King earns second term as Staunton city mayor

By Bob Stuart

Published: July 1, 2008

STAUNTON — Staunton native and lifelong public servant Lacy B. King, Jr. accepted another two-year term Tuesday as the city’s mayor.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,’’ said King, who was chosen for a second two-year term without opposition by his six fellow councilmen. “It’s a pleasure to serve in this capacity and to serve the citizens of Staunton.”
Vice Mayor Dave Metz earned another two years in that post by a 6-1 vote.
King, who spent 32 years with the Staunton Police Department and briefly served as an interim assistant city manager, said the next year will bring many challenges, including rising fuel and electrical prices.
He said the city is looking at $250,000 more in costs than were budgeted for in electricity and other fuel costs.
Part of that increase comes from the 18.3 percent rate hike recently granted Dominion Virginia Power by the State Corporation Commission.
Staunton will also have to grapple with spending funds on stormwater improvements.
And King said “it will be taxing” for the city’s economic development department to recruit new businesses during the current tough economic times.
Some recruitment is needed to offset a recent closure announcement. Unifi Manufacturing, a Staunton employer, announced in May it was closing by Sept. 30, meaning the loss of 145 jobs.
New Councilwoman Andrea Oakes agreed with King.
“We have a strong economic development department, but we will be fighting other cites along the 81/64 corridor,’’ she said.
King said it also realistic to think that both Oakes and the other new council member, Ophie Kier, will need some time to learn the ropes of city government.
Oakes said her education began Tuesday afternoon during a orientation meeting with city department heads.
“I’ll be getting to know the ins and outs of each department,’’ she said.