Charlottesville School Board member Colette Blount formally announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for City Council yesterday outside Jackson P. Burley Middle School, where she will begin the new academic year as a civics teacher.
“Colette is somebody who has over the years demonstrated her commitment to the betterment of our youth," said Mayor Dave Norris during his introduction. "She is somebody who has a strong commitment to our natural environment, somebody who has a strong commitment to community engagement, somebody who will be an effective leader for City Council, for our community."
Blount, who moved to Albemarle County in 1994, said her campaign will be based on the value of education, protecting the environment and engaging people to move the community forward. Her overarching principle, she said, is “equal access to the future for all.”
More after the photo.
Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris introduces Democratic candidate Colette Blount
“A sound education program is a requisite resource for a community,” she said. “When our children have the tools to actively engage in the 21st century and beyond, then the community is on a good path,” she said.
While on the School Board, Blount voted against controversial issues such as an artificial turf field at Charlottesville High School and a nine-acre easement for the Meadow Creek Parkway.
“I voted against the Parkway on the principle of going through McIntire Park,” she said. “Nothing is wrong with open green space.” Kathy Galvin, a fellow school board member and council candidate, voted in favor of the easement.