After surveying a crowded Democratic field, Charlottesville City Councilor Kristin Szakos has chosen two people she’d like to serve with on the next City Council.
Szakos endorsed incumbent councilor Satyendra Huja and architect and city School Board Member Kathy Galvin during a news conference Monday at the First Amendment wall on the Downtown Mall.
Szakos said there are several strong candidates running this year, but two have risen above the rest.
“The issues facing the city are complex and varied, and both Satyendra Huja and Kathy Galvin are people who have a broad range of talent and expertise in areas that would benefit the city,” Szakos said. “Both understand the need for comprehensive planning and design. And both are committed to serving all the people of Charlottesville, not just one segment or another.”
Though she doesn’t agree with Huja on every issue, Szakos said she’s come to “deeply appreciate” his approach to issues facing the city.
“His experience in Charlottesville city government for the past almost 40 years gives his insights a depth and perspective that no other councilor can match,” Szakos said.
Szakos said Galvin has become “a friend” during her time on the council, one with wide-ranging interests, energy and commitment to Charlottesville residents.
“She understands that economic development can only happen when we pay attention to issues of affordable housing, mixed-use neighborhoods, transportation and an educated and trained workforce,” Szakos said. “Her areas of expertise in education, planning and smart neighborhood development are what we need to close the gaps in opportunity that have long held back our city and its economic vitality.”
Szakos is not up for re-election until 2013. Three seats are up for grabs this year and Huja is the only incumbent running for re-election, so she will be serving with at least two new councilors next year. Councilors Holly Edwards and David Brown are not seeking re-election.
Szakos’s endorsements put her at odds with the other sitting councilor whose seat is not up for election this year, Mayor Dave Norris. Norris has endorsed Dede Smith, Colette Blount and Brevy Cannon, all of whom — like Norris — oppose the plan to build a new earthen dam at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. Szakos and Huja voted for the dam, and Galvin supports its construction.
Paul Beyer and James Halfaday are also competing in the Democratic field.
The Democratic primary will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Burley Middle School, and organizers expect turnout to be high. The primary is open to registered city voters willing to sign a Democratic declaration form.
The Democratic nominees will eventually compete with at least five independent candidates in the Nov. 8 general election.
All 12 candidates will have a chance to make their case directly to city voters Wednesday evening at a forum hosted by Random Row Books. The event will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the bookstore and event space at 315 W. Main St.
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