Letter to the Editor: We Need Candidates Who See Alexandria as More than a Dot on a Map
Alexandrian Mark Coombs says local Republican candidates as well as one independent have his vote this election.
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To the Editor:
I am a 26-year-old Alexandrian. Like many who call Alexandria home, I did not always have the privilege; it took but one trip into Old Town a few years ago, however, for my wife and me both to fall hopelessly, head-over-heels in love with the city cited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country.” Alexandria is a community, simply stated, with singularly inimitable character.
Of the 12 candidates running for City Council, three rise above the rest in their appreciation for — and commitment to conserving — this character: Frank Fannon, Alicia Hughes and Bob Wood. Together with former Vice Mayor Andrew Macdonald, who is running to replace the incumbent Mayor Bill Euille, all have earned my vote as the leaders and stewards our city requires at this critical juncture. Each of the four understands that new development in a historic setting is a question that demands a thoughtful answer. Each is aware that Alexandria is more than another dot on the map; it is someplace special, a one-of-a-kind American landmark where preservation is part and parcel of our economic progress. And each knows that Alexandria’s unique character, once lost, will be lost forever.
Finally, it seems self-evident that a city so blessed with character would merit a congressman similarly endowed; at present, however, Alexandria can lay claim only to an infamous character in Congress — hardly one and the same. Colonel Patrick Murray, who served our country in uniform for more than two decades, has demonstrated during his campaign both a thorough grasp of the democratic ideals he once defended abroad and a devotion to representing Virginia’s 8th Congressional District with class and with dignity. In these and in many ways, Colonel Murray would be a far better reflection of our fair city on the Potomac than its current emissary to Capitol Hill. His election this November would represent a welcome change for Alexandrians of all political stripes.
Mark P. Coombs
oldtowner
3:38 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Wow....Alicia Hughes would have more credibility if she paid her rent. Doesn't help the local economy if you don't pay your rent.
CSResident
5:55 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
What is this all about? I live in Cameron Station. My "neighbor" has not paid his rent in over 16 months. He used (abused) the legal system all this time to stay in his unit! He is finally being evicted on Monday. How many more deadbeats do we have in this Community?
Gail G
4:01 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Who is paying her rent at Cameron Station? As far as I know, she does not currently have employment. I asked her campaign manager recently if she had a job, and his response was that she was "consulting."
Gail G
9:49 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
CS Resident - According to a profile by Michael Lee Pope that appeared in the Gazette Packet a few weeks ago, Councilwoman Hughes is now living in Cameron Station. The article did not say whether the Strand finally kicked her out for nonpayment of rent or whether she left voluntarily. There is no record of her having purchased a property, so one can assume she is renting. Her campaign manager stated to me that she does not have regular employment, but is doing "some consulting." So, a question may be raised as to who is paying her rent, and whether it is considered a donation in kind to her campaign. I'm sure she's not the only "deadbeat" in Alexandria, and I sympathize with those who have lost jobs due to the economy, or have medical expenses that have caused them to fall on financial hard times, but neither of those situations appear to be the case with Ms. Hughes.
CSResident
10:44 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
While I appreciate that there are many deadbeats in Alexandria, caused by many factors beyond one's control, by mentioning Community I was referring to the Community of Cameron Station. Cameron Station, in the past, had residents who brought discredit upon the Community and themselves. I am referring to "Brownie" of FEMA fame and John McCain's alleged mistress who both lived on the same street! But, I am now rambling.
Gail G
11:05 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
If John McCain has both time & energy for a mistress at his age, then more power to him.
Laura Mandala
2:04 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Mark,
I ask that you kindly consider Allison Silberberg among your choices for City Council. One of her foremost concerns is maintaining the integrity of what she calls "this national treasure," Alexandria. Below is a url to a piece she wrote on the issue. Thank you!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-compromise-plan-for-the-alexandria-waterfront/2011/11/29/gIQAz5qNMO_story.html
Jon Rosenbaum
6:04 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Just the same anti-development rhetoric.. She should be running as a Republican, since she gotten their support. It sure is odd to have Republicans so anti-economic development. Her "compromise" on the waterfront is a joke. Hotels with 100 rooms are not economically viable. Morrison House has been unprofitable. And a band shell? We already have one behind the Torpedo Factory that never is used and is beginning to decay
OT insider
9:20 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Gee are you employed by the Republican party? Or did you just overdose on the Kool-Aid?
I realize that you're a new resident and I hate to be the bearer of bad news Mark, but Alexandria is a progressive, forward-thinking, liberal city that votes overwhelmingly Democratic. The extreme views of your Republican party don't resonate here. Jim Moran will be overwhelmingly reelected because - despite your implied accusations about his character - his votes on Capitol Hill on issues of both national and local importance - represent the views of the 8th district far better than Patrick Murray ever would.