To the Editor:
In a few weeks Alexandrians will have the opportunity to return to a two-party democracy with the Nov. 3 City Council elections. Why an all Democratic City Council now governs us lies in the hands of the current crafty council members Justin Wilson and Tim Lovain who lost their council seats in May of 2009 to local Republicans Frank Fannon and Alicia Hughes.
Within five days of the Wilson-Lovain loss, Wilson set forth a docket item to move the next election from May 2012 to November 2012 to coincide with the presidential election. This allowed (the) local Democrats to ride the coattails of the Presidential race. After much debate at the June 2009 City Council Public Hearing, the two lame duck council members had a plan in place to get back on council. In November 2012, the two incumbent Republican City Council members were in fact defeated at the polls.
In a few weeks the engaged, active and concerned Alexandrians will have a chance to return a two-party system of government to our city. For the last eight years under one party rule, the voices of Alexandrians have not been heard. Alexandrians should reflect on what the current City Council promised and what was delivered. Did they seek public engagement prior to making decisions on issues impacting the city and citizens? Think about the infrastructures issues of the city – roads, sewage, bridges, parking, affordable housing, taxes, fire, transportation and police services, quality of life/standard of living – have there been improvements in these areas?
We need a two-party council system to bring balance to the management of our city for ensuring Alexandrians voices are heard.
Randall McDonald
Alexandria