I believe that good government is based on citizen participation and public input. We live in a community blessed with talented individuals with great ideas. My role as a public servant has been -- and will be -- to enlist our community in building a responsive government for the 21st century, to involve citizens in the basic decisions that affect our lives.

As a City Councilor and Mayor, I drew strength from an open public process that sought to build bridges between differing positions. We need this approach in Richmond now more than ever. Too often our legislators in Richmond are blinded by ideology from seeing the real issues confronting Virginians. In the process, they lose track of what needs to get done to serve the core needs of the Commonwealth.

I try to meet frequently with diverse groups of citizens to gather opinions on a wide variety of issues. I will seek to use the internet in creative ways so that constituents can be heard. Needless to say, I will not agree with everyone, but, in the process of gathering public input, my decision-making process will be greatly improved and so too will my representation of the district.

I need your help. I urge you to examine the postings on this Web site, and give me your thoughts on these and other concerns. In this way, I hope you will feel greater involvement in the process of governing.

FIFTY-SEVENTH HOUSE DISTRICT: The 57th House District is made up of all of the City of Charlottesville and part of Albemarle County comprised of the Agnor Hurt, Branchlands, Dunlora, Jack Jouett, University Hall, Georgetown Green, Ivy, and Free Bridge Precincts.

CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE VOTING PRECINCTS FOR THE 57th DISTRICT
(all eight precincts). Over 21,000 voters.
• Recreation Precinct 800 East Market Street, Recreation Center
• Clark Precinct - 1000 Belmont Avenue, School Gym
• Carver Precinct - 223 4th Street. NW, Recreation Center
• Walker Precinct - 1564 Dairy Road, School Gym
• Tonsler Precinct - 435 Cherry Avenue, Recreation Center
• Jefferson Park Precinct - 1720 Cherry Avenue, Carter Family Life Center
• Venable Precinct - 406 14th St., NW, School Gym
• Alumni Hall Precinct - 211 Emmet St, Main Ballroom of Alumni Hall

ALBEMARLE COUNTY (precincts below). Over 18,000 voters.
• Branchlands: Senior Center 1180 Pepsi Place
• Agnor Hurt: Agnor Hurt Elementary School 3201 Berkmar Dr.
• Dunlora: C.A.T.E.C. 1000 E. Rio Rd.
• Jack Jouett: Jack Jouett Middle School 210 Lambs Ln.
• University Hall: University Hall 300 Massie Rd.
• Georgetown Green: Albemarle High School 2775 Hydraulic Rd.
• Ivy: Meriwether Lewis Elementary School 1610 Owensville Rd.
• Free Bridge: Elk’s Lodge Hall 389 Elks Dr.