George,

Register my endorsement of Blake Caravati for a second term on Council. He has given the job more time, more thought and more energy that any one else who is also attempting to run a real life. He knows the problems of the City, and he works on practical solutions. He respects and supports the City staff and knows that they are the people who really are essential to getting the City's work done.

I have been out of town and out of touch, so I can not really comment on the campaigns of the other candidates. So, am I still eligible to win lunch?

John Conover (electronic mail, February 16, 2002)

Editor's Note: * Within days after the Democratic nominating convention, we will draw one of the names of the people who have endorsed candidates for the Charlottesville City Counicl on my web site and offer to treat them to a lunch and piece of pie at The Nook.

Don't be shy. Endorse a candidate while they are hot! [Of course, roasts will do as well.]