Euille Endorses Wilson for City Council

Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille endorsed Justin Wilson for City Council on Sunday at the candidate’s campaign kickoff at  in Del Ray.

Wilson worked with Euille as a member of city council after being elected in a special election in 2007. At 29, he was the youngest councilmember in the city’s history. He served for two years before being ousted in the 2009 election.

“I know… that Justin will think it through, ask the right questions and consider all sides before making a vote,” Euille said. “We need Justin back on city council.”

Wilson said he has enjoyed spending more time with his family and being a better employee with Amtrak (where he works as an engineer) during the last several years where he hasn’t had council commitments. But he said the issues facing the city are “far too important” for him to stay on the sideline.

During his remarks, Wilson identified economic development, transportation and early childhood education as areas of investment.

“We need a budget that is respectful of our wallets but reflective of our values,” Wilson said.

The Del Ray resident said the city needs a Metrorail station and high-capacity transit at Potomac Yard to support the that’s currently in the works. He called Landmark Mall “a fiscal black hole” and said there’s a need for a new retail option at the site with integrated transit.  

“I know the power of mass transit,” Wilson said. “This is a fundamental choice election. Do we want development to happen to us or do we want to be involved in shaping it?”

Euille was one of four members of the host committee for Sunday’s kickoff. The others were Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, State Senator Dick Saslaw (D-35th) and former Alexandria city manager Vola Lawson.

“Justin is a big supporter of public safety and the sheriff’s office,” Lawhorne said. “We need his energy back on council. He’s sharp-minded and just gets the issues.”

The Democratic primary for council is scheduled for June 12, but a pending lawsuit over Virginia’s redistricting and the need for the U.S. Justice Department to approve the new districts might move the primary into August.

Euille is running for re-election and is expected to be unopposed.

Wilson held a moment of silence for prior to his address.