Earlier this week I saw that John over at CHPN.net had interviewed his City Council candidates. I thought it was such a great idea I stole his questions and fired off an email to both the incumbent, Marty Jewell, and the challenger Silver Persinger. I told both of them that I’d like their responses by today. Silver’s is the first one I’ve received. I’ll post Marty’s when/if I get it.

1. What kind of change would you bring to the 5th District?

I hope the change I would bring would be a change for more responsive council representation. Whether it is working harder to return constituents’ phone calls or making a better effort to keep neighborhood associations informed and holding monthly meetings, alternating between the north side and the south side of the district, to keep the citizens up to date about what is going on at City Hall and to hear first hand the issues that concern the citizens.

2. What do you see as the important issues of this campaign?

The most important issue to me is maintence of the City’s infrastructure — and chiefly the city’s waste water system. I am also interested in restoring the city’s annual tree cutting program, which is something many constituents have entioned as a concern. I am also concerned about the city’s support for the Performing Arts Center, another doomed multi-million dollar waste of money intended to
drive tourism. Mayor Wilder has pretty well retarded their efforts and www.saverichmond.com has done much to shed light on the folly of it all. However, Richmond still has the highest meals tax in the nation and now the 1% meals tax Council approved for the VPAC is being rolled into the funding for the “City of the Future.” It’s a classic case of taxation by misrepresentation.

3. Fox is a very successful public city elementary school. What are some specific programs that you believe would help our other city schools mirror this level of excellence?

I am ignorant of what Fox is doing to be so successful. But I have heard candidates running for 5th District school board mention Fox and what I get out of their comments is that parents are involved in the school. I don’t know if this is something you could easily replicate because it is dependant on the parents. Fox probably happens to be fortunate to be located in a district where the parental demographic is educated and upper-middle income. I’m just assuming that Fox
primarily serves the Fan. If elected to Council, I would make an effort to learn more about the school system. My interest has always been primarily in the Council, which is plenty to keep up with.

4. What can citizens do to improve life in the 5th?

Residents can become citizens. The majority are merely residents. One can easily become a citizen by attending their local neighborhood civic organization, to learn what is going on in their neighborhood, and to give their input on the issues that concern them. Citizens can also attend Council meetings and follow the actions of the Council, and give Council their two cents. There is a sore lack of citizen participation at City Hall. If you care enough to do something to improve life in the 5th District, run for City Council or School Board yourself. Another thing you can do is pull the grass up from the sidewalk in front of your house, and your neighbor’s house if you’ve got the time.

5. What is something that you have to drive out to the county for that you wish that you could get or do in the city?

My primary mode of transportation is a bicycle. About the only thing I ride out to Henrico for is to go to Target. I’m not sure if we need a Target in the city but I would like to see more successful small businesses (preferably co-ops) in the city selling things like underwear and t-shirts.

6. What do you love doing in the 5th District?

I love the people of the 5th District, I have met some cool people during the campaign — people I would have never come into contact with if I hadn’t run for office.

7. Why should we vote for you?

You should vote for me, not because I am a Socialist and want to see everyone with healthcare, jobs, housing, and educational opportunities; but because I am a hard working, intelligent, and citizen-focused candidate. I believe in educating the public and I am eager to learn from the public.

Technorati Tags: politics, Richmond, Virginia