Dear Mr. Schilling,

I am very disappointed in your vote against the resolution approved by the Charlottesville City Council requesting the appeal of HB-751 (Marriage Affirmation Act). If it matters enough that every citizen casts his or her vote on election day, or otherwise get involved in their community to make it a better place for all citizens, then it matters just as much or more that a city council would speak to issues beyond its purview when those issues affect the lives of its citizens.

Your nay vote appears as an arrogant show of disregard for the fight for equal civil rights being waged by numerous good and descent citizens that you represent (whether you choose to acknowledge it or not) as a member of city council. Shame on you!

And though I'm not a resident of the City of Charlottesville, I will not pass up the opportunity to speak up and do my part for liberty and justice for all Americans.

Brenda Beazley (electronic mail, November 17, 2004)