July began with the selection of Blake Caravati as Charlottesville's new mayor (in part the result of a breakdown in negotiations between councilors Meredith Richards and Maurice Cox) and questions about process used for the selection of the mayor.

July ends with the release to The Daily Progress of a 'confidential memorandum' about the proposed Meadowcreek Parkway (authored by councilor Kevin Lynch) and differences of opinion within the city council about the parkway and it's design.

Will these differences diminish council's ability to work together and with the county, resulting in political gridlock for the next two years?

Or will councilors rise to the occasion of governance with which they are charged?

If you have comments about the selection of mayor, about whether council should revisit its agreement with the county about Meadowcreek Parkway, or about political gridlock, please send them to george@loper.org and the most representative will be posted with full attribution.

Also, take advantage of Councilor Lynch's efforts to create "a healthy, public debate on the future of regional transportation" in the Charlottesville area. Log on to the archived posts on STAMP's web site, go to Stamp's web site and enter into the debate.

To date, I have received comments from Mary MacNeil.