On March 5, 2010, the Virginia Senate voted (39-Y 0-N) to pass the Charter change that will move Christiansburg Town elections to November beginning in 2011. The next step in that process is for the Governor to sign it. The people of the Town of Christiansburg, VA spoke in a very loud voice during the November election about changing the election date. This shows the process works. The vast majority of people who voted are getting what they wanted. However, let me add that a vast majority was NOT needed. One vote, one single vote was all that was really needed to make that change. Only one more vote to move the election date rather than one against moving it, is what would determine the outcome.
That same concept will come into play during the LAST May elections to be held in the Town of Christiansburg. I have spoken with a lot of newer residents in Christiansburg who are not aware that the polling place for local elections is NOT at the same place where they voted in November. This is something that is not focused on by the Town or in the media. I think it is just assumed that if people want to vote they will know where to go to vote. Please take the time to talk to people and make sure that they know to vote at the National Guard Armory. The Armory is located at 15 College Street in Christiansburg, VA.
A Google Map is available (click here to see map).
A lot of people and groups are watching this year's election to see what, if any, change is in the future for Christiansburg. New faces are being seen as candidates (a rare event in Christiansburg). While Steve Huppert has served and run before, he is accompanied by
Cord Hall (for Town Council) and
Meghan Dorsett (for Mayor). Both of these last are new to the political arena yet bring expertise that will be invaluable in confronting some of the
serious issues facing the Town of Christiansburg.
One thing is clear, in my opinion, more of the same is NOT what is needed. We need new faces and new ideas to make things happen. We need people with the knowledge and understanding that funds, other than tax money, are available and know how to get those financial resources for Christiansburg citizens rather than consistently see that money going to other jurisdictions. Sorry, all you other jurisdictions but we deserve a piece of the pie as well.
On Wednesday March 10, from 10am - 12 noon, you can find Meghan Dorsett sitting at the Coffee Depot at 41 W. Main in Christiansburg. She will be drinking coffee and doing research on her computer, but she has invited anyone who wishes to drop by and talk with her to do so. This is not a formal gather, rather just a drop-by and chat environment. She does pretty much the same thing Wednesday through Saturday (10am to 5pm) and Sunday (1pm-5pm) in the museum in the Cambria (Christiansburg) Depot at 630 Depot Street, as many of you are already aware:) Also, she has provided a phone number on her website to reach her to talk over the phone or to arrange another time to speak face-to-face. There is also a
survey that Dorsett has established to allow citizens a chance to weight in on the importance of issues and present ideas.
Seven weeks until the next Town election. Now is the time to start discussing issues, assessing past performance, and making decisions about where you want your future to go. Do your best to get to know the candidates and find out about their positions. It doesn't matter whether you rent or own a home in Christiansburg, quality of services & quality of life are important. Water, sewer, garbage, sidewalks, traffic, recreation, jobs, growth, etc. WILL affect the lives of everyone, not just a few. Please take the time to do a bit of research, then take the time to get out and vote!