Yesterday, David Brown and Kendra Hamilton took the oath of office, and became Charlottesville newest two City Councilors. The two, along with Kevin Lynch, swept the May elections, badly defeating the Republicans. Lone Republican councillor Rob Schilling didn’t show up at the swearing in, though incumbent Blake Caravati and outgoing Mayor Maurice Cox were present. At the occasion, Lynch pointed to Brown as being his favorite for mayor, which was followed up by today’s special meeting of Council in which Brown was chosen, 4-0 (Schilling abstaining). Lynch was named Vice Mayor, 4-1 (Schilling opposing.) This marks the first time that a newcomer has been named mayor since Bitsy Waters, 16 years ago. Elizabeth Nelson has the story on the swearing in, while WINA reports on the mayoral vote.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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and whoever the first person to call it is gets to be city manager.