Alexandria City Council candidates

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My vote against Gaskins has nothing to do with her husband, and 100% to do with her arena support. She was a supporter only when it became en vogue to be against it, which was at the very last hour.

I know most of the mayoral and council candidates were similar, and none of them will get a vote for me. It spoke volumes about them. I don't care who supported it in the beginning. But I care *when* they changed their tune.

Agree. The fact is that Gaskins knows nothing whatsoever about Alexandria; strongly supports the pending prohibition of single-family-only housing; and is the #1 cheerleader for the Duke Street In Motion project that will utterly destroy the West End. She is a monstrous fraud.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's what Abdel has accomplished: 1) Advocated for and supported pay increases for educators in every budget adopted by the School Board.
2)Successfully sponsored a budget amendment adding a psychologist position to the high school.
3)Successfully co-sponsored a budget amendment making all elementary school psychologists full-time positions.
4) Successfully sponsored a budget amendment adding additional full-time teaching positions in the high school to ease the burden on teachers with large classes.
5) Drafted and passed a resolution requesting the City Council implements 15 mph school zones.
6) Sponsored two budget amendments aimed at evaluating and improving restorative practices to end disproportionate suspensions of students of color.
7) Supported and voted for funding for building new schools to add capacity.

Wow. Wrong on everything.

1. He was always the follower. In discussions that I saw, he didn't even grasp the SCPS HR classification differences.
2. Successfully? Only after co-sponsors rescued the effort.
3. Originally proposed two school boards ago.
4. EVERY expansion year positions are added.
5. City had already prepared the ordinance.
6. After there was already a study, sure.
7. He claims credit for capital investments that predate him by seven years?

He's a lightweight. ACPS moms know better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's what Abdel has accomplished: 1) Advocated for and supported pay increases for educators in every budget adopted by the School Board.
2)Successfully sponsored a budget amendment adding a psychologist position to the high school.
3)Successfully co-sponsored a budget amendment making all elementary school psychologists full-time positions.
4) Successfully sponsored a budget amendment adding additional full-time teaching positions in the high school to ease the burden on teachers with large classes.
5) Drafted and passed a resolution requesting the City Council implements 15 mph school zones.
6) Sponsored two budget amendments aimed at evaluating and improving restorative practices to end disproportionate suspensions of students of color.
7) Supported and voted for funding for building new schools to add capacity.

Wow. Wrong on everything.

1. He was always the follower. In discussions that I saw, he didn't even grasp the SCPS HR classification differences.
2. Successfully? Only after co-sponsors rescued the effort.
3. Originally proposed two school boards ago.
4. EVERY expansion year positions are added.
5. City had already prepared the ordinance.
6. After there was already a study, sure.
7. He claims credit for capital investments that predate him by seven years?

He's a lightweight. ACPS moms know better.

He is a lightweight but ACPS moms do NOT know better. My neighborhood PTAC/PTA/ACPS toady has a sign for him on her lawn.

[Anonymous]

Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

Well they don't vote for who's qualified that's for sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

No offense of course but are gay guys usually called 'frat boys'?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

Well they don't vote for who's qualified that's for sure.

Interesting comment. I agree that they don't voite for people who are qualified but that's because there is no one who is qualified.

What is you definition of qualified for Alexandria Mayor and CC? Who do you see as qualified?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

Well they don't vote for who's qualified that's for sure.

Interesting comment. I agree that they don't voite for people who are qualified but that's because there is no one who is qualified.

What is you definition of qualified for Alexandria Mayor and CC? Who do you see as qualified?

DP. Good points. I suspect the Council’s half-time requirement attracts low performing strivers. Who else but a person with a noncompetitive job would run for such a half committed role? Their employers are basically admitting the employee/Council member isn’t needed/missed much when they’re out of office.

A full time Council requirement with higher pay would bring forth a more professional and dynamic set of candidates. Perhaps resulting in a city that thrives instead of just getting by.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

Well they don't vote for who's qualified that's for sure.

Interesting comment. I agree that they don't voite for people who are qualified but that's because there is no one who is qualified.

What is you definition of qualified for Alexandria Mayor and CC? Who do you see as qualified?

DP. Good points. I suspect the Council’s half-time requirement attracts low performing strivers. Who else but a person with a noncompetitive job would run for such a half committed role? Their employers are basically admitting the employee/Council member isn’t needed/missed much when they’re out of office.

A full time Council requirement with higher pay would bring forth a more professional and dynamic set of candidates. Perhaps resulting in a city that thrives instead of just getting by.

Alexandria Democrats talk openly about Wilson's arrangement at his "job".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

Well they don't vote for who's qualified that's for sure.

Interesting comment. I agree that they don't voite for people who are qualified but that's because there is no one who is qualified.

What is you definition of qualified for Alexandria Mayor and CC? Who do you see as qualified?

DP. Good points. I suspect the Council’s half-time requirement attracts low performing strivers. Who else but a person with a noncompetitive job would run for such a half committed role? Their employers are basically admitting the employee/Council member isn’t needed/missed much when they’re out of office.

A full time Council requirement with higher pay would bring forth a more professional and dynamic set of candidates. Perhaps resulting in a city that thrives instead of just getting by.

Alexandria Democrats talk openly about Wilson's arrangement at his "job".

Amtrak's resident pot licker

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

Well they don't vote for who's qualified that's for sure.

Interesting comment. I agree that they don't voite for people who are qualified but that's because there is no one who is qualified.

What is you definition of qualified for Alexandria Mayor and CC? Who do you see as qualified?

DP. Good points. I suspect the Council’s half-time requirement attracts low performing strivers. Who else but a person with a noncompetitive job would run for such a half committed role? Their employers are basically admitting the employee/Council member isn’t needed/missed much when they’re out of office.

A full time Council requirement with higher pay would bring forth a more professional and dynamic set of candidates. Perhaps resulting in a city that thrives instead of just getting by.

please define "professional and dynamic".

And what do you mean by "higher pay"? How much do you think taxpayers should pay them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

Well they don't vote for who's qualified that's for sure.

Interesting comment. I agree that they don't voite for people who are qualified but that's because there is no one who is qualified.

What is you definition of qualified for Alexandria Mayor and CC? Who do you see as qualified?

DP. Good points. I suspect the Council’s half-time requirement attracts low performing strivers. Who else but a person with a noncompetitive job would run for such a half committed role? Their employers are basically admitting the employee/Council member isn’t needed/missed much when they’re out of office.

A full time Council requirement with higher pay would bring forth a more professional and dynamic set of candidates. Perhaps resulting in a city that thrives instead of just getting by.

please define "professional and dynamic".

And what do you mean by "higher pay"? How much do you think taxpayers should pay them?

“More professional and dynamic” meaning people whose professional rank and experience shows voters they were trusted with essential business by their employer. No more back office lackeys. Preferably people with a working knowledge of money so they can balance their idealism with reality.

If a person owns/owned a business, I’d like to see solid online reviews (if applicable) and that it produced an impressive income. Sorry kids, no lemonade stands. We have too much at stake.

The current CC has brought us to point where the grass in public spaces barely gets mowed anymore.

As far as naming a salary, that’s a question for the city manager. OR we could do the smart thing and merge with one of the local counties. Taxes might not be so high if we cut the exorbitant overhead related to managing this itty bitty city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk about a lightweight...that's this Jesse O'Connell guy. I got a flyer for him today...he's an "education expert". Um no, he's worked on education policy issues. No experience teaching, no experience working in schools apparently. He's a "community leader" that I've never heard of before this election. Does he think he is because he has an occasionally funny blog about the city? His jokey flyer just comes off as...dumb jock, frat guy running for study body president.

His yard is a freaking disaster and embarasses all of us neighbors. No way he can run the city if he can't manage a tiny little yard.

Just like his pal, Wilson. It's amusing to me to see yard signs for this frat boy in the yards of neighbors who now loathe Wilson.

Alexandria voters aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.

Well they don't vote for who's qualified that's for sure.

Interesting comment. I agree that they don't voite for people who are qualified but that's because there is no one who is qualified.

What is you definition of qualified for Alexandria Mayor and CC? Who do you see as qualified?

DP. Good points. I suspect the Council’s half-time requirement attracts low performing strivers. Who else but a person with a noncompetitive job would run for such a half committed role? Their employers are basically admitting the employee/Council member isn’t needed/missed much when they’re out of office.

A full time Council requirement with higher pay would bring forth a more professional and dynamic set of candidates. Perhaps resulting in a city that thrives instead of just getting by.

please define "professional and dynamic".

And what do you mean by "higher pay"? How much do you think taxpayers should pay them?

“More professional and dynamic” meaning people whose professional rank and experience shows voters they were trusted with essential business by their employer. No more back office lackeys. Preferably people with a working knowledge of money so they can balance their idealism with reality.

If a person owns/owned a business, I’d like to see solid online reviews (if applicable) and that it produced an impressive income. Sorry kids, no lemonade stands. We have too much at stake.

The current CC has brought us to point where the grass in public spaces barely gets mowed anymore.

As far as naming a salary, that’s a question for the city manager. OR we could do the smart thing and merge with one of the local counties. Taxes might not be so high if we cut the exorbitant overhead related to managing this itty bitty city.

The CC hires the city manager so that's a conflict of interest.

I think about my worst case scenario CC member and Mayor. I would not want to be paying their salary. Think about your idea of the absolute worst CC member and Mayor. Do you still support paying these people and inflated full time salary as part of the exorbitant overhead you cite?