"This letter is to inform you that the Charlottesville Professional Firefighters Association will be endorsing Blake Caravati and Alexandria Searls in their bid for City Council.

After reviewing voting records and questionnaire interviews with each candidate the Charlottesville Professional Firefighters believe that Mr. Caravati and Ms. Searls are best prepared to deal with the issues that directly effect firefighters and the Citizens of Charlottesville as they pertain to Public Safety.

Mr. Caravati, over the last four years, has made himself available to the Citizens and Employees of the City of Charlottesville. He has instituted a "Meet the Mayor" forum, which has been very effective in his ability to " learn our jobs" He has demonstrated the belief that the elected official is only as effective as the employees who make Charlottesville City Government work. He is well aware of the need to keep Charlottesville competitive in the local employment market by hiring and retaining the best employees.

Ms. Searls interview showed an intensive knowledge of City Government and how it is run. She believes in using fiscally sound management practices, and at the same time looking "Outside the Box" to address the needs of the City. She knows that the infrastructure of our city buildings (Fire Stations, Courts, Schools, etc.) needs to be addressed. Traffic calming measures need to be addressed, with the input of the Public Safety Officials.

Again, the Charlottesville Professional Firefighters are pleased and honored to endorse these candidates for City Council and look forward to working with them in the future." (Robert Bragg, electronic mail, April 30, 2002)