Blacksburg Mayoral Candidate Forum – August 21, 2025

This candidate forum, hosted by the NAACP and League of Women Voters, took place on August 21, 2025, in Blacksburg Town Council chambers. Two candidates for mayor—Peter Masito and Michael Sutfin—answered questions from the audience on a range of local issues. The forum was moderated by Peggy Lane, and each candidate had two minutes for opening statements, two minutes per question, and two minutes for closing statements.

Candidate Introductions

• Peter Masito introduced himself as a long-time Blacksburg resident, former Virginia Tech employee (director for Institute for Distance and Distributed Learning), and baker/owner of Blacksburg Bagels. He emphasized community engagement and his desire to serve as mayor.
• Michael Sutfin introduced himself as a 13-year member of Blacksburg Town Council, current vice mayor, and former planning commission member. He highlighted his experience, regional partnerships, and priorities: infrastructure, housing, and sustainability.

Discussion on Student Housing and Growth

• Michael Sutfin stated that Virginia Tech's potential enrollment of 40,000 undergraduate students is "absurd" and that the town has passed a resolution asking the board to freeze enrollment until more on-campus housing is built. He noted that the town council approved thousands of new bedrooms but in 2019 signaled an end to large new student housing complexes except in areas designated by the comprehensive plan.
• Peter Masito pointed out that Virginia Tech's total enrollment includes distance learning students, not all in Blacksburg. He suggested a degree completion program for students to finish without being in Blacksburg. He criticized the town's reliance on statements from the board of visitors, given potential administrative turnover.

Discussion on Regional Cooperation

• Peter Masito emphasized the importance of collaboration with Christiansburg, Montgomery County, and the School Board. He stated he would work with any party and that independence is key for a mayor.
• Michael Sutfin detailed his service on the New River Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Greater Montgomery Liaison Group, which includes school board representation. He stressed the value of regional partnerships for transportation, child care, and economic development.

Discussion on Neighborhood Involvement in Development

• Michael Sutfin described the current public process (notices, neighborhood meetings, planning commission, town council hearings) and proposed improving notification for renters, not just property owners. He also suggested mobile town halls to engage residents outside of contentious land-use cases.
• Peter Masito agreed with renter notification, referencing his own experience as a business owner not notified about the 801 North Main project. He advocated for ongoing community engagement beyond formal development processes, such as his "Pop Schools in the Park" events.

Discussion on Transit Expansion

• Peter Masito noted his personal reliance on Blacksburg Transit (due to epilepsy) and emphasized the need to listen to residents living in areas like Glade Road or Shadow Lake Road. He also raised concerns about reduced service on weekends and breaks.
• Michael Sutfin referenced the recent transportation strategic plan update, which identified areas for expansion (northern end of town, Prices Fork Road). He noted funding challenges and highlighted the council's vote to make transit fare-free permanently.

Discussion on Parking at 801 North Main Development

• Michael Sutfin explained that the council approved the project despite parking concerns because it aligned with long-term planning goals. He noted that the site was identified in the comprehensive plan as appropriate for student housing, and that without such housing, more family homes would be converted to student rentals.
• Peter Masito criticized the approval, arguing that the council prioritized "more bedrooms" over other issues. He said the project eliminated retail space, was too tall, and lacked sufficient parking. He contrasted it with developments like The Union, which have better walkability to amenities.

Discussion on Smart Growth

• Peter Masito defined smart growth as making choices that are successful and resilient, learning from past failures (e.g., First & Main, Gilbert Place). He advocated for incremental growth ("strong towns" approach) rather than large projects that risk failure.
• Michael Sutfin defined smart growth as a response to automobile-centric development, encouraging mixed-use, density along transit, walkability, and building up rather than out. He cited his support for such policies, including an op-ed in 2009.

Discussion on Absentee Ownership and Housing

• Peter Masito noted an old study estimating 1,400 homes in the New River Valley used only for football games. He proposed partnering with Virginia Tech faculty and students to conduct a new study and suggested incentives for owners to return homes to the rental pool.
• Michael Sutfin acknowledged the problem in his own neighborhood. He said the town lacks data on how many units are used only for athletic events. He mentioned that Virginia does not allow local governments to implement a homestead tax but suggested a state legislative request. He also noted that GIS data can show owner-occupied vs. non-owner-occupied properties.

Discussion on ICE Policy

• Michael Sutfin stated that Blacksburg Police do not ask immigration status or enforce immigration law. He opposed any cooperation with ICE and noted that the town does not operate a jail. He said a sanctuary city resolution would be moot because the town already has no relationship with ICE.
• Peter Masito emphasized the need to inform the community about what to do if approached by ICE. He shared a personal story about a baker's roommate who was arrested, highlighting the human impact and the need for resources and support.

Discussion on Affordable Housing and Climate Resilience

• Peter Masito argued that zoning (e.g., parking minimums, density) has the greatest impact on affordability. He proposed a "Winterize Blacksburg" program for energy efficiency and using funds from development projects to help low- and middle-income homeowners make improvements.
• Michael Sutfin noted that housing affordability is a top issue, citing a teacher who cannot afford to live in Blacksburg. He supported missing middle housing (townhomes, duplexes) and zoning changes like the small lot residential ordinance. He acknowledged the need for climate resilience in development but ran out of time.

Discussion on Emergency Response

• Michael Sutfin explained the town's hazard mitigation plan, approved recently, which opens up FEMA funding. He mentioned the plan identifies risks like high winds, winter weather, and water service disruptions (citing Hurricane Helene).
• Peter Masito stressed the importance of self-sufficiency and community support when federal help is unavailable. He described his role during COVID-19 in advocating for farmers' markets to be treated as grocery stores, enabling continued food access.

Discussion on Dillon Rule and Vacant Properties

• Peter Masito advocated for a vacant property registry and fees, which he said is now allowed by the state. He noted that demolition by neglect is a problem, and that developers often point to derelict properties as justification for redevelopment.
• Michael Sutfin clarified that Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, but localities have broad authority in land use. He recalled that the town had previously been denied the ability to create a vacant property registry, but acknowledged that the law may have changed. He also noted that the town had to request state permission for a two-way cycle track on Draper Road.

Discussion on Historic Oddfellows Hall

• Michael Sutfin highlighted the town's investments in the building (over $100,000 in the capital improvement plan) and the working group set up by the town manager. He noted that the town owns the building and that the museum foundation handles programming. He also mentioned shadow studies and buffer agreements for nearby developments.
• Peter Masito praised the building's restoration and events. He proposed creating a cultural pathway from Oddfellows Hall to the Moss Arts Center, linking history and arts, and urged protection of that corridor.

Closing Statements

• Michael Sutfin emphasized his experience, stating he has "spent more than 13 years preparing for this moment." He highlighted his record on fare-free transit, parkland acquisition, zoning changes, and regional partnerships. He asked for votes to provide experienced leadership.
• Peter Masito said he had not run before because he felt he was already doing important work in the community. He noted his ability to work with administration and the state, and his role in creating a seat for residents on the Historic Design Review Board. He offered to work with Michael Sutfin if elected.

Conclusion

The forum was the first of six local election forums hosted by the NAACP and League of Women Voters. The next forum will be for Blacksburg Town Council candidates on August 28, 2025. Early voting begins September 19, 2025. No votes or decisions were taken; this was a candidate forum.