2021 VOTER GUIDE

CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL | GENERAL ELECTION

Our Electoral Committee asked the candidates for the 2021 Charlottesville City Council Democratic Primary a series of questions surrounding Policing, Climate/Environment, Housing, Transit, and Labor. All three candidates submitted answers. Answers are listed in alphabetical order by candidate’s last name and have only been edited for typos.

Note that Charlottesville DSA is not endorsing any of the candidates for Council.

If you’re on a desktop computer or large tablet, we recommend viewing our PDF version of the voter guide for the best experience.

The candidates are:

• Brian Pinkston (BP) | he/him/his | | Democrat | website

• Juandiego Wade (JW) | he/him | Democrat | website

• Yas Washington (YW) | she/her | Independent | website

To compare the Democratic candidates’ responses to those they made before the Primary, click here to view that guide.

Finally, we would like to thank all of the candidates for their timely responses.

What do you think the Police Civilian Review Board’s role should be in Charlottesville?

BP: I think the primary role of the PCRB should be as an open and respectful venue for City residents and the police to communicate effectively with each other. A crucial piece of this is for residents to state clearly what their expectations are for the police, in terms of transparency and accountability. Supporting the new PCRB ED so as to “operationalize” this vision must be a priority.

JW: I support enforcing accountability of the CPD through the Police Civilian Review Board, but I do not believe in micromanagement. If elected, one of my first priorities will be to talk with members of the current CRB and members of the public to determine how Charlottesville should proceed.

YW: The role of PCRB is to act as a supervisory board of CPD to prevent misconduct. Police Civilian Review Board ensures fair and just policing as law enforcement ethically upholds constitutional law. PCRB can make recommendations for disciplinary action and use subpoena powers for investigations when necessary.

Downtown parking enforcement

Support immediately: JW, YW
Support a study: BP
Will not support:

Parking enforcement citywide

Support immediately: JW
Support a study: BP, YW
Will not support:

Traffic enforcement

Support immediately: YW
Support a study: BP, JW
Will not support:

Welfare checks

Support immediately: YW
Support a study: BP, JW
Will not support:

Responding to residents struggling with mental illness

Support immediately: JW, YW
Support a study: BP
Will not support:

Public defenders in Charlottesville make less than their prosecutor counterparts (link). Will you commit to increasing funding for the Charlottesville-Albemarle Defender’s Office to ensure we’re equitably funding defense for low-income residents in court?

BP: I will commit to thinking hard about this in context with other funding commitments, especially in a post-Covid fiscal landscape. But, yes, I see that this is important and will make it a priority.

JW: Ensuring justice requires that we put equal weight on public defense as we do on prosecution. The first step in achieving that is working towards pay parity between public defenders and prosecutors.

YW: Yes. As the crime-rate fluctuates it should be a determining factor for our Defender’s Office regarding department funding or supplemental pay increases to ensure a well-supported defense team for our low wealth neighbors.

How do you plan to engage the Climate Action Planner and what would be your top priority for the person in this position?

BP: I would listen to them carefully and take their recommendations with great seriousness, to include funding their requests. Top priority: Show me where any potential floodplain changes may be so that we can a) keep that in mind in planning and b) use that to convince reticent voters of how important this topic is.

JW: I believe the most important first-step in ensuring climate justice is increasing tree canopy in communities of color as a way to mitigate that outsized health impact of climate change. More broadly, I understand how historically the climate movement has been led by elite—often white—groups, and I believe that climate justice requires we actively bring disadvantaged communities to the table.

YW: The agenda of the Climate Action Planner is to use the GHG reporting data to rewrite the framework for our target reduction goal. Collaboratively working alongside the CAP as we lead into Phase 1 of the Climate Action Plan will give momentum to the emission reduction initiatives.

Climate change disproportionately affects communities of color, the elderly, and the poor—how will you ensure that the City’s planned climate action isn’t directed at the city’s elite?

BP: First, I would make funding the Affordable Housing Plan endorsed by Council a priority. That seems to me to be the ground floor of all these discussions. Second, I would support efforts by groups like LEAP to subsidize energy efficiency enhancements in their homes. Third, I would explore “progressive taxation” (or “non-progressive subsidization”) for natural gas and trash pickup.

JW: I will work with the Tree Commission to increase the tree canopy in communities of color. As noted above, I will have the planner work in communities of color to actually implement its recommendation. Additionally, I will seek advice and services of the numerous nonprofits in the community working in this arena.

YW: As we work towards emission reduction and become a carbon-neutral city, inclusivity is a priority as seen with my recommendations of a city-wide retrofit lighting project and increased investments in urban farming annually.

Transportation accounts for 26.6% of greenhouse gas emissions in Charlottesville (link), so providing alternatives to driving will be critical for meeting the City’s climate goals. Do you support allowing more housing density and mixed-use development to allow residents to get around the city without driving? What other steps would you pursue to reduce car dependency?

BP: Yes, I am generally supportive of increasing housing density, with the usual provisos that the details of how this gets done are crucial. As to other steps, I would advocate for a regional transit authority or at the very least better coordination among entities like JAUNT, UVA, and CAT.

JW: As a city and transportation planner by trade, I deeply understand the importance of higher density housing and mixed-use development, not only in reaching our climate goals, but for the health and safety of our residents. For this reason, I support pursuing both of those initiatives.

YW: As we brainstorm holistic solutions to support gentrified development we strive to connect the city aside from additional CAT routes for public transit, concentrating growth in particular districts around historic downtown.

The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) is an opportunity to increase housing density, especially in neighborhoods that currently have the least amount of density and have historically excluded Black neighbors through racial covenants. What are your goals for the FLUM?

BP: The ultimate goal would be to increase housing stock (up-and-down the affordability scale) throughout the City while a) protecting neighborhoods at risk of gentrification, b) transcending R-1 zoning in a way that preserves the cohesiveness of neighborhoods, c) avoiding potential unintended consequences in terms of development that is non-affordable, and d) crafting fair zoning ordinances.

JW: Increasing density and correcting the injustices imposed on Black families by racial covenants should be a top priority, which is why I support the FLUM as long as the process has robust community input.

YW: As we continue to diversify Charlottesville, inclusionary zoning will increase options of affordable housing. The city’s blueprint seen with FLUM will change land usage with zoning laws for a healthy mix of homes as a means to incorporate affordability around gentrification.

Cville Plans Together recommends spending $10 million per year to address the affordable housing gap in Charlottesville. Would you support this level of funding for affordable housing? If not, what do you believe is the appropriate level of financial support for affordable housing?

BP: The simple answer is, Yes. The complicated answer is that, from my reading at least, the AHP actually requires “only” a net extra (i.e., above current outlays for subsidies) of $7 to $8 million dollars per year. I support that. Again, I think the AHP is a solid plan. It has the endorsement of the current Council and thus reflects a significant degree of democratic, popular support.

JW: I fully support funding affordable housing. A thorough review of the budget will determine how much additional funding should be allocated to it.

YW: The Comprehensive Plan dedicates $10 million per year as we revitalize neighborhoods that have been neglected through city expansion, as the urban ring grows. This funding should work to remodel condemned homes making them livable for our low or moderate wealth neighbors, commit to phases for new apartments or purchasing buildings for residential use (i.e. Kim’s Market, Fifeville).

Parking requirements for residential development drive up housing costs by as much as 25%, with cost increases hitting affordable housing especially hard. Would you support reducing or eliminating parking requirements in Charlottesville?

BP: Yes, with the proviso that this will need to be balanced with appropriate transit options.

JW: Yes.

YW: I support reducing parking requirements or minimizing the cost for renters who own a motor vehicle and would like the convenience of parking outside or relatively close to their home. For example, the homes on 10th and page or apartments on West Main should have desired parking free of cost with accommodations to street parking or lots.

What other policies would you pursue to help build affordable homes? For each policy you support, how many affordable homes do you think it would create?

BP: Again, I think the AHP is a solid plan. I want to focus on executing against that plan. I’ve read it thoroughly. It clearly reflects strong expertise on the topic. My focus will be on getting that done. I am unable to speculate on how many affordable homes might result, beyond the numbers stated in the plan.

JW: I would pursue more collaboration with surrounding localities and the University of Virginia. I am not sure at this point how much additional housing this will produce. Additionally, I would also explore opportunities to rezone to allow for multi-family residences.

YW: In-Situ Slum Up Gradation Policy, which is a motion for slum removal or homes that are abandoned and condemned for purchase of a developer for affordable usage or Habitat for Humanity. Every policy I support should work to build 75-125 dwellings.

In July, Council appropriated $300k to fund a community outreach worker and legal representation for some of those facing eviction. In order to secure the right to counsel for all people facing eviction, Council would need to pass an ordinance that guarantees the right to counsel and increase funding. Do you support this?

BP: Yes, with the proviso that I understand the details of what’s being proposed and that it doesn’t conflict with other critical priorities.

JW: Securing the right to legal representation for all eviction cases is an essential part of achieving equity. I would support efforts to extend this right to all people.

YW: LAJC recent appropriation of $300k to legally represent individuals facing eviction should become an annual allocation with increased funding determined by performance. As I fervently work to holistically address the war on poverty, renters should have access to representation to combat the termination of a lease making rehousing difficult with future landlords.

Charlottesville currently allocates a significant proportion of its most valuable land to free parking. A 2015 study commissioned by the City found existing parking in its garages was under-utilized. What steps should the City take to better use existing parking and to avoid subsidizing fossil fuel consumption by personal transportation?

BP: Perhaps. Free parking downtown may seem like a waste. (Actually, most spaces there cost—unless I’ve not been looking hard enough!) But having good, solid parking options for people is important such that the Downtown ecosystem can thrive. That’s important if we want to fund essential equity initiatives.

JW: Because Charlottesville is only 10 square miles, we must ensure that space is used as efficiently as possible. I would thoroughly review this study and then gather representatives from the Economic Development office, the Downtown Business Association and housing advocates to craft a solution.

YW: Our public transit administration with council can strengthen relationships and encourage transit usage with fare incentives, benefits for our passengers, and a timely commute with a seamless system. However, concentrated development will reduce mileage. I support Community Climate Collaborative, environmentalist partners, with a commitment to reduce emissions from Tiger Fuel Company.

Research shows that protected bicycle lanes improve safety for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians. Would you commit City funds to building protected bicycle lanes in Charlottesville? If so, where?

BP: I certainly am committed to including Complete Streets concepts in design criteria for infrastructure upgrades. I am as concerned, too, that we have good sidewalks throughout the City. These important pieces often get swamped in the CIP requests. I want that to change. I also want NDS to do a better job engaging the neighborhoods on these nuts-and-bolts issues.

JW: Yes, I would recommend funds for protected bike lanes. That requires working with the community and alternative transportation organizations to determine the greatest need. I have worked with these groups and the community numerous times as a transportation planner and prepared to assist in this effort.

YW: Annual commitments building protected lanes are a priority as part of road expansion as Charlottesville becomes sustainable with provisions of public safety for our pedestrians and bicyclists. As funds are received or allocated, walkability in verified neighborhoods for tree canopy launches should include plans for sidewalks, continuing efforts of inclusion for marginalized neighbors.

The Virginia legislature recently allowed localities to install speed cameras in school zones (link). Would you support funding for speed cameras near schools? If not, what steps would you take to protect children from car crashes?

BP: Yes, absolutely.

JW: Yes, I would support this initiative. As a School Board member and as a father of a child who attended Charlottesville Public Schools, I have witnessed countless vehicles speeding in school zones.

YW: I support funding the speed cameras near schools as it is a safety precaution. Also, I would like to have a resource officer or two upon dismissal to conduct traffic to prevent car crashes and reduce the number of altercations as we take initiatives to maintain student safety.

What would be your approach to working with the County to fund and expand the bus system?

BP: I’d coordinate this through the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission’s ongoing initiatives.

JW: I worked as a transportation planner for 2 decades, and therefore I have the expertise necessary to work with the County to expand our bus system. Additionally, I support creating a Regional Transit Authority.

YW: Let’s jointly request funding from our state-level resources as we work to create jobs of full-time employments for CAT drivers. To reduce wait-time when commuting via public transit a new bus could be incorporated for the convenience of our residents. As always expanding the transit system with stops located near neighborhoods, high traffic areas and shopping centres promotes inclusivity.

How do you propose to solve the school bus driver shortage?

BP: I don’t have a specific proposal for this currently.

JW: As a member of Charlottesville’s School Board, I have been working to address the school bus driver shortage through introducing new incentives such as a signing bonus, the possibility for full-time work, and the offering of health benefits to part-time workers.

YW: CPS alongside School Board could organize a job fair at which time applications of employment will be accepted for review of the hiring team or advertising a ride-along starting at the City Yard for individuals interested in the position.

Do you support legislation that would grant municipal employees the right to bargain collectively and unionize?

BP: Yes, with the proviso that the details of how that would be enacted are important and must be carefully thought through.

JW: I support the rights of workers to collectively bargain.

YW: Yes, the right to bargain collectively gives employees to ability to unionize without being released from employment. Unionizing can shine light to unfair conditions or workplace issues that could be resolved with a policy of reform, funding for resources, renovations or a supplemental pay increase.