Nine candidates are running for four seats on the Blacksburg Town Council in November, 2009. Many people will know one or two of the individuals; few, though, will know them all. For this reason, the Citizens First web site intends to provide information that will produce informed choices. The candidates submitted the following statements about their qualifications and goals. Feel free to participate in a community conversation by posting your signed statements.

VIEW VIDEOS of candidate forums (click "Read more" to view all):

Coffee with the Individual Candidates. (In progress) ... The Easy Chair, Thursday evenings, 7-9 pm.
Newcomb / Carter /

I'm Susan Anderson, and I'm running for re-election to the Town Council of Blacksburg. I was elected in May 2006, becoming the sixth woman ever elected to Blacksburg’s council. Because I received the most votes in that election,

My family and I have been residents of Blacksburg since autumn of 1984. The past 25 years I have been a frame and trim carpenter, graduated from Virginia Tech with a Masters degree in Architecture, designed, cut and assembled timber frame structures,

With years of experience as a community organizer on issues of community involvement and sustainability, Bryce Carter is working hard to move Blacksburg forward.

Born and Raised in Blacksburg, Virginia, Krisha Chachra is invested in helping her hometown grow in smart, responsible ways. She is an advocate for a vibrant downtown and has a clear vision for Blacksburg's potential. As an active citizen, Krisha cares

For more information, see http://www.friendsoffansler.com/

Since last speaking at a candidate Q&A sponsored by Citizens First in 2004, I have continued my volunteering, and speaking out on Town issues. What were your questions back then? You asked what we candidates would do

My name is Cecile Newcomb; I was born in 1964 and reared in Blacksburg and Montgomery County. My family lived on Roanoke Street when I was a child; we moved to and operated a farm in Whitethorne for

I moved to Blacksburg in 1973 to attend Virginia Tech. After completing both a bachelors and a master in electrical engineering, I began my career with Poly-Scientific (now MOOG Components Group).

I am running for Blacksburg Town Council to bring new ideas, positive energy, and a fresh perspective to the community I have come to call home. As a 2006 Virginia Tech graduate and a permanent resident of Blacksburg, I have what one Roanoke Times columnist described as “a real chance to build a bridge between town and campus.”