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It makes sense more than ever to move the vote in Christiansburg.

Check out the referendum this fall, and let your voice be heard on matters close to home as you have the choice to make it more convenient to vote in November instead of various times of the year for your town council.

Last year, there was a pretty scary turnout (less than 10 percent) for the offices that have an effect on our homes and schools. Our town council affects water and sewer rates, your ability to advertise your business, ordinances about who can do what in your neighborhood, and far more than a quick note here tells.

Most of us have not gone before the town to ask for help with problems, but if necessary, it is great to know the people you need to help you are capable of listening and are caring enough to take action.

Will they work together or for their own good? Will we take this model of local democracy into our hands?

Anderson, Bush in Blacksburg

I support re-electing Susan Anderson to Blacksburg Town Council. I have observed her soft-spoken but direct and informed words as she has provided leadership in recent years as a town council member and before that as a citizen involved in town committees and community organizations.

As a board member for Friends of the Farmers Market, I have observed her process of gathering the facts, ferreting out the issue and taking action. Anderson listens without prejudice. She considers all aspects of the issues and the complexity of the situation before crafting an action. Anderson works for the greater good of Blacksburg.

I also support electing John Bush for his first term on council. As many know, he has been an active citizen in Blacksburg through serving on town committees such as the Historic or Design Review Board.

Bush brings a broad and deep understanding of the issues facing Blacksburg's built and natural environment.

His calm disposition tempered with well-researched views will allow him to guide Blacksburg's downtown through regeneration. Bush works for the greater good of Blacksburg.

John Bush for council

I have known John Bush forever. Well almost. We studied architecture at Virginia Tech and have worked together at Blue Ridge Timberframe, the Radford Office of Thompson & Litton and at Tech. We hunt together.

What does Bush offer Blacksburg? He's an architect who thinks long term and has a vision for a sustainable community whose elected officers are responsive to the needs of its citizens. Bush wants to preserve what is best about Blacksburg while addressing those things that need to change.

He supports policies that foster neighborhood identity, sustainability, open government, local merchants, affordable housing, responsible development, fiscal restraint and enhanced cooperation between the town, the county and the university.

As an athlete, Bush appreciates running trails, bike lanes and soccer fields. Finding the best use for the vacant middle school is a top priority.

What qualifies Bush to serve on town council? His service includes the American Institute of Architects, Blue Ridge Chapter president and board of directors, and chairman of the 16 Squares subcommittee and the Historic or Design Review Board.

Bush is a man of strong principles, a true friend and a good man to have on your side. Support Bush for town council.

Newcomb for council

Cecile Newcomb, who is a candidate for Blacksburg Town Council, has demonstrated judgment and curiosity that is rare. She deserves your support.

Newcomb's performance on the planning commission was impressive. There's no doubt she will do an outstanding job as a councilwoman.

When council is faced with an important, possibly controversial, decision, Newcomb will be a model of informed, objective leadership.

She will do her homework prior to the council meeting. She will welcome resident input on both sides of an issue. She will respond with questions or explanations, when appropriate. She will discuss the issue with town staff prior to the meeting.

When she arrives at the council meeting, she will be prepared to make a decision. She will not leave unanswered questions to be worked out by others. She recognizes that it is the responsibility of council members, who are elected to represent the voters, to make decisions required by town and Virginia law.

Any town would be lucky to have Newcomb as an elected official. Blacksburg is fortunate to be able to elect her to council.

Bush preserved town's history

I am happy to recommend John Bush for Blacksburg Town Council and have three reasons for supporting him.

First, Bush has served on some critical boards and committees for Blacksburg's future.

As a member of the Historic or Design Review Board and the 16 Squares committee, he has helped craft recommendations and legislation that have resulted in developing a strong historic preservation initiative. The results of his volunteer work show up in the consistent high-quality construction and renovations in the downtown and adjacent neighborhoods.

Second, I have been impressed with the way Bush studies issues, applies both technical knowledge and common sense, and is able to accommodate all parties when there is disagreement. I believe this ability to address issues realistically is both necessary and consistent with the wishes of Blacksburg's citizens.

Third, Bush has a rare ability to analyze issues in ways that can lead to creative and satisfying conclusions. We need council members who are excellent listeners, who will examine all sides of issues, and who will treat everyone with respect.

Susan Anderson for council

Susan Anderson should be re-elected to Blacksburg Town Council. Citizens showed their support for her 3¹₂ years ago by giving her more than 2,000 votes. We should do that again because we can count on her to continue the exemplary service she has demonstrated during her first term.

As Blacksburg's representative to the Agency on Aging, she has done more than attend meetings; she has served on committees for strategic planning, requiring extra time and effort.

As chairwoman of the Downtown Revitalization Committee, she has participated in cleanup and window dressing of empty downtown business sites, adding to downtown's attractiveness and encouraging use of those retail spaces.

One of the most important actions of any elected official is to be responsive to letters, phone calls and e-mails from constituents. In my experience, Anderson is the only current local elected official who has consistently responded to requests and queries. She can't always deliver what is asked for, but at least the correspondent knows that she not only got the message but read it and understood it.

Blacksburg needs Anderson on council.

Albritton for school board

Phyllis Albritton is a conscientious and passionate advocate for all children. So it was only fitting when she was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Montgomery County School Board. Now she is running to continue serving for a full term in her own right, and I cannot think of a candidate more worthy of support.

As a member of the school board, Albritton has promoted programs aimed at assuring that children in third grade are reading at grade level. There may be no early marker of educational achievement that more accurately predicts later school success.

Her service on the board caps a lifetime of service to children's programs here and elsewhere.

I personally witnessed her enthusiasm and clear thinking while serving with her on the board of directors of Valley Interfaith Child Care Center, a home-grown organization that provides high-quality child care for children in low-income families in the New River Valley. I urge your support for Albritton in the coming election.