Six of seven Democratic candidates for Charlottesville City Council responded to a recent questionnaire created by the Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR). Questions ranged from candidates’ support for the 2008 Residents Bill of Rights to suggestions for improving graduation rates and political engagement among public housing residents.
However, while James Halfaday said he will support PHAR, he neglected to outline how in answers to residents’ questionnaire.
"I feel that my prior record in the community assures that I am for PHAR and other agencies in Charlottesville," Halfaday wrote in an e-mail to the association. "So instead of answering all those questions, I am going to give my quote that I have used to address your questions." [Responses from the other six candidates are available here.]
Halfaday then writes that he supports "ensuring quality education for all the children of our community, equal opportunities socially, economically and culturall for all our residents and the preservation of our natural resources."
In a press release, PHAR Board of Directors chair Deirdre Gilmore says the association was "very pleased" with candidates’ responses to questions.
"They showed that they understand why resident participation is important, especially in the redevelopment process, as well as committing to the major issues that matter to us on a day-to-day basis: quality maintenance of our public housing sites, and improved employment and educational opportunities for our residents."
Charlottesville’s Democratic Primary takes place tomorrow at Burley Middle School on Rose Hill Drive. For more information, click here.