The group Democrats for a Better Alexandria (DBA) views with dismay the attack flyer mailed out in the past few days by a previously unknown PAC, “Alexandria Democrats for Responsible Government”. DBA’s evaluations of candidates included their commitment to more transparency and accountability in government, and we believe in the same values for political campaigns. A last-minute injection of big money from shadowy sources does not meet our standards; it pollutes the process of selecting the best six Democratic candidates to run in the general election for City Council in November.

     DBA endorsed Boyd Walker, whom the flyer attacked, but we also endorsed John Chapman, whose treasurer, Gail Gordon, has taken responsibility for the flyer. So we commend Mr. Chapman for promptly removing Ms. Gordon as his campaign treasurer, and for his statement that this flyer was not consistent with the best traditions of Alexandria politics. We continue to strongly support both candidates.

     Democratic voters in Alexandria are unlikely to find out by Tuesday exactly who provided the money (we estimate well over $5,000) to produce and mail this attack flyer to thousands of Alexandria households. The responsible PAC does not have to file a finance report until July 16^th, well after all the primary votes have been cast tomorrow. What is clear is that those responsible for the flyer fear change – which Boyd Walker represents – and support a continuation of the same City Council processes which have recently been so divisive. By contrast, DBA believes that a better Alexandria is an attainable goal that everyone should be working for, openly and constructively.

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(Authorized and Paid for by Democrats for a Better Alexandria:  Steering Committee --  Co-Chairs,  Dorathea Peters, Jack Sullivan.  Members: John Broughton, Helen Desfosses, Bill Dickinson, George Foote, Dick Hobson, Carol James, Rod Kuckro, Ernie Lehmann, Dick Moose, and Tom Parry)