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Democratic hopefuls share Council ideas

Three Democratic Charlottesville City Council candidates encouraged student activism in local politics and addressed city-University issues before the University Democrats last night.

"I'm suspicious of those who say students are temporary citizens who have no role," incumbent Council member Maurice Cox said.

Cox, fellow incumbent Meredith Richards and challenging candidate Kevin Lynch face election May 2 against three Republican candidates and two independents. Council historically has been dominated by Democrats.

Lynch noted the positive effect students have on the community, particularly through volunteer programs. But all candidates acknowledged the strain between the city and the University.

"The University shows indifference to the city in the way it expands," Richards said, noting a contrast in University property appearance between the side facing Grounds and the side viewed by city residents.

Cox, currently an asst. professor in the Architecture School, has acted as a liaison between low-income residents and the Charlottesville public housing authority.

Meredith Richards, an early child development psychologist and former Psychology Dept. faculty member, has focused her platform on early childhood education.

Challenging candidate Kevin Lynch, an Engineering School graduate and self-employed contractor, as well as the founder of the local band Baaba Seth, said he hopes to help with local implementation of national policies and alternate transportation system for the city.

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