Lynchburg City Council seekers express future goals if elected

The question:

Explain one new idea or initiative you plan to pursue if elected to City Council.

The answers:

Mike Gillette, Ward I
“Lynchburg has a unique character and high quality of life that we must protect and extend. We must maximize economic growth without losing Lynchburg authenticity. If re-elected, I will push for a comprehensive review of the un-built spaces in Lynchburg so that we can intelligently plan our future. We must revise the zoning ordinance to support in-fill development in high density areas, while also protecting the character of suburban areas and open spaces. We must demonstrate that Lynchburg is a safe, vibrant and compassionate community that can attract the best business and cleanest industry of the 21st century.”

Jim Martin, Ward I
“An initiative I will pursue is increased revenue sharing from the State for State mandated projects. This issue needs a bipartisan solution and as I have worked with Democrats and Republicans on my campaign. I think I’m in a position to provide that. Overall, I would like for our citizens, and those who deal with Council, to feel they have someone who is a good listener, treats them with respect, and tries, in good faith, to address their problems, not just engage in partisan posturing or rhetoric. With my proven track record in business and education, I can do that.”

Tom Shahady, Ward I
“When elected I will pursue two initiatives immediately. I will contact Parks and Recreation to discuss the expansion of Blackwater Creek Trail through Lynchburg College to Sandusky Park. The trail is one of our greatest assets for both residents and visitors and deserves funding and support from City Council. Secondly, I will contact Waste Management to begin development of a curbside recycling program. If Charlottesville, Richmond and countless other cites throughout Virginia can I know we can! It just takes the will and the effort to accomplish. Please visit http://www.tomshahady.com and consider the environment with your vote.”

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Ceasor Johnson, Ward II
“I would take this as an opportunity to continue to champion for the citizens of Ward II. I especially would investigate the possibilities of some type of youth activity, such as mid-night basketball to keep the kids off the streets and out of trouble. I really feel that we should be able to offer constructive actives for young people that will reinforce positive behavior. The city spends thousands of dollars in detention centers, half way houses, and other rehabilitation services. It would be nice to invest money in workforce development or youth prevention services. ‘Let’s Do It Again.’ ”

David Johnston, Ward II
“If a property is empty or run down, we agree to freeze the tax assessment at it’s current level when someone begins to occupy or improve the property. The freeze expires after a stated period or when the property is sold, which ever comes first. The city loses nothing because it still collects the same money as before. By removing the threat of the assessement immediately sky rocketing, the owner then has a reason to use an existing building over new construction. This may also help with the conern of over developement.”

Jeff Helgeson, Ward III
“In addition to my push for more public safety officers, I want a cleaner Lynchburg. I have observed in many neighborhoods throughout the city, there are times where someone simply unloads huge piles of junk and trash out by the street. Sometimes these trash piles sit there for days, and even weeks. Piles of trash sitting by the roadside is an eyesore, especially for the neighbors that maintain their property. Keeping our neighborhoods clean and attractive means that we have to address this very real issue.”

Nat Marshall, Ward III
“Education has been my number 1 priority. Too many of our youth are dropping out and not prepared for work. We know that if we don’t motivate our youth by middle school, many are lost. We must promote a collaborative effort by the city, the city schools, the Workforce Investment Board and it business members, The Alliance for Families & Children, Old Dominion Job Corps, United Way and all applicable non-profits, and concerned citizens to create a system that identifies services available to the youth in our community, matches youth to available services, and tracks their long-term progress.”

Turner Perrow, Ward IV
“We should consider eliminating the seven percent Amusement Tax for nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits contributed approximately $67K in tax revenue in 2007 while for profit entities (mainly movie theaters & bowling alleys) contributed approximately $343K. By eliminating the tax for nonprofits, they can increase their production expenditures, decrease ticket prices, or hire larger professional acts. Our citizens benefit from the increased cultural activities, and our quality of life improves. The lost revenues would be made up in the meals tax as more people will be ‘out on the town,’ and the nonprofits may become more self sufficient requiring less public funding.”

Marie Waller, Ward IV
“I would propose a regular, structured means of communicating to our citizens. Citizens hear about issues too late in the decision making process. Regularly scheduled forms with citizens, either in person, at neighborhood watch meetings, via the internet, or in a mailed newsletter, would inform people of Lynchburg about upcoming issues. I would also like to see the city seriously investigate the reinstitution of glass recycling and/or the prospect of curbside recycling. If we are to emphasize environmental responsibility I believed a broad based program that involves all citizens would raise eco-awareness and be ecologically sound.”