Six days before the Democratic firehouse primary, City Councilor Kristin Szakos officially endorsed incumbent Satyendra Huja and school board member Kathy Galvin for two of the three openings on City Council.
In a press conference in front of City Hall, Szakos told reporters that the two candidates “are people who have a broad range of talent and expertise in areas that would benefit the city. Both understand the need for comprehensive planning and design. And both are committed to serving all the people of Charlottesville, not just one segment or another.”
Huja’s 40 years of experience working for the City “gives his insights a depth and a perspective that no other councilor can match,” she said.
Galvin won the councilor’s endorsement for her varied and broad-based interests, her commitment to Charlottesville residents and her understanding that economic development “can only happen when we pay attention to issues of affordable housing, mixed-use neighborhoods, transportation, and an educated and trained workforce," said Szakos.
Asked why she only endorsed two candidates. Szakos said it was a hard decision, and not based on one single issue, but the two she chose stood out among the rest.
Huja and Galvin will square off on Saturday against five additional Democratic candidates—dredging advocate Dede Smith, school board member Colette Blount, UVA news writer Brevy Cannon, developer Paul Beyer and James Halfaday—in the firehouse primary where only three will win the nomination.
Democratic candidates Satyendra Huja and Kathy Galvin chat about the elections right outside City Hall. Chiara Canzi photo.