"[Independent Vance] High's scientific background (he has masters degrees in epidemiology and science education) earned him the support of Council-watcher Peter Kleeman. “He wants to know: How much pollution is in our waterways? Is the City concerned about it?” says Kleeman. “He’s willing to take his camera and his chemistry set out and ask, ‘What’s really going on out here?’

Last week, as High struggled to obtain the 125 registered voter signatures he needed by Tuesday, March 2, he posted a message on George Loper's website offering to buy dinner at C & O for whomever helped him round up signatures. High got help from both [Peter] Kleeman and Dudley Marsteller, but High says neither accepted the dinner offer." (John Borgmeyer, C-Ville Weekly, March 9, 2004)

George,

I haven't seen the C-ville today, but I believe in open government and support having a broad discussion of city issues in the upcoming council election. I am hoping to hear that discussion among ALL of the candidates for council - Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Write-ins (should any emerge) before I select my choices. Isn't that the democratic process? I have heard very little discussion among the candidates on issues of particular interest to me - sustainable development, environmental protection, open government, transportation, affordable housing, jobs, ... and plan to hear all of the candidates positions with an open mind between now and election day.

When it comes to party affiliation - I consider myself a Democrat and try to get progressive candidates nominated in the Democratic mass meeting and have worked to get their messages out to the voters - but I have voted for a progressive Republican [U.S. Senator Ed Brooke (R, MA)] over a conservative democrat (I don't even remember who that was) in the past, and will vote for candidates on the basis of their policies and ability to deliver on their ideas - not just on their (or my) political party affiliation.

So, what do you think? Does that make me a Democrat, an Independent, or something else. What would be the point of having a campaign at all if we were all one-dimensional voters and only considered party and ignored what each individual candidate offered?

Sincerely,

Peter Kleeman (electronic mail, March 9, 2004)

Editor's Note: I asked Peter whether it would it be fair to say that he supports High's candidacy in the upcoming Charlottesville City Council election? Whether there are other candidates he supports at this time? And whether he would consider himself a Democrat or an Independent?

Kleeman sought the Democratic nomination for city council in 2000.