Hughes' Struggle Not Uncommon

Hughes’ Struggle Not Uncommon

Commentary by Sanford D. Horn

May 26, 2009

That Alexandria City Councilwoman-elect Alicia Hughes (I) is struggling to make ends meet may be a concern to her and those who care about her well-being, it certainly should not be grist for the mill of public opinion.

Defeated Councilman Tim Lovain (D), who commented on the eve of his defeat that in a city like Alexandria, no Democrat should lose, or words to that effect. Playing on his sour grapes mindset, he has set out to attempt to reverse a decision made by an electorate who obviously had enough of one-party rule in Alexandria.

In an unfriendly economic climate such as the one experienced by most Americans, Hughes fell behind in her rent payments, but at the same time did not shirk her financial responsibilities and has made good – according to both Hughes and her property manager. This same climate has dictated that a home owned by Hughes has yet to be put on the market – a smart financial decision made by someone entrusted with raising and spending the taxpayers’ money.

Lovain’s assertion also lends credence to the notion that only people of financial means should run for and serve in public office. That is just the elitist and arrogant attitude that cost him his seat.

It is also a might suspicious that eviction notices given Hughes allowed her a less than reasonable amount of time in which to respond. “Sheriff’s officials said they notified Hughes on April 24 that she would be evicted May 12.” (TWP, B1) An overly paranoid person might wonder if forces beyond her control were at work just two weeks prior to Election Day in Alexandria.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer and political consultant living in Alexandria, VA.