Alexandria Democrats Hear from City Council Candidates

Democrats were on parade Monday night during the Alexandria Democratic Committee meeting where a host of candidates for City Council offered their views on the most pressing issues facing citizens.

Additionally, members elected new precinct and other leaders such as Dak Hardwick as the new committee chair.

“We have a lot of work to do to kick Republicans out of Richmond,” Hardwick said. “Over the next two years, you’ll hear me preach ‘money, message and mobilization.’”

Mayor Bill Euille and City councilmen Paul Smedberg and Del Pepper also announced their intentions to run for office again. Euille apologized for running a bit late, but said he had just come from a Democratic Party fundraiser for President Obama at the Hilton in Washington, D.C., where he high-fived the president and told him "don’t forget that in 2012 we’re on the same ticket," he said.

City Council candidate his intent to run, said his skills as a transportation professional and his deep belief in smart growth make him an ideal candidate.

“Alexandria is behind the curve” on smart growth, said Lovain, who added that he has three daughters in Alexandria’s public schools.

, who is the father of two small children, also took the stage at the Minnie Howard auditorium to declare his intent to run for council again. “The issues facing Alexandria today are far too important to sit on the sidelines,” he said, adding that he wants to see investment in education, public safety and economic development. He is having a campaign kickoff party Feb. 12 at in Del Ray.

, a resident of Alexandria’s West End, announced his Democratic candidacy and told audience members he was born in the Bronx, worked for Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) on the House Ways and Means Committee as well as for D.C. Council member Mary Cheh.

The public transportation system should be expanded to meet the needs of citizens” for a more livable and walkable city, he said. “I want to make Alexandria the most eco-city in the country.”

all of his life whether it be at his parents' construction company balancing books or drilling water wells. “Alexandria is a city for everyone no matter, race, religion, sexual orientation or income tax bracket,” he said. His kickoff party is Feb. 25 at a private residence in Old Town.

In his exit speech as head of the ADC, Clark Mercer said its important to support public safety, education and to let those know who earn less than $50,000 a year that they have a home here.” Mercer, a graduate, said many of his high school friends want to live in Alexandria but live in towns such as Woodbridge because of Alexandria’s high cost of living.

“We have a duty to lift this party back up,” he said.

The event also included a presentation by Registrar of Voters Tom Parkins, who said the Democratic primary is scheduled for June 12, but that could be delayed until August if legislators don’t agree on a precinct plan.