George,

The inducement of a free lunch at the Nook is too tempting. Overcoming my natural reticence, I am letting you know that I endorse Alex Searls and Joan Fenton.

Alex is one of the most sincere and dedicated people I know. She cares deeply about many issues, especially those having to do with the environment, historic preservation and human rights. When she makes a commitment, she carries through with perseverance and without equivocation. An example is her recent tireless effort to preserve the Jefferson School. She helped organize concerned citizens, and it was her initiative that brought the Washington Post reporter to Charlottesville to cover the Jefferson School story. Alex will be a consensus builder and give heartfelt attention to making Charlottesville a better place for all.

I did not know Joan Fenton before the campaign began, except that I had seen her chairing meetings of the BAR. I have been greatly impressed with her intelligent, thoughtful and perceptive answers to questions at all three forums. She displays a thorough understanding of the complex issues facing the city, and has suggested some original solutions. Although she is most known for her leadership among small businesses on the Mall, she has also met with a number of groups to learn firsthand about the problems of ordinary citizens. At these meetings, she has displayed an understanding and empathy which has won her their support. Joan would be a strong and insightful Councilor.

I should add that I regret that this is not a year when three candidates are to be chosen. Waldo Jaquith is a comer and represents the future of the Democratic Party. He should be welcomed by the Party and given the opportunity to take important roles in the Party and in City Government. His freshness of spirit and his unabashed openness are especially appealing to young people (and to those of us who are still young at heart). I hope he continues to breathe new life into the Party.

David RePass (electronic mail, April 18, 2002)