Retired Charlottesville Fire Chief Julian Taliaferro announced yesterday that he’s running for the Democratic nomination for City Council, John Yellig writes in today’s Daily Progress. A Vietnam Veteran, Taliaferro began working for the fire department in 1962 and served as chief for 34 years.
The only other candidate to announce is Dave Norris, who announced two weeks ago. Incumbent Blake Caravati announced earlier this month that he would not seek reelection, while Rob Schilling, who occupies the other expiring seat, has not announced his intentions.
The Democratic nomination is in a month’s time, and the general election is on May 2.
Caravati announcement makes much more sense. I expect Taliaferro to do very well since he looks to be an old democrat who been here forever. He can run on education since he lives next door to the High School and was the head of a national organization of Fire Chiefs. I can remember seeing him at the national mass after 9/11 in DC. I will bet anyone right now that Taliferro will be the largest voter getter in May.
My only thought is will he be liberal enough for the Kevin Lynch wing of the local dems? I would be interested to hear how he feels about Meadowvreek parkway since it’s in his backyard.
He told the Progress that he doesn’t have a position on the Meadowcreek Parkway, but that he’s worried about it.
I suspect I’d qualify as a member of the “Kevin Lynch wing of the local dems” and the fact that he’s an old-school local Democrat is a big plus in my book. I like a Council makeup that reflects the political makeup of the community.
Julian Taliaferro has an indisputable and distinguished resume of leadership, experience, and stature, but between the two, I’d say Dave Norris is a responsible and sound choice. I have the utmost respect for Taliaferro, but I see energy, youth, and drive in Norris. And let’s not forget, as many have pointed out in previous posts, his work with PACEM and the housing situations in Charlottesville. Then again, with two open seats and these two the only candidates declared so far, maybe it’ll be the both of them…but there’s much time left. And I don’t doubt Rob Schilling and many other Republicans will try to capitalize.
I certainly hope more Democrats will run, and that some qualified Republicans will run, too. I like both Norris and Taliaferro, and I’d be very happy to have them on Council, but competition is a very good thing. It’d be a shame to see two open seats with two Democrats nominated by default, running in the general election with no meaningful opposition.
interesting facts about Dave Norris:
Dave Norris’ tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried. Ever.
Dave Norris does not sleep. He waits.
Dave Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
oh wait, that is Chuck Norris, sorry
Dave Norris has counted to infinity. Twice.
Dave Norris can win a game of Connect Four in only three moves.
Dave Norris will attain statehood in 2009. His state flower will be the Magnolia.
Time waits for no man. Unless that man is Dave Norris.
And don’t forget: There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Dave Norris allows to live.
lol, i would vote for him for having a sense of humor but i live in the county.