Roy Byrd, Coalition Leader Opposing Zoning For Housing, To Kick Off City Council Campaign

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A candidate affiliated with the lawsuit against the Zoning for Housing reforms is entering the Alexandria City Council race.

Roy Byrd, chairman and co-founder of the Coalition for A Livable Alexandria, will kick off his City Council campaign Monday, Aug. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mystic BBQ, 220 N Lee Street, with barbecue and an open bar. Remarks are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Because space is limited, attendees at Byrd's campaign kickoff are asked to RSVP.

Byrd, who opposed the Zoning for Housing decision to eliminate single-family home zones by allowing multi-unit dwellings in these zones, is a retired Marine colonel and defense industry executive. He was formerly co-chair of the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations, a one-time president of the Clover College Park Civic Association, and member of several other community organizations.

According to a campaign statement, Byrd's campaign priorities are establishing trust and confidence in City Council and holding elected officials accountable.

"There’s a growing discontent among Alexandrians with the city’s trajectory, with officials too often at odds with the community, mistaking quick symbolic fixes for sound policy, and substituting genuine engagement with promotional tactics. It’s time for a change," said Byrd in a statement.

Byrd will be up against winners of the Democratic City Council primary — incumbents John Taylor Chapman, Sarah Bagley, Kirk McPike and Canek Aguirre and Alexandria School Board members Abdel Elnoubi and Jacinta Greene. Republican Celianna Gunderson did not have a primary opponent and will also appear on the November ballot. The top six candidates in the November election will be elected to City Council.

SEE ALSO: Alexandria Primary Election Results: Gaskins Projected Winner, 6 Council Candidates Lead