In conversation at the open house for The HooK, Tom McCrystal mentioned that he was considering running for the Republican nomination for the Charlottesville City Council.

Below is Tom McCrystal's statement about his decision not to run for city council and about Rob Schilling's chances in the race against the Democrats.

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"Several weeks ago, I told people that I had considered [running for the GOP nomination for the Charlottesville City Council], but decided that it would not be fair to the voters or to my business because of other time commitments.

I did look at the Democratic candidates and thought some were rather weak.

I was in Philadelphia for a week [at the time of the Democratic nominating convention] and on my return I ran into Rob Schilling's wife in Giant. She told me who had been nominated. [Later] I talked it over with Rob.

For the first time in a long time, the Democrats have nominated easily beatable candidates - this is a weak ticket.

I honestly believe Rob has a shot at this."

Tom McCrystal (Telephone conversation, March 1, 2002)

Editor's Note: Alex Caines works for the Omni Hotel and is a new board member of the Charlottesville Downtown Foundation. Tom McCrystal is Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Creative Perspectives.