|
I was recommended consulting with the City Manager because he understands the budget limitations of various pay scales.
Beyond that, I saw DC offers full time Council members $120k-ish. The number seems high be enough to draw out more serious candidates without being astronomical. All seven current of Alexandria City’s Council members are responsible for squandering an unbelievable amount of money on ridiculous programs. Extreme to the degree I suspect the higher cost of a full time council would be covered from the resulting savings of voting the current spendthrifts out. Yet, merging with Fairfax or Arlington to cut overhead is still the best financial and environmental option. We’re currently duplicating efforts and not doing a better job. |
I recommended consulting with the City Manager because he understands the budget limitations of various pay scales. Beyond that, I saw DC offers full time Council members $120k-ish. The number seems high enough to draw out more serious candidates without being astronomical. All seven current Council members are responsible for squandering an unbelievable amount on ridiculous programs. Extreme to the degree I suspect the higher cost of a full time council would be covered from the resulting savings of voting the current spendthrifts out. Yet, merging with Fairfax or Arlington to cut overhead is still the best financial and environmental option. We’re currently duplicating efforts and not doing a better job. |
$120K is not enough for a full time job in Alexandria. I do believe they need a raise, but 120K isn't going to cover cost of living, and is probably too low for the amount of work they have to do. Now, 120K for a part time council member is more reasonable. |
It's still a conflict of interest. While the current City Manager seems less political than the last, he (and former city's attorney) made some pretty embarrassing and costly mistakes. I can't think of a single person on this council I would want to give FT pay to. And this is what Alexandria elects time and again. It's not because they are the only options. It's because this is exactly what the majority of the city wants. Same with the school board and the schools. Everyone loved (and loves) Bill Euille. Look at what was going on there and no one cares. Alexandria is a lost cause...and they voted for it. |
Complete BS. |
+1 |
|
I think I've got my list, and plan to vote early tomorrow.
Mayor: Peterson (will absolutely not vote for Gaskins or Jackson) Council (if I have to vote for 6 - I may vote for fewer): Elnoubi Aguirre Chapman Lewis Greene Scherer Will absolutely NOT vote for: McPike, Harris, O'Connell, Bagley, or Huskey. |
Same here about voting for Peterson. Before you vote for the rest, Google the property tax stance of Elnoubi, Jackson and Aguirre. If you’re concerned about mortgage affordability and/or rent hikes, they’re ready to raise taxes and make costs of living go even higher. “It’s your decision to decide whether you want to raise taxes or not,” Elnoubi told City Council last month. “If you do that, if you decide to raise taxes, I’m 100% with you,” is the direct quote. https://www.alxnow.com/2024/03/07/alexandria-school-board-goes-all-in-asking-city-council-to-approve-massive-tax-increase/ |
|
Better yet, Google Gaskins Husband. Greg Gaskins.
He's a criminal with several arrests related to drugs/and or alcohol. |
I am inclined to vote for Peterson but does he actually have a chance? As much as I dislike Jackson, I would far prefer her over Gaskins, so I do not want to vote for Peterson and end up with Gaskins because I did not vote for Jackson. What do you and any other PPs dislike about Harris, Bagley, and Huskey? I was thinking of voting for Chapman, Bagley, Huskey, and possibly Harris — not because I like any of them particularly but because I dislike all of the others so immensely. It’s difficult to keep track of each candidate’s positions on every issue. FWIW, I am pro ward system and anti-: Justin Wilson, arena/stadium, Duke Street in Motion, and Missing Middle/zoning changes. |
I think Peterson has a better chance than Jackson. Peterson is the only candidate speaking out against the Council’s move to end single family zoning. I suspect he’s amassed a large contingent of supporters on this single issue alone. That said, I don’t suspect his voters are the loudest. They’re the quiet ones who desire a shift away from the chaotic direction of the Wilson era and are determined to have an adult back in the room. |
I have the same dilemma. I absolutely refuse to vote for gaskins. I’ve known Peterson for years, and he’s a decent guy and would do a great job, but does he have a chance? |
I am the 18:22 PP. OK, I will vote for Peterson. I am still interested to hear — especially from other Peterson supporters — whether I am misguided to also vote for any of the following candidates: Chapman, Bagley, Huskey, and possibly Harris if anyone cares to weigh in on that. Traffic and infrastructure are actually my number one concern, rather than zoning. |
I think Peterson has a good chance. There was a LONG Nextdoor post on this, with a lot of people saying the same about Jackson and Gaskins, and sayigng they plan to vote for the new guy. I think the people who likely to show up and vote in these local elections are the ones paying attention, so he has a good shot. My negative votes on Harris, Bagley, McPike, O'Connell and Huskey are two-fold. 1) we need new voices in the council. And 2, on a specific (not necessarily local) issue they voted against, that I think speaks volumes about their character. |
That’s surprising to me. I see Amy Jackson signs all over on my dog walks. |