"Local developer Paul Beyer officially kicked off his campaign for the Democratic nomination to City Council today in front of the Downtown Transit Center.
Beyer told the crowd that he will stick to past council decisions regarding the Meadowcreek Parkway and the community water supply plan—the subjects of two longstanding local debates. Previous council decisions "were not made lightly," he said, and added that questioning those votes is "a distraction from the real issues."
The candidate also outlined three goals for his campaign: job creation, a sustainable and progressive vision for the future of Charlottesville that includes affordable workplace housing, and a commitment to fostering growth of the city’s arts culture.
Beyer, 29, has chaired and served on the Albemarle Housing Committee and has been involved in the redevelopment process of Charlottesville’s public housing sites. Affordable workplace housing "should mean more than a percentage of your paycheck," he said, but it should mean living a full and sustainable life as a member of the community—with walkable and green spaces.
More after the photo.
Local developer Paul Beyer formally enters the race
Beyer joins fellow Democratic candidates Peter McIntosh, Kathy Galvin, James Halfaday and current councilor Satyendra Huja and Independent contenders Brandon Collins, Scott Bandy and Bob Fenwick. In an e-mail message, Galvin, City School Board candidate, welcomes Beyer to the race.
"Paul brings youthful energy and a different perspective to this race, and I look forward to spirited and substantive discussions about the issues with Paul and all of the other candidates," she writes.
