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.
Nothing Bundt Cakes opens in West End — “Nothing Bundt Cakes sells a variety of bundt cakes, bundt cake towers, mini bundt cakes and bite-size bundt cakes. There are nine basic flavors, including traditional vanilla and chocolate, plus marble, confetti, red velvet, pecan praline, white chocolate raspberry, carrot cake and more.” [Alexandria Living]
Councilman Canek Aguirre kicks off reelection campaign — “We have to invest in our school buildings. We have to invest in our city buildings. And that’s definitely something that we have to continue to do because it’s just going to get more expensive.” [Alex Times]
What an eventful week in Alexandria.
Thursday, March 11, marked the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic in Alexandria. As the vaccine rollout slowly improves, the most recent news is the allowance of restaurant workers to get the vaccine. Just over 38,000 doses have been administered in the city, and of that 14,661 residents have been fully vaccinated. The city also wants 80% of residents vaccinated by July 31.
Over the next few weeks, ALXnow will be interviewing the various candidates for City Council participating in the Democratic Primary on June 8.
It’s no secret that Alexandria is politically blue, but Bill Rossello is evidence that being a Democrat-heavy city doesn’t mean the local political figures are in ideological lock step.
Captain Sean Casey is running for Alexandria Sheriff, and already has the endorsement of retiring Sheriff Dana Lawhorne.
“I’m excited, anxious, but overall really looking forward to this challenge,” Casey told ALXnow. “I can’t wait to fill the big shoes of Dana Lawhorne.”
Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne will not seek a fifth term, and will leave office at the end of the year.
Lawhorne made the announcement this afternoon, and said that after 16 years he accomplished his goals in office.
What a busy week in Alexandria.
Our top story this week was on Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Old Town shop fibre space on March 3. It was Harris’ first official visit outside of the White House since she was inaugurated, and she spoke about the American Rescue Plan with shop owner Danielle Romanetti.
Surge in COVID-19 Deaths Occurred in January and February — “The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reviewing and accounting for COVID-19 deaths that occurred during the post-Holiday COVID-19 surge between January and the end of February. As a result, there have been recent increases in deaths reported in Alexandria’s COVID-19 dashboard. AHD and the City extend their sincere condolences to all community members who have lost someone during the course of the pandemic.” [City of Alexandria]
Resident Launches DrainALX Website on Flooding — “After Waynick’s first flood experience, she started talking to neighbors on her own street, letting them know that they should submit information through Alexandria 311, sign up for City alerts and more — and her communication efforts kept growing from there. Her email list now has more than 250 people across at least a dozen neighborhoods from the West End to North East Alexandria and Old Town.” [Alexandria Living]
Meronne Teklu, a management consultant at Deloitte, has entered the race for the Alexandria City Council.
“I believe it’s up to each of us to hold our elected officials accountable in enacting long-term change. I’m running to help connect marginalized and underrepresented communities with our Alexandria City leadership,” Teklu announced on Facebook.
