Election Watch 2009

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

During 2009, Charlottesville Tomorrow is focusing on the Charlottesville City Council and Albemarle County Board of Supervisor elections. Charlottesville Tomorrow is a non-partisan organization and we do not endorse any candidates.  Our goal is to offer the most comprehensive coverage of local elections to ensure the public is informed about each candidate's positions on the issues of land use, transportation and community design. Here you will be able to access candidate bios, podcasts, interviews, candidate forums, and voter guides.  Our subscribers will also receive e-mail alerts. Charlottesville Tomorrow is supporting the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) local elections initiative. View campaign contribution and expenditure records for:  Albemarle County Board of Supervisors [2007] [2009] Charlottesville City Council [2007] [2009]

Election Calendar

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Candidate Information for the November 2009 General Election

Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Click here to look up your polling place. If you subscribe and maintain your mailing address in your membership profile, we will match you to the appropriate local elected officials and tailor the information you receive from Charlottesville Tomorrow to match your voting district. Rio District Information provided by each candidate David Slutzky (D) - Incumbent Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript First elected to the BOS in 2005, David has focused his efforts on protecting our rural areas and environment, finding transportation solutions, providing excellent schools for our children, and promoting economic vitality for our County. In his second term, David plans to concentrate on updating our infrastructure, particularly transportation, and on job creation to jump-start our economy. As a local business owner, an educator, and as a nationally recognized environmental and energy expert, David brings unique skills and insight to the task of balancing the many competing concerns of our community at a time when such experience is urgently needed. Education: B.A. from the University of Chicago; Juris Doctor in the Program in Environmental and Energy Law of the Chicago-Kent College of Law; completed coursework towards a PhD in Political Philosophy at the University of Chicago Occupation:President of E² Inc., a local environmental, energy and economic policy consulting firm; Adjunct Professor in the Urban and Environmental Planning Department at UVA; Chairman, Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Age on Election Day: 54 Neighborhood or area of residence: Northfields Family: Melissa is my wife, and we have three children: Briana, Rebecca, and Isaac. Briana and our son-in-law, Jake blessed us with our first grandchild this April: Phineas Oliver Branham. Favorite Volunteer Activity: Advising people who are interested in learning about electric vehicles David Slutzky's website & contact info: www.davidslutzky.com david@davidslutzky.com Campaign Blog Facebook Group Facebook Profile Page Twitter Page Phone: (434) 989-5888 Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about David Slutzky at cvillepedia   Rodney Thomas (R) - Challenger * WINNER Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript A lifelong resident of Albemarle County, I decided to pursue a career in the print industry after graduation. By 1979 I had served in Vietnam and had two children with my wife Nancy, but was still able to purchase Charlottesville Press, Inc.-- a family owned print shop I still operate today. I have served on the board of many local organizations, including helping charter the Boy's and Girl's Club in Charlottesville. I also spent eight years on the Albemarle County Planning Commission for the Rio district from 1998 to 2006. Education: Lane High School graduate Occupation: Owner, Charlottesville Press, Inc Age on Election Day: 65 Neighborhood or area of residence: Carrsbrook Family: Wife Nancy, son Rod, daughter Ashely, 8 grandchildren Favorite Volunteer Activity: I enjoy all the nonprofit organizations I voluntarily serve on the board for (presently and formerly) including: Boys and Girls Club, Host Lions Club, Crime Stoppers, CARS, YMCA and the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership--a non-partisan organization dedicated to improving political leadership in Virginia. Rodney Thomas's website & contact info: Rodney Thomas 3411 North Indian Spring Rd Charlottesville, VA 22901 www.rodneythomas2009.com info@rodneythomas2009.com Phone: 434-242-3322 Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Rodney Thomas at cvillepedia Samuel Miller District (three candidates) Information provided by each candidate Madison Cummings (D) Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript Born and raised as one of 3 boys in Lexington, Va. Parents-Mary Frances and Russell Cummings. Graduated from Lexington High School in 1961. President of Class of '61 and of Student Government at MCV in 67-68. My family and I have lived in Central Virginia for 39 years, 31 in North Garden. Member of Cove-Garden Ruritan Club for 25 years, President and Treasurer in the 80's. AC School Board Member from 1994-2001. Member of C/A Commission on Children and Families 2002-2008, Chair 2006-2008. AATF Board and CURSP Board member, which fostered closer UVA-Community cooperation. District Chair, Samuel Miller, Democratic Party. Education: Hampden-Sydney College-BS, Psychology; 1965, Medical College of Virginia(now VCU)-BS, Pharmacy, 1968, numerous post-grad courses in German, Spanish, Art, History, Government. Occupation: I'm a semi (now, mostly)-retired pharmacist at UVA Medical Center. Age on Election Day: 66 Neighborhood or area of residence: North Garden Family: Wife for 40 years-Pat, a semi-retired educator in Albemarle County for 37 years; daughter Kristin, married to Bill Streed-two sons, Owen, Griffin; Daughter Katy, married to Aaron Kloch; Son Josh, unmarried. Josh and Kristin live in AC. Katy will someday... Favorite Volunteer Activity: My favorite volunteer activities are those that benefit my fellow citizens less fortunate than I (e.g. Ruritan, CCF, Youth Servive Committee, AATF, AC Health Advisory Committee). Madison Cummings' website & contact info: www.madison4albemarle.com patcummings@ntelos.net Phone: (434) 977-5913 (home)            (434) 981-6150 (cell) Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Madison Cummings at cvillepedia   John Lowry (I) Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript John Lowry grew up in Williamsburg, VA, graduated from the College of William & Mary and met his wife, Nancy Feil. Moved to Charlottesville in 1970; have three children and four grandchildren. He helped open the Charlottesville Office of Wheat First, Securities. For ten years he taught investments at PVCC. In the 1980s he served the County on the Airport Board, was Chair, when the new airport facility was built. In the late 1990s he began serving on the Economic Development Authority and became branch manager of the brokerage firm. Recently as Chair of the Symphony Board, a $3 million endowment campaign was completed. Education: I did not quite finish my MBA at W&M after undergraduate degree although I did recently graduate from Sorenson Institute for political candidates. Occupation: Retired Age on Election Day: 62 Neighborhood or area of residence: Red Hill, North Garden Family: My children are MD, Phd and my daughter, Michaux, is smartest of the three doing her graphics career and music here in Cville. Favorite Volunteer Activity: Politics John Lowry's website & contact info: Lowry for Albemarle Supervisor  P.O. Box 123 North Garden, VA 22959 www.lowryforalbemarle.com johnlowry@lowryforalbemarle.com Phone: (434) 296-4695 Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about John Lowry at cvillepedia   Duane Snow (R) * WINNER Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript Born and raised in Charlottesville Five children-All attended County Schools; 12 Grandchildren CEO and President of Snow's Garden Center for 35 years. Former Piedmont Virginia Community College instructor in Gardening & Landscaping Albemarle County Architectural Review Board 10 Years Virginia State Agricultural Council Hosted for 35 years the longest running radio gardening show in the nation Previously served on American Heart Association Board Boy Scouts of American Committee Committed church and community leader Education: HS Graduate Rock Hill Academy 1963, Bachelor of Science Degree Brigham Young University 1970, Numerous continuing education classes Occupation: Landscape Designer Snow's Landscape & Garden Center Age on Election Day: 64 Neighborhood or area of residence: West Leigh Family: Wife: Rena Millet Snow. Married 42 years, five children, twelve grandchildren Favorite Volunteer Activity: Working on projects involving youth Duane Snow's website & contact info: www.duanesnowforsupervisor.com duanesnow@gmail.com Phone: (434) 295-3682 Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Duane Snow at cvillepedia Jack Jouett District Information provided by each candidate   Dennis Rooker (I) - Incumbent * WINNER Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript I have lived in Albemarle County for forty years and presently live in Roslyn Ridge with my wife Ann.  We have two daughters and three grandchildren.  I have a B.A. in Economics and a J.D., both from UVA.  I have been a practicing attorney and businessman in this area for 33 years and owned and operated media, real estate and venture capital businesses.  I have served on the Board of Supervisors for 7 years (chair for 2), four years on the Planning Commission (chair for 2), the MPO for 7 years and numerous other boards over the past twenty years. Education: B.A. in Economics and Juris Doctor from UVA. Occupation: Dennis S. Rooker, P.C.  I also own a media consulting company and two publications, and serve as managing member of a commercial real estate company and a small venture capital firm. Age on Election Day: 59 Neighborhood or area of residence: Roslyn Ridge Family: Wife, Ann; two daughters, Elizabeth and Lauren; four grandchildren, Jared, Dylan, Lottie and Lem. Favorite Volunteer Activity: In addition to the many government related boards I serve on, my favorite volunteer activities are connected with my church. Dennis Rooker's contact info: www.dennisrooker.com dsrooker@earthlink.net Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Dennis Rooker at cvillepedia   Community news made possible by the  generous support of our donors.

 

Charlottesville City Council   Five candidates for two at-large seats Information provided by each candidate   Bob Fenwick (I) - Challenger  Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript Combat Engineer commander in Vietnam, moved to Charlottesville when Victoria attended UVA Law School, became involved in community activism with www.SaveMcIntire.com when it became apparent city government was not representative of the citizens or responsive to our concerns.  Broadened the effort in joining the Coalition to Save McIntire Park when I discovered the same pattern was being followed by city government with both the Meadowcreek Parkway and the McIntire Golf Course.  Decided to become politically active when no one else wanted to step up and lead the effort to stop the loss of McIntire Park. Education: Bachelor of Science, Physics, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., undergraduate and graduate work in Civil Engineering, George Washington University School of Engineering, Washington, D.C., passed EIT exam. Occupation: Self employed general construction contractor for 35 years, writer, web master, song writer, member of Save McIntire committee.   Age on Election Day: 64 Neighborhood or area of residence: Martha Jefferson Family: Married to Victoria, 42 years, two sons, both educated in Charlottesville Public Schools, Burnley Moran, Walker, Buford and Charlottesville High School, older son, Austin, recently graduated form Alabama Law School (Roll Tide!) and coming to Charlottesville for US Army Judge Advocate General School, younger son graduate of James Madison University in Physics, 2LT Army Corps of Engineers, currently serving somewhere in Afghanistan. Favorite Volunteer Activity: Helping individuals who find themselves in a tight spot (see www.HomeWorkwithBobFenwick.com – Mold House), helping with volunteer work with Hospice, community committees to Save McIntire Park. Bob Fenwick's website & contact info: www.votebob.net bfenwick@mindspring.com Phone: (434) 296-6130 Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Bob Fenwick at cvillepedia Paul Long (I) - Challenger Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript I have had a variety of jobs, and a variety of interests throughout my life. I have always enjoyed traveling. I have supported myself in a number of ways. I have worked in a number of hospitals and healing care facilities, both in professional and semi-professional jobs. I have supported myself as a free-lance writer, worked in restaurants, done sales, worked in customer service for Fortune 500 companies. My parent’s generation have been described as “The Greatest Generation” for having lived through the Depression and World War II. I graduated from high school in 1967, came of age in the 1960’s; and I feel that my generation lived through the most divisive period of American History since the Civil War. Education: I have attended a variety of colleges and did a great deal of college course work, but I do not hold an associate or bachelor degree. I successfully completed a variety of courses at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia and attended a variety of training programs offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which led to my certification as a certified addiction counselor. I also completed a variety of courses by the Moody Bible Institute and successfully completed a number of courses at Piedmont Community College Occupation: I am employed by the University of Virginia Medical Center as a Patient Transporter and as a Patient Companion/Sitter. Age on Election Day: 60 Neighborhood or area of residence: Venable District Family: Unmarried Favorite Volunteer Activity: Working with recovering addicts and being involved in a local Baptist church Paul Long's website & contact info: Paul Long 1410 Grady Ave Apt. C-4 Charlottesville, VA 22903 Phone: (434) 249-7576 Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Paul Long at cvillepedia   Dave Norris (D) - Incumbent * WINNER Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript An experienced non-profit professional and community activist, Dave Norris was elected to City Council in May 2006 on a platform promoting affordable housing, environmental sustainability, youth opportunities and social justice.  Dave has served as Mayor of Charlottesville since January 2008.  During his tenure, Charlottesville has been named the "Greenest City in Virginia" for its population size and is receiving national recognition as a pioneer in the field of Clean Energy, while launching a major initiative to revitalize its low-income neighborhoods.  Dave lives in Belmont with his children Eli, 12, and Chloe, 9, both of whom attend Charlottesville public schools. Education: M.A., Government, College of William and Mary;  B.A., Politics and History, Curry College Occupation: Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia Age on Election Day: 39 Neighborhood or area of residence: Belmont Family: Son, Eli (12);  Daughter, Chloe (9);  2 Cats (Hermione and Violet) Favorite Volunteer Activity: Promoting youth mentoring Dave Norris' website & contact info: www.votefordave.org www.yourcharlottesville.org cvilledave@hotmail.com Campaign Blog Facebook Profile Page Phone: (434) 242-5165 Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Dave Norris at cvillepedia   Kristin Szakos (D) - Challenger * WINNER Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript I’m a freelance writer and editor, activist, singer, animal lover, wife and mom. I have co-written two books on community organizing. I was Volunteer Coordinator and DNC Delegate for the area Obama campaign, and coordinate local Organizing for America activities.  I have been a reporter for the Associated Press and the Appalachian News Express, editor of the Appalachian Reader, and grantwriter and administrator for various local nonprofits.  I was president of the Burnley-Moran PTO, served on the city Special Education Advisory Committee and the board of the Charlottesville NAACP, and currently serve on the Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry. Education: Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa – 1981, B.A. in Religious Studies. Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, Evanston, Ill. – M.S.J. in print journalism Occupation: Self-employed – editor and writer Age on Election Day: 50 Neighborhood or area of residence: Locust Grove Family: Husband, Joe Szakos; Daughters, Anna, 19 (20 on September 28) and Maria, 18; Dog, Jacob; Cat, Lydi Favorite Volunteer Activity: Singing – both in classical ensembles and at area nursing homes with the Hintonaires.  (Second place:  local coordinator for Organizing for America) Kristin Szakos' website & contact info: Kristin Szakos 1132 Otter St Charlottesville, VA 22901 k.szakos@embarqmail.com Campaign Blog Facebook Group Phone:(434) 984-4022 (home)           (434) 987-1042 (cell) Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Kristin Szakos at cvillepedia          Andrew Williams (I) - Challenger (Write-In) Listen to our candidate interview Download the transcript I was born in Detroit MI August in 1986. I lived in California and North Carolina through Middle school till High School. Various experiences along with my 96 year old Godfather’s guidance, have enabled me adopt a few ideas. Two of the most important in my opinion is service to others and recognizing the precious interval in time we are in. Though I will be only 23 at election time, I have been privileged to learn to keep an open ear to everyone. I recognize the importance of being able to deal with pressures of the current. Education: I have some certificates and such but my goals currently are to finish at Averett University with a B.B.A and attain my MBA no later than 2012. Occupation: My employer is State Farm. In a nutshell, I pay auto claims (Happily). Age on Election Day: 23 Neighborhood or area of residence: Wertland St. near Venable Family: My mother and father stay in Troy. Favorite Volunteer Activity: My favorite volunteer activity is counseling friends and need being in the right place at the right time for anyone truly in need. As many calls as I get to listen to, you would think I was a certified psychologist. Andrew William's website & contact info: aristarswish@yahoo.com Facebook Group Campaign contributions: VPAP's campaign contributions report Read more about Andrew Williams at cvillepedia   The deadline to register or change your voter information is October 5, 2009. Registrar's websites: Albemarle County & City of Charlottesville     Click here to look up your polling place. If you subscribe and maintain your mailing address in your membership profile, we will match you to the appropriate local elected officials and tailor the information you receive from Charlottesville Tomorrow to match your voting district.

Candidate Forums Charlottesville Tomorrow will prepare an audio podcast, video, and transcript for each candidate forum. City Council Candidate Forums (view full calendar) October 21, 2009, City Council candidate forum (Sponsored by the Alliance of Neighborhoods) [Audio podcast] October 7, 2009, City Council candidate forum (co-hosted by Charlottesville Tomorrow & Free Enterprise Forum) [Audio podcast] September 30, 2009, City Council candidate forum (hosted by Fry's Spring Neighborhood Association) May 6, 2009, City Council Democratic candidate forum (Charlottesville Democratic Party) [Audio podcast] [video] April 21, 2009, City Council Democratic candidate forum (co-hosted by Charlottesville Tomorrow & Free Enterprise Forum) [Audio podcast] [video] Board of Supervisors Candidates Forums (view full calendar) October 22, 2009, Supervisor Candidates’ Forum on Growth and the Environment (hosted by Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population) [Audio & Video] October 22, 2009, Supervisor Candidates' Forum (hosted by North Charlottesville Business Council) [Audio podcast] October 14, 2009, Senior Statesmen Candidates Forum for Albemarle County Board of Supervisors [Audio podcast] October 6, 2009, Earlysville Area Residents' League (EARL) candidate forum [Audio podcast] October 1, 2009, Rio District candidate forum (co-hosted by Charlottesville Tomorrow & Free Enterprise Forum) [Audio & Video] September 30, 2009, Samuel Miller District candidate forum (co-hosted by Charlottesville Tomorrow & Free Enterprise Forum) [Audio & Video]

NOTE: Charlottesville Tomorrow is NOT covering 2009 elections for School Board, Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, or Clerk of the Court.

Our coverage of past local elections 

Charlottesville Tomorrow provided extensive coverage of the 2005 Board of Supervisors elections and the 2007 Board of Supervisors elections in Albemarle County, as well as the 2006 City Council Elections in Charlottesville and 2007 City Council Elections in Charlottesville. On the website for each election, you will find an archive of the voter guides, podcasts, and transcripts.