George,

Can someone discuss the residency requirements for city councilor candidates?

I am beginning to hear "noises" that we may have some erstwhile county folks trying to infiltrate the city as stealth candidates. Maybe just a rumor, but I think it needs exploring, if so, we must be certain the law is followed to the letter .. and enforced!

What I fear is the different agenda many in the county express. Overall, it is far more conservative, and far less progressive, for my tastes. I hear too much of school vouchers, privatization, and Meadowbrook Parkway (that would seem to serve the convenience of county commuters, more than the inconvenience of city residents.)

I personally, would like to see expanded parking outside the city limits and some form of convenient mass transit to convey the commuters into their work or play. I, too, would like to end the dual cost of two goverments running on the same track, with so much common interest.

That said, the assets that make Charlottesville a desirable and sought after place to live and work should not be undermined by greedy developers and commercial interests focusing too much on the "bottom line". I have witnessed too much of that on Rt 29N.. and I think it has caused more difficulty than convenience (traffic, noise, pollution, etc.).

I don't expect cobblestones and gas lights but strip malls and fast food joints don't enhance the quality of life I have known in the past.

I guess I am a little curious about the motives of the county native's desire to be part of C-Ville City goverment.

Harry Tenney (electronic mail, February 1, 2002).

Editor's Note: I have not heard anything about the GOP line-up in the upcoming city council race.

The only individual that I know of about whom the issue of residency has been raised on the Democratic side is Joan Fenton, who said last September:

"I've had an apartment in the city since last October, while maintaining a house just outside. Aside from actually sleeping, I've spent almost every waking hour downtown. All my efforts have been dedicated to the enrichment of downtown, so making the committment to run for city council was just a logical progression."

I suppose, if the issue is a matter of attachment to the community, voters might closely examine the time each of the candidates has lived and/or worked in Charlottesville and their policy proposals and positions with respect to the city council race and draw their own conclusions.

As far as I understand it, there is no issue with regard to the way the law reads with regard to residency.

Furthermore, it is my impression that all of the Democratic candidates running for the nomination for City Council have the best interests of the Charlottesville community at heart.