Ashland Town Council election will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2020. All residents of the Town are encouraged to vote by absentee ballot, available here.
Six candidates are campaigning for three Ashland Town Council seats. We asked each candidate a series of questions to learn more about their views on municipal government. See their answers below…
STEVEN TRIVETT
What is your favorite thing about Ashland?
That it truly is the center of a universe of terrific options to suit all people!
What is the most important issue for our municipal government?
To equitably serve all the Town, enhancing our quality of life through excellent services, limited taxation, & remain sustainable. Less general: heal/lift citizens and businesses economic health out of the current Covid challenges.
What is the most valuable tool the Town can use to promote economic development?
Ashland’s unique qualities are cumulatively, our most powerful economic draw and importantly, as we look to invest and invite in the future, we need to carefully guard those qualities.
What is your position on the Town's current business tax rates?
Town rates have been on target; when the virus is gone and we return to the pre-outbreak upward economic trajectory we can explore lowering business taxes in recognition our businesses have stabilized resident taxes for many years.
How can the Town increase civic participation, especially from minority neighborhoods?
Increase frequency and locations of community meetings reaching people at deeper civic engagement levels to listen, respond, and encourage civic participation by way of Town committees to elected office. As Council members: be real.
ANITA BARNHART
What is your favorite thing about Ashland?
The personal experience I receive when shopping at Ashland’s local businesses and visiting our restaurants.
What is the most important issue for our municipal government?
Meeting the challenge of recovering from the Covid-19 Virus, which includes balancing the town budget, maintaining services, and reopening our local businesses.
What is the most valuable tool the Town can use to promote economic development?
Continue to encourage pedestrian traffic all year to our commercial districts and through special “Ashland” events.
What is your position on the Town's current business tax rates?
This is not the time to raise taxes when our business community has been hit so hard by the current crisis.
How can the Town increase civic participation, especially from minority neighborhoods?
A significant concept that has been raised is to give our neighborhoods historical designations, which could help preserve and promote the history of these neighborhoods.
STEPHANIE RENEE HARE
What is your favorite thing about Ashland?
My very favorite part of Ashland is the small town feel. I did not grow up here, and I am very thankful to be able raise my daughter here. We are a wonderfully diverse, kind community. We can walk from our homes to just about anything we may need or want.
What is the most important issue for our municipal government?
Economic stability, and responsible development, are the most important issues for our municipal government. Our local government should always have it's constituents best interest at heart. Our government works for us, no matter what we may face together.
What is the most valuable tool the Town can use to promote economic development?
The Town must Make and Present itself as a Business Friendly town. We need to work hard to ensure that we are prepared for businesses by expanding Broadband access. Improving parking and infrastructure would also benefit.
What is your position on the Town's current business tax rates?
In just comparing our current business tax rate with other localities, we are actually much lower than Henrico, Chesterfield, and Richmond. I would say we have a fair tax rate in place right now.
How can the Town increase civic participation, especially from minority neighborhoods?
Engage, engage, engage. Consistent outreach. One way we can increase civic participation is to reach out to our community as often as possible. Hold community meetings in the neighborhoods. People want honesty. Honesty is proven.
D. A. WOOTEN
What is your favorite thing about Ashland?
I love most how Ashland is full of great potential. It's a beautiful small town with the status of the center of culture and economics in Hanover. We as a community have the potential to set political trends and lead local discussions.
What is the most important issue for our municipal government?
Low community involvement in politics (especially by low-income and youths) is the greatest issue. The more we come together the more we can accomplish, outreach is imperative.
What is the most valuable tool the Town can use to promote economic development
Our greatest tool is economic incentive. We are in a position economically to reduce certain town taxes and regulations. Working with current business owners is key.
What is your position on the Town's current business tax rates?
I’m in favor of reducing taxes as much as is economically viable for the continued upkeep of the great services the town provides. Some business owners have expressed “taxation without representation” This too must be addressed.
How can the Town increase civic participation, especially from minority neighborhoods?
This is a central part of my platform. While door knocking only certain wealthy members of our community expected me at their door. We must reach out with passion, a task made easier by my age and connection to such groups.
KATHY ABBOTT
What is your favorite thing about Ashland?
My favorite thing is the spirit of community here. Ashlanders are always game for something unique to bring people together. We’re a magnet for new residents because of our infectious sense of fun, humor, and creativity.
What is the most important issue for our municipal government?
Ensuring revenue to maintain our high level of service to the community. While we’ve saved a robust “rainy day” fund, we must brace and plan for the economic impacts of Covid-19 for years to come.
What is the most valuable tool the Town can use to promote economic development
Communication! It’s making sure that we are aware of the needs of our 600+ businesses, talking with the County regularly, and developing excellent marketing so it’s clear why Ashland is such a great place to do business.
What is your position on the Town's current business tax rates?
We’re in-line with Richmond area meals and lodging taxes, and our BPOL rate is considerably lower for our businesses that fall under that category. And we’re looking for ways to assist all of our businesses during this crisis.
How can the Town increase civic participation, especially from minority neighborhoods?
A big obstacle of participation transcends race and demographics -- it’s having the time and support to serve. We’ve gotten great feedback at our neighborhood community meetings. We need more of those.
DAVID G. GOLDSTEIN*
*the responses below were shortened to meet character limit.
What is your favorite thing about Ashland?
I adore the the small-town walkability and "feel" of Ashland. Despite having I-95, Route 1 and the many shopping opportunities that they bring nearby, I can have a peaceful walk at any time of day or night to our restaurants, library and other downtown shops.
What is the most important issue for our municipal government?
I believe neighborhood and commericial revitalization is a critical issue I have repeatedly addressed during the campaign. Improving the lives of our residents and the profitability of our stores - especially in impoverished areas - is crucial.
What is the most valuable tool the Town can use to promote economic development
There are many valuable tools for promoting economic developement but I think the most underutilized by current town council is its regulatory power. I feel that Town Council needs to use it's legislative power to hone zoning and laws to ensure that Ashland has the "correct" or "smarter" development.
What is your position on the Town's current business tax rates?
Business owners, landlords and residents have often raised concerns about encouraging small businesses in Ashland but the business tax rates have never been mentioned. I see businesses move within Ashland more than leave.
How can the Town increase civic participation, especially from minority neighborhoods?
I live in a minority neighborhood and as a former professor at an HBCU (NCA&TSU) have done so often. Our politicians talk about "listening" to underrepresented neighborhoods, but one government meeting scheduled there is not enough.