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Overview
City Council Leadership Elections
Curfew Extension
Financial Appropriations
Upcoming Items
City Council Leadership Elections
While this is likely considered “old news” it was the first act of the new council to select a Mayor and Vice Mayor for the upcoming leadership term (two years).
For Mayor, Taylor had four votes and Reed had three. I nominated Stephanie Reed to serve another term as Mayor.
Regarding Vice Mayor, Diemer had four votes, and I had three. Reed nominated graciously nominated me to serve another term as Vice Mayor.
The vote breakdown was identical for each position: Taylor, Misjuns, Timmer, and Diemer in contrast to Reed, Faraldi, and Wilder.
Here's where I am on voting for Mayor – Let alone the fact that Stephanie Reed has earned another term as Mayor as demonstrated by her relentless public access and political successes in her first two years, I will not vote for someone to be Mayor who fails to even ask for my vote. Now Mayor Taylor failed to solicit my vote and relied only on communicates with and votes by a majority of four on Council, even though we are all Republicans (save Dr. Wilder).
I believe this sent a dangerous message, that this majority will intentionally neglect to engage all members of Council, that “it will be a Council of four, not seven.” This was my quote from this organizational meeting. Time will tell if I am proven wrong, though I don’t expect to be.
Again, I do congratulate my colleagues on being elected Mayor and Vice Mayor.
While I stand by my vote for Stephanie Reed to be Mayor again, and in contrast to the actions of others in the past, Mayor Taylor and Vice Mayor Diemer will have my respect — their offices demand it.
As for all members of Council, I’ll support them when they’re in the right and admonish them when they’re in the wrong.
For me, regardless of whether being Vice Mayor or not, I’ll continue to be a representative who leads by my own conscience, convictions, and principles — no one else's.
Extending Youth Curfew
I wrote a special edition on this topic some time ago. The only update is that this item did pass by a 6-1 vote, and I was the only one in opposition. Folks can read that special newsletter via the link above.
Financial Appropriations
For context, council has a policy that requires all financial votes to be considered twice – first reading at one meeting immediately followed by the second reading at the next. If that item is unanimous, it is placed in a voting block or legislative package that is considered all at once under Consent Agenda; or, if that item receives opposition, it is considered individually under General Business.
In the past, I have voted against financial items on the first reading to slow things down or even create opportunities for amendments. On one occasion, I was able to slip a two-cent reduction to the real estate tax rate by using this tactic. But I have voted no on the first reading to provide a little more oversight on a topic related to your tax dollars to then turn around and vote yes for it in the end. Hopefully, that makes sense.
At our second meeting in January, we had five fiscal items to consider that came from Finance Committee, most of which are appropriate to the Police Department.
I voted against all of them, and immediately, political adversaries claim I’m “against" Lynchburg Police funding. This is a reach.
It’s called oversight.
I voted “no” on the first reading of some grants for LPD yesterday to ensure each item gets an individual vote rather than being rushed through in a block, just like I stated above. Conveniently though, these adversaries ignore that a delayed Finance Committee meeting cut into our work session, forcing them to speed through these grants. They also failed to share that I have done this tactic before and to their benefit!
Even widely supported appropriations deserve proper review. That’s just responsible leadership.
In the end, I’ll be voting for these items, but for our sake and that of the public it is important we ensure that any vote related to your tax dollars are fully vetted and able to be viewed by the taxpayers.
If you want to review these items or any agenda packet, you can view them through this link.
Updates/Past Votes
2712 Concord Turnpike to allow for construction of residential subdivision. PASSED 7-0.
742 Leesville Road to allow for a private K-12 school. PASSED 7-0.
Upcoming Items
Superitendent Search Feedback Sessions: view here.
Consideration of permitting three (3) unit multi-dwelling at 2810 Campbell Avenue. Feb. 11, 7pm.
Consideration of permitting eighteen (18) towhomes and one (1) duplex at 3142, 3146, 3150 Wards Ferry Road. TBD.
Joint Meting with Council and School Board at Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. Feb. 11, 4pm, 300 Lucado Place.
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Community Spotlight
Meet the 2024-25 Lynchburg City Schools Teacher of the Year, Ayanna Stamps-Glover, a special education teacher at Heritage Elementary School! LCS says she is, "A strong believer in the potential of every learner, she’s known for her innovative and inclusive teaching methods, dedication to student success, and strong partnerships with families and staff members." Congratulations!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you on Lynchburg City Council. If I may ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours,
Chris Faraldi, M.A.
Lynchburg City Council
PAID FOR & AUTHORIZED BY FARALDI FOR LYNCHBURG