Synergy urged by candidates

By Bob Stuart

Published: May 1, 2008

STAUNTON — Staunton City Council candidates touted economic development, regional government cooperation and services for the elderly during a 90-minute forum Thursday at the Staunton Senior Center.
The forum was sponsored by the Valley Program for Aging Services and NBC 29, and was attended by all six candidates seeking four seats on council in Tuesday’s city elections.
Council candidate Rusty Ashby wants to see regional cooperation between the governments of Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County.
“We all have the same problems, just different levels,’’ said Ashby, a former member of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors.
Ashby said greater regional cooperation could help with economic planning, senior care and the pooling of the area’s best minds.
The regional cooperation would be the best thing for Staunton and the region, he said.
When questioned about Staunton’s most critical issue, incumbent Councilman Dickie Bell said there is likely more than one.
But Bell said the key is for the city is to add better-paying jobs.
“We have a low unemployment rate but many are underemployed,’’ he said. “The jobs are not keeping pace with the cost of the living.”
Council candidate Andrea Oakes said if elected, she wants to obtain high tech and distribution businesses for the city’s Green Hills Industrial Park as well as selected retail.
Council candidate Bob Campbell said more revenue, economic development and lower taxes will help a higher quality of life in Staunton.
Councilman Dave Metz said the city needs to invest in its properties.
Metz pointed to two major tracts of land near Interstate 81 and U.S. 250.
“We need to spend money to attract development,’’ he said.
With a strong contingent of Staunton’s senior population listening Thursday, the candidates weighed in on questions about senior care.
The question of a new senior center for Staunton evoked differing comments.
Candidate Ophie Kier said if existing buildings in the city aren’t utilized, the city would be looking at a brand new facility.
“Are we willing to pay for it?’’ Kier asked.
Bell said he would prefer to see a more definitive list of programs for seniors than a new structure.
“I would rather us invest in programs for you than bricks and mortar,’’ he said. “I’m not sure I can support a multi-million dollar project without those programs in place.”