The Roanoke Times | File photo

Some of the campaign issues facing the candidates for Blacksburg Town Council include promoting smart growth, preserving green space, enhancing downtown, attracting businesses (bottom), enticing young professionals to live in the area, working with Virginia Tech (top) and local municipalities, and ensuring open, accountable government.

| Sharla Bardin

sharla.bardin@roanoke.com, 381-1669

BLACKSBURG -- Candidates for town council say their strategy on reaching voters this year will include Facebook and face-to-face conversations.

That's just a couple of the methods they will use to set themselves apart from a large group of council hopefuls.

Ten people are running for four open seats in the Nov. 3 election. Susan Anderson is the only incumbent on the ballot -- the two other incumbents, Al Leighton and Tom Sherman, decided to not seek re-election -- while incumbent Mayor Ron Rordam is running unopposed.

The council seats are voted on at-large.

Last year, the council voted to change elections from May to November of odd-numbered years in hopes of boosting turnout significantly. This fall will mark the town's first November election.

The candidates include Virginia Tech students and employees, a design engineer, a retiree and active volunteer, residents with experience working on town boards and a former council member.

The youngest candidate is Bryce Carter, who turns 21 in August, while the oldest is 72-year-old Frank Lau.

Some of the campaign issues from the candidates include promoting smart growth, preserving green space, enhancing downtown, attracting businesses, enticing young professionals to live in the area, working with Virginia Tech and local municipalities, and ensuring open, accountable government.

A diverse slate

Many of the candidates said they weren't surprised by the large number of people who filed and think the switch in election months may have generated more interest.

Candidates Cecile Newcomb and Michael Sutphin also think the number of open seats on the council might have prompted more people to run.

"We're going to see a change in the composition of the town council no matter what," Sutphin said.

Sutphin and Anderson also said the election of President Obama may have inspired more people to get involved to make a difference.

Newcomb added that local issues could also have been a source of motivation.

"I also thought that the recent Wal-Mart & First and Main development issues would bring out more candidates," she wrote in an e-mail response.

In late February, the Virginia Supreme Court affirmed the council's right to require Fairmount Properties of Ohio and partners to apply for a special-use permit to build a 186,000-square-foot store off South Main Street. The megastore, widely believed to be a Wal-Mart, was planned as part of that company's 40-acre First & Main retail center. Phase one of the project opened last year.

Some candidates said they are excited about the diverse group of council contenders.

"It is an indication that more people have a vested interest in the future of our town," said Krisha Chachra.

Candidate John Bush said, "I'm excited that there are so many young people seeking seats."

Former council member Paul Lancaster said he is glad to see that there are more than four candidates for the four open seats.

"It looks like a pretty good variety. I think people will have a pretty good lineup of folks to pick from," he said.

Greg Fansler said he wishes there were more than 10 running for office.

"Greater participation could only add to the healthy dialog that the candidates will already produce in this election," he wrote in an e-mail.

Getting the word out

Now the candidates must work to set themselves apart from the pack.

Anderson, Bush, Fansler, Carter, Newcomb, Chachra and Sutphin have Web sites devoted to their campaigns.

Also, Bush, Carter, Sutphin, Newcomb and Chachra are using the online social networks Twitter and Facebook as a way to spread the word about their candidacy.

Candidates also say they will be getting out into the community to talk with residents. Robert "Tom" Rogers plans to meet people by going door to door and handing out materials to explain more about him and his council goals. Lau, who also ran for council in 2004, said his time spent volunteering allows him to meet different people, and he also plans to go door to door.

Candidates also said they will emphasize their work on committees and boards as examples of knowing how to work with other residents and town staff.

Anderson plans to highlight what she is doing now on the council, along with her knowledge about what the job entails.

"As the only incumbent in the race, I will run on my record of accomplishments over the past three years as a member of Blacksburg's town council and on my continued commitment to working hard to create a better Blacksburg for us all," she wrote in an e-mail.

Lancaster said he thinks his experience on the council previously and his knowledge of the town's comprehensive plan will be helpful during the campaign.

While the campaign season will involve lots of work, many of the candidates said the experience will be exciting and the election should captivate many.

"It's certainly going to generate a heck of a lot more interest. Hopefully that interest will translate into some of the issues that are on people's minds," Lau said.

And, ultimately, there is excitement about what the makeup of the council will be after the election and the work those members will do.

"The new town council can build on the successes of previous and current councils, learn from and, hopefully, not repeat past mistakes, listen carefully to Blacksburg residents, and encourage broader citizen participation," Anderson wrote in an e-mail.

Meet the candidates

Mayor Ron Rordam is running unopposed on the November ballot. Blacksburg voters will also choose four town council members from a field of 10 candidates. Here’s a little about each person in the race.

The responses are from e-mail or phone interviews with the candidates.

Mayor

Ron Rordam (incumbent)

Age: 54

Occupation: Insurance agency operator in Blacksburg

Why are you running for office? “I want to continue our progress towards downtown revitalization and our goal to become an arts destination through the arts initiative.

“I will work to broaden our tax base and continue to attract quality retailers to Blacksburg. I will continue our work towards sustainability, which includes town operations, the environment and development. I will continue my work with leaders across the state to promote Blacksburg and our initiatives and receive support for those initiatives.”

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg? “How Blacksburg develops will continue to be the overriding issue that covers many areas of town government. To be a sustainable community, we need to recognize that development close to the core of town will be necessary. But, to retain the character of Blacksburg, that development must fit the fabric of the area being developed. It is not as simple as drawing a circle around the center of town and say, develop here. It is a balance between old and new.

“Finances will be challenging. … If we are to continue to move forward we will need creative thinking and ideas, along with a good deal of citizen input and support.”

Council

Susan Anderson (incumbent)

Age: 51

Occupation: Senior instructor in the Virginia Tech Department of Mathematics

Why are you running for office? “Blacksburg is at a critical point in its history and development. I want to contribute to preserving what is great about this town while helping to guide us into an even better future based on the shared values of our community. I believe that it is important that town council has diverse representation — in gender, in age, in experience, in expertise — reflecting the rich diversity of our community. … I can continue to bring a valuable perspective to town council and our town. 

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg?

“Wise management of growth and development to ensure both economic viability and community livability. Continued revitalization of our historic downtown as a vibrant retail and arts center. Increasing and expanding active recreational facilities, including athletic fields, for residents of all ages, and preserving open space and natural areas through strongly supporting the comprehensive plan and the comprehensive plan planning process. Rehabilitating the old Blacksburg Middle School property as a civic, cultural, educational and recreational resource.Preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods by guarding against external encroachment and internal decay.”

Web site: www.andersonforcouncil.com

John Bush

Age: 46

Occupation: A staff architect for Virginia Tech who also works in the Office of the University Architect

Why are you running for office? “The best reason for running for office is to continue to ensure that the residents and citizens of Blacksburg are heard and listened to as choices are made with regards to the direction of growth and future development in the town. We have a unique opportunity to make progress on the recent decisions the town has made regarding sustainable and smart growth as we continue to follow the comprehensive plan and other planning documents and ordinances.”

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg? “Blacksburg is going to continue to grow and change in the next 10 years. … The question is how do we as a town grow and continue to ensure the kind of living environment that provides increased opportunities for sustainable smart development that protects the integrity of our neighborhoods, provides more open civic green spaces, links our trails and ensures a living, breathing vibrant downtown that is open and accessible to all.

“We need to continue to upgrade our infrastructure while providing affordable housing and safe neighborhoods for our young folks and young families so that they have the opportunity and the desire to stay and live in Blacksburg, start businesses and raise families.”

Web site: www.johnbushforblacksburg.com

Bryce Carter

Age: 20 Occupation: Virginia Tech undergraduate student

Why are you running for office? “In the three years I’ve lived here I’ve come to consider Blacksburg my home and have the greatest respect and admiration for the town and its residents. … I am running for office because as Blacksburg continues to grow I feel I’m in a unique position as a student, town resident and community organizer to work to ensure that we strengthen our valuable sense of community and our commitment to sustainable development.”

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg? “As the largest town in the state, I believe a major challenge facing our community is maintaining our small-town atmosphere while keeping it affordable for all residents.  From the careful approval of smart mixed-used development and affordable housing that promote the growth of locally minded lifestyles and businesses — especially with the redevelopment of North Main Street and downtown Blacksburg — to the promotion of civic involvement and neighborhood security, it is important to make sure all opinions are heard as we work together on these issues.”

Web site: www.brycecarter.com

Krisha Chachra

Age: 33

Occupation: Doctoral candidate in Virginia Tech’s Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and a columnist and author

Why are you running for office? “Quite simply because I care about my hometown community. … I have the long-term interests of Blacksburg at heart.“I am dialed into the community in multiple arenas (the arts, business, students and young professionals) and am a good listener, so I feel I can learn about the concerns of many different interest groups that live in Blacksburg. … I want Blacksburg to continue to be a place where people, especially creative professionals, want to grow (maybe even start their own businesses) and live.”

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg? She describes her vision for the town as “the four C’s of community development.” They are cooperation, caring, creativity and common sense.

She wants to:  Encourage Tech students to be more active in government and establish a vested interest in this town beyond their studies. Actively listen to residents by inviting a revolving group of members of community organizations, homeowner associations and other affiliations to address the council or individual council members with their concerns. Establish a vibrant, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly downtown and increase retail options to help offset residential property taxes. Support programs that attract and retain young professionals to this area and establish Blacksburg as a charming “destination location” to boost careers and raise families.

Web site: www.krishaforcouncil.com

Greg Fansler

Age: 29

Occupation: Assistant director for alumni relations at Virginia Tech.

Why are you running for office? “Blacksburg has tremendous potential that isn’t being realized, and we need to get started on doing so to build the type of town we all want. I am running for office because Blacksburg is a very special and unique place to all of us. I would like to use my experience, coupled with my commitment to the community, to continue to enrich the town.”

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg?

“Realizing the potential of the Blacksburg Middle School property redevelopment as the catalyst for a healthy downtown district.Solving the growing traffic issues we now have in some parts of town through constant review of traffic patterns, areas of congestion and needed repairs. Preservatioand protectioof the integrity of our neighborhoods. Addressing the fiscal impact that faces Blacksburg from not having a diversified tax base and having real estate taxes as its one main source of revenue.  If we don’t resolve this issue now, we will have a real budget shortfall facing our community — one we need to be able to address with a full toolbox and not just be left with the option of raising property taxes.”

Web site: www.friendsoffansler.com

Paul Lancaster

Age: 56

Occupation: Broadcast media coordinator at Virginia Tech

Why are you running for office? “I had served previously on council from 2004 to 2008 and really enjoyed it. And I thought I was doing some pretty good things for the town and I’d like to continue that effort.” He said he also is interested in the town’s planning and growth and wants to see the town follow “our comprehensive plan in getting the kind of growth that we need.”

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg? “The whole idea of how the town grows is important.” Also, he would like to see continued enhancements to downtown and to “get a lot of people there who haven’t been there before.”

He also said it’s important for town officials to continue working with Virginia Tech. “If the university weren’t here, Blacksburg would be a very different place,” he said. “I think there are issues that come up from time to time that we need to work on and make it an even better place to live.”

Frank Lau

Age: 72

Occupation: A part-time Blacksburg Transit bus operator and retired from Chemical R&D

Why are you running for office? “I have no illusions about the great wisdom of my ideas. Some can just be wrong, but not every one. But when you see a problem and maybe have a solution, three minutes before council twice a month or a 200-word letter to the editor once a month will not work. It needs discussion after a proper presentation. In other words, to get a forum, you need to be in a position to ‘get the microphone.’ ”

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg? “The town and Virginia Tech must be partners, as equals and respected as such.”

Also, “Blacksburg, VT, Montgomery County and Christiansburg should also respect each other and amicably work together.”

“The hourglass shape of Blacksburg needs fixing before we all strangle in our own constant expansions. Revitalizing downtown will never succeed when proposed solutions ignore the fundamental problems of traffic, commerce, north/south communications and VT infrastructure expansions.”  

Cecile Newcomb

Age: 44

Occupation: Part-time certified Home Energy Rating System rater and the business director of Energy Check.

Why are you running for office? “My experience on the Planning Commission and numerous service committees has given me an education and interest in local government, policymaking and issues. I have a desire to serve the town, as well as have a chance to make a difference. I have been asked by many citizens over the last 10 years to run for council, and now the timing is right.

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg? “The state is cutting back on its funding, and the town will be struggling to find the money to balance their budget. With all the strengths that Blacksburg has, we need to work hard to create opportunities to enhance our local economy.”

Newcomb also wants to address the “divisiveness that has occurred in the last few years over development decisions in Blacksburg.”

“I believe that I offer a balanced approach, and have a sincere desire to bring a spirit of cooperation so that the town, citizens and business people can work together for common goals, rather than choosing sides against each other.”

Web site: www.cecileforcouncil.com

Robert “Tom” Rogers

Age: 58

Occupation: Senior design engineer in electrical engineering at MOOG Components Group.

Why are you running for office? “I believe that we need a council that represents the entire town.”

What do you believe are the most important issues facing Blacksburg? “The greatest issue facing the town of Blacksburg is outlined in our comprehensive plan, it states: ‘Create a competitive, sustainable economic development approach in order to diversify the community’s fiscal base, attract new employment opportunities and enhance the quality of life in Blacksburg.’

“In this area, the town has come up short over the past few years. The idea of smart growth has essentially produced no growth. Without a sound fiscal base, the ability of town council to enhance our quality of life will be limited. We need a town council that will work with, not against, companies that provide us with goods, services and jobs. This will also increase our ability to shop locally.”

Michael Sutphin

Age: 25

Occupation: Writer for Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Why are you running for office? “As a recent Virginia Tech graduate who now calls Blacksburg home, I offer new ideas, positive energy and a unique perspective to the town council race. The new election schedule means that not only will Blacksburg residents now vote for their local and state leaders on the same ballot but also young professionals and students will have a greater say in town matters.”

What do you believe are the most-important issues facing Blacksburg? “We need to take a holistic approach to our downtown area that not only retains and attracts shops and restaurants but also markets our central business district as the place to bring your friends and family for shopping, dining and entertainment. We need smart growth that protects open spaces, prevents sprawl and offers a range of housing opportunities. We need to expand and connect our bikeways and greenways and improve bus service to selected areas in Blacksburg and Christiansburg.

“And we need to involve all residents in the decision-making process through openness, accountability and better lines of communication.”

Web site: www.michaelsutphin.com