George,

The upcoming Democratic convention will apparently have four candidates for three seats open on City Council.Two incumbents are running again, Meredith Richards and Kevin Lynch. Two new candidates, Kendra Hamilton, and David Brown have become official nominees.

What factors will shape the three votes that each Democrat will cast at the Convention? Incumbency is obviously one factor. I assume that the issues set out in the nominees' letter to potential delegates will be addressed, but at least to my eyes, there is, little on specific issues that separates the nominees.

One issue that does divide people within the party, and within the city is the status of the so-called Meadowcreek Parkway. I think the MCP will be an issue that will influence how some delegates cast their votes. However, the campaign literature from the various candidates which I have received, has ignored the MCPissue, or has given it little prominence.

Ms. Kendra Phillips' and Mr. David Brown's positions on the MCP issue, has been reported to be "pro parkway" in the Daily Progress and also in the Cav Daily. It seems that the most obvious difference in positions is between the incumbent nominees. Meredith Richard's support for a 3 vote majority effectively committing McIntire Park land to the road and making the city's commitment irreversible, while Kevin Lynch takes the position that a 4 vote majority is legally and ethically required and that a land commitment is premature. The difference seems to be driven by this question: will effectively committing the land to VDOT at this time protect the conditions which City Council had set out for the County and VDOT if the City was to approve the road?

I have been calling Dems to urge them to attend the convention and I have been struck by the differing perceptions the people have on the candidates' views on this matter. Maybe the candidates could set out their positions on your website? I know the planned Forum [ on February 1st ] will help the Dems take a fuller measure of the candidates as persons, as well as on the host of matters that are on the city's agenda, but greater clarity on this issue would help shape our voting preferences.

Thanks,

Rich Collins (electronic mail, January 29, 2004)