Dave Norris was the man of the hour last night at the South Street Brewery, at his re-election campaign kick off party. Amidst friends, fellow City Council members and hopefuls, Norris was beaming with excitement.

“Politics and public policy are very serious business,” he told C-VILLE. “But that does not mean we can’t have fun doing it.”

Susan Payne, of Payne, Ross and Associates, was one of the members of the hosting committee, which included, among others, fellow Councilor Holly Edwards, Joy Johnson, Holly Hatcher, Planning Commissioner Cheri Lewis and Stu Rifkin. “Dave is a man of incredible integrity and honesty,” says Payne. “I respect his willingness to serve.”

Norris launched into a colorful speech assessing the political situation since his last  run for City Council in 2006. Back then, his platform focused on four primary themes: creating affordable housing, enhancing educational opportunities, fighting poverty and racial discrimination, and promoting environmental sustainability.

“We have made progress,” he said referring to a six-fold increase in funding for affordable housing, and the “greenest city in Virginia” accolade, but, he said, “there is much to be done.”

More after the photo

Dave Norris and friends toast to a successful campaign.

On the subject of poverty, Norris proudly informed the large crowd that the lowest paid city employees were finally paid a living wage, $11.44 an hour.

Before raising a toast to Norris and a successful re-election run, campaign treasurer Holly Hatcher explained the rules on donations. “We know that people are hurting and we take that very seriously,” she told the crowd. Norris imposed a voluntary limit of $500 per donor.

“Let’s consider it as an investment, and investment in Dave,” said Hatcher.
Delegate David Toscano (D-Charlottesville) took this party as an opportunity to come out and support a Democrat and “to see people I haven’t seen in three months,” he says.

“I am a big supporter of Democrats. I want to see a Democrat on City Council.”

Democratic City Council candidates Kristin Szakos and Julian Taliaferro, who was elected with Norris in 2006 were also in attendance.