Charlottesville Tomorrow Podcast Feed

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, Pal

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's the job of [city] Councils to listen and figure out what they can and can'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. Richar

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 S

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

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 Authorit

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 U

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; prese

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 h

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, i

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 Virgini

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 opt

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'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

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

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 concern

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.

Democrat Amy Laufer 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), Kenneth Jackson (I), 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: After the traumatic events of the summer, we need compassionate, inclusive and practical leadership. Many of the extremist groups have gone but we are left here to solve the decades’ issues of racial inequalities, affordable housing, job creation, workforce development and strengthen our partnerships with UVA and the County. I hope to help our community heal and move forward. I am on t

Independent Paul Long 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), Kenneth Jackson (I), Amy Laufer (D), 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 and raised in Philadelphia and historic Tinicum Township. One of my earliest memories was my father allowing me to watch with him the 1960 Democratic Convention which nominated John Kennedy for president and Lyndon B. Johnson for Vice President. Two of my political heroes are Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson. Roosevelt led the United States through the Great Depression. L

Independent Nikuyah Walker 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), Kenneth Jackson (I), Amy Laufer (D), Paul Long (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: My name is Nikuyah Walker. I’m a native of Charlottesville. I graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1998 and then went on to Virginia Commonwealth University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2004. Education: Virginia Commonwealth University BA- Political Science Occupation: City of Charlottesville - Parks and Recreation - Rec Aide Previous politica

Lisa Larson-Torres is a candidate for Charlottesville School Board. Three of seven at-large seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Larson-Torres is a newcomer and there are no contested races. 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 have been a Charlottesville City resident since October 1999 and have worked in Charlottesville and our surrounding counties as a home care physical therapist.  I am a single parent and my daughter has attended Burnley-Moran Elementary, Walker Upper Elementary, Buford Middle School and is currently a sophomore at CHS.  I have been a strong and present advocate for my daughter and I have worked hard to forge relationships with school personnel through

Leah Puryear is a candidate for the Charlottesville School Board. Three of seven at-large seats on the board will be determined in the November 7 election. Puryear is an incumbent and there are no contested races. 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.  Education:  I attended Hampton Institute, which is currently Hampton University and graduated in 1975, with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Marketing and Management. I received my M.A. degree from the University of the District of Columbia in 1978, with a concentration in Adult Education/Administration and Supervision Occupation: Director of Upward Bound at UVA since 1982 and prior to, I was the Upward Bound Counselor Previous political experience: First elected