Skip to content

Exercise your vote: Lynchburg City Council elections are Tuesday, May 19

Exercise your vote: Lynchburg City Council elections are Tuesday, May 19

Exercise your vote: Lynchburg City Council elections are Tuesday, May 19

As the nephew of the late Delegate Lacey Putney, who ran successfully for office 26 times, I have a deep appreciation for what it requires to seek office . . . to put your name on the ballot, campaign and ask people for their vote. Even if you disagree with your opponent  – perhaps even bitterly – I learned that you respect your opponent. You applaud him or her for offering to serve.
 
I can remember Lacey citing political adages like “decisions are made by those who show up”, and “those who have the votes make the rules.” I’m sure one time or another, Lacey even said “elections have consequences.” They do. Recent history is laden with examples of those and other political aphorisms.
 
In the state of Florida in 2000 Americans witnessed how 500 votes out of almost 6 million decided the outcome of a presidential election. More recently here in Virginia, control of the House of Delegates was determined by the drawing of one candidate’s name from a bowl. Indeed, after almost 24,000 votes were cast, the result was a tie.
 
So, votes really do matter.
 
On May 19, the City of Lynchburg has its City Council Elections. Running in Ward I are Abram “Abe” Loper and Mary J. Dolan. In Ward II, Larry L. Taylor is running against Sterling Wilder. Councilman Jeff Helgeson is running unopposed in Ward III, while Christopher Faraldi and Larry D. Jones, Jr. are running for the Ward IV seat.
 
As is the case with any election, much is on the line – even more so as the Commonwealth and its local governments begin to maneuver their way through this pandemic en route to reopening Virginia. The issue mix is a weighty one but none more important than the near and medium term budget and spending priorities for the City. 
 
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance encourages its Lynchburg City resident members and indeed all City residents to exercise their Constitutional right and cast their ballot for the candidate of his or her choice. It may be cliché but it’s cliché because it’s true – voting matters. So, let’s show an abundance of respect to those with the commitment to run for office. Please vote on May 19, the future of our great city is at stake. 

Leave a Comment
* Required field