Photos by JUSTIN COOK The Roanoke Times

Above: Cord Hall helps restitch Madeline Campbell's glove during a recent softball practice in Fairlawn. Hall begins his first term as a town councilman Tuesday. Left: Steve Huppert returns to town council and says he brings knowledge and experience to the group.

Above: Cord Hall helps restitch Madeline Campbell's glove during a recent softball practice in Fairlawn. Hall begins his first term as a town councilman Tuesday. Left: Steve Huppert returns to town council and says he brings knowledge and experience to the group.

| Lerone Graham

lerone.graham@roanoke.com, 381-8621

CHRISTIANSBURG -- An established former councilman and a political newcomer take office Tuesday -- and both say they have their work cut out for them.

Steve Huppert narrowly won a council seat in the May election, beating out incumbent Ernie Wade by 10 votes. Huppert first served on the council from 2004 to 2008, and has spent the past two years on the planning commission.

Cord Hall recorded the most votes of any candidate. An attorney at a Pulaski firm, Hall said he was encouraged to run by friends and family members.

Both said financial stability for the town ranks high on their priority list.

"I think the money situation is just so tight right now," Huppert said.

Keeping an eye on spending will be key moving forward, he said. Hall had similar thoughts.

"Some of the steps council took this term will be beneficial. In the long run, it's our spending," Hall said. "We've got to get better on our spending."

The council voted last month to cut about $728,000 out of the budget, bringing the deficit down to $1.5 million. The remaining funds needed will be pulled from reserves.

A budget addendum is listed on Tuesday's meeting agenda.

Huppert said he also plans to push for green space.

Radford and Blacksburg both have signature parks, which is something he feels Christiansburg could benefit from.

Hall said Christiansburg government has taken strides to become transparent the past few years but can continue to improve, so he'll make that a priority during his term.

Both said they owe a large part of their election victory to door-to-door campaigning.

"I'll bet you I went to 65 percent of the homes," Huppert said.

He said he received a lot of appreciation for the letters to the editor he writes in The Roanoke Times and said he plans to keep writing them if time permits.

Hall said it took months of thought and discussion between him and his wife before he officially decided to run for the council. Once Hall decided he was all in, he dedicated himself to his campaign, spending hours every day after work to go door-to-door with friends and supporters.

While campaigning, Hall said he lost 25 pounds from walking and missing meals.

"I enjoyed that process but it wore me out," he said.

Huppert said the biggest plus he brings to the council is his experience. The knowledge he gained from his previous term on the council was enhanced by serving on the planning commission and attending seminars, Huppert said.

"I have a much better handle on some things," he said.

Researching and making recommendations on some big projects helped broaden his scope of experience, Huppert said.

Hall said he never fancied himself a politician. In fact, the subject is something he said he "detests."

"I can't stand politics. I hate it," Hall said.

He said the amount of games played in politics, especially on the national level, impedes legitimate progress.

After attending local meetings the past few years to protest the Ivy Ridge subdivision connecting through his street, however, Hall gained an appreciation for how important local government is and how the decisions are made.

Hall, an avid girls softball coach, joked that the only allegiances he has are to the 10- and 11-year-old female demographic, so he feels he brings a fresh perspective and honest opinions.

Huppert, a retired teacher and tennis coach, said he will be able to dedicate adequate time to his new role.

"I feel blessed. I can give it almost my full attention," he said.

Hall said he hasn't yet adopted a plan to juggle his obligations to the council with work and home life, but knows it's a must. Hall said he's glad the firm he works for places a high priority on family.

Both Hall and Huppert spoke highly of each other and the contributions the other would bring to the council.

Hall complimented Huppert on his dedication and background with the town, while Huppert said Hall is sharp and will bring a youthful enthusiasm to the council.

Ironically, Huppert was once Hall's school guidance counselor. Now the two will work together.

"I think both of us are going into it excited and enthusiastic," Huppert said. "We're not going to turn everything around instantly. Cord, being as young as he is, he might think that."

"I'm a little nervous. I'm a little tentative. But I think that's a good thing," Hall said. "I'm looking forward to it."