Shaun Kenney | Politics and Religion in Virginia's Public Square


Thursday, April 24, 2003 Who in city will run on pro-development platform? Who indeed? I have heard rumors on both ends. Charlie McDaniel has surfaced, his son's name has surfaced. The other day I even heard that former Mayor Lawrence Davies is considering another run. Former City Councilman Ambrose Bailey's nephew - an articulate guy if I do say so myself - is definitely considering a run at-large. But I wonder who will run against Bill Beck? Speculation of a Councilman Joe Wilson run for mayor has been heard, but his political baggage and voting record from the old "gang-of-five" may present a problem. Additional problems may be just under the surface when voters compare his public statements with court testimony during The Free Lance-Star's Freedom-of-Information lawsuit concerning the secret council meeting on the slavery museum. He defends what he said as out of context, and not exactly what he meant. Looking into the well-funded bag of Sheltonism, political observers find Anthony Jenkins, who despite his experience of serving for over 15 years on obscure boards and commissions, has yet to build a voter base even with the help of the old "gang-of-five," his mentor and public court-system cohort, Gordon Shelton. John Moss is correct when he says that the recent salvos from the Silver Companies are the opening shots of the new campaign season. I don't think it will be hard to find three "pro-development" guys to run for City Council, but that is unfortunately skewing the debate. The debate isn't over development. It remains over the proper role of local government - as either a facilitator of local business interests or a steward of the public trust. Of course, the upcoming mayor's race will be the most expensive and negative in the history of Fredericksburg. But money doesn't buy votes, issues do. We'll see how well the Silvers do against the "vocal minority" that somehow seems to win every election in the city. . . UPDATE: Yes yes, I know there are other names out there. Dr. Garnett's name has been mentioned for the mayor's seat, as has John Goolrick's name. As for any speculation that I might run again for City Council, we'll see how necessary it becomes for someone like me to throw their hat into the ring. I'm more concerned about good candidates and councilmen/councilwomen making the cut rather than good ol' #1 getting elected. Besides, it is an at-large race. . . it may not hurt to consider it. . . posted by Shaun Kenney \| 4/24/2003 10:55:00 AM \| 0 comments 0 Comments: Post a Comment Home
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