College Republican Federation of Virginia

 William & Mary Junior Matt Beato, a friend of the W & M CRs, has declared his candidacy in the upcoming elections for City Council in Williamsburg on May 6th.  Preceded by David Sievers, who two years ago ran for City Council garnering 713 votes, nearly enough votes to win a seat, Beato is at a distinct advantage following the recent turnaround on student voting in the city. 

 Until only last fall, students in Williamsburg were not allowed to register to vote in the city per the strict rules of the city’s registrar.  Following his departure and subsequent replacement, the hoops through which students needed to jump in order to vote in Williamsburg have been both reduced and lowered.  As a result, over 1,000 students have registered to vote in the city.  With the deadline for registering not until April 7, the number is set to jump as voter drives on W & M’s campus continue to gain momentum.

 Having nearly won a seat with 713 student-less votes in 2006, the 1,000-plus strong power of the newly enfranchised W & M student bloc is very likely to put Beato on the winning side of this election.  Despite this, Beato insists he is not running a campaign solely on student issues, but on issues relevant to the entire Williamsburg community.  Beato, speaking to the Virginia Gazette, argued that “the fact that I am a student provides me with a unique ability to communicate with young people, who comprise a crucial segment of our community, but the interests of the whole city are paramount to my candidacy.”

No stranger to W & M and Williamsburg City politics, Beato has served in the Student Assembly since his Freshman year and was Chairman of the Senate until resigning his position to focus on the city race.  Just last November, Beato was also elected to serve on the Colonial Soil & Water Board, has frequently spoken at Neighbourhood Council meetings, and addressed the City Council in regard to numerous issues.

Having attended CPAC two years in a row with W & M CRs, traveled on multiple campaign trips, and worked with W & M CRs on numerous campus issues, this friend of William & Mary College Republicans has received their backing and many are working arduously to make his campaign successful.  If you would like more information on Beato, his candidacy, the issues in Williamsburg, or simply want to donate please visit his website at MattBeato.com