The Virginia Informer

Last Updated:2/3/10 Section: News

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This past Thursday D. Scott Foster, a senior at the College, announced his candidacy for the Williamsburg City Council election on May 4. His announcement makes him the first candidate to enter the race and his campaign organization has already raised more than $7,000, the most by a Williamsburg council candidate in recent history. In 2008, student candidate Matthew Beato had raised roughly $5,400 during the course of his entire election campaign according to the State Board of Elections.

Scott Foster for Williamsburg has put a strong emphasis on compromise, and reaching out to both the city and the College, that they might, "find a common ground and a comprehensive path forward." In keeping with that idea, the organization is "diverse and passionate," and comprised of both residents and students - it also includes several Student Assembly members.

Mr. Foster is currently serving as co-chair of the Student Conduct Council, a position that his campaign says gives him a helpful familiarity with housing and substance abuse issues.

Addressing the recent amendment to the city's longstanding 3-person housing ordinance, Mr. Foster remarked that he was, "impressed by the city's decision, and I hope it will have a positive effect on rental housing in Williamsburg and that these positive effects can be extended further."

Over the next several months, Scott Foster for Williamsburg, his campaign organization, will hold several events both locally and regionally to continue to drum up support for the campaign. Sunday January 31st the first fundraising event was held at his home on campus, where more than 50 students braved the snow to enjoy cider and donuts with the candidate before the Drexel basketball game. Also planned are an event for College alums and donors in Washington D.C. on February 18, and a variety of open houses throughout Williamsburg.

Mr. Foster began a record of leadership at his former home in Highland County where he served as the student body president of Highland County High School and captained two varsity sports teams. He plans to graduate this semester with a Bachelor's degree in government, and will apply for admission to the Marshall-Wythe School of Law later this year. In addition to his tenure on the Student Conduct Council, he is active in intramural sports on campus.

Two other potential candidates are also circulating petitions to have their names on the May 4 ballot. Though neither has officially announced, David Dafashy, a physician at the College's Student Health Center, and Bobby Braxton, a current councilman and local landlord, are currently circulating petitions in order to secure ballot access.

Both the 2006 and 2008 City Council elections included a student candidate, David Sievers and Matt Beato respectively, neither of whom were successful. However, the Foster campaign seems to have learned from the missteps of previous campaigns, emphasizing compromise and building a coalition that eagerly crosses town-gown lines.

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