Since moving to Charlottesville in 1991, people often ask how Albie and I ended up here. We were living in West Virginia, and in 1981 opened a small business while Albie was in school. My goal was to be a mom, and work a little from home while raising my son Max. One thing led to another, and in 1987 we opened what was then our third store in Williamsburg. As we drove Rt. 64 from Lewisburg WV to Williamsburg, we discovered Charlottesville. We briefly moved to Williamsburg, and decided we would really rather be in Charlottesville, so in 1991 we moved here, and opened what was by then our 5th store.

My first priority was always my child, and I made it a point to take him to school, and to be able to pick him up each day. Once we were in Charlottesville it took a few years to get settled and then I became head of the PTO at my son's school. This was my first foray into community service. Anyone who has ever sat on the PTO of their child's school knows how incredibly challenging it is to bring a body of parents and teachers to consensus! For most everyone, there isn't anything more important and more personal than their child's education.

Quilts Unlimited as a business has always been committed to the community. Particularly to women's causes. When we opened we primarily sold quilts, and all but one of the people who sold us quilts were women. We bought these quilts from stay-at-home moms, as well as single mothers and mothers who were getting back on their feet after leaving abusive relationships. Most of our employees are women and we strive to help them both in their business and personal lives.

Around the time that Max graduated from high school, I opened my first shop downtown on the mall, April's Corner. When I applied for a sign for the store and was told that it had too many colors and I would have to go before the BAR for approval, I decided to get involved on a civic level. It was around that same time that I had read an article about the BAR having a problem with the lights at the Ice Rink. It seemed to me at the time that BAR was acting rather punitively. I'm a big believer that it's easy to say what you don't like, but if you're going to vocally express disapproval about something, you'd better be prepared to find a solution. I applied to the BAR and have been an active member ever since.

I also serve as a member of the Charlottesville Revolving Loan Committee and as chair of the Downtown Business Association. I truly believe that Downtown is the heart and soul of this city. I love the feel of the downtown mall. It is a vibrant and diverse community where people live, work and are entertained. I enjoy playing music on the mall or listening to others, and I love watching the people enjoying themselves. This is why we have quality of life here, and why, whenever I am away, the moment I see the outskirts of Charlottesville, I feel I've reached home.

Over the years, I have given much of my time to help keep the Democratic Party strong, both on a local and a statewide level. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time volunteering at the polls, and working the phone bank in the city. Financially, I have always been committed to generously supporting candidates for office from Senator Emily Couric, to Bruce Kirtley, L.F. Payne, David Toscano, Blake Caravati, and Charles Martin. Most recently, after Will Harvey asked for my help, I negotiated for the joint campaign space with D-n-R Development. This space will house the Democratic headquarters for Warner, Kaine, McEachin and Martin.

I have truly enjoyed the time that I have spent involved in public service, and this is why I have decided to commit even more of my time to it. Even though Charlottesville is wonderful, it will take vision and hard work to keep it that way for the generations to come. And even though Charlottesville has been rated the best small city in many magazines, there is still work to be done to ensure that this is an economically viable place for everyone who chooses to stay here. There are people who are not thriving and it's crucial that we commit ourselves to bring in economic opportunity while at the same time preserving our history and our environment. This is no small feat, but something I am extremely committed to.

George asked me the other day to talk about what qualities I'd like to see in a Mayor. A touchy subject considering I'll be running against both a former Mayor and our current Mayor for the democratic nomination. Two men I admire (and helped get elected no less!) What I'd like to say most about the issue of Charlottesville's Mayor, is that in order for the Mayor to lead, it is important for city council to be a cohesive body with viewpoints that are representative of the greater community. It seems contrary to this city's best interests to ask each council member, as their first action after any new election, to have to choose sides. The process of selecting a Mayor only serves to immediately divide the members of council. I believe for this very reason, the issue of whether we need an elected Mayor needs to be addressed.

Joan Fenton (fax, September 5, 2001).

Please send your thoughts about Joan Fenton's candidacy for city council to george@loper.org where the most representative comments will be placed on my web site with full attribution.