Your Vote Matters

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, 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.

 

As is the case with any election, much is at stake in the 2020 campaign cycle. This is heightened by the fact that the United States, the Commonwealth, and local governments continue to maneuver their way through the balancing act of managing the public health component of the pandemic along with that of reopening our economy, our colleges and universities, our public education system and, indeed, our society. 

 

 

The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance encourages its members and all residents of the region to exercise their Constitutional right and cast their ballot for the candidate of his or her choice. Let’s show an abundance of respect to those with the commitment to run for office and please vote on November 3rd. The future of our communities, our Commonwealth, and our nation are at stake.

 

To better educate Alliance members, and our region in general, our Government Relations Committee, led by Chairwoman Tracie Gallahan and Vice Chair Scott Kowalski, coordinated with the campaigns of those running for federal office and conducted interviews with candidates for:

 

These interviews, which are in the 40-45 minute range, provide extremely valuable insight into these incumbents and challengers – specifically why they are running, what their priorities are and what their positions are on issues of importance to the Alliance and our members. These interviews are posted on our 2020 Candidate Forum webpage, which also includes links to the candidate’s websites and other relevant information. 

 

We urge Alliance members and Lynchburg region residents to visit this site and learn about these candidates. It is our hope that this content will help you make informed decisions when casting your ballot.