To the Editor:
We have an important election facing us on Nov. 6. In addition to candidates on the national level, Alexandria will be electing its next City Council. The council will have at least two members who are not currently serving, and the city faces a number of critical issues that will affect our citizens for many years to come.
I have known John Taylor Chapman for many years and have had the great privilege of serving with John on the executive committee of the Taylor Run Citizens Association. I believe that John would make an excellent member of the City Council and serve our community well.
John is extremely energetic and dedicated to the people of our community. As former NAACP president and youth policy commission vice-chairman, John has become a vital part of Alexandria's community. He also has a strong background in education, having served as the director of an after-school program in a public school system. I have found to John to display not only judgment and intelligence, but perhaps most importantly, character and caring for the community.
Over the next few days, candidates will be knocking on doors and calling our residents by telephone. I believe that John Chapman would be an exceptional addition to the Council and ask that everyone, including the Gazette, give his candidacy their strongest consideration.
Michael H. Cook
Alexandria