent candidate for city council, said council is overdue engaging neighborhoods and acting on their concerns.

“Anything that gets better service to the citizens, I applaud,” said Fenwick in an interview.  “But people have been telling them for years that the sidewalks have been treacherous around town, but they don’t do anything about it.  There is more to it than just listening. They have to act.”

The other independent candidate on the ballot is Paul Long.  Long said in an interview that he was skeptical of the proposal.

“I am targeting my campaign towards people at the lower end of the economic spectrum.  These people are not used to participating in government and many of them have a great sense of hopelessness,” said Long.  “They don’t have the time or energy to respond to a neighborhood advocate.  The best way for people to be reached is to have city council members go out into the community themselves.”

Another proposal that Szakos has advocated for throughout her campaign is to move some council meetings out into the community.

“Regular meetings between city council and residents should be held in locations throughout the city, in schools and community centers, where residents can voice their concerns and offer suggestions on issues facing the city,” said Szakos.

Colette Hall is the President of the North Downtown Residents Association and Treasurer of the Alliance of Neighborhoods, a group with city and county representation that was formed in 2008.  In an interview, Hall said she would support topical neighborhood meetings in the community, but would be concerned if regular meetings were held outside city hall.

“I do not want to see official city council meetings outside of chambers because of accessibility,” said Hall.  “When they are on television, people can see them on another day.”

“I think it’s absolutely imperative that we make sure [television coverage] continues to happen,” said Szakos. “There are technologies that will make that possible, we are in the digital age and they are not insurmountable difficulties.”

Norris clarified that he was not necessarily calling for council’s regular meetings, held on the first and third Monday’s of each month, to be held outside of city hall.  He pointed out that he and Szakos may disagree on that matter.

“I think it’s vital to reinforce the point of getting city council out into the neighborhoods for town hall meetings, for neighborhood listening sessions, for issue specific conversations above and beyond the regular meetings,” said Norris.

On the issue of strengthening the voice of neighborhoods in local government, Colette Hall said it was an issue she had been “harping on” for the past 5 years.

“The past record of the city responding to neighborhood concerns has been abysmal,” said Hall.  “Neighborhoods get discouraged when they are ignored.”

Norris said that the proposals he and Szakos were recommending have been discussed with some of the leaders of the Alliance of Neighborhoods and been well received.

According to Hall, the alliance has been able to attract 12 member neighborhoods, but she said it was difficult to recruit participants, both in the alliance and in her local neighborhood association, “until a project impinges on them immediately.”

“People are too involved in their own lives,” said Hall.

Norris and Szakos called for the city to “encourage and support” the alliance and to help organize new neighborhood associations.

“Any one of us doing this in a vacuum is not as effective as all of us doing this together,” said Szakos.

Andrew Williams - City Council Candidate Interview

As part of Charlottesville Tomorrow's coverage of the 2009 local elections for City Council and the Board of Supervisors, we have interviewed each candidate to discuss topics related to water, land use, transportation, their priorities, and their qualifications.

Excerpts from these interviews will be included in our upcoming non-partisan 2009 Voter Guide which will be mailed to each household with one of these races on the ballot.  In the meantime, we are publishing the complete audio recordings and transcripts of our interviews. 

Visit Charlottesville Tomorrow's Election Watch 2009 website for even more detailed information on the candidates including, bios, campaign finance reports, other videos and podcasts, and the schedule of upcoming candidate forums.

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2009 Charlottesville City Council Candidate Interview
Candidate: Andrew Williams (I-Write In)

Download the transcript

On November 3, 2009, voters in the City of Charlottesville go to the polls to elect their representatives to two seats on the Charlottesville City Council.  This recording is Brian Wheeler’s September 9, 2009 interview with Andrew Williams (I-Write in).   Mr. Williams is being challenged by Bob Fenwick (I), Paul Long (I), Dave Norris (D), and Kristin Szakos (D).

TIMELINE FOR PODCAST:

• 00:50 - Introduction from Brian Wheeler
• 01:30 - Question 1 - Describe your past experience.
• 02:42 - Question 2 - Plans for transportation and Regional Transit Authority.
• 04:27 - Follow-up question
• 05:30 - Question 3 - Should Council explore capping population growth?
• 07:54 - Question 4 - Views on the growth of the County and UVA.
• 09:35 - Question 5 - Views on Lower Ragged Mountain Dam.
• 10:22 - Question 6 - One area of improved partnership with the County.
• 11:15 - Question 7 - Priorities for economic and workforce development.
• 12:17 - Question 8 - What do you want to happen to old Martha Jefferson Hospital complex?
• 13:15 - Question 9 - Vision for McIntire Park.
• 14:05 - Follow-up
• 14:37 - Question 10 - Do you support the 1990 Three Party Transportation Agreement?
• 16:00 - Question 11 - Views on revisiting past Council decisions.
• 16:51 - Question 12 - Views on revision of 1982 revenue sharing agreement with City.
• 17:50 - Question 13 - Do you support 50-year water supply plan?
• 19:02 - Question 14 - Top priority if elected.
• 19:38 - Question 15 - Views on strategic plan and necessary steps in meeting goals.
• 21:07 - Question 16 - Primary responsibility of Council.

Kristin Szakos - City Council Candidate Interview

As part of Charlottesville Tomorrow's coverage of the 2009 local elections for City Council and the Board of Supervisors, we have interviewed each candidate to discuss topics related to water, land use, transportation, their priorities, and their qualifications.

Excerpts from these interviews will be included in our upcoming non-partisan 2009 Voter Guide which will be mailed to each household with one of these races on the ballot.  In the meantime, we are publishing the complete audio recordings and transcripts of our interviews. 

Visit Charlottesville Tomorrow's Election Watch 2009 website for even more detailed information on the candidates including, bios, campaign finance reports, other videos and podcasts, and the schedule of upcoming candidate forums.

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2009 Charlottesville City Council Candidate Interview
Candidate: Kristin Szakos (D)

Download the transcript

On November 3, 2009, voters in the City of Charlottesville go to the polls to elect their representatives to two seats on the Charlottesville City Council.  This recording is Brian Wheeler’s September 1, 2009 interview with Kristin Szakos (D).  Ms. Szakos is being challenged by Bob Fenwick (I), Paul Long (I), Dave Norris (D), and Andrew Williams (I-Write In).

TIMELINE FOR PODCAST:

• 00:50 - Introduction from Brian Wheeler
• 01:30 - Question 1 - Describe your past experience.
• 03:10 - Question 2 - Plans for transportation and Regional Transit Authority.
• 09:22 - Question 3 - Should Council explore capping population growth?
• 13:10 - Question 4 - Views on the growth of the County and UVA.
• 15:51 - Question 5 - Views on Lower Ragged Mountain Dam.
• 19:18 - Follow-up on question 5
• 20:00 - Question 6 - One area of improved partnership with the County.
• 23:07 - Question 7 - Priorities for economic and workforce development.
• 25:55 - Question 8- What do you want to happen to old Martha Jefferson Hospital complex?
• 27:27 - Question 9 - Vision for McIntire Park.
• 30:00 - Question 10 - Do you support the 1990 Three Party Transportation Agreement?
• 32:06 - Question 11 - Views on revisiting past Council decisions.
• 33:40 - Question 12 - Views on revision of 1982 revenue sharing agreement with City.
• 35:25 - Question 13 - Do you support 50-year water supply plan?
• 37:47 - Question 14 - Top priority if elected.
• 43:00 - Question 15 - Views on strategic plan and necessary steps in meeting goals.
• 45:02 - Question 16 - Primary responsibility of Council.

Paul Long - City Council Candidate Interview

As part of Charlottesville Tomorrow's coverage of the 2009 local elections for City Council and the Board of Supervisors, we have interviewed each candidate to discuss topics related to water, land use, transportation, their priorities, and their qualifications.

Excerpts from these interviews will be included in our upcoming non-partisan 2009 Voter Guide which will be mailed to each household with one of these races on the ballot.  In the meantime, we are publishing the complete audio recordings and transcripts of our interviews. 

Visit Charlottesville Tomorrow's Election Watch 2009 website for even more detailed information on the candidates including, bios, campaign finance reports, other videos and podcasts, and the schedule of upcoming candidate forums.

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2009 Charlottesville City Council Candidate Interview
Candidate: Paul Long (I)

Download the transcript

On November 3, 2009, voters in the City of Charlottesville go to the polls to elect their representatives to two seats on the Charlottesville City Council.  This recording is Brian Wheeler’s September 1, 2009 interview with Paul Long (I). Mr. Long is being challenged by Bob Fenwick (I), Dave Norris (D), Kristin Szakos (D), and Andrew Williams (I-Write In).

TIMELINE FOR PODCAST:

• 00:50 - Introduction from Brian Wheeler
• 01:30 - Question 1 - Describe your past experience.
• 03:35 - Question 2 - Plans for transportation and Regional Transit Authority.
• 07:51 - Question 3 - Should Council explore capping population growth?
• 11:07 - Question 4 - Views on the growth of the County and UVA.
• 13:25 - Question 5 - Views on Lower Ragged Mountain Dam.
• 14:51 - Question 6 - One area of improved partnership with the County.
• 17:07 - Question 7 - Priorities for economic and workforce development.
• 18:55 - Question 8 - What do you want to happen to old Martha Jefferson Hospital complex?
• 19:30 - Question 9 - Vision for McIntire Park.
• 20:08 - Question 10 - Do you support the 1990 Three Party Transportation Agreement?
• 22:25 - Question 11 - Views on revisiting past Council decisions.
• 23:13 - Question 12 - Views on revision of 1982 revenue sharing agreement with City.
• 24:37 - Question 13 - Do you support 50-year water supply plan?
• 25:30 - Question 14 - Top priority if elected.
• 26:00 - Question 15 - Views on strategic plan and necessary steps in meeting goals.
• 40:50 - Question 16 - Primary responsibility of Council.

Bob Fenwick - City Council Candidate Interview

As part of Charlottesville Tomorrow's coverage of the 2009 local elections for City Council and the Board of Supervisors, we have interviewed each candidate to discuss topics related to water, land use, transportation, their priorities, and their qualifications.

Excerpts from these interviews will be included in our upcoming non-partisan 2009 Voter Guide which will be mailed to each household with one of these races on the ballot.  In the meantime, we are publishing the complete audio recordings and transcripts of our interviews. 

Visit Charlottesville Tomorrow's Election Watch 2009 website for even more detailed information on the candidates including, bios, campaign finance reports, other videos and podcasts, and the schedule of upcoming candidate forums.

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Listen using player above or download the podcast: Download 20090909-Fenwick-Interview

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2009 Charlottesville City Council Candidate Interview
Candidate: Bob Fenwick (I)

Download the transcript

On November 3, 2009, voters in the City of Charlottesville go to the polls to elect their representatives to two seats on the Charlottesville City Council.  This recording is Brian Wheeler’s September 9, 2009 interview with Bob Fenwick (I). Mr. Fenwick is being challenged by Paul Long (I), Dave Norris (D), Kristin Szakos (D), and Andrew Williams (I-Write In).

TIMELINE FOR PODCAST:

• 00:48 - Introduction from Brian Wheeler
• 01:30 - Question 1 - Describe your past experience.
• 03:25 - Question 2 - Plans for transportation and Regional Transit Authority.
• 06:04 - Question 3 - Should Council explore capping population growth?
• 08:00 - Question 4 - Views on the growth of the County and UVA.
• 11:35 - Question 5 - Views on Lower Ragged Mountain Dam.
• 13:25 - Question 6 - One area of improved partnership with the County.
• 15:03 - Question 7 - Priorities for economic and workforce development.
• 17:00 - Question 8 - What do you want to happen to old Martha Jefferson Hospital complex?
• 18:22 - Question 9 - Vision for McIntire Park.
• 20:05 - Question 10 - Do you support the 1990 Three Party Transportation Agreement?
• 21:30 - Question 11 - Views on revisiting past Council decisions.
• 23:00 - Question 12 - Views on revision of 1982 revenue sharing agreement with City.
• 24:00 - Question 13 - Do you support 50-year water supply plan?
• 25:30 - Question 14 - Top priority if elected.
• 26:55 - Question 15 - Views on strategic plan and necessary steps in meeting goals.
• 29:12 - Question 16 - Primary responsibility of Council.