Kristin Szakos: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox Officeholder
{{Infobox Officeholder
| name = Kristin Szakos
| name = Kristin Szakos
| photo = 20110815-Szakos headshot.JPG
| photo = 2013-Kristin Szakos.JPG
| caption = Kristin Szakos (D-Charlottesville)
| caption = Kristin ''Layng'' Szakos (D), ca. 2013
| office1= Member<br/> [[Charlottesville City Council]]
| office1= Member<br/> [[Charlottesville City Council]]
| district1 = At-Large
| district1 = At-Large
| election1 = Nov. 5, 2013
| election1 = [[2009 election]], November 3, 2009
| term_start1 = 2010
| term_start1 = January 1, 2010
| term_end1 = 2017
| term_end1 = December 31, 2013
| preceded1 =  
| preceded1 = [[Julian Taliaferro]]
| succeeded1 =
| succeeded1 = Kristin Szakos
| office2=  
| office2= Member<br/> [[Charlottesville City Council]]
| district2 =  
| district2 = At-Large
| party2 =  
| party2 =  
| election2 =  
| election2 = [[2013 election]], November 5, 2013
| term_start2 =  
| term_start2 = January 1, 2014
| term_end2 =
| term_end2 =December 31, 2017
| preceded2 =
| preceded2 = Kristin Szakos
| succeeded2 =
| succeeded2 = [[Heather Hill]]
| office3 =
| office3 =
| district3 =
| district3 =
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| preceded3 =
| preceded3 =
| succeeded3 =
| succeeded3 =
| birth_date =
| birth_date = <!--March 25, 1959-->Age {{age|1959|03|25}}
| date_of_death =
| date_of_death =
| birth_place =
| birth_place =  
| place_of_death =
| place_of_death =
| spouse = Joe Szakos
| spouse = [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Szakos Joe Szakos]
| children = Anna & Maria<ref name="candidate"/>
| children = Two
| residence = Charlottesville, Virginia
| residence = [[Locust Grove]] neighborhood (Since 1994)
| alma_mater = Grinnell College<br>B.A. in Religious Studies<br>Northwestern University<br>M.S.J. in Print Journalism<ref name="candidate"/>
| alma_mater = Grinnell College<br>B.A. in Religious Studies<br>Northwestern University<br>M.S.J. in Print Journalism<ref name="candidate"/>
| profession = Freelance writer & editor<ref name="candidate">Candidate Submissions to Charlottesville Tomorrow</ref>
| profession = Freelance writer, editor,<ref name="candidate">Candidate Submissions to Charlottesville Tomorrow</ref> Grant Writer, Volunteer
| religion =
| religion =
| website = http://kristinforcouncil.org/
| website = http://kristinforcouncil.org/
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}}
}}


'''Kristin Szakos''' (D) was elected to two terms on the [[Charlottesville City Council]]. <ref name="second-term">{{cite-progress|title=Szakos, Fenwick win Charlottesville City Council seats
'''Kristin Szakos''' (born 1959) is a community organizer and freelance writer. A member of the Democratic Party, she was elected to the Charlotteville City Council for two terms (2010-2017), <ref name="second-term">{{cite-progress|title=Szakos, Fenwick win Charlottesville City Council seats
|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/szakos-fenwick-win-charlottesville-city-council-seats/article_fd680892-4697-11e3-b2c5-0019bb30f31a.html|author=Aaron Richardson|pageno=|printdate=November 6, 2013|publishdate=November 5, 2013|accessdate=November 6, 2013|cturl=}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=City Democrats to decide method for nomination process|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/13584-democratic-elections/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=December 1, 2012|accessdate=December 3, 2012}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=Szakos makes bid for second Council term official|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/14085-szakos-second-term-announcement/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=February 14, 2013|accessdate=March 14, 2013}}</ref>
|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/szakos-fenwick-win-charlottesville-city-council-seats/article_fd680892-4697-11e3-b2c5-0019bb30f31a.html|author=Aaron Richardson|pageno=|printdate=November 6, 2013|publishdate=November 5, 2013|accessdate=November 6, 2013|cturl=}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=City Democrats to decide method for nomination process|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/13584-democratic-elections/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=December 1, 2012|accessdate=December 3, 2012}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=Szakos makes bid for second Council term official|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/14085-szakos-second-term-announcement/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=February 14, 2013|accessdate=March 14, 2013}}</ref> but did not run for a third term. <ref>{{cite-cville|title=Szakos won’t seek third term on City Council|url=http://www.c-ville.com/szakos-wont-seek-third-term-city-council/#.WIuDW1MrJEY|author=Lisa Provence|pageno=|printno=|printdate=January 17, 2017|publishdate=January 17, 2017|accessdate=January 27, 2016}}</ref>  In the [[2009 election]] for two at-large seats on the [[City Council]], Szakos faced incumbents [[Dave Norris]] and [[Julian Taliaferro]] in the first-ever [[unassembled caucus]] held by the [[Charlottesville Democratic Party]] on May 9, 2009. Szakos  and Norris won the nomination<ref name="ctnomination">[http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2009/05/norris_szakos2.html "Charlottesville Democrats nominate Norris and Szakos for City Council"] Charlottesville Tomorrow News Center. Charlottesville Tomorrow, 9 May 2009. Web. 10 Aug. 2009.</ref> and the later the general election.


She did not run for a third term. <ref>{{cite-cville|title=Szakos won’t seek third term on City Council|url=http://www.c-ville.com/szakos-wont-seek-third-term-city-council/#.WIuDW1MrJEY|author=Lisa Provence|pageno=|printno=|printdate=January 17, 2017|publishdate=January 17, 2017|accessdate=January 27, 2016}}</ref>
Szakos is perhaps the first council member in the history of Charlottesville to recommend the removal of the [[Removal of statues and monuments in Charlottesville|Confederate monuments]].  


==Biography==
Szakos was president of the Burnley-Moran PTO, served on the city Special Education Advisory Committee; board of the [[Charlottesville Branch NAACP]], and serves on the Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry.<ref name="candidate" /> Szakos spent two years as Volunteer Coordinator for the 2008 Obama presidential campaign in Charlottesville.
[[image:20091223-szakos-signing.jpg|thumb|right|Kristin Szakos signing documents after being sworn in by the Hon. [[Paul Garrett]] on December 23, 2009]]Szakos has been a Charlottesville resident since 1994 {{fact}}.  She is married to [[Joe Szakos]] and has two daughters.  She currently lives with them in [[Locust Grove]].  She was president of the Burnley-Moran PTO, served on the city Special Education Advisory Committee and the board of the [[Charlottesville Branch NAACP]], and currently, {{As of|2011|lc=on}}, serves on the [[Trinity Episcopal Church]] Vestry.<ref name="candidate" /> A former journalist, Szakos spent two years as Volunteer Coordinator for the 2008 Obama presidential campaign in Charlottesville.
== Application for Charlottesville City Council Appointed Member ==
In January 2023, Szakos submitted an application for appointment to the Charlottesville City Council to fill the unexpired term of departing Councilor Magill; the remaining councilors will appoint Magill's successor, likely in February 2023. In her application, Szakos stated . "I do not plan to run for Council following the 2023 term." She also noted she would be "out of town in June and July for a long-planned family trip across the United States," and "would have to attend Council meetings during that time via Zoom."


Szakos represents the City as vice chair of the [[MPO Policy Board]] <ref>{{cite web|title=MPO Policy Board|url=http://www.tjpdc.org/transportation/members.asp?groID=3|author=|work=|publisher=Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=August 16, 2011}}</ref>and is also a member of both [[Housing Advisory Committee]] and the [[Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail]].<ref>Charlottesville City Council Meeting. City Hall, Charlottesville. 7 February 2011. Public Meeting.</ref>
 
== City Council ==
=== [[Charlottesville City Council (2010-2011)]] ===
Szakos called for the city to explore the introduction of a municipal composting system.<ref>{{cite-progress|title=Councilor likes idea of public composting|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/nov/06/councilor-likes-idea-public-composting-ar-636234/|author=Rachana Dixit|pageno=|printdate=November 6, 2010|publishdate=November 6, 2010|accessdate=November 8, 2010|cturl=}}</ref>


Szakos and Councilor [[Satyendra Huja]] were potential candidates to succeed [[Dave Norris]] as [[Mayor of Charlottesville]] in late 2011.<ref>{{cite-cville|title=Who will be the next mayor of Charlottesville?|url=http://www.c-ville.com/Who_will_be_the_next_mayor_of_Charlottesville/|author=Chiara Canzi|pageno=|printno=23.52|printdate=December 27, 2011|publishdate=December 27, 2011|accessdate=December 22, 2011}}</ref>
Szakos and Councilor [[Satyendra Huja]] were potential candidates to succeed [[Dave Norris]] as [[Mayor of Charlottesville]] in late 2011.<ref>{{cite-cville|title=Who will be the next mayor of Charlottesville?|url=http://www.c-ville.com/Who_will_be_the_next_mayor_of_Charlottesville/|author=Chiara Canzi|pageno=|printno=23.52|printdate=December 27, 2011|publishdate=December 27, 2011|accessdate=December 22, 2011}}</ref>


==2016 committee assignments==
====Appointment of City Manager (Maurice Jones)====
As a member of the council that appointed [[Maurice Jones]] in 2010, Szakos said that she and other community members who reviewed the candidates for city manager then felt Jones was the best fit for the job.
 
Quotes:
 
*“He didn’t have the same degrees as some candidates, but degrees don’t necessarily make you a better manager,”
*“It was a concern that he should have a degree, though, so that’s why we decided to pay for him to get his master’s.”
*Szakos said she thinks that the city will “lose out” on part of its investment, but demurred when asked if she disagreed with the council’s decision to not renew his contract.
*“As a former councilor, I don’t think they need me second-guessing their decisions,” she said. “I don’t think those investments were wasted. Now that [Jones] is going somewhere else, he’ll be a good manager there.”<ref>https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/charlottesville-to-forgive-joness-80-000-loan-balance-part-of-nearly-250k-investment/article_6b6b92f2-9b73-11e8-8a87-8fa474b319cf.html</ref>
 
=== [[Charlottesville City Council (2012-2013)]] ===
 
=== [[Charlottesville City Council (2014-2015)]] ===
Mall security cameras: Charlottesville Police Chief [[Tim Longo]] laid out four options for cameras on the Downtown Mall and West Main corridor May 4, 2015 and asked City Council for guidance on which way to go.
 
=== [[Charlottesville City Council (2016-2017)]] ===
*Mall security cameras
*Payne v. City of Charlottesville (2017 lawsuit opposing the removal of Confederate monuments and memorials in Charlottesville)
:“The team in the City Attorney’s office did an amazing job; this court decision will positively impact so many lives,” said Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker. "I want to express gratitude to [[Zyahna Bryant]], Dr. [[Wes Bellamy]], and [[Kristin Szakos]] for igniting the sparks that started this local mini-revolution. We are forever indebted to the community for their steadfastness and perseverance over the past five years. For all of us, who were on the right side of history, Bravo!"
 
====2016 committee assignments====
In January 2016, Szakos was assigned to the following committees. <ref>{{cite email|subject=RE: list of appointments|from=Paige Rice|sourceorg=City of Charlottesville|to=Sean Tubbs|repositoryorg=Charlottesville Tomorrow|senddate=January 7, 2016}}</ref>
In January 2016, Szakos was assigned to the following committees. <ref>{{cite email|subject=RE: list of appointments|from=Paige Rice|sourceorg=City of Charlottesville|to=Sean Tubbs|repositoryorg=Charlottesville Tomorrow|senddate=January 7, 2016}}</ref>


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*Darden Towe Park Board
*Darden Towe Park Board
*[[Housing Advisory Committee]]
*[[Housing Advisory Committee]]
*[[Metropolitan Planning Organization]]
*[[Metropolitan Planning Organization]], [[MPO Policy Board]] <ref>{{cite web|title=MPO Policy Board|url=http://www.tjpdc.org/transportation/members.asp?groID=3|author=|work=|publisher=Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=August 16, 2011}}</ref>
*[[Route 29 Solutions]] Project Delivery Advisory Panel (PDAP)
*[[Route 29 Solutions]] Project Delivery Advisory Panel (PDAP)
*Virginia First Cities
*Virginia First Cities
==Past policy positions==
Szakos has called for the city to explore the introduction of a municipal composting system<ref>{{cite-progress|title=Councilor likes idea of public composting|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/nov/06/councilor-likes-idea-public-composting-ar-636234/|author=Rachana Dixit|pageno=|printdate=November 6, 2010|publishdate=November 6, 2010|accessdate=November 8, 2010|cturl=}}</ref>


==[[2013 election]] for City Council==
==[[2013 election]] for City Council==
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}}
}}


Szakos was nominated by the Democratic Party in the June 11, 2013 primary when she won 1,307 votes, or 29 percent of the electorate. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Bellamy, Fenwick in dead heat; Szakos wins easily|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/bellamy-fenwick-in-dead-heat-szakos-wins-easily/article_8f83c6c8-d30a-11e2-b6a7-001a4bcf6878.html|author=Aaron Richardson|pageno=|printdate=June 12, 2013|publishdate=June 12, 2013|accessdate=June 12, 2013|cturl=}}</ref>  
Szakos was nominated by the Democratic Party in the June 11, [[2013]] primary when she won 1,307 votes, or 29 percent of the electorate. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Bellamy, Fenwick in dead heat; Szakos wins easily|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/bellamy-fenwick-in-dead-heat-szakos-wins-easily/article_8f83c6c8-d30a-11e2-b6a7-001a4bcf6878.html|author=Aaron Richardson|pageno=|printdate=June 12, 2013|publishdate=June 12, 2013|accessdate=June 12, 2013|cturl=}}</ref>  


Szakos chose Valentine's Day to formally announce her campaign for a second term. Her campaign manager is [[Lisa Green]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=Szakos makes bid for second Council term official|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/14085-szakos-second-term-announcement/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=February 14, 2013|accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref> Through May 29, 2013, Szakos had raised $2,941 in campaign foundations including a $1,000 donation from herself. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Palmer, McKeel lead local candidates in fundraising|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/palmer-mckeel-lead-local-candidates-in-fundraising/article_c82be91e-cfe1-11e2-92b9-0019bb30f31a.html|author=Daily Progress Staff Reports|pageno=|printdate=|publishdate=June 7, 2013|accessdate=June 10, 2013|cturl=}}</ref>
Szakos chose Valentine's Day to formally announce her campaign for a second term. Her campaign manager was [[Lisa Green]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=Szakos makes bid for second Council term official|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/14085-szakos-second-term-announcement/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=February 14, 2013|accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref> Through May 29, 2013, Szakos had raised $2,941 in campaign foundations including a $1,000 donation from herself. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Palmer, McKeel lead local candidates in fundraising|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/palmer-mckeel-lead-local-candidates-in-fundraising/article_c82be91e-cfe1-11e2-92b9-0019bb30f31a.html|author=Daily Progress Staff Reports|pageno=|printdate=|publishdate=June 7, 2013|accessdate=June 10, 2013|cturl=}}</ref>


Szakos also participated in a questionnaire on public housing conducted by the [[Public Housing Association of Residents]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=Questionnaire for City Council Candidatesurl=http://www.pharcville.org/2013/06/04/phar-questionnaire-for-city-council-candidates/|author=|work=|publisher=|location=|publishdate=June 4, 2013|accessdate=June 10, 2013}}</ref>
Szakos also participated in a questionnaire on public housing conducted by the [[Public Housing Association of Residents]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=Questionnaire for City Council Candidatesurl=http://www.pharcville.org/2013/06/04/phar-questionnaire-for-city-council-candidates/|author=|work=|publisher=|location=|publishdate=June 4, 2013|accessdate=June 10, 2013}}</ref>
===Top campaign donors===
Based on Virginia Department of Elections data from campaign finance reports.
*$3,332 (Democratic Party - Charlottesville)
*$2,500 (Virginia Realtors)
*$1,311 (Kristin Szakos)
*$900 (Democratic Road Forward PAC)
*$350 (Charles A Kabbash)


In the period from July 2013 to August 2013, Szakos raised $3,468 in campaign donations. <ref>{{cite web|title=Local campaigns garner support from political parties, business PAC|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/15983-local-campaign-finance-update/|author=Maggie Ambrose and Brian Wheeler|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=September 22, 2013|accessdate=October 3, 2013}}</ref>
In the period from July 2013 to August 2013, Szakos raised $3,468 in campaign donations. <ref>{{cite web|title=Local campaigns garner support from political parties, business PAC|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/15983-local-campaign-finance-update/|author=Maggie Ambrose and Brian Wheeler|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=September 22, 2013|accessdate=October 3, 2013}}</ref>


 
===Campaign Manager===
[[Erin Monaghan]] was manager for Democratic candidates Szakos and [[Bob Fenwick]] for city council seats in the November [[2013 election]].
====Audio of campaign announcement====
====Audio of campaign announcement====
{{MP3|url=http://s3.amazonaws.com/cville/cm%2Fmutlimedia%2F20130214-Szakos-Announcement.mp3}}
{{MP3|url=http://s3.amazonaws.com/cville/cm%2Fmutlimedia%2F20130214-Szakos-Announcement.mp3}}
==[[2009 election]] for City Council==
==[[2009 election]] for City Council==
===Campaign launch===
===Campaign launch===
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*Find new ways to save money and reduce energy consumption, and
*Find new ways to save money and reduce energy consumption, and
*Use "people power" to bring needed change.
*Use "people power" to bring needed change.
===Top campaign donors===
Based on Virginia Department of Elections data from campaign finance reports.
$500 (Democratic Road Forward PAC)
$350 (Charles A. Kabbash
$332 (Democratic Party - Charlottesville)
$250 (Joan Fenton)
$200 (Pamela Barnard)


<vimeo>4375216</vimeo>
<vimeo>4375216</vimeo>
===2009 Unassembled Caucus===
===2009 Unassembled Caucus===
Szakos faced incumbents [[Dave Norris]] and [[Julian Taliaferro]] in the first-ever [[unassembled caucus]] held by the [[Charlottesville Democratic Party]] on May 9, 2009. Szakos won the nomination along with Norris<ref name="ctnomination">[http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2009/05/norris_szakos2.html "Charlottesville Democrats nominate Norris and Szakos for City Council"] Charlottesville Tomorrow News Center. Charlottesville Tomorrow, 9 May 2009. Web. 10 Aug. 2009.</ref>.
Szakos faced incumbents [[Dave Norris]] and [[Julian Taliaferro]] in the first-ever [[unassembled caucus]] held by the [[Charlottesville Democratic Party]] on May 9, 2009. Szakos won the nomination along with Norris<ref name="ctnomination">[http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2009/05/norris_szakos2.html "Charlottesville Democrats nominate Norris and Szakos for City Council"] Charlottesville Tomorrow News Center. Charlottesville Tomorrow, 9 May 2009. Web. 10 Aug. 2009.</ref>.


Szakos won the caucus and ran in the general election with fellow Democrat and Mayor Dave Norris{{fact}}.
Szakos won the caucus and ran in the general election with fellow Democrat and Mayor [[Dave Norris]]{{fact}}.


===General election results===
===General election results===
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}}
}}


==Confederate statue controversy==
<gallery widths="110px" heights="110px" perrow="5" caption="Photo gallery">
At the 2012 [[Virginia Festival of the Book]], Szakos asked civil war expert and former UVa professor [[Ed Ayers]] if the city should consider removing statues to confederate generals or balance them out with other statues.<ref>{{cite-progress|title=Historian talks Civil War as councilor wonders if statues should be torn down|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2012/mar/22/historian-talks-civil-war-councilor-wonders-if-sta-ar-1787271/|author=Ted Strong|pageno=|printdate=March 23, 2012|publishdate=March 22, 2012|accessdate=April 10, 2012|cturl=}}</ref> The question generated criticism from members of the [[Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society]], who stated that the city's Civil War statues are an important reminder of the area's history and should not be removed.<ref>{{cite-progress|title=City's Civil War statues remind us of our past|url=https://www.dailyprogress.com/news/city-s-civil-war-statues-remind-us-of-our-past/article_bd07eb89-4260-5788-875a-f19b344a0ba9.html|author=Daily Progress|pageno=|printdate=|publishdate=March 27, 2012|accessdate=March 10, 2019|cturl=}}</ref> Szakos said that as a result of her comments she was the subject of hostility but felt that the situation still warranted community conversation.<ref>{{cite-progress|title=Szakos decries response to statue comments|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2012/apr/02/szakos-decries-response-statue-comments-ar-1813702/|author=Graham Moomaw|pageno=|printdate=April 2, 2012|publishdate=|accessdate=April 10, 2012|cturl=}}</ref>
File:20091223-szakos-signing.jpg|Kristin Szakos signing documents after being sworn in by Clerk of the Charlottesville Circuit Court [[Paul Garrett]] on December 23, 2009
 
</gallery>
==Education==
 
*Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa – 1981, B.A. in Religious Studies.
*Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, Evanston, Ill. – M.S.J. in print journalism<ref>https://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/elections.html</ref>
 
==Family==
 
*Husband, [[Joe Szakos]]; daughters, Anna and Maria; Dog, Jacob; Cat, Lydi.
 
*freelance writer and editor, activist
*co-written two books on community organizing.
*Volunteer Coordinator and DNC Delegate for the [[area Obama campaign]].
*Coordinated local [[Organizing for America]] activities.
*Reporter for the Associated Press and the Appalachian News Express, editor of the Appalachian Reader.
*Grantwriter and administrator for various local nonprofits. 
*Past PTO President, Burnley-Moran Elementary School.
*Served on the city [[Special Education Advisory Committee]] and the board of the [[Charlottesville NAACP]].
*Serve on the Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry. 
 
==Contact Information==
 
:Kristin Szakos
:1132 Otter St
:Charlottesville, VA 22901
:(434) 984-4022 (h)
:(434) 987-1042 (M)
:[mailto:k.szakos@embarqmail.com k.szakos@embarqmail.com]
 


==References==
==References==
<references />
{{reflist}}


==External Links==
==External Links==
*[http://kristinforcouncil.org/ 2013 campaign website]
*[http://kristinforcouncil.org/ 2013 campaign website]
*[http://kristinforcouncil.blogspot.com/ Kristin Szakos for Council, 2009 Campaign Website]
*[http://kristinforcouncil.blogspot.com/ Kristin Szakos for Council, 2009 Campaign Website]
*[http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=59661991751&ref=ts Facebook Group]
===Charlottesville Tomorrow’s News Center===


*[http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2009/05/norris_szakos2.html Charlottesville Democrats nominate Norris and Szakos for City Council] Charlottesville Tomorrow. 9 May 2009.
*[http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2009/02/szakos.html Szakos launches first campaign for elected office] Charlottesville Tomorrow. 15 Feb. 2009.


{{City Council/2012}}
{{City Council/2012}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Szakos, Kristin}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Szakos, Kristin}}
[[Category:Democratic party members]]
[[Category:Democratic party members]]
[[Category: 2009 election]]
[[Category: 2013 election]]
[[Category:2023 candidates]]
[[Category: Members of the MPO Policy Board]]
[[Category: Members of the MPO Policy Board]]
[[Category:Charlottesville historic monument controversy]]

Latest revision as of 23:26, 8 February 2023

Kristin Szakos
2013-Kristin Szakos.JPG
Kristin Layng Szakos (D), ca. 2013
Electoral District At-Large
Term Start January 1, 2010
Term End December 31, 2013
Preceded by Julian Taliaferro
Succeeded by Kristin Szakos
Electoral District At-Large
Term Start January 1, 2014
Term End December 31, 2017
Preceded by Kristin Szakos
Succeeded by Heather Hill
Biographical Information

Date of birth Age 65
Spouse Joe Szakos
Children Two
Residence Locust Grove neighborhood (Since 1994)
Alma mater Grinnell College
B.A. in Religious Studies
Northwestern University
M.S.J. in Print Journalism[1]
Profession Freelance writer, editor,[1] Grant Writer, Volunteer
Website http://kristinforcouncil.org/
Campaign $ VPAP
Contributions $ VPAP

Kristin Szakos (born 1959) is a community organizer and freelance writer. A member of the Democratic Party, she was elected to the Charlotteville City Council for two terms (2010-2017), [2] [3] [4] but did not run for a third term. [5] In the 2009 election for two at-large seats on the City Council, Szakos faced incumbents Dave Norris and Julian Taliaferro in the first-ever unassembled caucus held by the Charlottesville Democratic Party on May 9, 2009. Szakos and Norris won the nomination[6] and the later the general election.

Szakos is perhaps the first council member in the history of Charlottesville to recommend the removal of the Confederate monuments.

Szakos was president of the Burnley-Moran PTO, served on the city Special Education Advisory Committee; board of the Charlottesville Branch NAACP, and serves on the Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry.[1] Szakos spent two years as Volunteer Coordinator for the 2008 Obama presidential campaign in Charlottesville.

Application for Charlottesville City Council Appointed Member

In January 2023, Szakos submitted an application for appointment to the Charlottesville City Council to fill the unexpired term of departing Councilor Magill; the remaining councilors will appoint Magill's successor, likely in February 2023. In her application, Szakos stated . "I do not plan to run for Council following the 2023 term." She also noted she would be "out of town in June and July for a long-planned family trip across the United States," and "would have to attend Council meetings during that time via Zoom."


City Council

Charlottesville City Council (2010-2011)

Szakos called for the city to explore the introduction of a municipal composting system.[7]

Szakos and Councilor Satyendra Huja were potential candidates to succeed Dave Norris as Mayor of Charlottesville in late 2011.[8]

Appointment of City Manager (Maurice Jones)

As a member of the council that appointed Maurice Jones in 2010, Szakos said that she and other community members who reviewed the candidates for city manager then felt Jones was the best fit for the job.

Quotes:

  • “He didn’t have the same degrees as some candidates, but degrees don’t necessarily make you a better manager,”
  • “It was a concern that he should have a degree, though, so that’s why we decided to pay for him to get his master’s.”
  • Szakos said she thinks that the city will “lose out” on part of its investment, but demurred when asked if she disagreed with the council’s decision to not renew his contract.
  • “As a former councilor, I don’t think they need me second-guessing their decisions,” she said. “I don’t think those investments were wasted. Now that [Jones] is going somewhere else, he’ll be a good manager there.”[9]

Charlottesville City Council (2012-2013)

Charlottesville City Council (2014-2015)

Mall security cameras: Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo laid out four options for cameras on the Downtown Mall and West Main corridor May 4, 2015 and asked City Council for guidance on which way to go.

Charlottesville City Council (2016-2017)

  • Mall security cameras
  • Payne v. City of Charlottesville (2017 lawsuit opposing the removal of Confederate monuments and memorials in Charlottesville)
“The team in the City Attorney’s office did an amazing job; this court decision will positively impact so many lives,” said Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker. "I want to express gratitude to Zyahna Bryant, Dr. Wes Bellamy, and Kristin Szakos for igniting the sparks that started this local mini-revolution. We are forever indebted to the community for their steadfastness and perseverance over the past five years. For all of us, who were on the right side of history, Bravo!"

2016 committee assignments

In January 2016, Szakos was assigned to the following committees. [10]

2013 election for City Council

Candidates Votes %
Kristin Szakos (D) incumbent 7,411 34.89
Bob Fenwick (D) 6,650 31.31
Mike Farruggio (R) 3,897 18.35
Charles L. Weber, Jr. (R) 3,172 14.93
Write-In 112 .53
Source: Virginia State Board of Elections[12]


Each voter could vote for up to two candidates.

Candidate Profile Resources
Candidate Kristin Szakos (D) - Incumbent * WINNER
Office Charlottesville City Council
Election year 2013 election
Logo-small25.jpg Candidate interviews by Charlottesville Tomorrow
Candidate interview transcript
Candidate interview audio

<mp3player>http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/images/20130918-Szakos-interview.mp3</mp3player>
Source website


Szakos was nominated by the Democratic Party in the June 11, 2013 primary when she won 1,307 votes, or 29 percent of the electorate. [13]

Szakos chose Valentine's Day to formally announce her campaign for a second term. Her campaign manager was Lisa Green. [14] Through May 29, 2013, Szakos had raised $2,941 in campaign foundations including a $1,000 donation from herself. [15]

Szakos also participated in a questionnaire on public housing conducted by the Public Housing Association of Residents. [16]

Top campaign donors

Based on Virginia Department of Elections data from campaign finance reports.

  • $3,332 (Democratic Party - Charlottesville)
  • $2,500 (Virginia Realtors)
  • $1,311 (Kristin Szakos)
  • $900 (Democratic Road Forward PAC)
  • $350 (Charles A Kabbash)

In the period from July 2013 to August 2013, Szakos raised $3,468 in campaign donations. [17]

Campaign Manager

Erin Monaghan was manager for Democratic candidates Szakos and Bob Fenwick for city council seats in the November 2013 election.

Audio of campaign announcement

<play audio>http://s3.amazonaws.com/cville/cm%2Fmutlimedia%2F20130214-Szakos-Announcement.mp3 </play audio>


2009 election for City Council

Campaign launch

Kristin Szakos announced in February 2009 that she would run as a Democrat seeking one of two available seats on council.

At her campaign launch, Szakos told a crowd of supporters that she had never considered herself a potential candidate for political office until experiencing the Obama campaign. "I never thought that I’d want to run for office," said Szakos. "Yet here I am and I am feeling really good about it."

Szakos said she intends to channel the energy from the Obama campaign into local issues at City Hall. "We need to talk about why there are still such great gaps in opportunity and education in Charlottesville, and work hard to close them," said Szakos. "We need to speak out about inequality in a town as seemingly progressive and prosperous as ours, and we need to work to change it."

Szakos identified the following items as her campaign pledge:

  • Make City government more responsive to under-served neighborhoods
  • Get people involved in the decisions that affect their lives
  • Listen to all perspectives and strive to find common ground
  • Find new and creative solutions to persistent community problems
  • Find new ways to save money and reduce energy consumption, and
  • Use "people power" to bring needed change.

Top campaign donors

Based on Virginia Department of Elections data from campaign finance reports. $500 (Democratic Road Forward PAC) $350 (Charles A. Kabbash $332 (Democratic Party - Charlottesville) $250 (Joan Fenton) $200 (Pamela Barnard)

<vimeo>4375216</vimeo>

2009 Unassembled Caucus

Szakos faced incumbents Dave Norris and Julian Taliaferro in the first-ever unassembled caucus held by the Charlottesville Democratic Party on May 9, 2009. Szakos won the nomination along with Norris[6].

Szakos won the caucus and ran in the general election with fellow Democrat and Mayor Dave Norris[citation needed].

General election results

Candidates Votes %
Dave Norris (D) incumbent 6,300 38.7
Kristin Szakos (D) 5,083 31.2
Bob Fenwick (I) 3,293 20.2
Paul Long (I) 1,214 7.5
Andrew Williams (I, write-in) 237 1.5
Other Write-In 141 0.9
Source: City of Charlottesville[18]

Overall voter turnout for City of Charlottesville in this election was 37.31%. Each voter could vote for up to two candidates.

Candidate Profile Resources
Candidate Kristin Szakos (D) - Challenger * WINNER
Office Charlottesville City Council
Election year 2009 election
Logo-small25.jpg Candidate interviews by Charlottesville Tomorrow
Candidate interview transcript
Candidate interview audio

<mp3player>http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/images/20090901-szakos-interview.mp3</mp3player>
Source website


  • Photo gallery
  • Kristin Szakos signing documents after being sworn in by Clerk of the Charlottesville Circuit Court Paul Garrett on December 23, 2009

    Kristin Szakos signing documents after being sworn in by Clerk of the Charlottesville Circuit Court Paul Garrett on December 23, 2009

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Candidate Submissions to Charlottesville Tomorrow
  2. ↑ Web. Szakos, Fenwick win Charlottesville City Council seats, Aaron Richardson, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, November 5, 2013, retrieved November 6, 2013.
  3. ↑ Web. City Democrats to decide method for nomination process, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, December 1, 2012, retrieved December 3, 2012.
  4. ↑ Web. Szakos makes bid for second Council term official, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, February 14, 2013, retrieved March 14, 2013.
  5. ↑ Web. Szakos won’t seek third term on City Council, Lisa Provence, C-VILLE Weekly, Portico Publications, January 17, 2017, retrieved January 27, 2016. Print. January 17, 2017 .
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Charlottesville Democrats nominate Norris and Szakos for City Council" Charlottesville Tomorrow News Center. Charlottesville Tomorrow, 9 May 2009. Web. 10 Aug. 2009.
  7. ↑ Web. Councilor likes idea of public composting, Rachana Dixit, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, November 6, 2010, retrieved November 8, 2010.
  8. ↑ Web. Who will be the next mayor of Charlottesville?, Chiara Canzi, C-VILLE Weekly, Portico Publications, December 27, 2011, retrieved December 22, 2011. Print. December 27, 2011 , 23.52, .
  9. ↑ https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/charlottesville-to-forgive-joness-80-000-loan-balance-part-of-nearly-250k-investment/article_6b6b92f2-9b73-11e8-8a87-8fa474b319cf.html
  10. ↑ E-mail. Paige Rice, City of Charlottesville. "RE: list of appointments." Message to Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow. January 7, 2016.
  11. ↑ Web. MPO Policy Board, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, retrieved August 16, 2011.
  12. ↑ Web. Charlottesville City Council Election Results, Virginia State Board of Elections, retrieved November 11, 2013.
  13. ↑ Web. Bellamy, Fenwick in dead heat; Szakos wins easily, Aaron Richardson, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, June 12, 2013, retrieved June 12, 2013.
  14. ↑ Web. Szakos makes bid for second Council term official, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, February 14, 2013, retrieved February 19, 2013.
  15. ↑ Web. Palmer, McKeel lead local candidates in fundraising, Daily Progress Staff Reports, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, June 7, 2013, retrieved June 10, 2013.
  16. ↑ Web. [ Questionnaire for City Council Candidatesurl=http://www.pharcville.org/2013/06/04/phar-questionnaire-for-city-council-candidates/], June 4, 2013, retrieved June 10, 2013.
  17. ↑ Web. Local campaigns garner support from political parties, business PAC, Maggie Ambrose and Brian Wheeler, Charlottesville Tomorrow, September 22, 2013, retrieved October 3, 2013.
  18. ↑ Official Results November 3, 2009 General Election. City of Charlottesville, 6 Nov. 2009. Web. 6 Nov. 2009. <http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=14908>.

External Links


Charlottesville City Council, 2012-2013
Mayor Satyendra Huja
Vice-Mayor Kristin Szakos
Members Kathleen Galvin | Satyendra Huja | Dave Norris | Dede Smith | Kristin Szakos
See also List of City Councilors | Recent City Council elections
Retrieved from "https://cvillepedia.org/index.php?title=Kristin_Szakos&oldid=67035"