The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that the Charlottesville region has lost close to 8 percent of its farmland in only five years. Between 2002 and 2007, 56,836 acres were lost. Across Virginia, more than half a million acres were lost, making it the largest decline in the last 20 years. What is the role […]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2005, in Charlottesville 9,101 residents were living in poverty. That’s 23.7 percent of the total population.   What is the role of City Council in addressing this problem? Why, in your estimation, have past Councils failed to make strides in this area? Bob Fenwick, (I) Twenty three point […]

The latest budget reductions announced by Gov. Tim Kaine in early September included a 4.7 percent cut for sheriff’s offices. Given the budget cuts to the Charlottesville Sheriff’s Office, what are your priorities? What programs would you consider funding and which one would you consider cutting? Paul Best, (I) These are tough times for all […]

According to the Virginia Department of Education, the drop-out rate for county schools, although lower than that of the city, is still significant. How would you address this question? What measures would you recommend, specifically, to lower the rate? JACK JOUETT DISTRICT Diantha McKeel (Incumbent) When a student does not obtain a high school diploma, […]

The rising number of inmates in state prisons correlates to the rising number of detached families and a rising number of children raised without parents. Are there meaningful changes the legislature can make to the justice system to reverse this problem for Virginia families? 57TH DISTRICT Robert Brandon Smith III, (I) Robert Brandon Smith III […]