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I couldn't wait to get back to Blacksburg. In August of 2003, my wife and I retired from the Navy, and we were off. Although the Blacksburg I experienced as a student was rather rustic, I couldn't wait to see the progress.

Our first impression was how aggressive Christiansburg had become. Yet, Blacksburg had progressed much less. Not being discouraged, I tried my hand in teaming up with local investors to see if we could make a difference.

Not so fast, my friend. This town has a sheriff and it's the old school.

Now, I am not at all opposed to keeping a small community feel, but I think progressive thinking and providing better opportunities for revenue and services are not incompatible philosophies.

I strongly believe Blacksburg could have it both ways; keep its small-town feel and provide sound economic opportunities. What is needed is a change in mind-set, not a change in values. Make Blacksburg an inviting community, not an exclusive one.

I currently reside in Northern Virginia. However, I and others like me would be on the door knocking should that time arrive.

Dave Nutter's real record

About a year and a half ago, Christian Trejbal wrote a column on Dave Nutter ("The NRV three go to Richmond," Jan. 27, 2008). The essence of the piece was that Nutter did a complete flip-flop from what he advocated in his campaign to what he actually did in the legislature. I believe it was on gun control, but I could be mistaken. He may have been taking advantage of concerns after the Virginia Tech tragedy.

I just got an invitation to meet and support Nutter for re-election. With the elections coming up, now is the time to remind the readers about the issue and how Nutter acted so that we can be more informed in the voting booth.

Bush is a leader

John Bush: I know the man, for he was once my student in architecture.

He's the kind always called to other offices -- a disciplined but visionary man; intelligent, frugal and fair; of extraordinary kindness tempered with good judgment. He has always been a trusted leader, even as a student. His causes have always been the just causes of the well-intentioned group.

The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said that a good leader is one who sees the group gets where it seeks to be, but once there, no one should say: "We could not have done this without you." That's Bush. He leads without need for attention or prize. He makes a path on which the group will find its way.

He has shown his ability to lead, and I know he has studied the issues of population growth, land use, environmental change and the histories of towns and cities that overcame great difficulties.

He knows the issues this town will soon face, the biggest being disposition of the old middle school site. Given all the what-ifs, it could make or break our downtown. Bush's knowledge and ability to invoke the spirit of collaboration is much needed now.

Fansler offers young energy

Christiansburg-Blacksburg Rotarian Greg Fansler recently told me about a trip he took as part of his job with the Virginia Tech Alumni Association to Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa.

It's a college town like we used to think of Blacksburg more than we do now. A Hokie alumnus there asked Fansler what was going on in Blacksburg, and Fansler said he responded, "You wouldn't believe it."

As I thought about Fansler's response, I realized how sad that it was true. It is hard to believe that the small group of citizen activists who have been running the town have nearly run it into the ground.

There are way too many vacant storefronts downtown, and First & Main has been fought at every turn. We just blew more than $5 million on the Doc Roberts Tire building. Where does it end?

The university and the town continually bicker over collecting taxes on the Tech campus. Furthermore, the overall health of Blacksburg is in decline, especially financially and regarding traffic flow

It's time for a change, and Fansler represents the type of young, dynamic leader we need on council. I strongly support Fansler for town council.

Fansler sees the big picture

I would like to wholeheartedly endorse Greg Fansler for Blacksburg Town Council. I hope you will join me and vote for him. Why? Because Fansler can see the big picture on important issues. He has a rare trait of not being afraid to speak up and ask bold questions when he believes those most affected are not being best served.

He will complete an MBA from Virginia Tech in 2010 and he currently serves as the assistant director of alumni relations there.

I work with Fansler on several local boards and enjoy doing so because he focuses on what is really important. I am excited to join forces with him to work on better ways to retain young graduates and professionals in Blacksburg to build a thriving town.

Fansler has a true heart for service. He volunteers with the Special Olympics and the Rotary Club.

What impresses me a great deal about Fansler is that he is passionate about wanting the community to see the positive sides of college students -- especially in the areas of community service and fundraising. Blacksburg needs Fansler's keen analytical eye and compassionate spirit to guide us into the future.

Big-box stores are expensive

Some candidates for Blacksburg town council have claimed a big-box store could bring major new revenues to fund a host of new initiatives. To correct a major misconception about such revenues, the 1 percent sales tax is pooled and distributed countywide.

The business license, or BPOL tax, however, is specific to the locality. A Walmart of 85,000 square feet, even with sales at the high end, would bring in BPOL revenues of about $80,000 per year.

That leaves town real estate taxes, roughly $30,000 per year with a generous assessment. That's gross revenues collected by Blacksburg of $110,000 annually.

From that, costs for additional police, road construction and road repair must be deducted. Also, according to a 1998 study by RKG Associates in Concord, N.H., the consequences of adding excessive new retail, primarily big-box stores, caused property values and subsequently tax revenue in the older shopping areas to decline sharply. Residential property values were also eroded, in part due to increased traffic and noise, causing tax revenues to actually decline by 19 percent.

Studies have found that big-box retail results in a net loss of revenue for local government.

Reliable election information

Local organizations have provided invaluable coverage of the 10 candidates running for four seats on Blacksburg Town Council. Candidate statements are available online at citizensfirstforblacksburg.org.

The NRV Current's good introductions of the candidates and consistent reporting culminated in endorsements of Susan Anderson, Michael Sutphin, Cecile Newcomb and John Bush ("Four for Blacksburg Town Council," Oct. 18 editorial).

The League of Women Voters and Sustainability Week organizers have hosted candidates' forums; you can watch these at blacksburg.gov (select Government ->Town Council Meetings, and scroll down to Oct. 26, Oct. 16 or Oct. 5).

For me, incumbent Anderson stands out for her knowledgeable, detailed and forthright responses. I have the pleasure of serving with her on the South Blacksburg Transportation Task Force and have witnessed her conscientious grappling with difficult decisions and her regular solicitation of citizen input. Her performance on council has proven her diligence, openness and vision.

We will likely see big money advertising for some candidates this year. Fortunately we have more reliable, even-handed local sources to inform our choices. Blacksburg residents are too savvy to fall for last-ditch efforts funded by deep pockets elsewhere.

Change my election day

Voting is the most important way citizens freely choose their representatives and influence government. On Tuesday, vote yes to switch our town elections from May to November. By voting yes, we will make it more convenient for citizens to vote at their regular precincts at regular times, and we will increase voter participation in our essential town elections.

Please join me by voting yes for our referendum.

November council elections

There's something simple Christiansburg residents can do this November that's both empowering and economical: Say yes to "Move the Vote."

On Tuesday, give your support to the referendum that proposes changing local elections from their current stand-alone status in May to November of odd-numbered years.

Quite simply, consolidating election dates makes voter participation easier (we only have to show up once) and ultimately saves taxpayers (that's you and me) thousands of dollars currently spent to hold municipal elections separately.

Council members are responsible for many important decisions affecting residents -- taxes, zoning and municipal fees, to name a few of the basics. Their actions can significantly impact our lives and our resources. Take this easy step to further protect and foster those increasingly precious resources and move the vote to November.

Recognize Rogers' service

Dedication and hard work define Tom Rogers' service to his community. His efforts at the Blacksburg Rescue Squad since 1982 are just one example.

Rogers rose quickly in the ranks of the squad, and he has served for many years as an officer. In his efforts as an officer, I have observed him to be honest, hard-working -- at all hours of the day or night -- and capable of articulating what he thinks.

His solutions toward difficult problems are always practical and timely, for in the rescue business it must be so.

I would encourage anyone who believes service to his or her community is vital to vote for Rogers.

Three for Blacksburg

Blacksburg needs a town council with members who understand the need for a broad and diverse tax base. It does not need a majority beholden to a four-letter special interest group.

The town will be best served by returning Paul Lancaster to a seat on the council. His service on the planning commission and his previous term on council give him the experience to deal with the problems that face the town. His record shows that he listens to all sides in an issue and votes for what is best for the future of Blacksburg.

Krisha Chachra has shown she will listen to the concerns of all citizens before making a decision. Her connections with young professionals is a good conduit to collect information and present fresh ideas.

Tom Rogers will be a good addition to council. His long service on the Blacksburg Rescue Squad gives him valuable knowledge of the town's geography. As an engineer, he brings a different method to analyze issues and ordinances.

It is important for voters to select candidates who will change Blacksburg's image from anti-development and anti-business and who will represent all citizens.

Vote for Bush and Anderson

I am writing in support of two outstanding candidates for Blacksburg Town Council: Susan Anderson and John Bush. I have had the opportunity to work with both and highly recommend them to council.

Through the Downtown Revitalization Committee, I have seen Anderson's great talent at synthesizing people's ideas into achievable goals. She is thoughtful, thorough and action-oriented. She is involved in every level of the process, from the meeting to the follow-through, from the ideas to the elbow grease. She has served the town well, and I hope she will be given the opportunity to continue.

Bush is practical, intuitive and always respectful to applicants presenting to the Historic or Design Review Board, on which he serves as chairman. He has a vast knowledge of Blacksburg's history and has taken his expertise as an architect and used it to contribute meaningfully to the town. He would be a valuable addition to town council as we attempt to balance our growth with the preservation of our history.

In looking at the make-up of the Blacksburg Town Council, we have a great opportunity in Anderson and Bush to elect valuable public servants with the experience to lead us.

Albritton for school board

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Phyllis Albritton, incumbent school board representative from District A. With faith, energy and courage, Albritton has labored gladly in the vanguard of beneficial change, regardless of obstacle, for decades.

No issue has moved her more deeply than the welfare and education of children. She established a day care center for low-income children in Charlottesville in 1965, at a time when Virginia had no kindergartens. Since 1998, through a partnership between Blacksburg Presbyterian Church and Good News Partners in Chicago, she has coordinated trips to Southwest Virginia every year for inner-city children. Early this year, she traveled with a local group to San José de Bocay, Blacksburg's sister city in Nicaragua, to help with various projects, including renovation of a school.

As a school board member, Albritton will ensure that even in these tough economic times, the education of our children remains a priority. With her breadth of experience, coalition-building skills and capacity to move the board toward action, she will work effectively with the new superintendent.

I heartily endorse Albritton as school board representative from District A and recommend her for your vote.

Vote ABC in Blacksburg

Voting in Blacksburg's town council election this year is as simple as ABC (Susan) Anderson, (John) Bush and Cecile (Newcomb). We now have the opportunity to elect more council members who put residents first, and in these three have candidates with experience who will serve us well. I am confident they will be able to weigh the benefits of growth with the costs, monetary and otherwise.

I have known and respected Newcomb for many years. She has long been involved in bringing citizens' concerns to town council as a member of advisory boards and speaking before council in open session. Her willingness to serve and to keep informed is already proven.

As a small business owner and environmental consultant, she understands the value of careful planning. As a lifelong resident of Blacksburg, an actively involved citizen and parent, she will consider the long-run when voting on issues that affect the quality of life in our neighborhoods and our public spaces. As a candidate, she has been running from one event to another to meet voters, hear their concerns and introduce herself to those who do not yet know her.

Let us take up her offer to serve on council.

Three reasons to vote Rogers

The election on Tuesday is different and important. It represents the first time the Blacksburg Town Council election is being held in November, ensuring greater voter turnout and making it harder for a small, vocal minority to control the election.

Our choices will determine the town's future direction.

We can move forward with developing First & Main, resolving the old Blacksburg Middle School sale, with supporting improvements such as the new Blacksburg High School stadium, and ensuring our economic sustainability via smart growth.

The difference in the candidates is significant and clear.

Tom Rogers visited my neighborhood seeking signatures for his petition. I gladly signed it for three reasons: 1) his commitment to our community -- he has served on the Blacksburg Rescue Squad for 27 years, served as Scout leader and supports youth sports; 2) his background in business and engineering -- he works at MOOG and has received several patents; and, 3) his vision for economic development in our town -- he understands our need for true, smart, sustainable growth to expand our economic base.

I ask you to vote for Rogers on Tuesday.

Christiansburg's referendum

Fellow Christiansburg residents, are you completely satisfied with the way your town is governed and managed? I'm not.

Quality of life is overlooked in favor of quantity of development. The aquatic center will be a ball and chain on Christiansburg budgets for years to come. New businesses are turned away to protect the vested interests of existing, entrenched companies.

On Tuesday, Christiansburg voters will get to vote yes, to move local elections for mayor and town council to November. This will save the town money -- a huge benefit in this time of budget shortfalls.

Up to five times more people cast ballots in November than in May elections. Other towns that have made the change have greater numbers of candidates running for open seats.

In spite of these solid reasons in favor of the change, the current mayor and all but one sitting town council member oppose this improvement in the electoral process. What are they afraid of? Vote yes on the referendum question on the ballot in Christiansburg on Tuesday.

Chachra makes no assumptions

All of the Blacksburg town council candidates say they're interested in helping local businesses grow, but Krisha Chachra is the only candidate who has contacted me personally to ask what my company, Rackspace, will need in order to expand and stay in Blacksburg.

We employ 125 people in town and she has kept up with our growth and is passionate about helping us retain the creative professionals we hire.

I know firsthand that she puts time and effort into reaching out to other local business owners and our neighbors in the community to ask us what we need, instead of assuming she knows all of the answers.

Chachra is a native of this community and her personal connections with many different people help her be a thoughtful and balanced candidate. I support her because I know her and trust her.

Chachra does not sit on either extreme of issues. People on both sides of major issues should consider supporting her. She is a consensus builder who will do her own research and bring the right people together to have productive conversations on key issues and will help move the town forward.