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Woodlawn Village council candidates outline priorities ahead of Nov. 4 election
Summary
Three candidates — incumbents Pamela Fitzgerald and Cindy Simmons Chandler and challenger Charlotte Ponder — delivered brief statements highlighting economic development, infrastructure repairs, public safety and community programming and asked residents for votes on Nov. 4.
Three candidates for the Village of Woodlawn Council delivered brief campaign statements at a community event, outlining priorities including economic development, infrastructure repairs, public safety and expanded community programming.
Pamela Fitzgerald, a current council member and Woodlawn resident for more than 28 years, listed several accomplishments she said the village has achieved under her service. "We have achieved 2 consecutive clean state audits with no findings," Fitzgerald said, adding that the village collected its highest tax revenue in history and had "secured over 5,000,000 in grants and interest free loans." She highlighted new local amenities and equipment, saying Harmony Park opened in 2023 and the village has invested in public works vehicles, new police cruisers and cameras and "enhanced our fire department with new innovations including drone activities to enhance emergency response, safety operation, and transport services." Fitzgerald concluded by asking residents to reelect her on Nov. 4.
Charlotte Ponder, a challenger for a council seat, emphasized economic development and solicited input from residents about what businesses and services they want to see in Woodlawn. "Economic development is essential for our future," Ponder said, and she urged community involvement: "What businesses and changes would you like to see in Woodlawn?" She also prioritized programs for youth and seniors and said she would pursue transparent, collaborative problem-solving and improved public safety if elected.
Incumbent Cindy Simmons Chandler highlighted her four years on the council and past leadership roles, saying she served two consecutive years as vice mayor and twice chaired the finance department. Chandler noted her long-term residency and community involvement, citing work on Juneteenth events and progress tied to the village master plan, including road projects on Springfield Pike and recent sidewalk installations. She asked voters to support her reelection on Nov. 4.
No formal votes or council actions were taken during these remarks; each candidate used their allotted time to present priorities and request votes. The Nov. 4 election was referenced by all three speakers as the next step.
