Sunday, April 27, 2008
Editorial: Good candidates abound in Blacksburg
Three candidates rise above the rest, though.
From the RoundTable blog
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May 6 is the last time Blacksburg residents will choose town council members in the spring. Starting in 2009, the council election will take place in November of odd numbered years. To mark the occasion, we hope voters turn out en masse to elect Don Langrehr, Paul Lancaster and Leslie Hager-Smith.
On some of the most talked-about issues, there are few differences among the candidates. None wants maximum development at the Old Blacksburg Middle School. All are dismayed with the First & Main project and do not want anything like it to happen again.
Voters must look more closely to decide who can best lead the town.
Two incumbents
This is Langrehr's fourth run for town office in six years. He campaigned unsuccessfully for mayor in 2002 and 2006, but won a council seat in 2004.
In some ways, Blacksburg has been lucky to have him as a councilman rather than mayor. He has been able to advocate strongly for responsible development in town without worrying about running meetings and dealing with the minutiae that keep a mayor busy. During his first term, he helped shape the mixed-use zoning ordinance and led the charge on the big-box ordinance.
His passion for the town and smart growth shines on the council.
He also has plenty of ideas for the next four years, too, that would move the town forward. Most interesting, he proposes the town adopt rules for special service districts that would generate revenue for localized infrastructure improvements. It is an idea the next council should explore whether or not he wins re-election.
Councilman Lancaster has earned four more years, too. As the council representative on the planning commission, he probably understands the comprehensive plan and planning process better than any of his peers. His knowledge has informed many council discussions.
His vision for the future is less dramatic than Langrehr's, but no less important. In the next few years, he wants to work out a long-sought agreement with Virginia Tech to charge the town meal tax on campus.
He also seeks a dog park for Blacksburg and would ask citizens to fund completion of the greenways.
And a newcomer
We could back the third incumbent in the race, Mary Holliman, as a means to maintain the status quo. The council appointed her to fill a vacancy a couple of years ago. She has proven adequate in that position, but voters have a better option.
For the third seat, we recommend Hager-Smith.
As the director of Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg and a member of the downtown revitalization committee, she would bring needed economic expertise to the council. It is no secret that the town core has floundered in recent years.
She also offers justified skepticism about some town expenses such as the Blacksburg Partnership and the Alexander Black House restoration. Questions linger about the effectiveness of both. She could add much to the discussions at council meetings.
The final candidate is Derek Myers, a retired Tech professor. Overall, he is fine, but he has some unfeasible ideas, particularly regarding the old middle school.
Langrehr, Lancaster and Hager-Smith are simply better choices this year.
