I can't help but think of the parallel with Sarah Palin. Both she and Macdonald quit the job they were elected to do, spent years criticizing elected representatives who were actually on the job, while asserting they could do it better. Folks like Palin and Macdonald thrive as outsiders, instigators with no responsibility or accountability, just the assertion that they are superior. I, for one, will cast my vote for Mayor Euille. You might say is a vote for Mr. Macdonald to remain in his role as Alexandria's chief complainer and criticizer, the job he's best suited for.

My my, the vitriol from the Democratic Party apparatchik makes clear the well spring of divisiveness in Alexandria. Instead of being delighted that voters have a choice, McDonald or Euille, they reveal their true colors: My Way Or The Highway.

Where is this unbridled nastiness coming from? What I thought was a national debasement of civil discourse has now polluted our local elections.

Frankly, I am delighted voters have a choice. I am looking forward to permitting the incumbent to defend his path and the challenger to explain the one he believes the better direction.

This is great news and I wholeheartedly agree with Andrew's assessment of the state of affairs in City government and the current regime on Council. My hope is that residents will cast aside national party affiliations and take back control of our beloved City. I have worked very closely with Andrew on the Waterfront and it has been a great experience. He has brought together people of all political affiliations to work together for a better waterfront plan and more inclusive process. I am very confident that his/our efforts with regard to defeating the current plan and coming up with a bettter plan will be a success. The current plan is going no where folks. I trust Andrew and applaud his annoucement. Ignore the mudslingers and make up your own mind. Lets move forward Alexandria.

Mr. McDonald, running for election will require you to tell the citizens your solutions to problems, rather than just criticizing what the current administration is doing. Your initial position on the CAAWP plan was for the city to buy those properties and turn them into a park. This would truly achieve an Alexandria for only the 1 percent because the debt load of the city would increase nearly 50%.. Do you have similar positions on the issues of affordable housing? How do you handle the rights of property owners? Scattered site housing has been well tested to reduce the need for pubic housing in second and third generations. Density in an urban area is smart growth. Start to enlighten the voter now as to your solutions. Put up a wall around Alexandria and say “No More”? Will your platform be “No Developers Allowed”. For years the City has struggled with a greater than 50% contribution of property taxes being shouldered by residences. Are you opposed to efforts to rectify that by expanding the commercial base? If not the results are truly a 1 percent city with a heavy residential tax burden. Providing good public housing and affordable housing is important to all citizens. Enlighten us Mr. McDonald, what are your solutions? We have problems and our City Council addresses these on a regular basis.

It's certainly important for Alexandria citizens to discuss the issues and candidates. I do not want to hear allegations that any party or cabal is attempting to suppress or intimidate public debate. Competition is fine in these races, although I tend to agree with Karen's points above.

It may be possible for difficult and divisive issues to be submitted for referendum vote (although I will defer to those who are experts at Virginia local government law - and they do exist in the Commonwealth). Some zoning questions are now before the courts, and nothing will happen until decisions are rendered. It's naive for MacDonald to think he can unite the city on any issue.

My wife and I are truly delighted that Andrew McDonald has tossed his hat in the ring for mayor of Alexandria. He will bring a fresh and much-needed perspective. Enough of the vitriol and enough of the horribly poor decision-making -- like BRAC-133, Arlnadria, the Beuregard Corridor, and PotomacYard, much less the City's excuse for a waterfront plan!

Actually, I think it's time to do away with "at large" council elections. It under represents minorities. This is a city of neighborhoods with diferent problems & concerns. It's time for council to be elected based on precincts & neighborhoods.

Russ- I totally agree, but I believe that such a change would require Council and the Mayor to ask Richmond for permission to change the City's charter. Having a Ward system would ensure better local neighborhood representation - no doubt, and reduce the ability for one party - hijacked or not, Republican or Democrat - to steamroll the citizens as I believe is the case presently. Perhaps the citizens of all political persuasions should ask all candidates to commit to pushing for that before voting for them?? Sign a pledge "I will push for a Ward system"

This 'ol Democrat wonders if Andrew MacDonald is still willing to raise taxes to pay for his waterfront dreams and/or schemes. Now that he's running for mayor, I suspect he'll change his tune rather quickly -- but he said publicly he'd be in favor of higher taxes for the waterfront:

http://oldtownalexandria.patch.com/articles/waterfront-work-group-mission-statement-concerns-alexandria-chamber-of-commerce

Mr. Roberts, in response to your analysis of my comments, yes, that particular comment has been placed before. It is intended to ask Mr. Macdonald to indicate what he would bring to the table in regards to solutions for the City's issues/problems. We would like to hear that from any candidate. I do not understand how asking for that makes me sound "sound angry that McDonald is challenging our current mayor." Quite the contrary, I welcome a variety of candidates. I would like to know what their position is on various issues. Whether you agree or not with how Mr. Euille has led the city, his record is there to look at, and question. I would like to see Mr. Macdonald (now that he has announced officially that he is running for Mayor) to enlighten us on these issues. Like Ms. Talbot, I am an Independent who will study, and vote for the candidates who I feel will bring the best efforts to managing our City. Having spent several years on BFAAC, I know how difficult this task is, and do not take it lightly.

As to your remark on smart growth, it appears that you would like to build a wall around Alexandria and say "this is enough." If so (and please enlighten me if I misread your comment) then I suggest you avail yourself to studies on smart growth, which are numerous. I suggest http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/density.pdf as a strating point as it incorporates density which seems to be a hot topic around here. But plenty others.

Hardly clamoring for instant answers. Just letting Mr. Macdonald know what I will be asking in the future, and he can decide on the appropriate time to address them. You may notice that Boyd Walker is posting quite frequently in various media his position on topics. Whil I don't agree with Mr. Walker on some issues, I appreciate that he is getting out there and making position statement. Would like to see the same from Andrew.

As to density, no I do not have a definitive concept of "diminishing returns. I think it is foolhardy to try and control that, and would not work. You need to deal with the issues as they arise, and plan for proper support systems. While on BFAAC, we spent time on forecasting capabilities at the City. We also soent time comparing the management of Alexandria to other cities of comparable size and issues, and found Alexandria rated very well in its administration. I get the sense that you feel you know the answer to your questions about diminishing returns. Is that true? If yes, do you have numbers? My education tells me that controlled economies never function like the proponents wished. Maybe you have better solutions.

OK with A, but remember I said when he feels appropriate. As for "B", no way. Seems like you are "all or nothing". I am for smart growth, which is neither unlimited, or put up the wall.

As one of those racists who sends his kids to private school, I would vote for a bar of soap before I'd cast a ballot for Bill Euille.

Mr. Mueller, it would be specific to Alexandria, but the link is to a pretty good document that, I think, will answer your question.

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/density.pdf

Great - the guy whose been dividing Alexandrians for months now -- encouraging citizens to sue the City --- somehow thinks he has the ability to unite Alex? Abruptly leaves office at cost of 100 grand to tax payers for a special election....here's a clue, we all have difficulties in life, unfortunately for the majority of us working stiffs, we don't have the luxury of quitting our jobs during life's challenges...We do both. The fact that this guy abonfoned his elected duties after taking the oath of office is indicative of poor judgement. Its hotter in Mayor's kitchen... If he couldn't handle the heat on Council, clearly he's not qualified to take it a step further.