TO THE CHARLOTTESVILLE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

February 14, 2000

Dear Fellow Democrat,

Once again the Charlottesville Democratic Party is showing its vitality by having eight candidates standing for the Party nomination for City Council.

All of the candidates offer unique strengths and abilities. All would serve with honor and an honest desire to uphold our shared principles. That said, we urge you to support Kevin Lynch at the Mass Meeting next Monday evening at the Charlottesville High School Performing Arts Center.

Why are we enthusiastic about Kevin? There are three basic reasons.

First, we believe that our party must invest in the future of our young people if we are to maintain a continuous stream of leadership in the community. The next generation both learns by doing and through connection with people who have walked before. Although the rhetoric of the Democrats for Change has been, at times, forceful we must avoid any temptation to circle our wagons. If we fall into Old Democrats versus New Democrats, in a few years we may have No Democrats.

The modern Democratic history of Charlottesville is not written, it is an oral tradition. Mutual respect can only come from mutual contact. We have a wealth of incumbent experience on Council with David Toscano and Blake Caravati. Now is the time to begin to bring in our successors. And to welcome them not as mere followers but as different voices speaking from like values.

Secondly, Kevin will fill the environmental role on Council. Our recent Democratic Councils have greatly improved our schools, economy and infrastructure. Kevin appreciates these achievements and will build on them but with concern for balance. He is "green" by education, interest and commitment. He is an outdoors person. He actively uses our parks and trails. He has personally done the renovations to his old house on Locust Avenue. He cares about protecting our natural resources and preserving our architectural heritage.

Finally, Kevin is a fine and good person. He is open and accessible, and has demonstrated to us an ability to listen. The commonality of all our really treasured Democratic leaders both local and national is their instant and unflagging enjoyment of their fellow humans. Kevin has that, and we appreciate it. He gives credit and courage to others. He does not take it for himself.

Individually and together, we have helped to build the party over the years. We are proud of our accomplishments in making Charlottesville a home of decency, fairness and progress. Let us continue to make this a better place for all our citizens to live and work.

This year the rules have changed. Everyone at the Mass Meeting has three votes. There are no slates. Please attend and please use one of your votes for Kevin Lynch.

David Brown
Party Chair, 93-95

John Conover
Party Chair, 88-91
City Council, 80-84

Francis Fife
City Council, 70-78

Mary Alice Gunter
Party Chair, 91-93
City Council, 82-86