Some new hats in the ring: Paul Long has filed for the Charlottesville City Council election. He favors shifting the handling of minor drug offenses to treatment and counseling rather than the criminal justice system and advocates for the proposed regional transit authority. Previously-announced Independent candidate Andrew Williams had a number of petition signatures invalidated and was not able to muster the additional signatures required in time. He will remain in contention as a write-in.

Brandon Smith (R. Brandon Smith III), well known in downtown Charlottesville for his suspenders and willingness to chat, has filed to run as an Independent against David Toscano in the 57th House District. A one-time community activist in Richmond, his platform focuses on killing the Meadowcreek Parkway. He also advocates abolishing homework in the public schools and close scrutiny of the UVa curriculum.

(Dave Sagarin, June 12, 2009)