If the city does move forward with a buyback program, we cannot stop there. We still have to get at the root causes of gun violence, like housing/job/food insecurity, and push for after school activities and mentorship programs that have proven to be effective in reducing gun violence, especially among youths.

I know buybacks are a policy that’s not supported by Moms Demand Action since the data suggest they are not as effective as most advocates want them to be. A lot of the benefits touted are the general safety awareness that goes along with buyback campaigns, and the ability to hand out free gun locks and safety equipment. I certainly agree with making safety equipment more freely available and would easily support funding that.

Obviously I want to protect folks and decrease gun violence. We need to make sure the decisions we make are backed by strong data that proves effectiveness, not just generates positive feelings.

Some additional thoughts about my vision for Charlottesville.

Newcomer Natalie Oschrin said the R-B zones would mean additional density, but that fears are overblown.

“That doesn’t mean that skyscraper apartments are going to be immediately popped up,” Oschrin said. “That type of apartment complex is not actually allowed. These are sixplexes.”

Cville Dems Candidate Forum

A community is a system, and education is both a foundation of, and subject to, the other elements of that system. Safe streets, collective bargaining, and affordable housing are parts of a solid education system. Kids needs to STAY in the schools, it is detrimental to discipline and achievement if their families face housing insecurity, if they have to move between schools frequently, or have unsafe, crowded housing, or housing that is too expensive. The housing crisis also makes it harder for teachers to live in the neighborhoods where they work and contributes to overall inequity. Better housing options, better transportation options, and better education are all linked, and I'm pushing to improve them together.

Four of five candidates for the Democrat nominations for Charlottesville City Council appeared in person to answer questions.

“Regular hardworking folks should be able to find a place to live in the city where they work.”

“We live in a community that wants to walk, that wants to bike, that wants to easily use public tranit, that wants to address the climate crises, that wants to reduce traffic and pollution. We have the resources to make big changes; we just need the the will.”

Three more Democrats file to run for Charlottesville City Council