4. Repair and Strengthen Relationships
Strong communities are built on trust.
Right now, two important relationships in Blacksburg need repair: the relationship between residents and Town Council, and the relationship between the Town and Virginia Tech.
Rebuilding Trust Between Residents and Town Council
In conversations across our community, I have heard the same concern from many residents: they no longer feel that their voices are heard in Town Hall.
People have written letters, spoken at council meetings, and reached out to council members directly—yet many feel that decisions are already made before public input is considered. Over time, that perception has eroded trust.
When trust breaks down, people stop participating. Some residents have told me they no longer attend meetings because they feel their input will not make a difference. In some election cycles, we have even seen a lack of candidates for Town Council positions—something that should concern everyone who cares about the health of our local democracy.
A healthy local government depends on active community participation. Rebuilding that trust will require leadership that listens, communicates openly, and demonstrates through its actions that public input truly matters.
Rebuilding the Town–University Partnership
Blacksburg and Virginia Tech are deeply connected. The university is not just a neighbor—it is an essential part of our community and our success depends on working together.
Yet in recent years, the relationship between the Town and Virginia Tech has often been framed as an “us versus them” dynamic. That approach serves no one.
Virginia Tech’s students, faculty, and staff are members of our community. The university contributes enormously to the culture, economy, and identity of Blacksburg. At the same time, the Town and the University must work together thoughtfully to address shared challenges such as housing, transportation, and growth.
Rather than approaching issues through conflict or public criticism, we should be building stronger partnerships and working toward solutions that benefit the entire community.
What I Will Do
Repairing relationships requires consistent effort and leadership that brings people together.
If elected, I will work to:
Foster open dialogue between residents and Town Council
Ensure residents feel their voices are heard and valued in decision-making
Promote transparency and clear communication from Town leadership
Strengthen collaboration between the Town and Virginia Tech
Encourage joint problem-solving on issues that affect both the university and the community
Why It Matters
Blacksburg is strongest when we work together.
Rebuilding trust between residents and our local government will strengthen civic engagement and community pride. Strengthening collaboration between the Town and Virginia Tech will help us address shared challenges and plan for the future more effectively.
By repairing these relationships, we can build a community that is more collaborative, more transparent, and better prepared for the opportunities ahead.
