Committee of 100 Debate…Ann Wheeler Has Stellar Performance!

Elena

When Republicans who attended the debate last night agree that Peter Candland presents as an empty suit, you know you are in trouble.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening, for me, was when the two candidates were discussing bringing new jobs to Prince William County. The broader question became–why AREN’T businesses relocating here?

Peter Candland, talked about how he has the business savvy to bring new economic investment to the County. He touted  his experience serving on a corporate relocation task force, but then failed to  verbalize  why he was unable  to bring these business to Prince William County.  Candland freely admitted  that “quality of life” issues are what will bring high-end retail and corporate investment, but  he lost traction informing his listeners how to upgrade the quality of life issues.  He lacked specifics and upbraided his opponent over stimulus money but failed to reveal how he would finance these issue that both candidates feel are important. 

Ann Wheeler was confident and articulate in her answers during the debate.  Wheeler has a moderate and realistic grasp of the needs of Prince William County. She understands that PWC must invest in those quality of life resources like  schools, libraries,  parks and recreation, walkable communities, superior fire, rescue and police services  and decent roads.  These are the issues that attract quality economic investment. 

While both candidates addressed county concerns directed at the Gainesville District, Ann Wheeler clearly demonstrated substance over ideological talking points.  She backed up her remarks with specific examples whereas Candland spoke in sweeping generalities.  She simply appeared to have her thumb directly on the pulse of the community.

A Dirty Little Lie is Floating Around……..

Elena

So, once again, Jaimie Zielger, Peter Candland’s wanna be pit bull, is going after me.

When I sent out the pledge for all candidates to sign in late July, what I received back from Peter Candland was a letter questioning  the validity of Advocates for the Rural Crescent. I sent a hard copy letter in response immediately. In fact, I was forced to send a hard copy to his campaign address as Mr. Candland did not have the common courtesy to include a direct e-mail or a phone number.  Let me add, that a current campaign worker for him has known me for several years.

Here is what was what was said on the not so truthful blog:

The ONLY basis for Ann Wheeler’s claim Peter Candland does not support protecting the Rural Crescent is Candland’s decision not to sign the Rural Crescent Pledge authored by liberal activist Elena Schlossberg-Kunkel. Candland asked for more information from Schlossberg-Kunkel about the organization and the political agenda being advocated by her, but got no response.

But Candland then got smeared with the false claim that he did not support protecting the Rural Crescent.

First of all, I have never smeared Peter Candland, I have simply acknowledged those who signed the pledge and their commitment to the Rural Crescent.

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Peter Candland: Proud to be an Ideologue?

Elena

I actually feel sorry for Peter Candland and I will tell you why.  Apparently, his M.O. now is to attack Ann Wheeler for  her statement “I am not an ideologue”.  From the blog he is promoting on his official facebook page:

This is a candidate that does not want to be associated with any political ideology, particularly the Democratic platform.

Let me share why I feel sorry for Mr. Candland.  I have had the privilege of working with people from many different perspectives in Prince William County on various issues, from land use, to power lines, to parks, to Silver Lake, to public school issues, et al.  I have built friendships with people that do not share the exact same political belief system as I do.  You know what, I am proud to call them friends.

Ann Wheeler is telling Gainesville citizens that she is interested in solving problems based on best solutions not based on whether you have an R or a D by your name.  Isn’t that what we all want, people interested in coming together to solve problems!

Does Peter Candland believe that Prince William County residents want our local government to emulate the  dysfunction we see happening the National level?  I for one do not.   Is Peter Candland’s message to the Gainesville District one of divisiveness?

Does Mr. Candland understand that in order for a Democracy to be healthy, we must have differing opinions, and vigorous debate?  Mr. Candland being a Republican is no more unacceptable than Ann Wheeler being a Democrat.

Peter Candland clearly prefers to have a very small and myopic circle of friends and associates, ones that only share his point of view on all issues.

As an elected leader, it is critical that one have the ability and interest to reach out to those  with whom you may have differing opinions in order to find the best solutions.

Camp Candland attempts damage control

Elena

Politics has become a game of “take no survivors”, a game I find very discouraging when critical issues must be resolved between differing parties.  The Rural Crescent, since its inception, has been a unique tool, not just for land use, but an opportunity to bring Republicans, Democrats, and Independents together, united together, even if only on one issue.  For me, the RC is a tenuous bridge builder between people from different ideological perspectives.

What Peter Candland has demonstrated is a complete and utter lack of understanding of why land use can be the one issue that brings people together.  Does Peter Candland prefer to make enemies?  Does Peter Candland prefer to just dismiss people who he believes are Democrats?  Honestly, I am shocked.  Isn’t democracy based on differing views?  If everyone believed the same or were bullied into silence, would that be a representation of the Democracy our founding fathers created?

 The purpose of the pledge is to allow the community to clearly understand where the candidate stands regarding his or her commitment to the Rural Crescent.  Space is provided for clarification, should the candidate care to elaborate.  All communication with candidates  is posted on the ARC website.  The pledge sheet only contains two components:

  • Vote to support the Rural Crescent’s current 10 acre minimum residential zoning.
  • Oppose the expansion of sewer within the borders of the Rural Crescent as outlined in the current Prince William County Comprehensive Plan.

As anyone can see, those are the only 2 items to support.  There is no hidden agenda and there is absolutely nothing about abortion or immigration, legal or illegal, in anything having to do with Rural Crescent affairs. 

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