A native of El Paso, Texas, Bill Clayton has lived in Alexandria since 1969. For 23 years, he was a reporter and bureau manager of United Press International, and for 18 years he was a Washington reporter for Houston Chronicle. He retired in 1997, and is a former president of the North Ridge Civic Association. Earlier this month, he was awarded a Citizen’s Award for his efforts to beautify several city parks.
<b>What was it like to win the Citizen’s Award?</b>
I was very pleased — except for the focus on me. Every year for Beverley Park, we have about 20 families who donate about two weeks each to that park. I wish the award could carry the name of all the people who helped. But I’m grateful.
<b>What brought you to Alexandria?</b>
My transfer from Dallas to Washington with UPI. The bureau was in D.C., so I stayed in a hotel while I looked for a house. A few months later we began renting an apartment in Jamestown Village. Alexandria had the right combination of an affordable apartment, and it had the right tax structure.
<b>How has Washington changed since the time you covered it?</b>
I don’t see much change, although there are some good things. D.C. used to be the murder capital of the United States, and it’s not anymore. That’s a good thing. Other than that, Washington is more crowded and the political atmosphere changes greatly with the change of administrations.
<b>What do you like about North Ridge?</b>
It’s the most beautiful neighborhood in Alexandria. It’s wooded and hilly. The houses are spaced nicely. There are well-kept gardens, and I think it’s the most salubrious area.
<b>You recently hosted a debate between the two candidates in the special election for City Council. What was that experience like?</b>
It was really fun, except you have to listen and pick the next question at the same time. The candidates were lively and well informed, and it was a nice evening. I’ve worked with both of the candidates over the years. I think it was just the way a good candidates’ forum should be with lots of good questions and informed answers.
<b>What is the best movie you’ve seen recently?</b>
The most recent movie I saw was "Sicko," which was just a romp. Michael Moore wants to make a point, and he does it heavy handedly at times. Some of it is silly. But the whole movie does something that is good, which is to emphasis the problem of the availability of health care.
<b>What is the best book you read in the last year? </b>
The biography of John Adams by David McCullough was really good. And about the same time that book came out, there was a book about correspondence between John Adams and Abigail Adams. And that was also an excellent book.
<b>What are your interests and hobbies?</b>
Beatification is an interest, and listening to classical music is a hobby. I’m a devotee of Baroque music.
<b>What is your favorite local restaurant?</b>
I think the Carlyle, which has American cuisine. It was the first major restaurant in this area to go non-smoking. That has nothing to do with the food, but I thought it was courageous. I think the calamari there is really good.
<b>What concerns do you have about the community?</b>
My biggest concern is that there is not enough affordable housing. We have an emerging population that is relatively poor, but we also have a population of city workers who also cannot afford to buy homes in Alexandria. That’s something we have to work to see if we can solve
<b>What are your personal goals?</b>
Generally, my goal is to improve Alexandria in any way that I can. That could be civic activism or serving on boards. This city is pretty and a well-managed city. It has honest, good government.