Alexandria City Councilman John Taylor Chapman wants to be mayor someday. Not now, but he says that the seat is in his longterm plan.
In the meantime, Chapman’s got a few ideas on improving government access in the West End, which is also where he lives. Additionally, he says that the Eisenhower Valley is ripe for affordable housing development and that it’s the duty of local politicians to directly address resident concerns on social media platforms.
After a random selection process this morning (Wednesday), the Alexandria Office of Voter Registration and Elections has the order that candidate names will appear on the ballot for the June 8 democratic primary.
The first 11 candidates filed at the same time, and their order was determined by the Alexandria Electoral Board. The names were put in separate film canisters, which were put in a bowl and mixed around. The last two candidates were listed in the order that they filed their paperwork.
Even from the dais, City Council member Amy Jackson says there are things that happen in the inner workings of government that fly below her radar.
Grant programs approved, private discussions that shape public policy, funded projects with stalled progress — Jackson said her time on the Council has helped show that there’s still more that needs to be done to make city government more transparent.
Mayor Wilson announces he’s on the ballot for reelection — “We are in a unique and challenging moment for our City. Our success has never been assured. It has been created through generations of leaders who have placed the City’s future first.” [Zebra]
West End Walgreens robbed — “The Alexandria Police Dept is investigating a commercial robbery at the Walgreens in the 4500 blk of Duke St. It happened just before 10pm. two suspects robbed the store then fled in a vehicle. Details are still developing. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]
It was quite a week in Alexandria.
Our top story this week was on a man who allegedly crashed his car headfirst into the Verizon store near Potomac Yard. The suspect was later arrested in North Carolina.
No injuries in two-car crash in Old Town — “APD is investigating a two-vehicle crash at North Henry and Cameron Streets that happened around 3:40 pm. One vehicle struck a building at the intersection, causing damage. No injuries reported. That intersection is CLOSED, traffic is being re-routed.” [Twitter]
Missing woman has connections to Alexandria — “MISSING PERSON:: 30-year-old Bridget Nicole Lucas has connections to the Alexandria area. If you have any information, please call the Police non-emergency line at 703-746-4444.” [Twitter]
Update on March 30 at 10:45 a.m. — ALXnow has conducted an analysis on this poll, and found that a number of fraudulent votes were cast.
A seemingly safe reelection bid for incumbent Mayor Justin Wilson took a sudden sharp turn this week as two new candidates entered the race, including former Mayor Allison Silberberg coming back for a rematch.
Former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg says that Mayor Justin Wilson is a bully, and is taking him on for the June 8 democratic nomination.
“I was the mayor, and now I’m running for mayor again,” Silberberg told ALXnow. “I’m so honored that so many people have called and and some have tears in their eyes. I’ve been inundated with messages.”
Justin David Maddox, a former CIA branch chief with a deep background in identifying and disseminating political propaganda, has announced his candidacy as a Republican for the 45th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
“I am a counter-propaganda expert, and I hate lies,” Maddox told ALXnow. “What is driving me at a fundamental level is the concept that I can be a guy who brings truth to this organization (the General Assembly). I really want to do that.”
Annetta Catchings moved to Alexandria last August and now she’s running for mayor as a Republican.
“I’m very confident that I could be the mayor of Alexandria,” Catchings told ALXnow. “I think I have a lot to offer.”
An earlier version of this article referred to a court case against Patrick Moran, but the case has been sealed in D.C. court.
Earlier: Patrick Moran wants to focus on the issues, and says that events from his past are hurtful, misunderstood and private.
