Best Wishes from Betty!

It's hard to believe that it has been a year and a half ago since I sat down at Mudhouse envisioning plans for an online community resource when I ran into Dave Norris. I had always admired his work in our community on behalf of the homeless, affordable housing, the environment, education, the list goes on and on. So I was a bit nervous to introduce myself and share my admiration and appreciation for him and his work. Of course Dave is so approachable, I think back on it and laugh.

In his typical humble fashion, we didn't talk too much about him. Instead he asked a simple question, "What are you doing, Teri Kent?" So I shared my vision for Betty with him and he listened. Not only did he listen, he encouraged me and inquired how he could help. At the time I had no website experience and little money to put behind the idea, but he put me in contact with people who could help me realize my vision. At the time his committee on sustainability was making lots of plans, one of which was a green city webpage. So we decided to collectively kick off the two websites last January - a celebration of collaboration and synergy in the name of a healthier sustainable community!

With his support, we continue to build partnerships with other groups in town. We meet at least once a month, so I can get caught up on all the green goings on at the city level and make sure he's getting more than a few hours of sleep at night doing great things for our city (I volunteered to head the Mayoral subcommittee on Rest and Relaxation - turns out part of the RandR plan included less subcommittees).

Thanks, Dave for being one of Betty's first friends in town and such an integral part of her success!

So it is with great pleasure that I invite any friend of Betty to be a friend of
Dave and attend the campaign kick-off party this Thursday the 12th from 7-9pm at South Street Brewery to recruit volunteers and supporters for his re-election campaign. I plan on bringing the whole fam damily!

In his words:
"We have made some good progress in my time on Council, though, and I have too many 'irons in the fire' and initiatives under development to give up now. Accordingly, I have decided to take the plunge and today am announcing my candidacy for another term on City Council.

One last thing. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate asking for money. But we do need some funds to help cover the modest expenses we expect to incur in the months ahead. Virginia law allows for unlimited donations to local candidates, but I detest the corrupting role that money plays in politics so I have imposed a voluntary limit of $500 per donor. Even if you can only give a fraction of that, though, please consider doing so. Checks can be made out to "Dave Norris for City Council" and mailed to 1409 Early St., Charlottesville, VA 22902, or go to his blog for details."

See you all there!
BWB