Charlottesville is in a political rut, defined by a single-party monopoly, unhealthy peer pressure and corporate influence through PAC donations.
The controversy over the water plan highlights this issue. Documented facts show that water needs for humans and rivers can be met by dredging first, repairing the spillway of the dam at Ragged Mountain and raising it as necessary in the future. This issue indicates a candidate’s fitness for office, not because infrastructure is paramount, but because it shows his or her approach to governing. Is he responsive to public input? Does she base decisions on facts and the public interest or on the desires of narrow constituencies? Is he sensitive to conflicts of interest?
On this issue of open, honest and accountable government, Bob Fenwick, an independent, and Dede Smith, a Democrat, clearly outshine the other two Democratic nominees.
Bob Fenwick also advocates a ward system for city elections to increase representation and public participation.
I have found to my dismay, though, that many natural allies are literally afraid to publicly support Bob Fenwick. I have heard from three prominent local Democrats that, though they intend to vote for Bob, they will not publicly support him because they are afraid of political, social and professional repercussions.
I’ve also had friends reject Bob signs because they “signed the Democratic pledge” at the primary. The pledge states that the signer “intends to support the Democratic nominee.” It reflects the party’s interest in defending itself from sabotage, from those who would nominate illegitimate candidates, for example. It is worded as an intention and not a promise, to allow voters to change their minds in accordance with their conscience and in receipt of new information.
I support a party defining itself and defending its principles; otherwise, it would no longer stand for anything. Ironically, however, we nearly face that situation in Charlottesville. In the absence of other strong parties in the city, almost anyone with political ambitions calls himself a Democrat, even those fighting hard to waste our money by subsidizing sprawl in Albemarle County instead of spending it to meet the real needs of Charlottesville’s citizens.
Much more important than party affiliation is a leader’s willingness and ability to listen to and enact the will of the people he or she serves. Bob Fenwick and Dede Smith will be such city councilors. Please vote your conscience on Nov. 8.
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