Anderson for Council

I believe that our shared community values and our collectively developed Comprehensive Plan can guide Blacksburg to a bright future.

I envision a better Blacksburg, a Blacksburg which

Is a safe, supportive, stimulating place to live for children, teens, families, young and older professionals, singles, and seniors
Is not just a great college town, but a great place to live, work, and raise a family, as well as a great place to retire
Is diverse, and values diversity in age, ethnic background, gender, religion, sexual orientation, economic means/wealth, and interests
Is welcoming and cultivates a sense of community among its diverse population
Is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of its citizens' lives
Has numerous recreational opportunities, including new athletic fields, for residents of all ages
Preserves green space and natural areas
Has good public transportation and an extensive network of sidewalks and walking and biking trails
Has a broad range of retail businesses, light manufacturing, professional services, research centers, and creative enterprises, while supporting entrepreneurial activities
Honors its comprehensive plan, and follows the letter and spirit of it
Has a truly open, honest, transparent, and participatory government
Encourages and values active citizen involvement in the decision making process
Has a commonsense and prudent fiscal management plan with no frills but excellent services
Has a sense of what it is, what it wants to be-a vision guided by community values.

I envision a vibrant, historic downtown

A happening, low vacancy downtown
A downtown rich in public spaces
A downtown full of locally owned, unique retail businesses, art galleries, wine bars and beer joints, casual restaurants and fine dining.
My vision is a safe downtown--safe for our students and our year-round residents, a downtown where community residents want to shop, eat, and enjoy the company of friends and colleagues, a downtown where you can pick up a prescription or buy a set of sheets, as well as purchase pizza and Virginia Tech merchandise.
My vision of downtown includes rehabilitating the old Blacksburg Middle School property as a civic, cultural, educational, and recreational resource-a community hub which is alive with organizations utilizing space, educational activities occurring, the auditorium often utilized for movies, speakers, and performances, and the stadium and associated facilities in good order and used often.
I believe we should follow suggestions found in the Downtown Master Plan.

I envision preserving and enhancing our rich array of neighborhoods through

Promoting diverse housing options, including workforce housing
Strengthening current neighborhood associations
Preserving each neighborhood's unique identity
Ensuring safe neighborhoods
Protecting neighborhoods from commercial encroachment
Lessening cut-through traffic problems
Protecting neighborhoods from increased light and noise pollution from nearby development and redevelopment
Improving community livability through sidewalk and trail connections, pocket parks, and green space preservation
Fostering a greater sense of community within existing neighborhoods and the town as a whole.

I envision a better Blacksburg for us all.

The new town council can build on the successes of previous councils, learn from and hopefully not repeat past mistakes, listen carefully to Blacksburg residents, and encourage broader citizen participation-not only through the formal structures such as commissions and hearings, but through genuine dialogue, such as the monthly informal conversation hours organized by the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg.

Steppin' Out

Coffee with the Candidates

Candidates Reception

Blacksburg Town Council Candidate Forum

VT Graduate Student Town Council Forum

Coffee with the Candidates Town Council Forum

AARP Forum: Candidates for Town Council

Town Council Social

Blacksburg Town Council Candidate Forum, Part II

Please Vote!