With additional reporting by James Cullum.
Mayor Allison Silberberg kicked off her reelection campaign Sunday, saying, "We have a choice to make about the future of our city and it will come down to a difference in the vision we have ... and I'm fighting for a livable Alexandria."
Silberberg, who faces opposition from Vice Mayor Justin Wilson, delivered her remarks to a cheering crowd on a rainy Sunday afternoon, hopping onto a crate as she addressed a gathering of supporters at Los Tios restaurant in Del Ray.
"Today I'm officially announcing that I'm running for reelection and I humbly ask you for your support and vote," she said.
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Silberberg won her first bid for mayor in 2015 after first winning a three-way primary race against incumbent four-term Mayor Bill Euille and former Mayor Kerry Donley. Euille went on, as a write-in candidate, to challenge Silberberg in the general election; she won with more than 63 percent of the vote.
Euille and Donley have now thrown their support behind Wilson, who launched his campaign Jan. 28.
In her speech Sunday, Silberberg pointed to a "record of leadership," listing accomplishments including tackling environmental and infrastructure issues "that have festered for decades," approving two new schools and affordable housing projects, and paving roads.
The Mayor is running on fighting for historic districts, pursuing "thoughtful, appropriate development," advocating for more open space, and increasing affordable and workforce housing, among other issues.
Elected City officials who turned out Sunday at Silberberg's kick-off included City Councilmen Willie Bailey, John Chapman and Paul Smedberg as well as Councilwoman Redella S. "Del" Pepper. Councilman Tim Lovain, who announced he won't seek another term, did not attend. Others in the audience included Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, as well as several City Council candidates including Dak Hardwick, Robert Ray and Amy Jackson.
Former Alexandria School Board member Eileen Cassidy Rivera, manager of Silberberg's campaign and a close friend since college, introduced the Mayor, stating that Silberberg has been "unafraid to stand up for what is right" and "brings compassion and kindness to the needs of everyday Alexandrians."
Silberberg's critics say that she leads without substance, and that she is a consensus builder in the community but not with her colleagues on council.
Smedberg said he isn't endorsing a candidate for mayor but said he sees a competitive mayoral race. "Turnout is going to be important, and it seems that everything is focusing on the mayor's race."
Chapman noted that "it seems like to her [Silberberg], neighborhood involvement is the big piece — regardless of the law, politics or policy. She makes a decision with local input over that than anything else."
"I just think that she has done a great job, and she would certainly be superior to Justin," said Bert Ely, former vice president of the Old Town Civic Association and co-chair of the Friends of the Alexandria Waterfront. "You know, the thing about Justin is that he tends to create divisions and anger throughout the city. Allison is a unifier. Justin is not."
Alexandria property owner Boyd Walker described himself as a "a strong supporter of Allison Silberberg. It's not just about being on the dais, and how many votes you have up there. Allison has represented our city all over the country."
"I think she listens to the people before she makes her decisions," he said. "She's open to hearing voices of people in the community." However, he said, "she needs to convince some of her fellow council members to vote with her."
Silberberg and Wilson face off in the Democratic primary, set for June 12.
