After four years as mayor of Charlottesville, David Brown has decided not to run for re-election. Brown will, however, continue to serve in his position as a City Council member for another four-year term after being re-elected last week.
According to Brown, the decision stems from his belief that serving more than two terms as mayor would change the nature of the position.
"More than that would kind of personalize the position," he said.
Brown has served two consecutive two-year terms as mayor, although he said it was previously a convention for Charlottesville mayors to serve just one term.
Brown said he decided to serve a second term because it would allow him more time to become comfortable with the job.
Brown noted that the responsibilities of the mayor are threefold: leading public meetings, setting the Council agenda and acting as "the public face of Charlottesville."
According to Brown, he has helped improve the relationship between the City of Charlottesville and the University during his time as mayor.
"The key to good working relationships in any environment is frequent and regular and straightforward communication," he said. "I like to think that that's a big part of what my job has been."
Brown added that improvement in communication has gone both ways, noting both city and University officials recognize the impact their actions have on each other.
"Working together is definitely the best way to address problems and issues," he said.
Council member Dave Norris, who has served on Council for the past two years, said he is considering running for mayor for the next term, although he has not yet made a definite decision. Norris said he is considering the position because he would like to continue to see improvements on issues Council has addressed throughout the past term.
"I think we have opportunities in the next couple years to make an impact on some of the issues that got me interested in running for office in the first place," he said, noting one issue Council has been focusing on is environmental sustainability.
"On the environmental front, the city has been taking some pretty important steps when it comes to addressing the climate-change issue and trying to increase our tree canopy," he said.
Norris added his decision will depend on several factors.
"It's a time commitment," he said. "I'm going to make sure it works for my family and for me professionally."
Norris said he will also discuss the possibility of running with his fellow Council members, noting that he will be more likely to run if he feels he has their support.
Council member Julian Taliaferro is also considered a potential candidate for mayor, but he could not be reached for comment.
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