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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Blacksburg Town Council Candidate Forum - October 5, 2023

Town Council — Thursday, October 5, 2023

BodyBlacksburg, Virginia

SessionTown Council

DateThursday, October 5, 2023

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:24:40

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:58

Well, good evening.

1:00

Welcome to our sixth candidate forum.

1:03

And this is the Legal Woman Waters Forum for Blacksburg Town Council candidates.

1:10

My name is Gene Sun.

1:11

I'm the president of the Legal Women Borders.

1:14

And this is in conjunction with County Badger City of Lloyd County NACP.

1:21

And we have Karen Jones on the IMA's political action committee of AACP.

1:27

And we have our voter services vice president Peggy Jones, our moderator, and our league members.

1:40

This is our almost the last forum.

1:42

We have another one for uh Christmasburg Town Council next week.

1:47

And thank you for being here.

1:49

Thank you for candidates for uh being here and participating in this forum.

1:54

I'll turn it to A.

1:56

Thank you, Goon.

1:58

Tonight's candidate forum includes all candidates running for a seat on the Blacksburg Town Council.

2:05

Unlike the other forums that we've hosted, we've also invited two candidates who are running active write in campaigns.

2:13

This decision was being was made after being notified by our registrar of their status and what it means to run an active campaign.

2:22

In preparation for tonight's forum, the candidates were provided with five questions.

2:27

Two or three of those will be asked tonight, but all other questions for the forum will come from you, the audience.

2:35

You should have received note cards to submit your questions.

2:39

If you would like a note card, please raise your hand and one of our volunteers will bring you a note card and a pen if you need one.

2:48

If you have a card to submit, hold it up and they will pick up the card and bring it up here to our question sorters.

2:57

For folks watching on the Blacksburg Town website, we are not able to receive questions remotely.

3:10

And to ensure that the questions asked tonight are relevant to the decisions that a town council member makes.

5:02

Along the way, I received a Masters of Science degree in environmental management from the University of Maryland, and I've served on the boards of the New River Valley Bicycle Association and Sustainable Blacksburg, and with my wife co-founded the NRV bike kitchen.

5:16

I enjoy bicycling, hiking, reading, and exploring the back roads of Virginia with my wife and best friend, Beth.

5:25

So as I stated, I I first started serving in 2018, and I ran in the special election, and in 2019, I ran in the special election or the regular election, and I committed to uh being committed to doing the job, uh, integrity and transparency in everything that I've done.

5:43

Um, and to honor that pledge, I've I've taken steps to ensure that I've listened to everyone, and I've I've brought their concerns forward during budget discussions, development reviews, and other town initiatives.

5:57

I bring a fair, balanced and reasonable perspective, and I uh uh I always have a cue on uh community values and the long-term future and success of our town.

6:08

I hold myself to a very high standard, and I work very hard to respond to everyone, uh, make sure they know that I've listened and I've heard them, and then I I try to be a voice for them during the process.

6:21

That's what I have.

6:23

Thank you.

6:25

Michael.

6:26

Sure.

6:27

First, I'd like to thank the NAACP and League of Women Voters for hosting tonight's candidate forum.

6:31

This is always a wonderful service to the community and a highlight of every campaign season.

6:36

I'm here today, not just as a candidate, but as a dedicated public servant who has had the privilege of representing this incredible community, our community for more than a decade.

6:44

My name is Michael Sudman, I'm running for re-election to the Blacksburg Town Council.

6:48

My journey in public service began right here in Blacksburg, where I arrived as a Virginia Tech student in 2002.

6:54

During my college years, I discovered a passion for service and even got my first taste with local government as a reporter for the student paper covering council meetings in this very room.

7:03

Since then, I have served you as a member of the town council, as vice mayor, and as a planning commissioner.

7:08

I have dedicated myself not only to addressing the challenges our community faces, but also capitalizing on the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.

7:16

Tonight I want to emphasize three key pillars of my campaign investing in our community, expanding opportunities for everyone, and building a sustainable future.

7:25

These are not just campaign promises, they have principles that have guided my service and work on the town council.

7:32

Our town is growing, and it's essential that our infrastructure keeps pace.

7:37

I have voted for a wide range of capital projects to revitalize our downtown, enhance our trails and recreation amenities, improve transportation, and upgrade our aging utilities.

7:47

We must also address the housing challenges faced by our citizens.

7:51

Rising prices and a shortage of homes are issues we cannot ignore.

7:55

I support land use policies that encourage the creation of more housing for all income levels, not just the highest earners, and I look forward to having a candid discussion tonight about how we can meet Blacksburg's growing demand for affordable housing.

8:07

Lastly, sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a commitment to our environment, economy, and social fabric.

8:14

I'm in favor of initiatives like transitioning to electric transit vehicles, promoting renewable energy, and preserving green and open spaces.

8:21

I look forward to a constructive and meaningful discussion tonight.

8:25

Thank you.

8:26

Rick.

8:28

Hi, I'm Rick Johnson.

8:30

I'm an independent candidate.

8:32

I've lived in Blacksburg for 30 years.

8:35

Both my daughters went to school here.

8:43

Worked at Duke for a little while in a in a uh commuting type of thing.

8:49

But my daughters grew up here.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Affordable Housing█████████████████17%

Community Engagement█████████████13%

Procedural████████████12%

Economic Development██████████10%

Housing█████████9%

Public Engagement████████8%

Urban Planning████████8%

Environmental Protection████4%

Budget Equity Analysis████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Blacksburg Town Council Candidate Forum - October 5, 2023

The Blacksburg Town Council Candidate Forum was held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Co-sponsored by the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County NAACP and the League of Women Voters – Montgomery County, the forum featured all four candidates running for Town Council: incumbents Jerry Ford and Michael Sutphin, and challengers Rick Johnson and Liam Watson (a write-in candidate). The forum was moderated by Peggy Layne. Questions came from the audience and were screened for duplication.

Public Comments & Testimony

Audience members submitted written questions, which were read by the moderator. Topics included development and overdevelopment, the Virginia Tech partnership, climate change, taxes, affordable child care, support for LGBTQ+ residents, and housing for seniors.

Discussion Items

Top Priorities: Candidates shared their top priorities for Blacksburg. Michael Sutphin emphasized infrastructure investments (downtown revitalization, trails, transit, utilities), affordable housing, and sustainability. Liam Watson listed planning (mixed-use development), parks (expanding trails and facilities), and people (engaging underrepresented groups, especially students). Jerry Ford focused on good governance (pausing public hearings before votes), equitable growth (updating zoning ordinances), and quality of life (upgrading recreation facilities). Rick Johnson made affordable housing his top priority, calling for citizen involvement in development decisions and rebuilding trust in Town Council.
Managing Development: Candidates addressed concerns about overdevelopment, traffic, and changes to town character. Liam Watson argued that affordable housing does not necessarily increase traffic and that expanding bike/pedestrian infrastructure and free transit helps. Jerry Ford called for a comprehensive overhaul of the zoning ordinance, last updated in the 1990s. Rick Johnson cited the Glade Springs development as a model where citizens worked with the developer to reduce density and increase affordable units. Michael Sutphin noted that Town Council had already passed a resolution in 2019 to stop large student housing projects and now needs to focus on other housing types.
Virginia Tech Partnership: Candidates discussed the university’s growth and the need for a more equal partnership. Jerry Ford suggested using the lever of enlightened self-interest, noting that Virginia Tech struggles with recruiting employees due to housing costs. Rick Johnson argued that the town has not effectively communicated its demands to the university’s highest levels. Michael Sutphin pointed to existing liaison committees and said tough conversations have occurred, such as over off-campus housing in 2019. Liam Watson proposed that Virginia Tech should make payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT), similar to William & Mary’s $750,000 annual payment to Williamsburg.
Climate Change and Sustainability: Candidates outlined approaches. Rick Johnson emphasized transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles and protecting water quality. Michael Sutphin called for a comprehensive approach including municipal solar arrays, local food systems, energy-efficient building practices, and smart growth. Liam Watson highlighted the role of bike/pedestrian infrastructure and tightening sustainability guidelines for development. Jerry Ford noted limitations on stormwater management but suggested studying stricter standards, using rezonings to negotiate better environmental practices, and pushing for authority to limit single-use plastics.
Taxes: Candidates responded to the 2023 reassessment (average 30% increase) and the council’s decision to keep the tax rate flat. Michael Sutphin defended the decision, citing inflationary cost increases and the risk of having to raise the rate again soon. Liam Watson supported tax relief for low- and middle-income families and suggested exploring less regressive taxes. Jerry Ford added that the town avoided a temporary rate cut that would have required a hike the next year; he also proposed investigating a two-tiered property tax (lower for primary residences, higher for second homes). Rick Johnson strongly criticized the 30% increase, saying it compounds affordability problems and proposed phasing the increase over three years.
Affordable Child Care: Candidates generally supported town action within legal limits. Jerry Ford noted the town funds Interfaith Child Care and used ARPA money for child care initiatives. Rick Johnson suggested partnering with the YMCA. Michael Sutphin pointed to existing agency funding, ARPA investments, and zoning incentives. Liam Watson said the town’s hands are largely tied under the Dillon Rule and deferred to the county and school board, but noted the high child poverty rate in the 9th Congressional District.
Support for LGBTQ+ Community: Candidates condemned attacks on trans people and expressed support. Jerry Ford proposed a council resolution and suggested using purchasing power to require contractors to meet non-discrimination standards. Rick Johnson called for cooperation with the school board and educational initiatives. Michael Sutphin detailed his long history of LGBTQ advocacy, noting the town already protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and has passed resolutions supporting state law changes. Liam Watson endorsed school board candidates Ed Gittry and Derek Roundtree and called for forceful denunciation of bullying.
Senior Housing: Candidates addressed the shortage of housing for seniors. Rick Johnson proposed requiring 10% of new developments be affordable and suggested the town buy small rental properties. Michael Sutphin highlighted the 2021 housing study showing 5,500 income-restricted units needed in the region, and noted tools like zoning changes, incentives, and down payment assistance. Liam Watson cited the town’s HOME program and the Grissom Lane senior rentals, urging expansion. Jerry Ford pointed to the affordable housing development fund and the community land trust as new tools to create permanently affordable senior housing.

Key Outcomes

The forum was an informational session; no votes or official decisions were made. Candidates presented their platforms and answered audience questions.
The moderator reminded attendees that early voting is available at the registrar’s office in Christiansburg, and Election Day is November 7, 2023.
The League of Women Voters and NAACP will host a similar forum for Christiansburg Town Council on October 12, 2023.
Candidates emphasized the importance of voter participation and encouraged residents to vote.

Meeting Transcript

Well, good evening. Welcome to our sixth candidate forum. And this is the Legal Woman Waters Forum for Blacksburg Town Council candidates. My name is Gene Sun. I'm the president of the Legal Women Borders. And this is in conjunction with County Badger City of Lloyd County NACP. And we have Karen Jones on the IMA's political action committee of AACP. And we have our voter services vice president Peggy Jones, our moderator, and our league members. This is our almost the last forum. We have another one for uh Christmasburg Town Council next week. And thank you for being here. Thank you for candidates for uh being here and participating in this forum. I'll turn it to A. Thank you, Goon. Tonight's candidate forum includes all candidates running for a seat on the Blacksburg Town Council. Unlike the other forums that we've hosted, we've also invited two candidates who are running active write in campaigns. This decision was being was made after being notified by our registrar of their status and what it means to run an active campaign. In preparation for tonight's forum, the candidates were provided with five questions. Two or three of those will be asked tonight, but all other questions for the forum will come from you, the audience. You should have received note cards to submit your questions. If you would like a note card, please raise your hand and one of our volunteers will bring you a note card and a pen if you need one. If you have a card to submit, hold it up and they will pick up the card and bring it up here to our question sorters. For folks watching on the Blacksburg Town website, we are not able to receive questions remotely. And to ensure that the questions asked tonight are relevant to the decisions that a town council member makes. Along the way, I received a Masters of Science degree in environmental management from the University of Maryland, and I've served on the boards of the New River Valley Bicycle Association and Sustainable Blacksburg, and with my wife co-founded the NRV bike kitchen. I enjoy bicycling, hiking, reading, and exploring the back roads of Virginia with my wife and best friend, Beth. So as I stated, I I first started serving in 2018, and I ran in the special election, and in 2019, I ran in the special election or the regular election, and I committed to uh being committed to doing the job, uh, integrity and transparency in everything that I've done. Um, and to honor that pledge, I've I've taken steps to ensure that I've listened to everyone, and I've I've brought their concerns forward during budget discussions, development reviews, and other town initiatives. I bring a fair, balanced and reasonable perspective, and I uh uh I always have a cue on uh community values and the long-term future and success of our town. I hold myself to a very high standard, and I work very hard to respond to everyone, uh, make sure they know that I've listened and I've heard them, and then I I try to be a voice for them during the process. That's what I have. Thank you. Michael. Sure. First, I'd like to thank the NAACP and League of Women Voters for hosting tonight's candidate forum. This is always a wonderful service to the community and a highlight of every campaign season. I'm here today, not just as a candidate, but as a dedicated public servant who has had the privilege of representing this incredible community, our community for more than a decade. My name is Michael Sudman, I'm running for re-election to the Blacksburg Town Council. My journey in public service began right here in Blacksburg, where I arrived as a Virginia Tech student in 2002. During my college years, I discovered a passion for service and even got my first taste with local government as a reporter for the student paper covering council meetings in this very room. Since then, I have served you as a member of the town council, as vice mayor, and as a planning commissioner. I have dedicated myself not only to addressing the challenges our community faces, but also capitalizing on the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. Tonight I want to emphasize three key pillars of my campaign investing in our community, expanding opportunities for everyone, and building a sustainable future. These are not just campaign promises, they have principles that have guided my service and work on the town council. Our town is growing, and it's essential that our infrastructure keeps pace. I have voted for a wide range of capital projects to revitalize our downtown, enhance our trails and recreation amenities, improve transportation, and upgrade our aging utilities. We must also address the housing challenges faced by our citizens. Rising prices and a shortage of homes are issues we cannot ignore. I support land use policies that encourage the creation of more housing for all income levels, not just the highest earners, and I look forward to having a candid discussion tonight about how we can meet Blacksburg's growing demand for affordable housing. Lastly, sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a commitment to our environment, economy, and social fabric.

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