 What would happen to the administration of justice if the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors chose to relocate their general district and circuit courts outside of downtown Charlottesville? That was the subject of a panel discussion held at the February 17 breakfast of the city and county Democrats. "We came up with this topic a couple of months ago as we were kicking around ideas and really felt like what was getting lost in all this discussion was the impact moving the courts might have on on access to the courts, specifically for our most-marginalized residents," said Bekah Saxon, vice chair of the Charlottesville Democratic Committee. The panelists were: Albemarle County Supervisor Liz Palmer; Charlottesville City Councilor Kathy Galvin; Mary Bauer, director of the Legal Aid Justice Center; and Palma Pustilnik of the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society.  Palmer and her colleague Norman Dill have voiced their opposition to moving the courts in the past. However, in her remarks, Palmer sought to explain the motives of those on her board who have voted to study the idea. "I think I can do this pretty clearly because I share some of the same concerns," Palmer said. "I weigh them differently." Palmer said many city residents may not realize that each supervisor represents a specific district in the county. Charlottesville&#39;s five city councilors are all elected in one big district. Palmer&#39;s Samuel Miller District covers the southwest part of Albemarle including both urban and rural areas. "The courts were one of the very first things on our plate when I got on four years ago," Palmer said. "We got a presentation from our then-county executive [Tom Foley] who presented a plan for moving the courts somewhere out in the county." Palmer said one reason at the time included the possibility of lower capital costs, but a recent study has shown that not to be the case. Another reason would be to locate the courts in the county&#39;s population center. "Also given was the idea that if you&#39;re going to put $35 million of taxpayer money, is it appropriate to spend that $35 million in the city?" Palmer asked. "Or is it appropriate to spend that money in the county? That is something that supervisors were really wrestling with." In December, Council sent a letter to the Supervisors reiterating what the city is willing to do to keep Albemarle courts downtown. In response, supervisors agreed to place their process on hold until early March to allow for negotiations. "The city has already committed $6.5 million in its capital budget to make the courts reality," Galvin said. The funding would go toward building a joint General District Court on the site of the former Levy Opera house. Both localities jointly acquired the property in April 2005. Galvin said the city has also committed $10 million in its capital budget to build a new parking garage to serve the courts. In November 2016, Council agreed to spend $2.85 million on a lot at 9th Street and Market Street for this purpose. The same transaction for the Levy Opera House site also included the surface parking lot next door. "It is not typical you will see a parking garage associated with a social justice issue, but in this case it really is," Galvin said. "We&#39;re committing 100 spaces -- and the county doesn&#39;t have to pay for it -- to build that parking garage to enable their project to occur." Palmer said parking is critical for the county&#39;s ultimate decision. "We feel we have to have some ownership over how that is used," Palmer said, adding that Albemarle officials want to ensure disabled have access to the courts. The two other panelists focused on how a courts move would affect low-income individuals. "We have met no one in the city or the county who is poor who thinks moving the courts is a good idea," Bauer said, adding having the two jurisdictions&#39; facilities in the same place reduces the burden for those who are in court. "I think any lawyer that practices regularly in the General District courts in either the city and the county has sat through a docket in which somebody arrives five minutes late saying they went to the wrong court. The difference between 606 East Market Street where the city&#39;s general district court and 501 East Jefferson Street where the county court is is about two minutes." Bauer said if the courts were not close together, many people would be late and would be penalized as a result. Pustilnik said she was glad the city and county have previously decided to co-locate their Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts in the same building. "Our court system in Virginia is designed in districts and in circuits and not in city and county," Pustilnik said. "Our judges are named to a district or to a circuit so they can serve in either a city or county court." Pustilnik said separating the courts would harm her clients by forcing her to be spread geographically across the two jurisdictions. *** Albemarle County has been operating under the assumption that a referendum is not required to move its Circuit Court. That&#39;s based on legislation that passed the General Assembly in 2017 that added this provision to state code: "In the case of the removal of a county courthouse that is not located in a city or town, and that is not being relocated to a city or town, such removal shall not require a petition or approval by the voters." A bill from Delegate Rob Bell (R-Charlottesville) would update state law to add this language immediately after the above section. "However, this subsection shall not apply to the removal or relocation of any county courthouse, whether located on county or city property, that is entirely surrounded by a city, and any such courthouse shall be removed or relocated only in accordance with the provisions of [other] subsections," reads Bell&#39;s bill. HB1546 passed the House with a 100-0 vote on Feb. 13. The item is now before the Senate Committee on Local Government.  TIMELINE FOR PODCAST: 01:00 - Introduction from Bekah Saxon 02:30 - Remarks from Supervisor Liz Palmer  10:00 - Remarks from Councilor Kathy Galvin 22:00 - Remarks from Mary Bauer 22:45 - Question from the crowd from Bruce Williamson of the Charlottesville Area Bar Association 25:30 - Bauer resumes her remarks 32:00 - Remarks from Palma Pustilnik 38:00 - Question and answer period Download 

Charlottesville Tomorrow Podcast Feed

Panelists discuss future of Albemarle County courts

 How does government currently work in Charlottesville? That was the general question posted to panelists Sunday at a forum cosponsored by Charlottesville Tomorrow and the League of Women Voters. "People tend to look at local government to solve all community problems even though their powers are limited," said Bitsy Waters, a former Charlottesville mayor. "It&#39;s the job of [city] Councils to listen and figure out what they can and can&#39;t do.” The event held at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s Central Branch was the first of a series designed to educate newcomers to local politics on what’s come before and what could change. "In the aftermath of the events in Charlottesville this past August, many citizens have asked us to hold educational programs that would inform citizens about how the local city government is structured today and how it might be structured in the future," said Kerin Yates, president of the League of Women Voters. Richard Schragger, a professor of law at the University of Virginia, is the author of City Power: Urban Governance in a Global Age. He said citizens should understand both how local governments fit into our country&#39;s federal system as well as how localities are structured in Virginia. "Often the folks that are exercising power are not in fact the elected officials of the city but are actually officials either in the state government or the federal government," Schragger said. "Cities all across the country are considered to be creatures of the state as a matter of federal Constitutional law." Schragger said most localities across the country have a council-manager form of government such as Charlottesville. In this set-up, elected officials serve as a legislature that acts as an executive and sometimes makes quasi-judicial decisions such as those related to land use. "We do not have a singular executive that exercises power," Schragger said. "The mayor is elected among the folks on the Council and that person speaks for the Council to the extent the Council wants them to do." Since 2010, City Manager Maurice Jones has made decisions that in other U.S. localities would be the realm of an elected mayor. In Virginia, only Richmond citizens have what is known as a "strong" mayor. "The city manager doesn&#39;t have political authority, but managerial authority," Schragger said. "It&#39;s a little bit confusing about who is supposed to do what in these kinds of systems." Charles Barbour served as the first African-American mayor from 1974 to 1976. He was clear who had the power when he was an elected official. "The buck stopped with the Council even though the city manager ran the city," Barbour said, who was served on Council from 1970 to 1978. At the time, Barbour said Charlottesville was still coming out of state-sanctioned segregation and there was an opportunity for many changes. When Barbour joined Council in 1970, there was only one African-American on the school board, which was an appointed body at the time. He nominated a second person of color. "That created a big stir because traditionally there was just one African-American on the school board," Barbour said. "If you look around today you have many things that have changed." Barbour said African-Americans in the mid-20th century and before could only live in the heart of the city. "Yet anyone could build a service station or garage next to African-American housing because that was the rule," Barbour said. "We changed those rules. We rezoned so that could never happen again." Bitsy Waters was first elected to Council in 1988 and was made Mayor during her first term, just as has happened with current Mayor Nikuyah Walker, "It was a steep learning curve," Waters said. "Lots of things have changed since then but our form of government is basically the same." Waters explained that Councilors are elected in staggered terms to provide change as well as continuity. Each member represents the entire city rather than an individual ward. She said Virginia is unique in that cities and counties are separate from each other. That leads to duplication of services. "We have the constraint of state and federal governments that have substantially reduced their financial support for schools, affordable housing and other services," Waters said. "City government does not have the financial resources to make up for all of those deficits." Waters said the effects of those constraints can be seen in current events. Council cannot remove Confederate statues in municipal parks without permission from the General Assembly. A House bill to allow cities to relocate them to a museum failed to make it out of a committee late last month. Tom Walls, executive director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, was also a panelist. The next event in the series will be held on Feb. 25 at the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center beginning at 2:00 p.m. The topic will be "How might Charlottesville be governed differently in the future?"   TIMELINE FOR PODCAST 0:01:00 - Introduction from Kerin Yates, president of the  League Women of Votes 0:03:00 - Comments from Brian Wheeler of Charlottesville 0:04:00 - Comments from Andrea Douglas of the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center 0:07:15 - Opening comments from Richard Schragger, a professor of law at the University of Virginia 0:21:15 - Opening comments from Charles Barbour, the first African-American mayor who served from 1974 to 1976 0:26:00 - Opening coments from Bitsy Waters, mayor from 1988 to 1990 0:38:10 - Opening comments from Tom Walls of the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center 0:45:30 – Question and answer period begins   Download 

How does government currently work in Charlottesville?

 Imagine there was a paved trail for walking and biking between downtown Charlottesville and Monticello, or a trail from Crozet to the University of Virginia. Would people use them? What benefits might they provide? Who would oppose them? Whose property would they be built on? Local planners and environmental organizations are initiating a conversation to take years of greenway and trail ideas from plans to reality. “We have done a lot of planning in this community … and none of them are necessarily bad, but they are not all well integrated, and they don’t identify the low-hanging fruit,” said Rex Linville, of the Piedmont Environmental Council. “They are also not plans that are steeped in community support.” Using a $180,000 grant from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the PEC and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission are convening community members in an approach they believe will yield results. At an event Wednesday at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, attended by about 125 people, the PEC brought two greenway experts to Charlottesville to share some best practices. Chuck Flink, president of Durham, North Carolina-based Greenways Inc., has authored a book on the subject and is a leading designer of greenway systems, having worked in more than 250 communities around the country. “Greenways have greatly added life in the economies of many communities across America, and I submit that they really have become America’s new Main Street,” said Flink. “It’s where we go, when we slow down long enough, that we are not in automobiles and we are actually seeing people, greeting each other and exchanging pleasantries.” Flink made the case that greenways have numerous benefits, including in the environment, education, mobility, social needs and the economy. He said the locations being discussed for greenway connections in Charlottesville, such as downtown to Monticello, cover distances that are very feasible for these projects. As an example of good public engagement, Flink described in detail the 25-mile urban Wolf River Greenway, a project he is currently working on in Memphis, Tennessee. The $50 million project is a public-private partnership, with half the funding coming from private sources. “This has been a project that’s been on the books for over 30 years but they couldn’t really move it off dead center,” Flink said. *** When he asked city officials in 2014 about the public engagement process to date, he discovered a major challenge. “They said, ‘We haven’t done any public engagement. We don’t want to do any public engagement. We don’t want to know what our residents think about this greenway because we think it’s going to be very controversial,’” Flink said. “I said, ‘Well, we are going to do public engagement.’ We spent nine months and spent a lot of money and a lot of time going out doing a whole series of meetings.” Beyond traditional planning charrettes, Flink specifically sought to engage residents in their neighborhoods and at their community events. In his work around the country, he sees similar challenges. “You are going to face a lot of opposition,” said Flink. “You are going to face people who don’t understand why you are doing this, why they should be involved, why their land has to be committed to this. But at the end of the day, the experience that we have all across America is that these are very, very positive facilities and resources.” Linville said he thinks a similar approach to community engagement will be important in Charlottesville, as greenways here would cross diverse neighborhoods with different needs, interests and concerns. “If we are moving forward to implementation of a greenway system, of a bike and pedestrian network, it needs to be something where the people have buy-in and that they have given input so that system is something that’s really going to benefit them and take them from where they are to where they want to go,” said Linville. “Also, if they are not engaged on the front end, they are not going to feel welcome on the back end.” *** Max Hepp-Buchanan, director of Bike Walk RVA, a project of nonprofit sports backers, brought a perspective from the Richmond area, where the trail-building expert said he had to transition to “straight-up advocate” for Chesterfield County’s Bikeways and Trails Plan. Hepp-Buchanan said the project to merge competing plans for bikeways and trails, which was ultimately approved in November 2015, involved significant public engagement and outreach, and, in the process, opened up a hornet’s nest of opposition from other activists. “It was a hot topic, people got really interested, and so did the opposition,” said Hepp-Buchanan. “Behind the scenes, they were getting organized and they were starting to make the calls and [to send] the emails that gave our elected officials pause.” Hepp-Buchanan said they learned it matters a lot who is in the room for the planning discussions. “You need to bring people to the table who aren’t your traditional messengers,” he said. “They need to talk to the elected officials, as well, and you need to paint a bigger picture.” Bike Walk RVA orchestrated a grassroots campaign to engage residents in lower-income neighborhoods to document their stories of how a greenway could help their mobility so that it wasn’t just the “old white men in Lycra” speaking on behalf of bicyclists at the public hearings. In Charlottesville, Linville said he thinks the time his team will spend over the next 18 months will identify key greenway priorities for local government to implement with the community’s support. “Part of what we are trying to achieve is to identify what we have community support for and then to try to prioritize those projects based upon that,” he said. “The ones that have the greatest support are the ones most likely to be successful.” The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation and the Piedmont Environmental Council will host their next community event on greenways from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Live Arts. More information is available at pecva.org/cvillegreenways. Download 

Greenway experts emphasize importance of grassroots engagement

 Republican John Lowry is a candidate for the Samuel Miller District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors.  Three of the six seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include: Liz Palmer (D).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: John Lowry has lived in Albemarle County for more than 40 years. He met and married the former Nancy Feil at the College of William & Mary. His 35 year career of managing investment securities included branch management, registered advisor status, teaching and sharing his industry connections with others. Besides his family and professional duties he volunteered for many community groups. As Chair or President of these groups he gained experience in team management and patient, orderly meetings. His local government knowledge is extensive. With this track record he feels prepared for election. Education: BA 1969 College of William and Mary Current Occupation: Currently retired .  Previous political experience: Chair of Joint Airport Board, Chair of Economic Development Authority and Chair of Board of Equalization as well as an Election official (assistant Chief). Age on Election Day: 70 Neighborhood: Resident of North Garden, Red Hill School Road Hometown: Grew up in Williamsburg, VA Family: Besides my wife, a Charlottesville native, we have three children and six grandchildren. My two sons are Drs. – one a physician and one a college professor (PhD). My daughter is smartest of all– a Chapel Hill NC graduate. Interests: I am a runner, boater, singer, bagpiper, golfer and I do what is requested of me around home. Phone number : 434 296 4695 Email: johnlowry@lowryforalbemarle.com Website: LowryforAlbemarle.com Download 

John Lowry (R-Samuel Miller)

 Democrat Liz Palmer is a candidate for the Samuel Miller District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Three of the six seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include: John Lowry (R). Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.     Bio: Dr. Palmer is a veterinarian, small business owner and mother who has been deeply involved in local civic and environmental issues for 20 years. She has represented the Samuel Miller District on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors since 2014. She also currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority, the Albemarle County Broadband Authority, and the Charlottesville Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization. She lives in Ivy with her husband, Herb Stewart, and their dog Alice. Her children, now grown, all attended Albemarle County Public Schools. Education: Va Tech: BS and Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine: DVM Occupation: Veterinarian self-employed mobile veterinary practice Previous political experience: Board of Supervisors 2014 to present, Albemarle County Service Authority 2006 through 2013 Age on Election Day: 62 Neighborhood or area of residence: Ivy Hometown: Grew up primarily in Virginia and Delaware Family: Herb Stewart husband. Children Clay, Ben, Matt, Bailey all went to Albemarle County schools. They are now grown and doing well. Other interests and experiences: Spending time with family, hiking, camping and studying macroeconomics, herpetology, and most science related topics. Website: lizpalmerforsuperivsor.vote Email: lizpalmerforsupervisor@gmail.com Telephone: 434-964-7876 Download 

Liz Palmer (D-Samuel Miller)

 Democrat Ned Gallaway is a candidate for the Rio District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Three of the six seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Gallaway is running unopposed.   Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.   Bio: My interest in serving on the Board of Supervisors is about Moving Albemarle Forward. My vision of moving forward includes a focus on three top priorities: public education, public safety, and smart, sustainable economic development. The residents of Albemarle rightly have strong expectations to sustain a high quality of life and I’m running to ensure that it’s protected and enhanced in the coming years. Education: BFA Ohio University, 1996 EDD The Curry School, UVA 2014 Occupation: General Sales Manager, Mercedes Benz of Charlottesville Previous political experience: At Large Member Albemarle Co School Bd, 2011-15; Chair, 2014-2015 Albemarle County School Long Range Planning Advisory Committee, Rio District Member, 2011 Albemarle County Parent Council, Agnor Hurt Rep, 2010-2011 Age on Election Day: 43 Neighborhood or area of residence: Dunlora Hometown: Wheeling, WV Family: Wife - Julie; Daughters - Kaitlyn (16); Maggie (11); AJ (8) Other interests and experiences: Reading, kayaking, spending time w family, watching my kids play sports (soccer, field hockey, baseball), attending UVA Women&#39;s Soccer games  Website: www.nedgallaway.com Email: gallawayforsupervisor@gmail.com Download 

Ned Gallaway (D-Rio)

 Democrat Diantha McKeel is a candidate for the Jack Jouett District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Three of the six seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. McKeel is an incumbent running unopposed. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.  Bio: A resident of the Jack Jouett District for 41 years, I was elected four times to the Albemarle County School Board and now serve as the Chair of the Board of Supervisors. My highest priority is to continue to lift the quality of life for our residents through regional and community partnerships and innovative programming that achieve responsible economic growth and a more diverse tax base; meet current transportation and housing needs; preserve rural areas and deliver high-quality public safety and education services. My highest responsibility is ensuring that government will achieve these goals by being inclusive, fair, non-partisan and cost-effective. Education: B.A. Bridgewater College (Sociology/elementary teaching certification); Licensed Practical Nurse (UVA); Certified Research Professional (ACRP) Occupation: Retired, UVA Cardiology Clinical Research Coordinator Previous political experience: Elected to 4 terms, Albemarle County School Board; elected to Albemarle County Board of Supervisors 2013, currently serving as Chair Age on Election Day: 67 Neighborhood or area of residence: Canterbury Hills Neighborhood, Jack Jouett Magisterial District Hometown: Staunton, VA Family: two adult children: daughter, Megan Armstrong and family live in Albemarle County; son, Thomas McKeel lives in Georgia; and Brody “Mostly” Beagle Other interests and experiences: traveling; reading; walking Brody; Adopt-A-Highway Committee Chair; John E. Baker Legacy Dinner Committee, supporting The African American Teaching Fellows (AATF); Gang Reduction through Active Community Engagement Committee (GRACE); Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) board member; Daughters of the American Revolution, Jack Jouett Chapter; The Greencroft Club Board; former Mental Health Association Board and Charlottesville Municipal Band Fundraising Committee Website: votefordiantha.com Email: diantha.mckeel@gmail.com Telephone: 434-296-4931   Download 

Diantha McKeel (D-Jack Jouett)

 Katrina Callsen is a candidate for the Rio seat on the Albemarle County School Board.Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include Mary McIntyre. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: Katrina Callsen is a parent and former teacher who knows the importance of public education. Both of her parents dropped out of high school and they instilled in her the value of hard work, service, and a quality education in order to create a better future. That mindset pushed her to graduate from Yale, serve with Teach for America, and graduate from UVA Law with a focus on child advocacy. She is ready to give back to her community by working tirelessly to ensure that all children have a chance to succeed in both school and life. Education:  Yale University, B.A. Political Science; UVA Law, J.D Current Occupation: Currently a stay-at-home mom; formerly a middle school math teacher. Previous political experience: None Age on Election Day: 31 Neighborhood: Rio/Dunlora Hometown: I was born and raised on military bases around the world. My parents and extended family are all from VA (Scottsville, Fredericksburg, Staunton). Family: I have a fantastic husband who is a dedicated entrepreneur (RhoAI, MC10), two curious sons who are fascinated by volcanoes, and a dog who can sneeze on command. Interests: I was a CASA volunteer, ardent intramural participant, and nighttime cross-stitcher ​​before having children. Now I encourage my sons to be active and thoughtful with Kids Give Back and I find myself attending just about every family friendly community event around, including Carver Rec events, Northside library classes, truck touches, Fun Runs at Pen Park, and all the other amazing things we offer children in our community. Phone number : 860-753-1335 Email: KatrinaCallsen4schoolboard@gmail.com Website: www.KatrinaCallsen.com Download 

Katrina Callsen (Albemarle School Board - Rio)

 Mary McIntyre is a candidate for the Rio seat on the Albemarle County School Board.Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include Katrina Callsen.  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.   Bio: Mary grew up in North Carolina and is the daughter of two retired teachers. Her first love, music, led her to attend the Governor’s School of N.C. for violin. During her first teaching job she met and married her husband, and they began traveling the world as a military family. While working and raising their family, Mary earned two master’s degrees in education. The perspective and experience Mary gained teaching in five different school systems, including Albemarle County, has given her a strong understanding of educational policy and further solidified her commitment to public education and community service. Education:  Bachelor’s of Music Education- 2001. University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Master’s of Music Education- 2007. University of Michigan. Master’s of Education in Curriculum Studies for Literacy Specialists-2017. University of Hawaii. Current Occupation: I am a teacher but am not currently employed. Last employer was Albemarle County Public Schools. Previous political experience: No previous political experience. Age on Election Day: 38 Neighborhood: Woodbrook Neighborhood Hometown: Greensboro, NC. Family: Married; one daughter and one son Interests: My husband, Marshall, is an intelligence analyst and an Air Force veteran. Our daughter is in 5th grade, and our son is in 2nd grade. Both attend Woodbrook Elementary School. Phone number : 434-260-0397 Email: mary4albemarleschools@gmail.com Website: www.mary4albemarleschools.com Download 

Mary McIntyre (Albemarle School Board - Rio)

 Graham Paige is a candidate for the Samuel Miller seat on the Albemarle County School Board. Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include Julian Waters. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: I am the adult Sunday School teacher, a trustee and organist at New Green Mountain Baptist Church in Esmont.  I am active in fraternal and civic organizations including the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia and Sons of Esmont Lodge, GUOOF.  I serve on the board of the Scottsville Museum and Southern Albemarle Family Practice.  I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University and Master of Education from the University of Virginia and taught for 30 years (including 25 at WAHS and Jack Jouett Middle in Albemarle County).  I also served on the Long Range Planning Committee as the Superintendent’s Equity and Diversity appointee. Education:  I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University and Master of Education from the University of Virginia.  Current Occupation:  I am retired after teaching in public schools for 30 years (25 years in Albemarle County at Jack Jouett Middle and WAHS)). Previous political experience: I have served as the Samuel Miller Representative on the Albemarle County School Board for the past two years after winning a special election following the resignation of Eric Strucko from the Board. Before winning the special election, I served for three years on the Long Range Planning Committee as the Superintendent’s Equity and Diversity appointee. Age on Election Day: 71 Neighborhood: Esmont Hometown: I was born on March 20, 1946 in Charlottesville, VA and grew up in Esmont. Interests: I enjoy reading, playing Scrabble on IPad and attending the Esmont Senior Citizens Center. I am active in New Green Mountain Baptist Church as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and organist. I also am a member of several fraternal and civic organizations including the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia, Sons of Esmont Lodge- GUOOF, Esmont School Alumni Association, Albemarle County Democratic Party and the Scottsville Museum Board. Phone number : 434-286-3639 Email: gtpaige@aol.com Website: paigeforschoolboard.weebly.com and Paige for School Board on Facebook Download 

Graham Paige (Albemarle School Board - Samuel Miller)

 Julian Waters is a candidate for the Samuel Miller seat on the Albemarle County School Board. Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Other candidates in this race include Graham Paige.  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues. Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: Julian Waters is an Albemarle County native who recently graduated from Western Albemarle High School after 13 years in the public school system. Julian is an avid drone and model aviation hobbyist, a passion which he shares with his father and friends. For the past two years he has led a drone-centered STEM course for students at Henley Middle School. He is currently on a one-year deferment from ODU while he runs for the School Board and will explore local education options should he win the election. Education: Advanced Diploma, Western Albemarle High School Current Occupation: Part-time deli worker, Bellair Market. Previous political experience: None Age on Election Day: 18 Neighborhood: Owensville Hometown: Ivy Interests: I love spending time with friends and family and enjoy spending time outdoors. I have a secret ambition to one day become an actor and I&#39;m also a certified SCUBA diver. Phone number : 434-466-7811 Email: juliandwaters@gmail.com   Website: www.juliandwaters.com Download 

Julian Waters (Albemarle School Board - Samuel Miller)

 Kate Acuff is a candidate for the Jack Jouett District seat on the Albemarle County School Board. Three of the seven seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Acuff is an incumbent running unopposed. Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 11 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important education issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.  Bio: A short bio of no more than 100 words (keep in mind it will appear in the voter guide right above the other biographical facts below):  I have practiced law, taught at Emory University&#39;s School of Public Health, consulted on mental health issues with The Carter Center, and worked in both government and with non-profits.  I have a strong commitment to public services, particularly in public health and education.  As the daughter of middle school teachers, each of whom spent nearly 40 years in public education, I respect the dedication necessary to educate our students.  That understanding coupled with my background in science, law, and public policy has been invaluable for my work on the Albemarle County School Board. Education:  BS, Microbiology, University of Tulsa; MS, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado; JD, Georgetown University Law Center; MPH, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health; PhD, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Current Occupation: Self; Health Policy Consultant Previous political experience: Currently the Jack Jouett District representative on the Albemarle County School Board Age on Election Day: 66 Neighborhood: South Ivy, VA Hometown: Iowa Family: Married; one daughter; two granddaughters Interests: I have worked in the public, private and nonprofit arenas and have a strong background in public policy. I am currently Board President of the nonprofit, Partner for Mental Health, and Board Chair of the University of Virginia Physicians Group. Phone number : (434) 979-6333 Email: 2210 Camargo Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Website: none Download 

Kate Acuff (Albemarle School Board - Jack Jouett)

 Independent John Hall is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include Heather Hill (D), Kenneth Jackson (I), Amy Laufer (D), Paul Long (I), and Nikyuah Walker (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: I was born in Winchester Virginia on June 13, 1951. The first 4 years of my life was spent in Front Royal Virginia. Our family moved to Fairfax County Virginia in 1955. I graduated from Oakton High School in Vienna Virginia. While there, I was a member of the Oakton Club, varsity club (ran track and cross country and graduated a member of the National Honor Society - class of 1970. From there, I went to Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas majoring in premed (Biology and Chemistry) and entered medical school after graduating in 1974 with honors in 1975. Education:  Bachelor of Science with Honors-Texas A&M University Commerce Occupation: Design engineer, Self Employed Previous political experience: Vice President of BBB biology honor society while at Texas A&M University Age on Election Day: 66 Neighborhood or area of residence: Fry’s Spring Hometown: Fairfax Family: Former spouse - Linda Lee Murphy Humphries. Divorced with 4 children: Lauren Marie Lee, Diana Lee Cosgrove, Daniel James Hall, John Lawrence Hall Other interests and experiences: Drawing, draftsman (Autocad experience), Inventing: 6 US Patents, 1 patent pending; 2 US Copyrights (1 copyright pending. Email: john.hall57@gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.hall.18 Telephone: (434) 978-4040 Download 

John Hall (I-Charlottesville)

 Democrat Heather Hill is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include John Hall (I), Kenneth Jackson (I), Amy Laufer (D), Paul Long (I), and Nikyuah Walker (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues. Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews.   Bio: I am a wife, mother, neighborhood leader, systems engineer, and business person. In each of these roles, I must listen carefully and take action based on what I hear. I want to combine this approach with my skills, energy, passion, and commitment to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Since my campaign launched, I have walked every City street, listening to community concerns and priorities. This has inspired and energized me. Our City needs strong and responsible leaders committed to listening, finding answers, and working collaboratively to address community priorities. I am ready to do that. Please join me. Education: B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech; MBA, University of Virginia Darden School of Business Administration Occupation: Independent Consultant, Self Employed Previous political experience: President, North Downtown Residents Association (elected by membership, selected as officer by Board) Belmont Bridge Steering Committee (appointed member) Age on Election Day: 40 Neighborhood or area of residence: North Downtown Hometown: Watertown, NY Family: My husband Jon and I are raising our three children here in Charlottesville. Aubrey (age 7 and 2nd grader at Burnley Moran Elementary), Warren (age 5), and Caroline (age 2). Other interests and experiences: I apply a systems view to complex problems and am action-oriented in solving them. My former employers include IBM and General Mills in capacities of engineering, process development, and brand management. Engaging in our community energizes me. Beyond being a neighborhood leader, I’m active in my children’s schools, served as Marketing Chair for Charlottesville Design House benefiting SHE, and last year on Charlottesville Tomorrow’s board. I have also trained for and completed two half-ironman triathlons. Website: www.HillforCville.com Email: heather@hillforcville.com Telephone: (434) 260-0055 Download 

Heather Hill (D-Charlottesville)

 Independent Kenneth Jackson is a candidate for Charlottesville City Council. Two of the five seats on council will be determined in the November 7 general election. Other candidates in this race include John Hall (I), Heather Hill (D), Amy Laufer (D), Paul Long (I), and Nikyuah Walker (I).  Each candidate was interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow and asked 10 questions about their qualifications, priorities and important quality of life issues.  Included in the box at the right are links to the full transcript and audio recording of those interviews. Bio: Kenny Jackson is a 50-year- old native of Charlottesville, Virginia who would be honored to serve on Charlottesville City Council. Kenny firmly believes that local government needs to govern for the people, be accessible and answerable to them. The role of government is to promote and foster an environment in which people can flourish and contribute to the well-being of their communities. Education: Kenny attended Burnley Moran and Clark Elementary Schools; Buford Middle School; and graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1986. Kenny studied Business Management at Piedmont Virginia Community College and Criminal Justice at Southside Virginia Community College. He received a Certificate in Political Studies from the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. Occupation: Kenny has 30 years’ experience in business management and has held supervisory roles. Previous political experience: Ran as a Republican for City Council in 2004 Age on Election Day: 50 Neighborhood: Johnson Village Hometown: Charlottesville Family: He is the proud father of a 28-year- old daughter who attended and graduated from the Charlottesville Public School System. Other interests and experiences: Since the age of 18, Kenny has been involved in Community Service Boards and organizations in and around Charlottesville. Telephone: (434) 390-7598 Email: kwj34@embarqmail.com Website: www.kennyjacksoncville.com Download 

Kenneth Jackson (I-Charlottesville)

Charlottesville Tomorrow's goal is to inform and engage the public by providing clear, non-partisan information and research on land use, transportation, and community design issues with the confidence an informed public will make decisions that will protect and build upon the distinctive character of the Charlottesville-Albemarle area in Central Virginia.

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