Although the general election isn’t until this fall, the selection of your next mayor and City Council will occur in the Democratic Primary. Here’s why: Alexandria is composed of mostly Democrats. This means the candidates the Democrats select in their primary will become the council member-designates.
But take solace; there’s some genuine democracy in this process. The Democratic Party primary is open to anyone, Indies, Greenies, Pinkies and Trumpies too. The primary takes place on June 12.
And if you like fresh flowers, clean sheets and new perspectives, then join the change-makers. The incumbents are spent. They have nothing new, clever or helpful up their sleeve. Just more same-old. Time to use your vote-broom. Be bold. Sweep ‘em away. Start with:
Justin Wilson. His tiresome go-to solution is evermore taxes. Opposes ward voting for city council seats.
Paul Smedberg is a Justin Wilson clone. This duo has never seen a piece of open land that can’t be improved with a layer of concrete. Nor have they figured out that the over-development they enable puts more cars on our streets; makes for less parking, more density, lost charm, higher taxes.
Willie Bailey championed a meal tax, now the highest in the area, which will help make Alexandria housing less affordable and meals more expensive.
John Chapman doesn’t have the courage to tell T. C. Williams neighbors, who were promised no night lights in exchange for their property now the football field, whether he’s with them.
Del Pepper would be a better council-consultant than council member.
And here’s what’s common to all, challenger and incumbent alike: No one has explained how they will help the private sector produce more revenue. This is the elixir that keeps your property taxes constant while providing the city with more funds for better schools we demand and sewers we need. Spend your money they will. But none explain how they will help those who produce the revenue make more of it.
Jimm Roberts
Alexandria