Sunday, April 27, 2008
Editorial: Christiansburg needs a change
Three candidates could bring a fresh perspective.
From the RoundTable blog
Read the latest entries
If Christiansburg is to be anything more than a concrete-coated shopping hub for the New River Valley, it needs leaders with a different philosophy. Voters cannot overturn the current council majority on May 6, but they can elect three forward-thinking council members: Michael Barber, Jim VanHoozier and Henry Showalter.
Barber is finishing his second term on council and has been a rarely heard voice of moderation when it comes to development. He would not vote for new homes along Peppers Ferry Road/Virginia 114 until the street is widened to accommodate more traffic. Likewise, he favors tougher development and zoning standards as well as architectural review.
His tenure has not been perfect, though. For example, he and his fellows, urged on by staff, have displayed tremendous disregard, if not contempt, for open government. Public records are not easily accessible and the council has illegally held secret meetings. Barber, at least, seems to have learned that is not acceptable and vows to change. Voters should pay attention to see if he does.
Overall, though, he deserves four more years. We hope that with additional support from new council members he will more strongly advocate for some of the ideals he has propounded on the campaign trail.
Two new faces
The best chance for such support comes from VanHoozier and Showalter.
VanHoozier has served on the town planning commission for the last few years. He possesses a strong respect for the comprehensive plan and maintaining the integrity of neighborhoods through zoning. He recognizes, though, that as a councilman he must take a broader perspective in development decisions, considering the full effects on the town.
He also would reach out to citizens more. He wrongly believes that meetings have been open enough, but he rightly argues that the council can do far more to keep the public informed about what is going on at town hall.
Showalter shares some of the same ideals on development, and more. He is skeptical of some recent town projects, particularly the Aquatic Center. He also questions the performance of the town manager and would demand more openness immediately. The council has largely lacked a dissenting voice to keep discussions honest.
The others
Steve Huppert, an incumbent, has demonstrated tremendous passion and organizational skills on the council. He has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many of the town's special events and festivals, including the upcoming June 14 re-opening of downtown. If voters do not re-elect him, we hope he will continue volunteering his time.
Bill Chafin served on council during the 1980s, but he lacks vision for the 21st century. He considers the town Web site adequate, would allow development to continue with little town oversight and has some strange property tax ideas.
Finally, Sam Bishop, a former Blacksburg police captain, certainly is sincere, but he lacks a detailed understanding of the issues confronting the town.
From this crowded field, Barber, VanHoozier and Showalter offer the best chance to build a foundation for change in Christiansburg.
