The Virginia Informer

Last Updated:2/2/10 Section: News

credit : Shep Walker

Several dozen interested William and Mary students braved the Wednesday night rain to in order to hear and speak with Williamsburg Mayor Jean Zeidler. The event was organized by Students for a Better Williamsburg, and served as the finale of several such events hosted by the student-led political action committee that advocates for William and Mary students. It gave students the chance to hear Mayor Zeidler speak about her own accomplishments, some of which have had a direct impact on students living in the city. In fact, Ms. Zeidler made it clear that "great strides" had been made in city-student relations. The event also allowed students to ask the Mayor questions about community issues impacting them, and the role that Mayor Zeidler plays in them.

After the Mayor spoke for about 30 minutes, the floor was opened for questions, which were directed almost immediately at the City's Three Person Rule, and lingering thoughts on the controversy surrounding 711 Richmond Road. However, the questions themselves were not as striking as the responses that the Mayor gave. Asked about the continuing problems surrounding the Richmond Road dispute, Mayor Zeidler responded by saying "I don't know the details," and appeared to suggest that the City Manager was largely at fault. However, she was quick to point out that the city is required to enforce its policies, especially when a complaint is registered. Prodded about delays in changing the three person rule, Ms. Zeidler emphasized the polarized position of Williamsburg residents, and that the proposed change is an "incremental process." Curt Mills ('13) directly asked the Mayor about her personal stance on the issue, and Ms. Zeidler stated that she was in favor of a flexible Three Person Rule, noting "I am in favor of finding flexibility."

The Williamsburg transportation system, libraries, and student-friendly businesses were subjects of additional questions. Ms. Zeidler was quick to tout increased ridership and the new Trolley, but she was unable to directly respond to a student's question about running bus lines in both directions. The new development on Richmond Road was mentioned for its ability to appeal to both students and residents, but no new developments were mentioned. Ms. Zeidler suggested that it was largely the responsibility of private enterprise to both fill vacant storefronts and create businesses that would meet the demands of students.

Mayor Zeidler was also given a chance to touch on her own future in city politics. Asked why students should support her, she stated "I've done a very good job for the past 11 ½ years." However, her future role as Mayor is unclear. In response to a question about her thoughts on remaining as Williamsburg Mayor, Ms. Zeidler was evasive, stating "I'm thinking about it," and suggested that it was up to the voters and City Council members to make the decision for her.

Notably absent from the evening question-and-answer session was the College administration, and the new noise ordinance, both of which have undoubtedly had a impact on student life in the city, even if not fully determinable. However, the continuing questions surrounding the Three Person Rule and other concerns seem to suggest that although, in Ms. Zeidler's words, "great strides" have been made in town-and-gown relations, more work needs to be done.

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