The upcoming City Council elections look to be one of the most competitive races in recent memory as many consider the Republican Party to have a strong chance of winning at least one seat on Council for the first time in 12 years.
But this election could see different results because of growing voter discontent with the status quo, Elizabeth Fortune associate dean of the Architecture School and Republican candidate said.
"Voters see the need for change. Voters are willing to listen to candidates outside of their political party," Fortune said.
But current Democratic Mayor Virginia Daugherty said she thinks Democratic candidates have a strong chance of winning as long as they work hard.
Republicans are not the only group calling for change. The recently-formed group Democrats for Change also protests against the current party establishment.
The Democrats for Change oppose the controversial Meadowcreek Parkway, the roadway construction proposal designed to alleviate traffic on Route 29, and want to move the city's executive power from a city manager, who the elected Council members appoint, to a directly-elected mayor.
The Republicans agree with the Democrats for Change on both issues, City Republicans Chairman Dale McGlothlin said.
The election May 2 will determine three of the five seats on Council.
Council members Daugherty, Meredith Richards and Maurice Cox will complete their terms July 1. Richards and Cox are seeking reelection; Daugherty is not.
The city Republican Party supports three candidates: John Pfaltz, Fortune and Jon Bright.
Pfaltz is a University engineering professor.
Fortune said she sees her association with the University as a positive characteristic.
"It helps to show that U.Va. faculty members are members of the community also," she said.
She added that her agenda focuses on people living and working in Charlottesville. Fortune said she sees the high property tax in Charlottesville as a deterrent to living in Charlottesville because Albemarle County offers its residents a lower property tax.
Bright, a Republican, announced his candidacy Feb. 28 and is the most recent addition to the race.
The Democratic Party also is offering three candidates, including two incumbents.
Richards, Cox and Kevin Lynch are the Democratic nominees.
There also are two independent candidates running in the elections: Kevin Cox and Stratton Saoidis.
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