Why I'm Running

Dear Friend,

I would like to introduce myself. I am a lifelong Democrat, a small business owner, and a father. I have lived in central Virginia for fourteen years and Charlottesville for ten years. My wife, Jessica, and I can think of no better place to raise our daughter, Alexandra. For the past 8 years, we have lived in Belmont, just a short walk from Downtown.

After years of faithful service, Charlottesville's Commissioner of the Revenue, Lee Richards, is retiring. I am running as a modern, efficient, progressive to become your next Commissioner of the Revenue. The Commissioner is the assessor and administrator-in-chief of many of our local taxes.

After graduating from Princeton in 1998, I started and managed non-profits and for-profit businesses, managed purchasing and negotiations for a major research lab at UVA while also conducting scientific research, and in 2008 I was a staffer on Barack Obama's presidential campaign. I am the founder and co-owner of a business in Charlottesville, which focuses on media and data consulting for progressive politicians, candidates, campaigns, and advocacy groups - I have spent a lot of time studying policy, crunching numbers and training others to do the same.

If elected, I will use modern technology to improve efficiency and save individuals and businesses time and effort while reducing errors. More efficiency and better accuracy will improve compliance with substantial benefits for the City's balance sheet as well as local businesses. We can bolster Charlottesville's investments in our schools and other infrastructure if we can grow existing businesses, attract new ones, and nurture local entrepreneurs. A progressive Commissioner's office is one that values transparency, fairness, and the same set of clearly defined rules for all.

I believe we can strengthen Charlottesville's economic infrastructure by electing a modern, efficient, progressive to be our next Commissioner. I look forward to speaking with you in person soon about my campaign.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Stevens (Februayr 19, 2013)