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Senator Edd Houck is locked in a tight recount with Bryce Reeves
Senator Edd Houck’s race against extremist Bryce Reeves has come down to the wire and control of the Virginia State Senate hinges on the result. After a counting error was corrected, Senator Houck was 86 votes behind Reeves based on unofficial results—well within the range for a recount. Senator Houck’s campaign has released the following statement:
The race for this seat remains too close to call. Wednesday morning canvasses have yet to be held, and provisional ballots throughout the district have yet to be counted. Also, there were several significant discrepancies during Tuesday night’s tabulation that deserve further attention during the canvassing and certification process. We look forward to monitoring this situation throughout the district to ensure that every vote is fairly and accurately counted, and we expect that Senator Houck will ultimately prevail in the final outcome.
Obviously, this race is not over and there is a lengthy process that we must go through to determine the winner. Albemarle Democrats look forward to insuring that every vote is counted and we’re confident that when the dust settles that Senator Houck will have the lead.
Cynthia Neff, candidate for Rivanna District Supervisor just released this statement in response to the rising costs of the Western Bypass:
“A clear indication of the folly of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors’ bypass decision is the fact that a local citizens group had to FOIA information about the true cost from VDOT.
This new information clearly puts the cost of acquiring the right of ways, preliminary engineering and ultimate design and construction of the bypass at well over $500M. In addition to the manner in which this project was approved, without public input or oversight, this massive cost calls the wisdom of this bypass into question. Once again, our community deserves better, and the taxpayers of Virginia have every right to expect better.
It’s time to revisit the Places 29 proposals, which provide the same results as the bypass for far less money, far less risk and far more support from our community.”
For Immediate Release
Charlottesville: On Monday, August 15, Albemarle County Democrats came together in Lane Auditorium to nominate their candidates for this fall’s Albemarle County elections. Following speeches from Sen. Creigh Deeds and Del. David Toscano, along with the Democratic nominee for the 59th House of Delegates District, Connie Brennan, the County candidates addressed an enthusiastic crowd of Albemarle County voters.
The candidates addressed the need for more transparent decision-making in county government, the need to support education, and the call to maintain the high quality of life and dedication to public service that Albemarle residents expect from elected officials. All the candidates stressed the importance of local elections–the outcome of which most immediately impact quality-of-life issues such as schools and libraries, adequate police and safety personnel, and planning for the future of our community.
Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorney Denise Lunsford commented on the candidates’ record of public service, and remarked on Democrats’ record of advocating for the rights of all people. Ann Mallek, incumbent Chair of the Board of Supervisors from White Hall district, remembered when the Board worked together to achieve the stated goals of the community.
Candidate for Board of Supervisors from Scottsville district Christopher J. Dumler told the crowd that “we deserve a government that’s responsive, actually listening to the citizens of Albemarle on the issues that really matter to them.”
Rivanna Board of Supervisors candidate Cynthia Neff pledged that she “will fight for open, transparent and effective local government while striving to preserve the quality of life for the community.”
While school board positions are non-partisan, two candidates have received the endorsement of the Albemarle County Democratic Committee: Scottsville incumbent Steve Koleszar reflected on what it takes to keep Albemarle’s public schools “world class”–with a 92% on-time graduation rate–in the face of reduced budgets. Candidate for the at-large seat, Ned Gallaway, a former teacher, said that our world-class schools help prepare our children to become critical thinkers and the creative innovators of the future.
Valerie L’Herrou, Chair of the Albemarle County Democratic Party, pointed out that Albemarle was fortunate to have such high-quality representation in the General Assembly as Creigh Deeds, Edd Houck, and David Toscano. She praised the work of incumbents Denise Lunsford, Ann Mallek and Steve Koleszar. L’Herrou said she was proud to have candidates of such high caliber: hard working, informed on the issues, and with a proven record of public service.
For more information: Valerie L’Herrou, Chair 434.996.1803 vlherrou@gmail.com
Former IBM Vice President Cynthia Neff is running for Board of Supervisors from Rivanna
Cynthia Neff is running to represent the Rivanna District on Albemarle County’s Board of Supervisors. Cynthia came to Albemarle County after retiring from a successful career at IBM that took her all over the globe. After growing up as an Army brat who moved around a great deal, deciding where to build a new, post-IBM life was crucial. After a few years of study, she decided she belonged here in Albemarle County.
Integrating herself into the community early, Cynthia began serving Albemarle County as a CASA volunteer, working as an advocate for abused and neglected children. Shortly thereafter, she was asked to join the Board of the AIDS/HIV Services Group, which she now chairs, and the Advisory Council of the Legal Aid Justice Center, where she also worked on the Virginia Institutionalized Persons project. Cynthia also involved herself in local politics as a volunteer with the Albemarle County Democratic Party, and now serving as the party’s Vice Chair. Cynthia also serves on the Board of ASAP, Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population, a group that studies the effects of development and growth on the natural resources and quality of life in our community.
Neff meets with a future constituent
Cynthia’s passion for sustaining and improving the quality of life in our community has led her to run for Board of Supervisors in 2011. She is interested in creating an open, communicative local government that listens to the voices of the people, particularly on the issues of development, infrastructure, and public education. Cynthia hopes to champion the transparent, open, and honest style of government that the citizens of Albemarle County deserve.
CALL TO CAUCUS
2011 25TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF DELEGATES CAUCUS
The 25th District House of Delegates Democratic Committee hereby announces that it will hold an assembled caucus at 8:00 PM on August 18, 2011 in the South Board Room at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona, Virginia for the purpose of nominating a candidate for the office of Delegate for the 25th District House of Delegates of Virginia.
Any person wishing to be a candidate for nomination shall file a written declaration of candidacy along with a $100.00 filing fee (payable to “Augusta County Democrats”) to Riley Murray, 2075 Long Meadow Road, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980, by 5:00 pm on August 11, 2011. No person who has failed to comply with these requirements will be considered for nomination.
The ballot shall include all individuals who prefile as specified above.
Individuals attending the caucus are asked to bring their Voter Registration Card. Any person attending the assembled caucus, before participating in the caucus, shall sign a standardized declaration form stating that he/she: (1) is a Democrat, (2) does not intend to support any candidate who is opposed to the Democratic nominee in the ensuing general election, and (3) is a registered voter in the 25th District House of Delegates of Virginia. Declaration forms will be available beginning at 7:30 PM and must be filled out at the caucus prior to voting at 8:00 PM. Doors to the caucus will be closed at that time and no person may complete a form or enter the caucus after that time with the exception of those persons in line at 8:00 PM.
In the event only one qualified person prefiles for any office, that person shall be declared and certified to the State Board of Elections as the Democratic Candidate for that office and the caucus shall be canceled. In event no qualified person prefiles, the caucus will be canceled. However, in the event a person prefiles that has not participated in a nominating caucus before, the caucus shall be held for that person’s nomination to be confirmed. To be confirmed, a candidate must receive a majority vote of those participating in the caucus. A notice will issued and published in the same manner and venue as this notice in the event the caucus is cancelled.
Persons attending the caucus will be asked to pay a voluntary administrative fee of $10.00 to cover costs of the caucus. No person shall be denied participating in the caucus for failure to pay the fee.
25th House of Delegates District
VOTING PRECINCTS
201 – JACK JOUETT
(Albemarle County)
204 – BELFIELD
(Albemarle County)
301 – IVY
(Albemarle County)
304 – EAST IVY
(Albemarle County)
601 – CROZET
(Albemarle County)
604 – BROWNSVILLE
(Albemarle County)
605 – YELLOW MOUNTAIN
(Albemarle County)
103 – VERONA
(Augusta County)
201 – CRIMORA
(Augusta County)
202 – NEW HOPE
(Augusta County)
203 – WEYERS CAVE
(Augusta County)
301 – FORT DEFIANCE
(Augusta County)
801 – DOOMS
(Augusta County)
802 – FISHERSVILLE
(Augusta County)
803 – WILSON
(Augusta County)
207 – OTTOBINE
(Rockingham County)
302 – PORT REPUBLIC
(Rockingham County)
303 – NORTH RIVER
(Rockingham County)
304 – GROTTOES
(Rockingham County)
305 – MASSANETTA SPRINGS
(Rockingham County)
401 – BRIDGEWATER
(Rockingham County)
402 – MONTEZUMA
(Rockingham County)
403 – MT CRAWFORD
(Rockingham County)
For further information please contact Riley Murray, Chair of the 25th District House of Delegates Democratic Committee, at 2075 Long Meadow Rd, Waynesboro, Virginia or at 540 290 5733 or at ram3.2008@gmail.com
Authorized and paid for by the 25th District House of Delegates Democratic Committee.
NOTICE OF MEETING
2011 58th HOUSE DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Pursuant to the authority provided by the Virginia Democratic Party Plan, the 58th House of Delegates District Democratic Committee hereby calls a meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, by teleconference. All those wishing to participate should email info@albemarledems.org or call 434-260-1592 to find out more information.
Candidates wishing to file to run for the Democratic nomination for office of Delegate for the 58th District must do so by sending notice to info@albemarledems.org and pay the filing fee of $500 by August 6, 2011 at 5pm.
CALL TO CAUCUS
2011 25th SENATE DISTRICT CAUCUS
Pursuant to the authority provided by the Virginia Democratic Party Plan, the 25th Senate District Democratic Committee hereby calls a Caucus to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2011, with registration to begin at 2:30, pm in the Main Shelter of Claudius Crozet Park, Crozet, Virginia.
- Incorporated Documents. All appropriate provisions of the Virginia Democratic Party Plan (“State Party Plan”), as amended, are incorporated into this Call by reference and made a part hereof.
- Purposes. The purpose of the Caucus shall be to nominate Democratic candidates for the office of Senator for the 25th Senatorial district in the upcoming General Election to be held on November 8, 2011.
- Participation. Participation is open to all registered voters of the 25th Senate District who wish to participate as Democrats regardless of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status, or disability.
- Filing. Any Democrat wishing to be considered for Democratic nomination must file a certificate of candidacy with the Chair of the 25th District Committee at vlherrou@gmail.com, or designated representative, by the filing deadline: 5:00 p.m. on, August 10, 2011.
- Only those candidates who have filed by the deadline will appear on the ballots distributed at the caucuses. If no more than 1 person has filed for any office by the deadline, the person who has filed for that office will be deemed to have been nominated.
- Declaration. All candidates and all persons participating in the caucuses, shall sign a Declaration form which includes an affirmation that the person is a resident of, and registered to vote in, the jurisdiction holding the caucus; does not intend to support any candidate who is opposed to the Democratic nominee in the next ensuing general election; is a Democrat; is not a member of any other political party; and has not participated and will not participate in the nominating process of any other political party for the 2011 general election.
- Filing fee. The 25th Senate District Committee has requested a fee for each candidate in the amount of $1000.
- Rules. The Caucus shall be governed by the rules developed by the Temporary Rules Committee and rules developed by the permanent Rules Committee and adopted by the Convention. The Chair shall appoint the members of the Temporary Committees on Credentials and Rules, and shall appoint a convener of each committee. The District Convention shall elect Permanent Committees on Credentials and Rules. Each committee shall be composed of at least 3 members.
- Certification of Candidates. Within three days after the caucus, the Chair of the 25th Senate District Committee shall provide the State Party and the State Board of Elections the name of each nominated candidate.
Valerie L’Herrou
Chair, 25th Senate District Committee
Candidates wishing to file to run for the Democratic nomination for office of Senator for the 25th District must do so by sending notice to info@albemarledems.org and pay the filing fee of $1,000 by August 10, 2011 at 5pm.
UPDATE: This caucus has been cancelled following Jasper Hendricks’ withdrawal from the race and Connie Brennan’s acceptance of the Party’s nomination.
CALL
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT CAUCUS
1. CALL. Pursuant to the authority provided by the Virginia Democratic Party
Plan, the 59th House of Delegates Legislative District (“Legislative District
Committee”) hereby calls a Caucus to be held at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, August
9, 2011, in the Curdsville Community Center of 122 School Rd., Farmville,
Virginia. The doors of the Caucus shall be open to registration at 6:30 PM. Only
those registered by or in line to register at 7:30 PM may participate in the Caucus.
2. INCORPORATED DOCUMENTS. All appropriate provisions of the Virginia
Democratic Party Plan (“State Party Plan”) as amended through November 19,
2005, are incorporated into this Call by reference and made a part thereof.
3. PURPOSE. The purpose of the Caucus shall be to nominate a candidate for the
59th House of Delegates Legislative District.
4. METHOD OF NOMINATION. All nominees shall be selected by a majority
vote conducted by secret ballot in an assembled caucus. If the vote ends in a tie, the tie
shall be broken by the flip of a coin.
5. OBSERVERS. Only registered voters in the 59th House of Delegates Legislative
District may attend the meeting, special seating will be provided for all others.
6. CERTIFICATION OF PARTICIPANTS. The Credentials Committee of the
59th District shall certify as a participant any person who is a registered voter by VAN.
Anyone who is on the list of registered voters of the 59th District may participate in the
Caucus. All participants must sign a Caucus Declaration form before being allowed to
participate. Any disagreements will be worked out by chair of their locality.
7. PREFILING DEADLINE. All persons seeking the nomination of the 59th
House of Delegates Legislative District must prefile for the nomination by
submitting a Declaration of Candidacy statement in writing to the Chair of the
local County Committee by 5:00 PM on July 29, 2011. No nominations will be
permitted from the floor of the Convention.
Carter S. Elliott, Chair
The Albemarle County Democratic Committee is seeking donated or low-cost office space for the campaign season, beginning early August through mid-November. Location with on-site parking and handicapped access, not far from city limits, and adjacent to Rivanna district preferred.
If you know of a location, please contact us.
Update: The Albemarle County Democratic Party has moved into offices shared with the Deeds campaign for this cycle.
CALL TO CAUCUS
2011 ALBEMARLE COUNTY CAUCUS
Pursuant to the authority provided by the Virginia Democratic Party Plan, the Albemarle County Democratic Committee hereby calls a Caucus to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15, 2011, with doors to open at 6:30, pm in the auditorium of the Albemarle County Office Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Incorporated Documents. All appropriate provisions of the Virginia Democratic Party Plan (“State Party Plan”), as amended, and the Bylaws of the Albemarle County Democratic Committee are incorporated into this Call by reference and made a part hereof.
- Purposes. The purpose of the Caucus shall be to nominate Democratic candidates for the upcoming Albemarle County General Election to be held on November 8, 2011.
- Participation. Participation is open to all registered voters of Albemarle County who wish to participate as Democrats regardless of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status, or disability.
- Filing. Any Democrat wishing to be considered for Democratic nomination to a County office must file a certificate of candidacy with the Chair of the Albemarle County Democratic Committee, or designated representative, by the filing deadline: 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011.
- Only those candidates who have filed by the deadline will appear on the ballots distributed at the caucuses. If no more than 1 person has filed for any office by the deadline, the person who has filed for that office will be deemed to have been nominated.
- Declaration. All candidates and all persons participating in the caucuses, shall sign a Declaration form which includes an affirmation that the person is a resident of, and registered to vote in, the jurisdiction holding the caucus; does not intend to support any candidate who is opposed to the Democratic nominee in the next ensuing general election; is a Democrat; is not a member of any other political party; and has not participated and will not participate in the nominating process of any other political party for the 2011 general election.
- Filing fee. The Albemarle County Democratic Committee has requested a fee for each candidate in the amount of $250.
- Rules. The County Caucus shall be governed by the rules developed by the Temporary Rules Committee and rules developed by the permanent Rules Committee and adopted by the Convention. The Chair shall appoint the members of the Temporary Committees on Credentials and Rules, and shall appoint a convener of each committee. The District Convention shall elect Permanent Committees on Credentials and Rules. Each committee shall be composed of at least 3 members.
- Certification of Candidates. Within three days after the caucus, the Albemarle County Democratic Chair shall provide the State Party and the State Board of Elections the name of each nominated candidate.
Valerie L’Herrou
Chair, Albemarle County Democratic Party
Candidates wishing to file to run for Democratic nomination for an office in Albemarle must do so by sending notice to info@albemarledems.org and pay the $250 filing fee by August 5, 2011 at 5pm.
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