Greenlaw Announcement a Show of Force

If anything, Vice Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw's announcement that she would seek the mayor's seat in the upcoming municipal election was an opportunity to show off her support among high profile community leaders and elected officials.

Flanking her amidst a backdrop of teal Greenlaw for Mayor signs was former Mayor Joe Rowe, who served from 1964 to 1972, 20-year Mayor Lawrence Davies, who served from 1976 to 1996, former Mayor Bill Beck and his successor, current Mayor Thomas Tomzak.

At-Large City Councilor Kerry Devine and Ward 4 City Councilor Bea Paolucci were also present to show their support. Marguerite Young, a prominent and respected community activist, was also amidst the body of faces standing behind Greenlaw.

Greenlaws remarks touched on the city's history, and her family's long association with it. Greenlaw is a descendant of Thomas Goodwin, who served as mayor of Fredericksburg from 1829 to 1836.

"Those community leaders presided over a community that had a rich influence on the creation and development of this nation," said Greenlaw. "Fredericksburg's great assit is that it is a place of rich history and at the same time a lively and thriving community where people of all ages want to live."

Greenlaw said that her focus as Mayor would be to build consensus among city leaders so that all points of view are respected and considered.

Greenlaw outlined a four point campaign platform which focuses on maintianing the city's double-A credit ratings from the major bond rating agencies, economic development, and communications.

"We need to find new, effective ways to engage more citizens in local government," said Greenlaw. "We have a wealth of talent in this town and we need a communications plan that utilizes the best way to tap that energy and knowledge."

Ward 3 Councilor Fred Howe has also announced that he will be seeking the Mayor's seat in May. Also expected to announce this week is Ryan Bullock, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who owns the Treehouse Lounge, a teen oriented lounge, off of Route 3 near the border with Spotsylvania.