BREAKING NEWS: “Yes I Am Running,” Says Former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg About Her Election Plans

ALEXANDRIA, VA – “Yes I am running,” replied Alexandria’s former Mayor Allison Silberberg in a text this afternoon with The Zebra.  Word had reached the media that supporters were out gathering the 125 required signatures to get on the June 2021 Democratic Primary ballot, hoping to reclaim her seat at the center of the city’s political  table as Alexandria’s Mayor once again.

“Over 200 were quickly collected during the four hours they tried today,” said Kathy McAfee, one of the founding members of the very active nonpartisan Facebook group called Bring Integrity Back to Alexandria, a group originally founded in 2019 to question the City’s transparency about the Seminary Road Diet, which reduced the thoroughfare from four lanes to three to accommodate a rarely-used bicycle lane.

“The energy being felt today was electrifying,” said McAfee, “People getting signatures all came back with nothing but positive feedback. All saying it’s time to get Alexandria back on track.”

The Zebra caught Allison Silberberg just as she was entering the Office of the Voter Registrar to turn in the required signature. See exclusive video here.

Asked why she is running, Silberberg replied, “Our city deserves better. We have so much going for us as a city.” Citing concerns about the current leadership, she said, “The current mayor isn’t listening to the people. He isn’t respectful the the civic associations, towards civic engagement, and even towards a fellow council member last night.”

Before serving as Alexandria’s Mayor from 2015 to 2018, Silberberg served as its Vice Mayor for the immediate three years before. Central to her voting record has always been historic and environmental preservation, ethics reform, senior advocacy, affordable housing and the public schools to name just a few.

When reached for comment via email today, Alexandria’s current Mayor Justin Wilson, said,” I had not heard that, but if true, I welcome her to the race. I know she had previously announced that she had another job that prevented her from running.”

Wilson continued, “Nevertheless, I’m proud of the work we have done during the previous 2 years, including a new Alexandria Hospital at Landmark Mall, 5 new schools over the next decade, the largest infusion of money for storm sewers in our City’s history, redevelopment of the coal-fired power plant on our waterfront, expanded early childhood education, construction of a new metro station, advancing climate resiliency, a new racial equity plan and more.”

Wilson says he is especially proud of the accomplishments considering the current climate, “We have done this in the face of a crippling pandemic that has challenged our residents and businesses,” he said.

Silberberg says she plans to keep her platform focused on respecting the environment, focusing on flooding and infrastructure, affordable housing and listening responsively to Alexandria’s residents and civic associations.

“I look forward to the conversations ahead,” said Silberberg.