Alexandria voters have just two choices for City Council on Tuesday: Republican Bill Cleveland, a former councilman, and Justin Wilson, a young Democratic activist.
Vice Mayor Andrew Macdonald’s unexpected resignation in May led to the special election. Macdonald, who cited personal reasons in leaving the post, was known for his independence and cautious approach to development.
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Wilson, chairman of the city’s transit board, promotes mixed office, residential and retail development around Metro stations, like those suggested in the small-area plan at Braddock Road Metro station. He said, however, that he is pleased the city is re-evaluating that plan in light of opposition from neighbors.
Cleveland said large, high-density buildings will not work well in the community opposite the Braddock Road Metro.
He’s looking for a balance between the desires of developers and residents and city development guidelines.
The east end of the city is already built out, Cleveland said. He urged redevelopment in the west end, particularly in the economically depressed areas around Landmark Mall.
To improve Alexandria’s economy, Cleveland suggested initiatives he proposed during his tenure on the council, such as special tax districts and enterprise zones.
Wilson sees the keys to improving Alexandria’s economy as centering new construction on Metro and making the city more business-friendly.
He pointed to recently released studies that found city hall’s bureaucracy is dissuading small businesses from opening in the city. Cleveland, a retired Capitol Police officer, left the council in 2003 after an unsuccessful bid for mayor. Two years ago, he lost the sheriff’s race to Dana Lawhorne.
So far in his campaign for the City Council seat, Cleveland has raised $47,165, according to financial reports released this week.
Cleveland’s single-largest contributor was the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association’s political action committee, at $5,000. In total, he received $15,150 from developers, contractors and property managers.
“Brokers live in the city, too,” Cleveland said. “I’ll be fair to everyone.”
Wilson, who served as Mayor William Euille’s campaign treasurer in recent races, has raised $41,988 for his own campaign. He received endorsements and donations from many of the city’s current and former politicians. Euille donated the most, at $1,795. In total, Wilson received more than $11,500 from politicians and political action committees.
“They support me not because I’ll be in lockstep with them but because they think I have the judgment and experience to serve on council,” Wilson said.
