by Shira E. and Beth S.
![](https://i0.wp.com/grassrootsalexandria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240502_q5a_small.jpg?resize=525%2C421&ssl=1)
Caption: Candidates Aguirre, Bagley, Chapman, and Gaskins respond to a question about holding the school board accountable (photo by Jonathan Krall)
On May 2, 2024, Grassroots Alexandria partnered with Tenants and Workers United and the Northern Virginia Branch of the Democratic Socialists of America to host a City Council and Mayoral candidate forum. The event took place outdoors at the Tenants and Workers parking lot and was simultaneously translated into Spanish. One out of three Mayoral candidates attended (Alyia Gaskins), as well as ten out of twelve candidates running for City Council: Canek Aguirre (D), Sarah Bagley (D), John Taylor Chapman (D), Abdel Elnoubi (D), Jacinta Greene (D), Kevin Harris (D), Jonathan Huskey (D), James Lewis (D), Kirk McPike (D), and Jesse O’Connell (D). Greene and Elnoubi, current ACPS School Board members, had to leave the forum early to attend a school board meeting.
Candidates were given the opportunity to make opening statements and answer four open-ended questions on the topics of maintaining culturally rich neighborhoods threatened by redevelopment; biking/walking safety; support for business owners of color; and alternative approaches to supporting youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. An eight question lightning round followed, in which candidates answered yes or no using hand-held signs; candidates were asked to answer “no” if they could not answer affirmatively without reservations. Lightning round topics included affordable housing, mass transit, support for students and schools, mental health resources, and collaboration between the sheriff’s office and ICE. For a full rundown of the short answer and lightning round questions, please refer to this document.
![](https://i0.wp.com/grassrootsalexandria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240502_zeina.jpg?resize=482%2C516&ssl=1)
Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam moderated the forum (photo by Mia Taylor)
Early voting is currently underway for the June 18th primary. Our thanks go out to all who help organize and run this event.