PRESS RELEASE: Democrats for Charlottesville City Council–– On learning that one of the independent City Council candidates had “endorsed” her this morning, Democratic candidate for City Council Deirdre “Dede” Smith released the following statement:
“Bob is a great guy, and a friend. While we agree on some issues, and it is flattering that an opponent in the City Council race would endorse me, I did not request it, I did not authorize it, and I am not and will not be endorsing him. I am a proud Democrat, and I’m proud to be running as a Democrat on the ticket with Satyendra Huja and Kathy Galvin.”
Ms. Smith underscored her support of her ticket mates:
“We have a great ticket that represents a spectrum of views. Huja, Kathy and I have different experiences and different perspectives, but we share the same goals. All three of us will focus on expanding opportunities for everybody in Charlottesville, and working together to build our community. Whether you identify with a political party or not, look at all the candidates, look at our positions and our records of public service. The choice on November 8 is clear: Huja, Galvin and Smith for City Council.”
Charlottesville Democratic Committee co-chair Jim Nix credited the Firehouse Primary with selecting a strong slate of candidates for the City Democrats:
“Charlottesville Democrats took their Firehouse Primary very seriously this summer and selected a strong group of nominees for City Council. I guess you know you’ve got great candidates when even their opponents endorse them in an obvious attempt to divide the Democratic Party.”
Mr. Nix continued:
“Huja, Galvin and Smith have been out campaigning with and for each other; they are a balanced group of candidates who worked hard to prove to primary voters over the summer that they are the best choice for Charlottesville. Now they are working to earn the votes of everyone in Charlottesville. Dede, Kathy and Huja have become a great team. I hope that Charlottesville will produce a large voter turnout in three weeks and I’m confident that if we can reach all of those voters with our positive message, all three of our candidates will win by a substantial margin. We’re looking forward to this team joining Dave Norris and Kristin Szakos on Council next year to put their many strengths to work for the entire city.”