May 9, 2007

Dear Friends:

Like each of you, I was surprised and disappointed to hear of Vice Mayor Macdonald’s decision to resign from the Council. I believe the citizens of Alexandria appreciated and valued the perspective he brought to the Council.

Alexandria is at a crossroads: National Harbor, the development of the waterfront, the development of Landmark and of Potomac Yard. Each will bring new challenges—and new opportunities. If we create a positive and pro-active policy to manage these changes, the predicted thousands of additional visitors to our city may provide the dollars needed to safeguard open space and decrease our reliance on the real estate property tax. We then will have the ability to help improve our schools, health services, and public safety infrastructure. If we are careless with our future, we could see an increase in crime and traffic, and a decrease in our cherished quality of life. I have decided that I want to help our outstanding Council work to ensure we do things right and intend to run for the vacant Council seat.

I also want to make sure this seat stays in Democratic hands. Our neighbors in Arlington would confirm that the immediate nature of a special election poses the greatest danger to our hard-fought Democratic monopoly. I already have a highly-developed list of supporters, and I have previously won some of the key precincts in which this race will be contested. I believe I am our best candidate for beating the Republicans in just two short months.

I intend to work hard for the honor to serve and to realize our progressive ideals. My wife, Tina, and I are humbled and excited by the size of this undertaking, but we are also inspired and reassured by the expressions of support and encouragement we have received. I hope as the campaign moves forward, you will give careful consideration to the talents each candidate can bring to the Council. Thank you for your kind consideration of my candidacy, and please visit www.jimlay.org now to learn more about my campaign and to share your ideas.

Respectfully Yours,

Jim Lay