Running for Mayor
From a HV reader:
When people run for public office, they should realize that all of their communication with their potential constituents is really like a job interview. The voters do the “hiring,” based on how much they like the candidate’s policies, his leadership skills, his interpersonal skills, and--fairly, or unfairly--how much they like him or her as a person. When holding a public office, one becomes the representative for not only the people who agree with the office holder, but all the residents of the jurisdiction. The bloggers on this website are among the constituents of the mayor of Vienna, and as such, should be treated with respect by a prospective mayoral candidate. Yet, Mr. Rossi has insulted us, baited us, refused to deal with us on our terms, rather insisting that we meet him on his terms. Will a citizen vote for someone who tells her sarcastically, that she doesn’t know the meaning of a word and to look it up in a dictionary? Will a citizen vote for someone who says, “trust me, I know what’s best for you”? Will a voter just accept that a mayor always has the best answer while refusing to listen to others or consider that others might have better answers? Will a citizen vote for someone who says his constituents aren’t worthy of good grammar? Would anyone get the job if they use poor grammar and insult the interviewee?
Comments
I do not expect my politicians to be literary masters but a good grasp of the language is nice.
I do want politicians who can think outside of the box and who can quickly and efficiently tell me what their plans/ideas are.
Posted by: vienna mommy | July 14, 2008 09:43 AM
This is exactly what we have with Seeman and Robinson now.
Posted by: Mr. Man | July 14, 2008 11:10 AM
First, I'd like to thank HV for picking up on what was becoming increasingly evident about Mr. Rossi's posts. Perhaps living around the corner from Maude is rubbing off on him. He's new here; most of us have been posting here for years. I was offended at his response to 'anne smith' about not revealing the street she lived on (why is that important?), and his condescending comment about the definition of residential, but then he hit me with his caustic "Your (sic) a funny guy. Are you the guy I see cheating in the carpool lanes?" Where did that come from? And I can't comprehend traffic conditions? Please. I asked him in mutiple posts for answers to simple, specific and direct questions. Nothing. Some snarky comeback. And it just kept up. Well, I'm going to take him up on his request for direct contact. Not by e-mail, but in a letter to his 'home' address. I'll forward his response to HV. Assuming it doesn't get trashed by his accountant in FL.
Posted by: Mark | July 14, 2008 12:09 PM
"When holding a public office, one becomes the representative for not only the people who agree with the office holder, but all the residents of the jurisdiction" Baloney!!! J. "weak-on-law-enforcement" Seeman has completely abandoned the taxpayer citizens of SE/SW Vienna. Anyone have info on how to succeed from the town? If we have to live in a "ghetto" might as well join Fairfax County like residents of Dunn Loring; at the very least won't have to pay over-rated Vienna taxes.
Posted by: vote-for-Mr. Rossi | July 14, 2008 12:48 PM
HV is not commenting on this issue. A regular reader wrote it for everyone to discuss.
Posted by: HV | July 14, 2008 12:51 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me explain something to you in simple terms. I have lived in Vienna my entire life. I am not a transplant. I care about this town and that is why I am here, upfront and in the open.
I will continue going to all the various town meetings, talking to the people and getting to know each one, to understand their concerns, understand the true problems of the town.
So I will move forward at my pace running my campaign, my way. I will work with folks face to face, hand in hand and eye to eye.
I have invited all of you to contact me directly either by phone or by email. Since that time I have had 107 responses. Unfortunately, the few people here in this blog that would rather attack my good intensions instead of contacting me Ill never understand.
However, if anyone is truly interested in learning about me and my 5 point plan that will change the hearts and minds of the majority and enhance the quality life for all. I ask you to contact me directly.
My Father taught me a long time ago that the only thing I can control in this world is my own character.
In conclusion, always remember to do the right thing for your family, to show kindness to those who may be troubled. Have faith and in the near future, I’m sure you will see me knocking on your door to discuss the issues. Do I have all the answers? Of course not, but together we just might be closer then you think.
Be Safe
Charles Rossi for Mayor 2010
121 Locust Street SW
Vienna, Virginia 22180
703 498 6882
rossihere2@hotmail.com
Posted by: Charles Rossi | July 14, 2008 08:51 PM
Mr. Rossi:
Please provide us your plan to improve the lives of your SE/SW neighbors? Why must we be subjected to the majority of the crime and public safety issues in this town? What will YOU do about blatant zoning violations and over-crowded Vienna Park Slums? It's obvious the current VTC members, that live on the north side, of town don't give a damm about us.
Posted by: J. "I don't live over-there" Seeman | July 15, 2008 08:48 AM
Mr. Rossi: I hope you can develop additional platform planks in addition to your traffic plan.
It seems posters on this site view cut-through traffic as a lesser evil than (1) crime, (2) Maple Ave. under-utilization, and (3) perceived general incompetence (e.g. sidewalks not being built despite a plan to do so.)
Some of the posters here can be quite dogmatic, but being able to deal diplomatically with those who disagree is one of the hallmarks of being a politician.
Posted by: Shawn Pickrell | July 15, 2008 10:33 AM
Mr. Rossi,
You seem to be missing one of my main points--that you're still lecturing us that you know what's best and that we have to meet you face-to-face, which would be your choice, not ours. Most of us prefer the convenience of interface by internet. Personally, I do show up at town meetings when I they are worth my time. I'm sure others here do as well.
You seem to think that there is only one way to care about the town and that's your way. If we didn't care, do you think we'd spend the time to discuss issues on this website? Take a look--we've come up with real solutions to some of the real problems. You might actually learn something if you open your mind to other ways of thinking
Posted by: anne smith | July 15, 2008 11:23 AM
I hope to meet you at the next meeting...Thanks Anne,
Posted by: Charles Rossi | July 15, 2008 08:26 PM
Mr. Rossi,
I happened to be driving from Courthouse to Center Street today, and I spotted your house. It was hard to miss, what with the plywood nailed up over your front window and all. Despite all the complaints about flophouses in Vienna, it's rare to see boarded-up windows. You really should have taken care of that before announcing your candidacy. But seeing how you didn't, you could post your 5-point plan there, if you want more people to read it.
Posted by: Locust user | July 20, 2008 05:20 PM
Next time I cut through Locust St, I'll look for that 5 Point Plan!
Posted by: anne smith | July 20, 2008 09:29 PM
The house looks deserted. Or perhaps they're on vacation. Early last week, I sent Mr. Rossi a letter (mailed in Vienna to another address in town) and have not received a response. One of the questions I asked him was for a copy of his "Five Point Plan". I'll let you know if I get a response.
Posted by: Mark L. Solomon | July 21, 2008 09:10 AM
I think it is great that someone stoes up to the plate to insure us that there will not be another election without opposition. I would hope that because one person is running that others who are so inspired do not keep out of the race. Perhaps we could form a "Mayor Candidate" Party where the citizens participate to select a candidate of their choice to avoid diluting the vote. Don't believe that the town elections are non-partisan.
Posted by: Wyltn | July 22, 2008 09:47 PM
From the lack of discussion after my last post I make this prediction. Before the next mayoral election in Vienna Mr. Rossi will have moved to Florida and Mayor Seeman will run again unopposed.
Posted by: Wyltn | July 29, 2008 11:16 PM