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Elections 2008
Videos of Candidate Conversations with Citizens
Citizens First for Blacksburg sponsored Blacksburg Town Council Candidate Conversations with Citizens in preparation for the May 6 election.
If you missed the live conversations, both videos and transcripts are available.
Watch the videos here.
Read the transcripts below.
Transcript for Don Langrehr--Incumbent
1. Please take 3-5 minutes to give an opening statement about your candidacy and your vision for Blacksburg.
Transcript for Paul Lancaster--Incumbent
1. Please take 3-5 minutes to give an opening statement about your candidacy and your vision for Blacksburg.
Transcript for Leslie Hager-Smith--Challenger
1. Please take 3-5 minutes to give an opening statement about your candidacy and your vision for Blacksburg.
Transcript for Derek Myers--Challenger
1. Please take 3-5 minutes to give an opening statement about your candidacy and your vision for Blacksburg.
Don Langrehr--Candidate for Town Council
Blacksburg has faced more than its fair share of hardship over the last several years. This adversity has struck at both the personal and municipal level. Admirably, the people of this town have responded with a collective spirit that refuses to bend. This shared determination transcends resilience, and instead, focuses on renewal and future achievement. The character of our Blacksburg community has made me ever more thankful to call this special place my home. Furthermore, the opportunity to be re-elected and serve you for another term on Town Council would only increase my gratitude.
Paul Lancaster: Candidate for Town Council
"Blacksburg's vision is to be a dynamic, sustainable, livable community fostering environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, technological leadership, and the arts."
In 20 words, the Town of Blacksburg's new vision statement offers a comprehensive overview of what we are achieving, and what we hope to achieve.
Leslie Hager-Smith--Candidate for Town Council
As director of the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg, I know firsthand the challenges facing our small business owners and the difficulties of providing for downtown revitalization, affordable housing, adequate policing and other public services; while maintaining a fairly-structured, healthy tax base. I have developed working relations with members of town staff, council, the university, entrepreneurs, property owners, citizens groups and other stakeholders. As a member of town council, I will bridge the divisions between these groups.