We, citizens of the City of Richmond, ask all members of the City Council to respect the integrity of representative democracy by appointing a bonafide resident of the 7th District to the recently vacated seat of that district. We find even the consideration of importing a candidate pledged to support the aims of a political faction -- and not the people of the district -- offensive not only to the residents of the district, but to all Richmond residents and the principles of government by the people. No citizens in any district of this city should be deprived the right of self government by having others appointed over them.