Brevy Cannon, writer for UVA Media Relations, formally announced his candidacy for City Council on the Downtown Mall last night, surrounded by current and former elected officials and friends.
Cannon, 36, is running as a "pragmatic progressive Democrat," and says he is ready to give City Council a “younger voice.”
“I am young and I am ready to tackle the issues,” he said. “I am ready to do my homework.”
A bike commuter, Cannon stressed the need for a better, updated trail system that would run from Biscuit Run to Downtown to Crozet and beyond. But Cannon, who lives on Ridge Street and is the leader of Left of Center, a group for young progressives, also highlighted to need for communication and collaboration between the city, county and UVA as a basis for progress and success.
More after the photo.
Brevy Cannon (left) with his supporters outside Eppie’s Restaurant on the Downtown Mall.
Citing job creation as a Council priority, Cannon said that UVA-based research has led to “the beginning of a biotechnology hub” right here in the city. One such example, said Cannon, is Indoor Biotechnologies, the company that bought the old Coca-Cola bottling plant on Preston Avenue with the idea of transforming it into a biotechnology center. That center "will be staffed with middle-class jobs," he said.
Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris told the crowd that Cannon “has what it takes” to make a positive impact on the city, and added that he would be “thrilled” to serve alongside Cannon on Council.
Cannon joins five fellow Democrats—Incumbent Satyendra Huja, Kathy Galvin, Paul Beyer, Dede Smith and James Halfaday—and four Independents—Bob Fenwick, Brandon Collins, Scott Bandy and Andrew Williams—for three open seats on City Council. Do your homework, readers, and learn about them here.