What’s at stake in Fredericksburg? After the defeat of the old Howson-Beck coalition in 2005, the old guard has slowly been encroaching back into the halls of power. No return to the days of secret meetings and FOIA requests, but few holdovers from the 2003 still remain.
This election wasn’t as contentious as years prior. Central Park and Celebrate Virginia are online and pouring money into city coffers. Downtown is thriving, two pools are being built, the downtown parking garage has arrived, Dixon Park is slowly coming about, and schools are going up.
What remains is a tax rate disproportionately high, a riverwalk unfinished, Sophia Street still undeveloped, the hotel still facing a skeptical eye, and a general “what’s next” feeling among Fredericksburg residents.
RESULTS:
Ward 1: Marvin Dixon won with 56% of the vote. Braun came in a strong second, but the big surprise is Moss. Surprisingly low…
Ward 2: Solley beat McAfee nearly 2-1.
Ward 3: Old timers will know that I bowed out of the last Fredericksburg City Council race to help Matt Kelly get elected four years ago. I am glad to hear he has won a second term with 56% of the vote. The downside is that I know John and Brenda Harris as well… what a tough race, and well run on Harris’ part. Matt Kelly is about as good a friend to Fredericksburg as there ever could be, and I’m glad to see him re-elected.
Ward 4: No surprise here. Running unopposed, Rev. Hashmel Turner has won a second term on City Council. Turner is the current torchbearer for religion in the public square, having been challenged by the ACLU for mentioning Jesus Christ in his prayer before City Council meetings. If anyone ever tells you Democrats have no principles, come to Fredericksburg — I’ll introduce you to Reverend Turner.
Fredericksburg School Board races were all unopposed.
In the end, no real surprises from Fredericksburg, and the votes were convincing enough. Looking fowrard to seeing what the new direction of Council will be.