David Slutzky, chairman of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, recently announced his decision not to challenge Del. Rob Bell, R-Charlottesville, for his seat in the General Assembly.
Though Slutzky expressed interest in the position, he has decided to focus on his work on the Board of Supervisors, where he represents the Rio District.
“I looked hard at the idea [of running] because I would enjoy serving in the General Assembly,” Slutzky said. “At the moment it would take a lot of time and energy to wage a campaign against an entrenched incumbent.”
Bell, who was first elected to his position in 2001, said he has a proven track record of serving his constituents and said he is confident that voters would have acknowledged that should Slutzky have decided to run.
Slutzky also noted that the effort would be a “distraction” to his work on the board, as there are now several pressing issues facing the board.
Expanding the transit system in Albemarle County, Slutzky said, is among the board’s concerns. Additionally, Slutzky emphasized the importance of acting as a “spokesperson for the needs of the poor.” The board is part of a joint task force including the city, county and the University dedicated to addressing the issue of affordable housing in the area.
Another issue that needs to be addressed at a local level is climate control, Slutzky said. He noted that he has experience dealing with this issue; he served as a surrogate speaker for then-New York Sen. Hillary Clinton during her run for U.S. president, speaking about climate-control issues. Slutzky also served as a senior policy adviser for environmental issues under President Bill Clinton.
Slutzky said he is unsure whether he will pursue the General Assembly seat in the future, noting “I kind of take it one election at a time.”
Meanwhile, though no new opponent has risen to run against Bell, the incumbent delegate said he remains ready to be challenged.
“There are thousands of people in this district, and any one of them could decide to run against me,” Bell said, noting that he aims to win his current seat again regardless of who might challenge him.
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