Charlottesville Tomorrow Podcast Feed

What would happen to the administration of justice if the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors chose to relocate their general district and circuit courts outside of downtown Charlottesville? That was the subject of a panel discussion held at the February 17 breakfast of the city and county Democrats. "We came up with this topic a couple of months ago as we were kicking around ideas and really felt like what was getting lost in all this discussion was the impact moving the courts might have on on access to the courts, specifically for our most-marginalized residents," said Bekah Saxon, vice chair of the Charlottesville Democratic Committee. The panelists were: Albemarle County Supervisor Liz Palmer; Charlottesville City Councilor Kathy Galvin; Mary Bauer, director of the Legal Aid Justice Center; and Palma Pustilnik of the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society.  Palmer and her colleague Norman Dill have voiced their opposition to moving the courts in the past. However, in her remarks, Palmer sought to explain the motives of those on her board who have voted to study the idea. "I think I can do this pretty clearly because I share some of the same concerns," Palmer said. "I weigh them differently." Palmer said many city residents may not realize that each supervisor represents a specific district in the county. Charlottesville's five city councilors are all elected in one big district. Palmer's Samuel Miller District covers the southwest part of Albemarle including both urban and rural areas. "The courts were one of the very first things on our plate when I got on four years ago," Palmer said. "We got a presentation from our then-county executive [Tom Foley] who presented a plan for moving the courts somewhere out in the county." Palmer said one reason at the time included the possibility of lower capital costs, but a recent study has shown that not to be the case. Another reason would be to locate the courts in the county's population center. "Also given was the idea that if you're going to put $35 million of taxpayer money, is it appropriate to spend that $35 million in the city?" Palmer asked. "Or is it appropriate to spend that money in the county? That is something that supervisors were really wrestling with." In December, Council sent a letter to the Supervisors reiterating what the city is willing to do to keep Albemarle courts downtown. In response, supervisors agreed to place their process on hold until early March to allow for negotiations. "The city has already committed $6.5 million in its capital budget to make the courts reality," Galvin said. The funding would go toward building a joint General District Court on the site of the former Levy Opera house. Both localities jointly acquired the property in April 2005. Galvin said the city has also committed $10 million in its capital budget to build a new parking garage to serve the courts. In November 2016, Council agreed to spend $2.85 million on a lot at 9th Street and Market Street for this purpose. The same transaction for the Levy Opera House site also included the surface parking lot next door. "It is not typical you will see a parking garage associated with a social justice issue, but in this case it really is," Galvin said. "We're committing 100 spaces -- and the county doesn't have to pay for it -- to build that parking garage to enable their project to occur." Palmer said parking is critical for the county's ultimate decision. "We feel we have to have some ownership over how that is used," Palmer said, adding that Albemarle officials want to ensure disabled have access to the courts. The two other panelists focused on how a courts move would affect low-income individuals. "We have met no one in the city or the county who is poor who thinks moving the courts is a good idea," Bauer said, adding having the two jurisdictions' facilities in the same place reduces the burden for those who are in court. "I think any lawyer that practices regularly in the General District courts in either the city and the county has sat through a docket in which somebody arrives five minutes late saying they went to the wrong court. The difference between 606 East Market Street where the city's general district court and 501 East Jefferson Street where the county court is is about two minutes." Bauer said if the courts were not close together, many people would be late and would be penalized as a result. Pustilnik said she was glad the city and county have previously decided to co-locate their Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts in the same building. "Our court system in Virginia is designed in districts and in circuits and not in city and county," Pustilnik said. "Our judges are named to a district or to a circuit so they can serve in either a city or county court." Pustilnik said separating the courts would harm her clients by forcing her to be spread geographically across the two jurisdictions. *** Albemarle County has been operating under the assumption that a referendum is not required to move its Circuit Court. That's based on legislation that passed the General Assembly in 2017 that added this provision to state code: "In the case of the removal of a county courthouse that is not located in a city or town, and that is not being relocated to a city or town, such removal shall not require a petition or approval by the voters." A bill from Delegate Rob Bell (R-Charlottesville) would update state law to add this language immediately after the above section. "However, this subsection shall not apply to the removal or relocation of any county courthouse, whether located on county or city property, that is entirely surrounded by a city, and any such courthouse shall be removed or relocated only in accordance with the provisions of [other] subsections," reads Bell's bill. HB1546 passed the House with a 100-0 vote on Feb. 13. The item is now before the Senate Committee on Local Government.  TIMELINE FOR PODCAST: 01:00 - Introduction from Bekah Saxon 02:30 - Remarks from Supervisor Liz Palmer  10:00 - Remarks from Councilor Kathy Galvin 22:00 - Remarks from Mary Bauer 22:45 - Question from the crowd from Bruce Williamson of the Charlottesville Area Bar Association 25:30 - Bauer resumes her remarks 32:00 - Remarks from Palma Pustilnik 38:00 - Question and answer period Download

How does government currently work in Charlottesville? That was the general question posted to panelists Sunday at a forum cosponsored by Charlottesville Tomorrow and the League of Women Voters. "People tend to look at local government to solve all community problems even though their powers are limited," said Bitsy Waters, a former Charlottesville mayor. "It's the job of [city] Councils to listen and figure out what they can and can't do.” The event held at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s Central Branch was the first of a series designed to educate newcomers to local politics on what’s come before and what could change. "In the aftermath of the events in Charlottesville this past August, many citizens have asked us to hold educational programs that would inform citizens about how the local city government is structured today and how it might be structured in the future," said Kerin Yates, president of the League of Women Voters. Richard Schragger, a professor of law at the University of Virginia, is the author of City Power: Urban Governance in a Global Age. He said citizens should understand both how local governments fit into our country's federal system as well as how localities are structured in Virginia. "Often the folks that are exercising power are not in fact the elected officials of the city but are actually officials either in the state government or the federal government," Schragger said. "Cities all across the country are considered to be creatures of the state as a matter of federal Constitutional law." Schragger said most localities across the country have a council-manager form of government such as Charlottesville. In this set-up, elected officials serve as a legislature that acts as an executive and sometimes makes quasi-judicial decisions such as those related to land use. "We do not have a singular executive that exercises power," Schragger said. "The mayor is elected among the folks on the Council and that person speaks for the Council to the extent the Council wants them to do." Since 2010, City Manager Maurice Jones has made decisions that in other U.S. localities would be the realm of an elected mayor. In Virginia, only Richmond citizens have what is known as a "strong" mayor. "The city manager doesn't have political authority, but managerial authority," Schragger said. "It's a little bit confusing about who is supposed to do what in these kinds of systems." Charles Barbour served as the first African-American mayor from 1974 to 1976. He was clear who had the power when he was an elected official. "The buck stopped with the Council even though the city manager ran the city," Barbour said, who was served on Council from 1970 to 1978. At the time, Barbour said Charlottesville was still coming out of state-sanctioned segregation and there was an opportunity for many changes. When Barbour joined Council in 1970, there was only one African-American on the school board, which was an appointed body at the time. He nominated a second person of color. "That created a big stir because traditionally there was just one African-American on the school board," Barbour said. "If you look around today you have many things that have changed." Barbour said African-Americans in the mid-20th century and before could only live in the heart of the city. "Yet anyone could build a service station or garage next to African-American housing because that was the rule," Barbour said. "We changed those rules. We rezoned so that could never happen again." Bitsy Waters was first elected to Council in 1988 and was made Mayor during her first term, just as has happened with current Mayor Nikuyah Walker, "It was a steep learning curve," Waters said. "Lots of things have changed since then but our form of government is basically the same." Waters explained that Councilors are elected in staggered terms to provide change as well as continuity. Each member represents the entire city rather than an individual ward. She said Virginia is unique in that cities and counties are separate from each other. That leads to duplication of services. "We have the constraint of state and federal governments that have substantially reduced their financial support for schools, affordable housing and other services," Waters said. "City government does not have the financial resources to make up for all of those deficits." Waters said the effects of those constraints can be seen in current events. Council cannot remove Confederate statues in municipal parks without permission from the General Assembly. A House bill to allow cities to relocate them to a museum failed to make it out of a committee late last month. Tom Walls, executive director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, was also a panelist. The next event in the series will be held on Feb. 25 at the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center beginning at 2:00 p.m. The topic will be "How might Charlottesville be governed differently in the future?"   TIMELINE FOR PODCAST 0:01:00 - Introduction from Kerin Yates, president of the  League Women of Votes 0:03:00 - Comments from Brian Wheeler of Charlottesville 0:04:00 - Comments from Andrea Douglas of the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center 0:07:15 - Opening comments from Richard Schragger, a professor of law at the University of Virginia 0:21:15 - Opening comments from Charles Barbour, the first African-American mayor who served from 1974 to 1976 0:26:00 - Opening coments from Bitsy Waters, mayor from 1988 to 1990 0:38:10 - Opening comments from Tom Walls of the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center 0:45:30 – Question and answer period begins   Download

Imagine there was a paved trail for walking and biking between downtown Charlottesville and Monticello, or a trail from Crozet to the University of Virginia. Would people use them? What benefits might they provide? Who would oppose them? Whose property would they be built on? Local planners and environmental organizations are initiating a conversation to take years of greenway and trail ideas from plans to reality. “We have done a lot of planning in this community … and none of them are necessarily bad, but they are not all well integrated, and they don’t identify the low-hanging fruit,” said Rex Linville, of the Piedmont Environmental Council. “They are also not plans that are steeped in community support.” Using a $180,000 grant from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the PEC and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission are convening community members in an approach they believe will yield results. At an event Wednesday at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, attended by about 125 people, the PEC brought two greenway experts to Charlottesville to share some best practices. Chuck Flink, president of Durham, North Carolina-based Greenways Inc., has authored a book on the subject and is a leading designer of greenway systems, having worked in more than 250 communities around the country. “Greenways have greatly added life in the economies of many communities across America, and I submit that they really have become America’s new Main Street,” said Flink. “It’s where we go, when we slow down long enough, that we are not in automobiles and we are actually seeing people, greeting each other and exchanging pleasantries.” Flink made the case that greenways have numerous benefits, including in the environment, education, mobility, social needs and the economy. He said the locations being discussed for greenway connections in Charlottesville, such as downtown to Monticello, cover distances that are very feasible for these projects. As an example of good public engagement, Flink described in detail the 25-mile urban Wolf River Greenway, a project he is currently working on in Memphis, Tennessee. The $50 million project is a public-private partnership, with half the funding coming from private sources. “This has been a project that’s been on the books for over 30 years but they couldn’t really move it off dead center,” Flink said. *** When he asked city officials in 2014 about the public engagement process to date, he discovered a major challenge. “They said, ‘We haven’t done any public engagement. We don’t want to do any public engagement. We don’t want to know what our residents think about this greenway because we think it’s going to be very controversial,’” Flink said. “I said, ‘Well, we are going to do public engagement.’ We spent nine months and spent a lot of money and a lot of time going out doing a whole series of meetings.” Beyond traditional planning charrettes, Flink specifically sought to engage residents in their neighborhoods and at their community events. In his work around the country, he sees similar challenges. “You are going to face a lot of opposition,” said Flink. “You are going to face people who don’t understand why you are doing this, why they should be involved, why their land has to be committed to this. But at the end of the day, the experience that we have all across America is that these are very, very positive facilities and resources.” Linville said he thinks a similar approach to community engagement will be important in Charlottesville, as greenways here would cross diverse neighborhoods with different needs, interests and concerns. “If we are moving forward to implementation of a greenway system, of a bike and pedestrian network, it needs to be something where the people have buy-in and that they have given input so that system is something that’s really going to benefit them and take them from where they are to where they want to go,” said Linville. “Also, if they are not engaged on the front end, they are not going to feel welcome on the back end.” *** Max Hepp-Buchanan, director of Bike Walk RVA, a project of nonprofit sports backers, brought a perspective from the Richmond area, where the trail-building expert said he had to transition to “straight-up advocate” for Chesterfield County’s Bikeways and Trails Plan. Hepp-Buchanan said the project to merge competing plans for bikeways and trails, which was ultimately approved in November 2015, involved significant public engagement and outreach, and, in the process, opened up a hornet’s nest of opposition from other activists. “It was a hot topic, people got really interested, and so did the opposition,” said Hepp-Buchanan. “Behind the scenes, they were getting organized and they were starting to make the calls and [to send] the emails that gave our elected officials pause.” Hepp-Buchanan said they learned it matters a lot who is in the room for the planning discussions. “You need to bring people to the table who aren’t your traditional messengers,” he said. “They need to talk to the elected officials, as well, and you need to paint a bigger picture.” Bike Walk RVA orchestrated a grassroots campaign to engage residents in lower-income neighborhoods to document their stories of how a greenway could help their mobility so that it wasn’t just the “old white men in Lycra” speaking on behalf of bicyclists at the public hearings. In Charlottesville, Linville said he thinks the time his team will spend over the next 18 months will identify key greenway priorities for local government to implement with the community’s support. “Part of what we are trying to achieve is to identify what we have community support for and then to try to prioritize those projects based upon that,” he said. “The ones that have the greatest support are the ones most likely to be successful.” The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation and the Piedmont Environmental Council will host their next community event on greenways from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Live Arts. More information is available at pecva.org/cvillegreenways. Download

Republican John Lowry is a candidate for the Samuel Miller District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors.  Three of the six seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include: Liz Palmer (D).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: John Lowry has lived in Albemarle County for more than 40 years. He met and married the former Nancy Feil at the College of William & Mary. His 35 year career of managing investment securities included branch management, registered advisor status, teaching and sharing his industry connections with others. Besides his family and professional duties he volunteered for many community groups. As Chair or President of these groups he gained experience in team management and patient, orderly meetings. His local government knowledge is extensive. With this track record he feels prepared for election. Education: BA 1969 College of William and Mary Current Occupation: Currently retired .  Previous political experience: Chair of Joint Airport Board, Chair of Economic Development Authority and Chair of Board of Equalization as well as an Election official (assistant Chief). Age on Election Day: 70 Neighborhood: Resident of North Garden, Red Hill School Road Hometown: Grew up in Williamsburg, VA Family: Besides my wife, a Charlottesville native, we have three children and six grandchildren. My two sons are Drs. – one a physician and one a college professor (PhD). My daughter is smartest of all– a Chapel Hill NC graduate. Interests: I am a runner, boater, singer, bagpiper, golfer and I do what is requested of me around home. Phone number : 434 296 4695 Email: johnlowry@lowryforalbemarle.com Website: LowryforAlbemarle.com Download

Democrat Liz Palmer is a candidate for the Samuel Miller District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Three of the six seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include: John Lowry (R). Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.     Bio: Dr. Palmer is a veterinarian, small business owner and mother who has been deeply involved in local civic and environmental issues for 20 years. She has represented the Samuel Miller District on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors since 2014. She also currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority, the Albemarle County Broadband Authority, and the Charlottesville Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization. She lives in Ivy with her husband, Herb Stewart, and their dog Alice. Her children, now grown, all attended Albemarle County Public Schools. Education: Va Tech: BS and Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine: DVM Occupation: Veterinarian self-employed mobile veterinary practice Previous political experience: Board of Supervisors 2014 to present, Albemarle County Service Authority 2006 through 2013 Age on Election Day: 62 Neighborhood or area of residence: Ivy Hometown: Grew up primarily in Virginia and Delaware Family: Herb Stewart husband. Children Clay, Ben, Matt, Bailey all went to Albemarle County schools. They are now grown and doing well. Other interests and experiences: Spending time with family, hiking, camping and studying macroeconomics, herpetology, and most science related topics. Website: lizpalmerforsuperivsor.vote Email: lizpalmerforsupervisor@gmail.com Telephone: 434-964-7876 Download

Democrat Ned Gallaway is a candidate for the Rio District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Three of the six seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Gallaway is running unopposed.   Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.   Bio: My interest in serving on the Board of Supervisors is about Moving Albemarle Forward. My vision of moving forward includes a focus on three top priorities: public education, public safety, and smart, sustainable economic development. The residents of Albemarle rightly have strong expectations to sustain a high quality of life and I’m running to ensure that it’s protected and enhanced in the coming years. Education: BFA Ohio University, 1996 EDD The Curry School, UVA 2014 Occupation: General Sales Manager, Mercedes Benz of Charlottesville Previous political experience: At Large Member Albemarle Co School Bd, 2011-15; Chair, 2014-2015 Albemarle County School Long Range Planning Advisory Committee, Rio District Member, 2011 Albemarle County Parent Council, Agnor Hurt Rep, 2010-2011 Age on Election Day: 43 Neighborhood or area of residence: Dunlora Hometown: Wheeling, WV Family: Wife - Julie; Daughters - Kaitlyn (16); Maggie (11); AJ (8) Other interests and experiences: Reading, kayaking, spending time w family, watching my kids play sports (soccer, field hockey, baseball), attending UVA Women's Soccer games  Website: www.nedgallaway.com Email: gallawayforsupervisor@gmail.com Download

Democrat Diantha McKeel is a candidate for the Jack Jouett District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Three of the six seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. McKeel is an incumbent running unopposed. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.  Bio: A resident of the Jack Jouett District for 41 years, I was elected four times to the Albemarle County School Board and now serve as the Chair of the Board of Supervisors. My highest priority is to continue to lift the quality of life for our residents through regional and community partnerships and innovative programming that achieve responsible economic growth and a more diverse tax base; meet current transportation and housing needs; preserve rural areas and deliver high-quality public safety and education services. My highest responsibility is ensuring that government will achieve these goals by being inclusive, fair, non-partisan and cost-effective. Education: B.A. Bridgewater College (Sociology/elementary teaching certification); Licensed Practical Nurse (UVA); Certified Research Professional (ACRP) Occupation: Retired, UVA Cardiology Clinical Research Coordinator Previous political experience: Elected to 4 terms, Albemarle County School Board; elected to Albemarle County Board of Supervisors 2013, currently serving as Chair Age on Election Day: 67 Neighborhood or area of residence: Canterbury Hills Neighborhood, Jack Jouett Magisterial District Hometown: Staunton, VA Family: two adult children: daughter, Megan Armstrong and family live in Albemarle County; son, Thomas McKeel lives in Georgia; and Brody “Mostly” Beagle Other interests and experiences: traveling; reading; walking Brody; Adopt-A-Highway Committee Chair; John E. Baker Legacy Dinner Committee, supporting The African American Teaching Fellows (AATF); Gang Reduction through Active Community Engagement Committee (GRACE); Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) board member; Daughters of the American Revolution, Jack Jouett Chapter; The Greencroft Club Board; former Mental Health Association Board and Charlottesville Municipal Band Fundraising Committee Website: votefordiantha.com Email: diantha.mckeel@gmail.com Telephone: 434-296-4931   Download

Katrina Callsen is a candidate for the Rio seat on the Albemarle County School Board.Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include Mary McIntyre. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: Katrina Callsen is a parent and former teacher who knows the importance of public education. Both of her parents dropped out of high school and they instilled in her the value of hard work, service, and a quality education in order to create a better future. That mindset pushed her to graduate from Yale, serve with Teach for America, and graduate from UVA Law with a focus on child advocacy. She is ready to give back to her community by working tirelessly to ensure that all children have a chance to succeed in both school and life. Education:  Yale University, B.A. Political Science; UVA Law, J.D Current Occupation: Currently a stay-at-home mom; formerly a middle school math teacher. Previous political experience: None Age on Election Day: 31 Neighborhood: Rio/Dunlora Hometown: I was born and raised on military bases around the world. My parents and extended family are all from VA (Scottsville, Fredericksburg, Staunton). Family: I have a fantastic husband who is a dedicated entrepreneur (RhoAI, MC10), two curious sons who are fascinated by volcanoes, and a dog who can sneeze on command. Interests: I was a CASA volunteer, ardent intramural participant, and nighttime cross-stitcher ​​before having children. Now I encourage my sons to be active and thoughtful with Kids Give Back and I find myself attending just about every family friendly community event around, including Carver Rec events, Northside library classes, truck touches, Fun Runs at Pen Park, and all the other amazing things we offer children in our community. Phone number : 860-753-1335 Email: KatrinaCallsen4schoolboard@gmail.com Website: www.KatrinaCallsen.com Download

Mary McIntyre is a candidate for the Rio seat on the Albemarle County School Board.Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include Katrina Callsen.  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.   Bio: Mary grew up in North Carolina and is the daughter of two retired teachers. Her first love, music, led her to attend the Governor’s School of N.C. for violin. During her first teaching job she met and married her husband, and they began traveling the world as a military family. While working and raising their family, Mary earned two master’s degrees in education. The perspective and experience Mary gained teaching in five different school systems, including Albemarle County, has given her a strong understanding of educational policy and further solidified her commitment to public education and community service. Education:  Bachelor’s of Music Education- 2001. University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Master’s of Music Education- 2007. University of Michigan. Master’s of Education in Curriculum Studies for Literacy Specialists-2017. University of Hawaii. Current Occupation: I am a teacher but am not currently employed. Last employer was Albemarle County Public Schools. Previous political experience: No previous political experience. Age on Election Day: 38 Neighborhood: Woodbrook Neighborhood Hometown: Greensboro, NC. Family: Married; one daughter and one son Interests: My husband, Marshall, is an intelligence analyst and an Air Force veteran. Our daughter is in 5th grade, and our son is in 2nd grade. Both attend Woodbrook Elementary School. Phone number : 434-260-0397 Email: mary4albemarleschools@gmail.com Website: www.mary4albemarleschools.com Download

Graham Paige is a candidate for the Samuel Miller seat on the Albemarle County School Board. Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include Julian Waters. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: I am the adult Sunday School teacher, a trustee and organist at New Green Mountain Baptist Church in Esmont.  I am active in fraternal and civic organizations including the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia and Sons of Esmont Lodge, GUOOF.  I serve on the board of the Scottsville Museum and Southern Albemarle Family Practice.  I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University and Master of Education from the University of Virginia and taught for 30 years (including 25 at WAHS and Jack Jouett Middle in Albemarle County).  I also served on the Long Range Planning Committee as the Superintendent’s Equity and Diversity appointee. Education:  I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University and Master of Education from the University of Virginia.  Current Occupation:  I am retired after teaching in public schools for 30 years (25 years in Albemarle County at Jack Jouett Middle and WAHS)). Previous political experience: I have served as the Samuel Miller Representative on the Albemarle County School Board for the past two years after winning a special election following the resignation of Eric Strucko from the Board. Before winning the special election, I served for three years on the Long Range Planning Committee as the Superintendent’s Equity and Diversity appointee. Age on Election Day: 71 Neighborhood: Esmont Hometown: I was born on March 20, 1946 in Charlottesville, VA and grew up in Esmont. Interests: I enjoy reading, playing Scrabble on IPad and attending the Esmont Senior Citizens Center. I am active in New Green Mountain Baptist Church as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and organist. I also am a member of several fraternal and civic organizations including the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia, Sons of Esmont Lodge- GUOOF, Esmont School Alumni Association, Albemarle County Democratic Party and the Scottsville Museum Board. Phone number : 434-286-3639 Email: gtpaige@aol.com Website: paigeforschoolboard.weebly.com and Paige for School Board on Facebook Download

Julian Waters is a candidate for the Samuel Miller seat on the Albemarle County School Board. Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include Graham Paige.  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues. Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: Julian Waters is an Albemarle County native who recently graduated from Western Albemarle High School after 13 years in the public school system. Julian is an avid drone and model aviation hobbyist, a passion which he shares with his father and friends. For the past two years he has led a drone-centered STEM course for students at Henley Middle School. He is currently on a one-year deferment from ODU while he runs for the School Board and will explore local education options should he win the election. Education: Advanced Diploma, Western Albemarle High School Current Occupation: Part-time deli worker, Bellair Market. Previous political experience: None Age on Election Day: 18 Neighborhood: Owensville Hometown: Ivy Interests: I love spending time with friends and family and enjoy spending time outdoors. I have a secret ambition to one day become an actor and I'm also a certified SCUBA diver. Phone number : 434-466-7811 Email: juliandwaters@gmail.com   Website: www.juliandwaters.com Download

Kate Acuff is a candidate for the Jack Jouett District seat on the Albemarle County School Board. Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Acuff is an incumbent running unopposed. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.  Bio: A short bio of no more than 100 words (keep in mind it will appear in the voter guide right above the other biographical facts below):  I have practiced law, taught at Emory University's School of Public Health, consulted on mental health issues with The Carter Center, and worked in both government and with non-profits.  I have a strong commitment to public services, particularly in public health and education.  As the daughter of middle school teachers, each of whom spent nearly 40 years in public education, I respect the dedication necessary to educate our students.  That understanding coupled with my background in science, law, and public policy has been invaluable for my work on the Albemarle County School Board. Education:  BS, Microbiology, University of Tulsa; MS, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado; JD, Georgetown University Law Center; MPH, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health; PhD, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Current Occupation: Self; Health Policy Consultant Previous political experience: Currently the Jack Jouett District representative on the Albemarle County School Board Age on Election Day: 66 Neighborhood: South Ivy, VA Hometown: Iowa Family: Married; one daughter; two granddaughters Interests: I have worked in the public, private and nonprofit arenas and have a strong background in public policy. I am currently Board President of the nonprofit, Partner for Mental Health, and Board Chair of the University of Virginia Physicians Group. Phone number : (434) 979-6333 Email: 2210 Camargo Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Website: none Download

Independent John Hall is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include Heather Hill (D), Kenneth Jackson (I), Amy Laufer (D), Paul Long (I), and Nikyuah Walker (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: I was born in Winchester Virginia on June 13, 1951. The first 4 years of my life was spent in Front Royal Virginia. Our family moved to Fairfax County Virginia in 1955. I graduated from Oakton High School in Vienna Virginia. While there, I was a member of the Oakton Club, varsity club (ran track and cross country and graduated a member of the National Honor Society - class of 1970. From there, I went to Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas majoring in premed (Biology and Chemistry) and entered medical school after graduating in 1974 with honors in 1975. Education:  Bachelor of Science with Honors-Texas A&M University Commerce Occupation: Design engineer, Self Employed Previous political experience: Vice President of BBB biology honor society while at Texas A&M University Age on Election Day: 66 Neighborhood or area of residence: Fry’s Spring Hometown: Fairfax Family: Former spouse - Linda Lee Murphy Humphries. Divorced with 4 children: Lauren Marie Lee, Diana Lee Cosgrove, Daniel James Hall, John Lawrence Hall Other interests and experiences: Drawing, draftsman (Autocad experience), Inventing: 6 US Patents, 1 patent pending; 2 US Copyrights (1 copyright pending. Email: john.hall57@gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.hall.18 Telephone: (434) 978-4040 Download

Democrat Heather Hill is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include John Hall (I), Kenneth Jackson (I), Amy Laufer (D), Paul Long (I), and Nikyuah Walker (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues. Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.   Bio: I am a wife, mother, neighborhood leader, systems engineer, and business person. In each of these roles, I must listen carefully and take action based on what I hear. I want to combine this approach with my skills, energy, passion, and commitment to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Since my campaign launched, I have walked every City street, listening to community concerns and priorities. This has inspired and energized me. Our City needs strong and responsible leaders committed to listening, finding answers, and working collaboratively to address community priorities. I am ready to do that. Please join me. Education: B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech; MBA, University of Virginia Darden School of Business Administration Occupation: Independent Consultant, Self Employed Previous political experience: President, North Downtown Residents Association (elected by membership, selected as officer by Board) Belmont Bridge Steering Committee (appointed member) Age on Election Day: 40 Neighborhood or area of residence: North Downtown Hometown: Watertown, NY Family: My husband Jon and I are raising our three children here in Charlottesville. Aubrey (age 7 and 2nd grader at Burnley Moran Elementary), Warren (age 5), and Caroline (age 2). Other interests and experiences: I apply a systems view to complex problems and am action-oriented in solving them. My former employers include IBM and General Mills in capacities of engineering, process development, and brand management. Engaging in our community energizes me. Beyond being a neighborhood leader, I’m active in my children’s schools, served as Marketing Chair for Charlottesville Design House benefiting SHE, and last year on Charlottesville Tomorrow’s board. I have also trained for and completed two half-ironman triathlons. Website: www.HillforCville.com Email: heather@hillforcville.com Telephone: (434) 260-0055 Download

Independent Kenneth Jackson is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include John Hall (I), Heather Hill (D), Amy Laufer (D), Paul Long (I), and Nikyuah Walker (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: Kenny Jackson is a 50-year- old native of Charlottesville, Virginia who would be honored to serve on Charlottesville City Council. Kenny firmly believes that local government needs to govern for the people, be accessible and answerable to them. The role of government is to promote and foster an environment in which people can flourish and contribute to the well-being of their communities. Education: Kenny attended Burnley Moran and Clark Elementary Schools; Buford Middle School; and graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1986. Kenny studied Business Management at Piedmont Virginia Community College and Criminal Justice at Southside Virginia Community College. He received a Certificate in Political Studies from the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. Occupation: Kenny has 30 years’ experience in business management and has held supervisory roles. Previous political experience: Ran as a Republican for City Council in 2004 Age on Election Day: 50 Neighborhood: Johnson Village Hometown: Charlottesville Family: He is the proud father of a 28-year- old daughter who attended and graduated from the Charlottesville Public School System. Other interests and experiences: Since the age of 18, Kenny has been involved in Community Service Boards and organizations in and around Charlottesville. Telephone: (434) 390-7598 Email: kwj34@embarqmail.com Website: www.kennyjacksoncville.com Download

Democrat Amy Laufer is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include John Hall (I), Heather Hill (D), Kenneth Jackson (I), Paul Long (I), and Nikyuah Walker (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: After the traumatic events of the summer, we need compassionate, inclusive and practical leadership. Many of the extremist groups have gone but we are left here to solve the decades’ issues of racial inequalities, affordable housing, job creation, workforce development and strengthen our partnerships with UVA and the County. I hope to help our community heal and move forward. I am on the School Board and have served as chair and vice chair, I’m proud we have increased graduation rates to over 90%. I’m also proud to have founded Virginia’s List, a group that helps Democratic women get elected in Virginia. Education: BSc. Geology, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; MA Secondary Science Education, Columbia University-Teachers College Occupation: Former Middle School Math and Science Teacher, Currently Member of Charlottesville City School Board Previous political experience: Appointed Citizen Member Commission on Children and Families, Twice elected Charlottesville City School Board former Chair and Vice Chair Age on Election Day: 45 Neighborhood: Greenbrier Hometown: Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin Family: Married to, Aaron Laufer, three children, attend Buford MS, Walker UES and Greenbrier ES and have a dog. Other interests and experiences: Fun Facts: Returned Peace Corps and Americorps Volunteer. Worked in a fish cannery in Alaska for three summers to pay for college and met my husband in the Peace Corps. I am an avid Zumba attendee, I like to read, listen to podcasts and travel. Telephone: (434) 825-6806 Email: lauferforcouncil@gmail.com Website: www.amylaufer.com Download

Independent Paul Long is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include John Hall (I), Heather Hill (D), Kenneth Jackson (I), Amy Laufer (D), and Nikyuah Walker (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: I was born and raised in Philadelphia and historic Tinicum Township. One of my earliest memories was my father allowing me to watch with him the 1960 Democratic Convention which nominated John Kennedy for president and Lyndon B. Johnson for Vice President. Two of my political heroes are Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson. Roosevelt led the United States through the Great Depression. Lyndon Johnson was the greatest civil rights president since Abraham Lincoln. The passage of the civil rights act of 1964, the voting rights act of 1965, his fair housing act, the war on poverty, his established community colleges throughout the country, mark him as the greatest president in my lifetime. Education: Attended Chestnut College, Philadelphia in 1985 and 1986. Received certification as an addiction counselor in 1986 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Occupation: Retired, Worked for 17 years at the University of Virginia Medical Center as a Patient Transporter. Retired in June of 2015. Previous political experience: From October 1986 to October 1997 I served as Tinicum Township’s Official Representative to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). SEPTA is the regional public transit authority for Philadelphia and four suburban counties. From 1987 to 1989, served a three year term on Tinicum Township’s Board of Health. Age on Election Day: 68 Neighborhood: Venable Hometown: Philadelphia Family: Marital status: single. All siblings are deceased. Telephone: (434) 270-5198 Download

Independent Nikuyah Walker is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include John Hall (I), Heather Hill (D), Kenneth Jackson (I), Amy Laufer (D), Paul Long (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: My name is Nikuyah Walker. I’m a native of Charlottesville. I graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1998 and then went on to Virginia Commonwealth University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2004. Education: Virginia Commonwealth University BA- Political Science Occupation: City of Charlottesville - Parks and Recreation - Rec Aide Previous political experience: None Age on Election Day: 37 Neighborhood or area of residence: Belmont Family: I have three children. Other interests and experiences: Music, Theatre and Reading.  Telephone: (434) 882-1805 Email: nwcvillecouncilrun17@gmail.com Website: www.votenikuyahforcouncil.com Download

Lisa Larson-Torres is a candidate for Charlottesville School Board. Three of seven at-large seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Larson-Torres is a newcomer and there are no contested races. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues. Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.  Bio: I have been a Charlottesville City resident since October 1999 and have worked in Charlottesville and our surrounding counties as a home care physical therapist.  I am a single parent and my daughter has attended Burnley-Moran Elementary, Walker Upper Elementary, Buford Middle School and is currently a sophomore at CHS.  I have been a strong and present advocate for my daughter and I have worked hard to forge relationships with school personnel throughout the years on her behalf.   Education: B.S. California State University Long Beach, Physical Therapy Current Occupation: Physical Therapist, Sentara Home Care Services in Charlottesville Previous political experience: Board member on Independent School Age on Election Day: 52 Neighborhood: Locust Grove area Hometown: Born in Anaheim, Ca.  Graduated HS in Inver Grove Hts, Minnesota Family: one daughter, Esther, who attends CHS Interests: I love the outdoors, music and spending time with my daughter.  I volunteered as her soccer coach for many years.  I trained for 10 years at the International Black Belt Center of Virginia.  I love this community and have many wonderful friends.  I volunteer and am involved with International Neighbors and am currently taking part in the Dialogue on Race. Phone number : 434-825-3019 Email: 4Ldtorres@gmail.com Website: www.LisaLarsonTorres.com Download

Leah Puryear is a candidate for the Charlottesville School Board. Three of seven at-large seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Puryear is an incumbent and there are no contested races. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues. Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.  Education:  I attended Hampton Institute, which is currently Hampton University and graduated in 1975, with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Marketing and Management. I received my M.A. degree from the University of the District of Columbia in 1978, with a concentration in Adult Education/Administration and Supervision Occupation: Director of Upward Bound at UVA since 1982 and prior to, I was the Upward Bound Counselor Previous political experience: First elected to the Charlottesville City School Board in 2006 Age on Election Day: 64 Neighborhood: Greenbrier neighborhood Hometown: Hampton Telephone: (434) 964-1275 Download

Juandiego Wade is a candidate for the Charlottesville School Board. Three of seven at-large seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Wade is an incumbent and there are no contested races. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues. Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.    Education: Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning from Norfolk State University Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia  Current Occupation: Career Counselor with Albemarle County Department of Social Services Previous political experience: None Age on Election Day: 51 Neighborhood: Locust Grove Hometown: Richmond, Virginia Family: Married to Claudette Grant for nearly 25 years. We have a 15 years daughter, Gabriella a 10th grader at Charlottesville High School. My mother-in-law has lived with us for the past four years. I grew up in a family with five brothers and sisters (think Brady Brunch). My father was a teacher in Richmond Public Schools for nearly 40 years. Interests: I am a Christian and love my church- Olivet Presbyterian Church. I love to mentor and volunteer. I have mentees through several organizations including Computer 4 kids, 100 Black Men of Central Virginia, Olivet Presbyterian Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. I cherish the City of Charlottesville and all that it stands for. Phone number: 434-293-7432 Email: juanschoolboard@yahoo.com Download

At the final City Council candidate forum for the 2017 general election, the six candidates for two open seats were asked for their views on whether Charlottesville is a place where everyone is able to be successful. “A strong community is one where all sectors are thriving,” said Andi Copeland-Whitsett, the moderator for the event held Wednesday at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. Copeland-Whitsett asked the candidates what their plans are to support and build the African-American and Hispanic middle class in Charlottesville. Independent Kenneth Jackson said the question was loaded and said Councilors cannot take actions to address one racial demographic over others. “If you were to ask me what I would do for poor people, we would put programs like we had before into effect like the Wheels to Work program and job training,” Jackson said. “That helps pick the lower-income people up.” Democrat Heather Hill said the city should invest in child-care programs to help the youngest community members to have a place to go so their parents can work. Investing in education is also important. “I think every three and four-year old in our preschool system should have access to a free education starting at those ages and working up through our public education system,” Hill said. “For our minority communities we need to make sure we are supporting them with mentoring that can happen in the middle-schools and into high school.” Independent Nikuyah Walker said decisions need to be made by more diverse groups and existing policies need to be challenged. “There isn’t a system in Charlottesville that isn’t broken in terms of making sure the needs of black and Hispanic families are met,” Walker said. Walker said the city needs a citizen police advisory board with enforcement powers and there needs to be reform in the Commonwealth’s Attorney office to stop the targeting of African-Americans. Independent Paul Long called for more government programs to address poverty. “The black community needs special attention because it’s been systematically oppressed,” Long said. “But numerically nationwide there are more poor white people than there are black people so trying to uplift people out of poverty should be to lift up everybody.” Long said both the University of Virginia and Charlottesville businesses should be forced to pay employees more. He called upon people to picket outside of fast-food restaurants.  Democrat Amy Laufer, a member of the city school board, said the number of pre-school seats has been increased to 260 seats and city tax dollars have gone to extend that to three-year olds. “This has been a very effective way of helping families to access great services,” Laufer said. “There are organizations like ReadyKids. There are things happening that we should strengthen such as City of Promise.” Laufer said she would like to expand the city’s Growing Opportunities workforce program which she said has trained bus drivers and electricians. Independent John Edward Hall sounded a similar note. “Job training is good no matter what the color of your skin,” Hall said. “Employers need to be considered in the answer. Money from city council subsidies could help employers provide good jobs with a living wage.” Copeland-Whitsett took aim at whether Charlottesville’s central core was truly a place for everyone. “For downtown and midtown to thrive, there must be accessibility to workers and consumers alike,” she said. “What is your plan to guarantee affordable access to all?” Hill said the city needs to do more in this area. “I think both our public transit system is falling short within the city and within the region, and I feel like we don’t have safe paths for people to take alternative forms of transportation whether they want to walk or bike,” Hill said. “I also feel like we have to create an environment that they want to be invited to. There is not diversity in our downtown area that reflects the broader community. We have to unlock and understand why.” Walker agreed there is a lack of diversity on the Downtown Mall and on West Main Street but there shouldn’t be. “You have a community like Friendship Court which is right downtown and within walking distance and you do not see representation of that community being that close to the Downtown Mall area,” Walker said. “It’s also about who is working in those spaces and who is able to create employment options.” Walker said she is concerned redevelopment of Friendship Court by adding market-rate units will change the diversity of the community.  Later in the forum, she said she would try to halt development on West Main Street because it is not benefiting the entire community.    Long said an improved public transit would bring more people downtown to shop but the current stores cater to the rich. “The stores in the Downtown Mall area are boutique stores and if you’re making over $200,000 a year some of those stores may be of interest to you,” Long said. “There needs to be a greater diversity in the types of businesses down there. We need businesses owned by African-Americans.” Laufer agreed that the Downtown Mall is mostly boutique stores but the CVS is always crowded. “I though a great addition was the Market Street Market because that actually has groceries that people need,” Laufer said. “A lot of what is offered [on the Mall] is geared for tourism. There should be a wider variety of businesses.” Hall said the city’s sidewalks and streetlights need to be repaired. Jackson said the city’s “master plan” needs to be updated. “The city’s master plan only has the boutiques and the little upscale shops where most of us don’t even eat and shop in,” Jackson said, adding things were better in the 1970’s before all of the department stores left for shopping centers.  Jackson said Downtown establishments such as the Paramount are too expensive for people who live in Garrett Square, referring to the old name for Friendship Court. Closing statements While there will be campaign events up until Election Day, candidates had one last opportunity to make a closing statement. Laufer said campaigning has not been easy. “It really makes you introspective in ways that you had no idea,” Laufer said. “I campaigned six years ago for the school board and the city really has changed a lot.  I knocked on a lot of the same doors and it is a lot different. We need to be aware of that and come up with policies and budgetary decisions that can help our community as it is changing to be the best it can be.” Long thanked and lauded his fellow candidates, and encouraged more participation from voters. “I’m not going to ask people to vote for me,” Long said. “I’m going to ask people to vote your conscience. I’ve been in this community long enough and you just don’t hear from me when elections come around. I’ve been in this community protesting and having demonstrations year-round.” Walker asked for people to show up on Election Day. “I posted on Facebook the other day ‘let’s have a rebellion at the polls’ and no matter who you vote for, make sure that you’re voting for the future where everyone can thrive in Charlottesville,” Walker said. “I have been doing this work for so long behind the scenes questioning, challenging and no matter who you elect, I’m going to continue to do the work I do.” Hill said transparency is a major part of her campaign. “That could not be more important now as we look at our local government and our national government,” Hill said. “More than ever we need strong leaders who are committed to taking responsibility and seeking the answers all of us are so desperately seeking.” Jackson said he is not a perfect candidate and is a person just like everyone else. “I don’t hold my color up because I know my color does not define me,” Jackson said. “It is who I am inside and the education I get… I am proud of who I am and I want everyone in Charlottesville to be proud of who they are. We are all role models, each and every one of us.” Hall said he has been excited to participate in the forums. “If elected to City Council on Nov. 7, I will help fellow Councilors as a freshman team player,” Hall said. “Because of the events stemming from the plan to remove the Lee and Jackson statues, the good work of the City Council has been delayed by public demonstrations.”    TIMELINE FOR PODCAST: 01:00 – Introduction from moderator Andi Copeland-Whitsett 02:00 - Opening statement from Independent John Edward Hall 03:20 - Opening statement from Independent Kenneth Jackson 05:30 - Opening statement from Democrat Heather Hill 08:00 - Opening statement from Independent Nikuyah Walker 10:20 - Opening statement from Independent Paul Long 12:40 - Opening statement from Democrat Amy Laufer 15:30 - Question #1: There is a perception that a populist agenda has taken hold of Council. Can you address that? 28:00 - Question #2:  What are your plans if you're elected to develop a strong middle-sector particularly among the African-American and Hispanic communities? 41:30 - Question #3: For downtown and midtown to thrive, there must be accessibility to workers and consumers alike. What is your plan to guarantee affordable access to all? 52:30: - Candidates were given another   opportunity to address a previous question May 1:05:10 - Closing statement from Laufer 1:06:15 - Closing statement from Long 1:07:35 - Closing statement from Walker 1:10:00 - Closing statement from Hill 1:12:00 - Closing statement from Jackson 1:14:25 - Closing statement from Hall Download

The five candidates for Albemarle County School Board on the 2017 general election ballot appeared at a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters on Thursday. The event took place at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s Central Branch in downtown Charlottesville.   Three county School Board seats are up for election this year. Graham Paige is running for a second term as the Samuel Miller District representative. Julian Waters, a 2017 graduate of Western Albemarle High School, is challenging Paige.   Katrina Callsen and Mary McIntyre, both newcomers to local politics, are running for the Rio District seat on the School Board. Rio District incumbent Pam Moynihan is not running for reelection.   School Board Chairwoman Kate Acuff is running unopposed for a second term as the Jack Jouett District representative.   Paige taught in Albemarle County schools for over 20 years and has served as a member of the school division’s Long Range Planning Advisory Committee. He was elected to the School Board in 2015 to fill the unexpired term of Eric Strucko.   “I have had a lot of experience in the classroom, and being involved with parents and other people in the community,” Paige said. “I am committed to maintaining the excellence that we enjoy in many areas, while also improving areas in which we recognize problems.”   Waters, 18, has served as a student adviser for several of Albemarle County’s high school redesign initiatives. “It’s important for us to have someone fresh out of the system, who can speak directly to students and teachers,” he said.   Waters said his priorities as a School Board member would be expanding early childhood education and preschool access, reforming and improving transportation, and increasing teacher compensation.    McIntyre holds master’s degrees in music education and literacy instruction. She has taught at schools in Virginia, North Carolina, and Hawaii, and at an American military base in Germany. She worked at Agnor-Hurt Elementary last year as a part-time reading instructor.    “Everybody carries the experiences they’ve collected through their life, and those experiences help guide the decisions that they make,” McIntyre said. “My life has always been centered around education.”   Callsen, a graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law, taught middle school math for two years as a Teach for America corps member. She said her parents, who did not graduate from high school, taught her to value education, hard work, and public service.    “That mindset was what pushed me to attend Yale when I thought college was impossible. And it’s what motivated me to become an educator, and work with children,” Callsen said.    Acuff, a health policy consultant, said Albemarle’s public schools were among the best in Virginia. However, she said more work was needed to ensure greater equity for economically disadvantaged students.   “I am very dedicated to working through possible interventions and opportunities for students, so we can engage every student,” she said.    Questions submitted to the candidates by the PTO Council of Albemarle County focused on overcrowding in schools and school modernization needs.   Paige said Western Albemarle High School in Crozet would soon need additional building space to alleviate overcrowding there. He said redistricting could be necessary as a last resort to evenly distribute Western Feeder Pattern students in the lower grades.   Waters said creative student grouping and instruction could provide immediate, short-term solutions to problems caused by overcrowding.    “Insuring that we have the necessary organization done with students and teachers can help us, in addition to exploring increased capacity in terms of infrastructure,” he said.    Acuff said the county may need to accelerate a planned expansion of Crozet Elementary School to accommodate the community’s growth. She encouraged county residents to attend the Oct. 26 School Board meeting, at which the board will receive recommendations for high school improvements from a consultant.   In 2016, Albemarle County obtained a 61-acre site for a new high school near the intersection of U.S. 29 and Rio Mills Road as a proffer for the Brookhill subdivision. Callsen said she was concerned that building a high school in this location along the new Berkmar Drive extension would “...further divide our students along socioeconomic and racial lines.”   McIntyre said the School Board should consider collaborating with the county government to establish health clinics, food pantries and other community resources on the campuses of new schools.      “Schools as insular, siloed, buildings... are the schools of the past,” said McIntyre. “The schools of the future have more of a community center atmosphere.”   All four of the candidates at Thursday’s forum said they would oppose any state policies that give residents tax credits or vouchers to send their children to private schools. The candidates also were supportive of Virginia’s current restrictions on charter schools. Albemarle County already operates two of the eight public charter schools in Virginia.   Candidates were also asked to share their budgeting philosophy for the school division; their thoughts on frequent changes to curriculum in the county schools; and their opinion of the School Board’s decision to close B. F. Yancey Elementary School.   Election day is Nov. 7.    Download

The six candidates for two seats on the Charlottesville City Council were asked to give their views on governance at a forum held Wednesday by the area branch of the League of Women Voters. “We do take position on issues but never on candidates,” said Marge Cox, the moderator of the event. This was the third time the candidates in the general election race met in an open forum. One previous event was held by Virginia Organizing and the other was sponsored by the Fry’s Spring and Johnson Village neighborhood associations. Democrat Heather Hill said her background as an industrial and systems engineer has helped prepare her for the position. “Transparency and accountability in how our city is managed has always been a top priority of mine and I feel like it could not be more important than now,” Hill said. “Our city needs strong leaders who are committed to taking responsibility, finding the answers we desperately seek and working with our community to solve its most complex issues.” Kenneth Jackson told the audience he is running as an independent because he does not want to be beholden to a party. “To me this is people’s lives and it’s not a game,” Jackson said. “I don’t want to be beholden to business or industry. I want to be beholden to the citizens.” Democrat Amy Laufer, a member of the League of Women Voters, was elected to the school board in 2011. “This summer has been really traumatic and this past couple of months have been full of their own tumult,” Laufer said, adding Councilors need to listen to the concerns of people and come up with solutions. Independent Paul Long has lived in Charlottesville for nearly twenty years and ran in 2009 and withdrew from the race in 2011. “I’m running for City Council because I believe the present City Council is a disgrace to this city and their lack of leadership has further aggravated the problems that we’re facing,” Long said. Independent Nikuyah Walker said her service working as substance-abuse counselor for Region 10 is one of the most important jobs she has performed. It also led to her current desire to run for Council. “The very first time I came to a City Council meeting was in 2011 or 2012 asking the Council at that time to provide oversight for money they had signed off on, grant funding for Region 10 that I didn’t think we were fulfilling,” Walker said. “Since that time I have spent a considerable amount of time at Council meetings, very involved, watching meetings, writing emails.” Independent John Edward Hall said he suffers with bipolar disorder but he is on good medication now. “I will be sure to take what is necessary,” Hall said. “I am sure that as a design engineer with six U.S. patents and two U.S. copyrights as an illustrator, I am best qualified for the office of councilor.” The role of the Dillon rule The first question asked the candidates about an aspect of state government that prevents localities from writing its own laws. “Virginia is not a home-rule state,” Cox said. “It’s a Dillon Rule state. The Virginia courts have concluded because of that that local governments in Virginia have those powers that are specifically conferred upon them by the Virginia General Assembly. They have those powers that are ‘necessarily or fairly implied’ from a specific grant or authority. And they have those powers that are essential to the purposes of government and not simply convenient but indispensable.” Cox did not ask a specific question but candidates ruminated on those definitions. “That means we have very limited authority,” Laufer said. “I know a couple of years ago we talked about reduced sentencing for people who had small amounts of marijuana. We couldn’t do that. I know there are a lot of housing issues we can’t enact because of the Dillon Rule. I don’t know what else I can say. Almost every aspect that we’d want to do something different, the state won’t allow it. We saw that most recently with the [Confederate statues].” Long said it is a disgrace that the Dillon rule is in effect. “According to Jeffersonian democracy, the best government is at the local level and I think the Dillon rule should be repealed and replaced,” Long said, adding the city should have the ability to ban militias from carrying rifles at local rallies. Walker said she has been working to increase the minimum wage in the city and has come up against the Dillon rule on multiple occasions. “Being able to increase that wage, the city has the authority to say they will pay a higher wage within the city government but to mandate it for businesses within the city, that’s something prohibited by the Dillon Rule,” Walker said. Walker went on to say many economic disparities in Charlottesville could be addressed if higher wages could be mandated. Hill said the Dillon Rule affects the ability of the city to require that more affordable housing is built. “We’re constrained and there’s only so much we can ask of developers given what the state has determined,” Hill said. She credited former Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris for helping lobby the General Assembly for permission to receive cash contributions from developers. “With the right kind of focus, we actually can create change and go to the state level and get those rules in place,” Hill said. “But we continue to be very bound by the restriction put in place that are done by-right.” Jackson said the Dillon Rule is not stopping affordable housing from being built. “It’s our own ordinances which for decades the City Council has made so difficult and then they put fees and taxes and stuff on people,” Jackson said. “Who do you think the landlords will pass that on to?” The changing character of Charlottesville Cox’s second question built on the first one. “The character of the city is changing with increasing gentrification, fewer vacant lots, new technology companies and a growing senior population,” she said. “How should the City Council address these changes?” Jackson said he thought Council can take action to fix the tax issues he said come with gentrification. “You buy a house and someone puts a big McMansion that’s $400,000 and suddenly you’re paying almost the same tax they’re paying,” Jackson said. “The city does not have to do that. The city doesn’t have to charge you the same.” Laufer said Charlottesville has changed a lot since she was first elected in 2011. “I’ve really seen the neighborhoods change,” Laufer said. “We can see the schools too have changed and we have increased enrollment. We are a changing community and I don’t think we can just stop. I think we should count ourselves fortunate that we are a place that people want to be.” Laufer said the city needs to do more to help people maintain their own homes. She called for the raising of the maximum income level for seniors to qualify for the city’s tax reduction program. Long said the increases in property tax assessments this year were a disgrace. “They went up outrageously,” he said. “I think City Council should have done something. I can stand to be corrected, but I believe some assessments went up 200 to 300 percent. There’s no way that should have happened.” Walker said the policies that have led to a changing Charlottesville were enacted by decision-makers who were around the table at the time. “The character of the city is changing and that didn’t happen by an act of God,” Walker said. “It happened because people are at the table implementing policies that haven’t been equitable.” Walker said the city needs to limit tax breaks and other incentives for developers. For instance, she said Council should not have approved the extension of an $850,000 loan given to developer Keith Woodard recently for 57 units at Dogwood Housing. Hall said the city should partner with the county and the Jefferson Area Board of Aging to address the community’s senior needs. Hill said the city lacks a vision for growth. “I think too often in Neighborhood Development Services, it’s very transactional and about whatever development is happening at this time,” Hill said. “It’s not really looking forward to where we’re going to be and I think that’s gotten us into the situation we’re in.” Hill said the city does need to partner with the private sector to develop affordable housing. Charlottesville’s form of government The final question from the moderator dealt with the make-up of city government. “Considering the fact that Charlottesville has a city manager form of government, what do you see as the proper relationship between Council, the city manager and his staff, as well as appointed boards and commission, and paid or citizen consultant groups?” Cox asked. Walker said Council frequently overrides recommendations of staff and cited a time when Council overturned a recommendation from Parks and Recreation staff to open Smith Aquatic Center later on Saturdays. “There were some patrons who came in who wanted the center to remain open on Saturday mornings even though staff going through the budgeting process decided it wasn’t producing the revenue to keep the center open,” Walker said. “Without consulting the city manager and his staff there was a decision made immediately because Council did not want citizens to be upset about the closing of it.” After the events in Charlottesville on August 12, Walker said more power needs to be given back to staff to make decisions and set priorities. Hall said he believes that City Manager Maurice Jones has done a good job. “I believe the city manager form of government serves Charlottesville well and will continue to do so,” Hall said. “The city manager is the quarterback of the City Council ‘football team.’” Hill said she agreed with Walker that Council often burdens staff with conflicting directions. “We also have to arm them with the right tools in which to prioritize,” Hill said. “I feel like staff is constantly chasing their tails trying to figure out who they are reporting to and following. The onus does certainly fall on Council to understand its role. Its role is to have accountability on the city manager.” Jackson said power rests with City Council. “The City Council governs and runs with the city and that’s what they’re elected to do,” Jackson said. “The city manager is underneath them and he oversees the day-to-day operations. We should always have a working relationship with the city manager.” Jackson also said Council should listen more to the recommendations and rely less on consultants. Laufer said the school board has a similar relationship with Superintendent Rosa Atkins that Council has with Jones. “The role of the council or the school board is to set a vision,” Laufer said. “They are directly responsible for evaluating and hiring the manager or superintendent. They make budgetary and policy decisions based on the vision that they’re working toward.” However, Laufer said it is hard for school board members or Councilors to avoid getting involved with day-to-day operations, but elected officials must hold themselves back from overly doing so. For that to work, staff must provide information and frequent reports. Long said Jones is “doing an excellent job” but Council has abdicated its responsibility and has allowed Mayor Mike Signer to have too much power. “I believe this city is spending too much money on outside consulting firms coming in and doing studies,” Long said. Election Day is Nov. 7. The last day to register to vote is Monday. TIMELINE FOR PODCAST 00:45 – Introduction from moderator 02:00 – Opening statement from Democrat Heather Hill 04:15 – Opening statement from Independent Kenny Jackson 06:30 – Opening statement from Democrat Amy Laufer 08:40 – Opening statement from Independent Paul Long 10:20 – Opening statement from Independent Nikuyah Walker 12:30 – Opening statement from Independent John Edward Hall 13:40 – Question #1: Candidates are asked to weigh in on the Dillon Rule 22:30 – Question #2: Candidates are asked to weigh in on changing nature of Charlottesville 34:50 – Question #3: Candidates are asked to describe their views on the appropriate relationship between city council, city manager and appointed boards and commissions 46:30 – Summary statement from John Edward Hall 48:45 – Summary statement from Heather Hill 51:00 – Summary statement from Kenneth Jackson 53:00 – Summary statement from Amy Laufer 55:15 – Summary statement from Paul Long 57:25 – Summary statement from Nikuyah Walker 59:50 – Audience question #1: Do you support the approach of Solidarity Charlottesville to disrupt city government meetings? Why or why not? 1:09:30 - Audience question #2: As a city councilor, describe your own approach to working with city staff and appointed boards. 01:20:30 – Audience question #3: With political climate so volatile what concrete steps will you take to bring unity to Charlottesville? 01:30:40 – Audience question #4: When the collective wisdom of city council fails to answer a question, would you be willing to refer the matter to the voters in a referendum?         Download

The six candidates in the three contested races for local office in Albemarle County appeared at the Senior Center on Wednesday at a campaign forum sponsored by the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. “We’re bringing the election down to the local level where it is significant and important for all of us to know what’s going on and to know the people who are in office locally,” said John McCauley, president of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. This is the third time Board of Supervisors hopeful John Lowry, a Republican, and incumbent Democrat Liz Palmer have faced off at a campaign forum this election cycle. “I was chair of the airport board when the new airport was being built and was chair of the economic development authority for 12 years,” Lowry said. “I am running for office because I believe I can better represent the constituents’ interests in the Samuel Miller District.” Palmer was first elected in 2013, when she defeated incumbent Republican Duane Snow. “I’m having such a good time and feel we’ve done a good job and I want to continue,” Palmer said. “When I moved here I was struck by the condition of our water infrastructure, which is where our built environment meets the natural environment.” The county’s Comprehensive Plan designates 5 percent of Albemarle’s 726 square miles as the growth area. Candidates were asked if that should be expanded to spur economic development. Lowry said the county first needs to fully staff its economic development department following the resignation of its first ever director late last year. “We don’t have an economic development director,” Lowry said. “I think we should have an economic development real estate manager.” Palmer said there are plenty of economic development opportunities in the rural areas and so there is no need to expand the growth area. “What we’re trying to do is leave the rural areas for rural purposes,” Palmer said. “We have wineries and breweries. We have farms that are successful. We are looking now at a project that will process hops from different farms. We have cattle operations. We have all sorts of things in the rural areas.” Candidates also were asked if they would seek to change the revenue-sharing agreement wherein the county pays the city of Charlottesville a portion of its tax revenues to prevent annexation. The agreement was signed in 1982 and is still in effect despite a moratorium on annexation that remains in place. Palmer said she would ask the city to begin using the money to pay for infrastructure to address issues at the city-county borders. “There are a lot of congestion problems in the periphery,” she said. Lowry said the agreement is a contract that was very poorly written. “I wish it had been written in with a sunset agreement,” Lowry said. “The only way to break the contract would result in lawsuits.” Lowry said he would first pursue relief at the General Assembly. School board races After about 45 minutes, the event shifted over to the two contested School Board races. Katrina Callsen and Mary McIntyre met for the first time in a campaign forum in their race to succeed Pam Moynihan for the Rio District’s School Board seat. “Three important things to know about me is that I care about children, I care about my community and I care about education,” said Callsen, a graduate of Yale University who once served with Teach for America. “Education is one of the best chances we have to deal with systemic inequities,” she said. “Now is the time to put someone on the board who has a proven track record working with children.” McIntyre moved with her family to Albemarle County in 2016. “I’m a teacher and a mom and not a politician, so all of this is new to me,” she said. “I haven’t had a traditional education career but I’ve taught in four other school systems.” McIntyre said that in her travels she has found universal truths about public education. “Every child wants to learn but across the country we are struggling to meet the needs of all students,” she said. “We need to address social and economic justices in our community. Until we do that, we are going to continue to have an achievement gap.” Graham Paige, the incumbent School Board member for the Samuel Miller District, answered questions alongside challenger Julian Waters, a 2017 graduate of Western Albemarle High School. Paige pointed to two particular accomplishments since he was first elected to fill the seat vacated by Eric Strucko. “One is the accomplishment of the first phase of renovations at Red Hill Elementary School,” Paige said. “The second is the expansion of foreign language classes in our schools.” However, he said there is a need to continue making improvements, especially to close the achievement gap. Waters, who was born in 1999, said he has lived in the county his entire life. “If there’s one thing I have noticed in our schools it is that change is constant,” Waters said. “As we continue to move forward, it is critical for us to have a perspective on the School Board that has recent experience in the classroom.” Waters said he wants to expand pre-school education to prepare more students for learning and to make sure all students have transportation access to the county’s academies. Other questions probed the candidates’ positions on teacher salaries, multiage classrooms, redistricting and the appropriate level of homework. All candidates for school boards in Virginia run as independents. Supervisor Diantha McKeel, running as a Democrat, was in attendance at the forum but was not invited to participate because she is unopposed in her race for a second term to represent the Jack Jouett District. Democrat Ned Gallaway also was not invited to participate because he is unopposed in his race to succeed Brad Sheffield, a Democrat who did not seek re-election, in the Rio District. Kate Acuff, the Jack Jouett representative to the School Board, also is running unopposed. School Board candidates will meet again at a forum held by the League of Women Voters of the Charlottesville Area at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the main branch of the Jefferson Madison Regional Library. Supervisor candidates will meet again at a league forum at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in Lane Auditorium at the Albemarle County Office Building. TIMELINE FOR PODCAST: 00:45 - Introduction from moderator Terry Cooper 01:50 - Opening statement from Republican challenger John Lowry 04:15 - Opening statement from Democratic incumbent Liz Palmer 07:00 - Question #1: The county's Comprehensive Plan limits its growth area, the area in which economic development may occur. Do you favor or oppose keeping the five percent limit? Would you be willing to swap land within the growth area that is not suited for development because of topographical reasons for other land that is suited for economic development? 12:00 - Question #2: Can light manufacturing bring in revenue that exceeds the cost of county services for it and its employees? If so, what conditions would have to be obtained for that to happen? 15:40 - Question #3: Question about conservation easements 19:10 - Question #4: Question about revenue-sharing 23:30 - Question #5: Question about addressing traffic issues in growth areas 26:30 - Question #6: Question about releasing answers to Together C'ville survey 29:00 - Closing statement from John Lowry 31:20 - Closing statement from Liz Palmer 34:10 - Introduction for School Board candidate forum 36:50 - Opening statement from Katrina Callsen 39:20 - Opening statement from Mary McIntyre 42:00 - Opening statement from Graham Paige 44:50 - Opening statement from Julian Waters 47:10 - Question #1: Teacher compensation 53:10 - Question #2: Multi-age classrooms 58:20 - Question #3: Redistricting 1:05:05: Question #4: Follow-up on redistricting 1:10:45: Question #5: What is your view on how much homework is appropriate? 1:16:40: Question #6: Budgetary question 1:21:45: Question #7: What are your views on charter schools? 1:27:00: Closing statement from Julian Waters 1:28:10: Closing statement from Graham Paige 1:30:15: Closing statement from Mary McIntyre 1:32:00: Closing statement from Katrina Callsen   Download