Pragmatic Leaders
To the Editor: Over the past nine years, Alexandria has grown to a population of over 144,000 while maintaining a historically low crime rate, a AAA bond rating, and the second-lowest property tax rate among major jurisdictions in Northern Virginia.
Representative Candidate
To the Editor: According to 2010 Census Profiles, 52 percent of Alexandria’s population is female and collectively, minorities represent 38 percent (Blacks 22 percent and Hispanics 16 percent). Everyone should be represented at the seat of government. We are women — young and old, Republican and Democrat, married and single, black and white. And we want genuine representation on the City Council just like everyone else. Alicia Hughes, in one person, represents all of us and we want her back on City Council. She is a black woman who happens to be Republican too. We need a balance of perspectives on council that no one party alone can provide. Most importantly, her stellar record of service, open-mindedness and intellect has earned our support.
Pedestrian, Bicycist Safety
To the Editor: I am writing because I am concerned about safety. While I am delighted that Alexandria has a strong economy and that our leaders are responding with increased road-capacity in the form of transit lanes, I am concerned that too little attention is being paid to people who are out on our streets and sidewalks, walking and bicycling. After all, most people access transit by walking and, according to Metro, more bicycles park at the Braddock Road Station than at any other in the system.
Analytical Skills Needed
“If not now, when?” — A 40 year Alexandria citizen and life-long Democrat, I must abandon one claim (only within this city) to preserve the other. Clinging to the claim of “citizen”, I cannot vote for any of the BRAC Five, all Democrats (Euille, Pepper, Wilson, Lovain, Smedberg). I find their positions on development destructive to the essential character of our city — putting at risk our heritage and keys to our future economic prosperity. At one debate I heard four of them attribute their BRAC position in part to being misled by city staff’s presentations. Tantamount to an admittance of poor analytical skills and/or their ability to assert true leadership, their “excuse” is unacceptable. Might these flaws explain their advocacy for shortsighted and damaging positions on development from the waterfront to the west end?
Important Balance
To the Editor: As I head to the polls on Nov. 6, there is one candidate who will surely get my vote, and I encourage other Alexandrians to do the same. First term Councilman Frank Fannon has been a true asset to the City Council over the past three years. Fannon is a lifelong Alexandrian who has worked and been involved in civic life for over 20 years. He brings an important balance that is needed in local government. He is a straight shooter, sticks to the point and is realistic about the issues facing Alexandria.
Moving Forward Together
To the Editor: I thank the Gazette-Packet for publishing my opinion columns as I’ve written on what affects our lives through my lens as a member of the Alexandria City Council, Virginia Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring and Liaison the Virginia Task Force on Local Mandates Review. My public service to you remains a privilege. I run again for council and have served purposed on “Keeping People First to Perfect One Alexandria.” I have been pleased to successfully: (1) lead the charge to keep the tax rate flat; (2) provide hot meals to seniors on Sundays through Meals on Wheels, starting Nov. 4; (3) have Old Town Farmer’s Market hours extended; (4) secure funding to reduce the pre-K backlog; and (5) preserve the integrity of neighborhoods while honoring our history, including having secured funding that led to the revelation of graves of Black soldiers in Fort Ward Park. I am also proud to be credited with leading the discussion that brought about a year-long study on how we use consultants and can curtail spending on them in Alexandria and saving local governments across the Commonwealth millions of dollars through my work on the Task Force on Local Mandates Review as the Governor’s Liaison to the Commission on Government Reform.
Letter: Right Policy
We need to reset City Hall with Andrew Macdonald as mayor and Bob Wood on the City Council, neither one beholden to developers but dedicated to preserve, protect and defend our culture, history and environmentally sustainable quality of life.
Letter: Inclusive Dialogue
We believe that it is high time for a change in our city administration. In our view, Andrew Macdonald is the best choice for mayor on Nov. 6.
Letter: Glorification Of Lost Cause?
Your recent articles on the restoration of the Confederate statue at the intersection of Prince and South Washington streets — Montie Martin's "A Statue with 100 Names" (Sept. 27) and Nancy Jennis Olds' "'Appomattox' Gets Makeover" (Oct. 11) — indicate that the romanticism and sentimentality of the South, otherwise known as the Lost Cause and exemplified in the glorification of the Confederate soldier, continue into the 21st century.
Letter: Who Knows Better?
City Council should revoke its mistaken approval of the replacement statue based on the recommendations of the Public Arts Committee and honor the wishes of the citizens who voted for the Dwight sculpture.
Lack of Oversight
To the Editor: The mayoral election is an opportunity to determine the future culture of leadership in the City of Alexandria. For six years, on behalf of several community organizations, I’ve attempted to get City Council members and city government managers to address a number of problems that impact our community in the Seminary Hills area. We have sought assistance to solve problems with illegal land uses, storm water, crime, crowds, traffic and human rights on public and private lands. My neighbors and I have been met with disinterest, disrespect, reluctance and disdain from city managers.
Letter: Voting for Clean Energy Economy
As young people, the future of our planet and our economy affects us more than anyone else voting in this election; it’s time we take a stand and support candidates that stand up for our health, the economy and the environment.
Letter: Proven Advocate
Ronnie has worked tirelessly to improve conditions and services for students with special needs. Her strong advocacy for those who might not otherwise have a voice makes her a needed choice for our children.
Sierra Club Disappoints
To the Editor: Are you kidding me? That was my reaction when I read the Sierra Club’s endorsements of four of the Democrat candidates for Alexandria’s election: Pepper, Lovain, Wilson and Smedberg. That being said, this is actually not a laughing matter at all. These are the very four folks who did nothing to prevent the BRAC from being built in the Seminary area requiring hundreds of mature trees to be sacrificed and replaced by cars and noxious fumes arising from congestion. Obviously these “environmentalists” misuse the term “smart growth.” Why not near a Metro?
Letter: Stop More Tall Buildings
All over the city smaller, more human-scale buildings are being replaced by high-rises. What will you do as City Council member or mayor to stop this trend?