The Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce asked the community to submit questions to those running for seats on Danville City Council in the upcoming 2024 election. Below are the unedited responses from each candidate.

City Council Questions and Responses

1. What are your qualifications for City Council, and what issue or policy position would best define the difference(s) between you and your opponents?
   
   BARRY MAYO

I have over 32 yrs working with people of all ages as well as all walks of life. Whether it's from education in the Danville Public Schools, through re-enrty as Case Manager/Probation officer and in the relm of athletics as a basketball coach to presently a recruiter for a grant program at Danville Community College with getting a short term career trade has allowed me to be well rounded at helping people become productive citizens and gain a lifestyle that has been rewarding.

 

FELICE MCWILLIAMS

I feel qualified to fill the position based on my dedicated service to my city. I have completed

Leadership Fellowships, to learn how to be a leader of change right here in Danville. I volunteer in many areas with several organizations and I own and operate Making Danville Smile since 2017, serving the city and surrounding areas through art and music. My mission is still the same, to be glorifying God by serving others. My passion for serving people drives me, and I look forward to being a voice for the people.

 

LARRY CAMPBELL

1. Served on City Council for 16 years.
2. Education #1 priority
3. Climate Action City - Future
4. Served on 24 differ boards
5. Had a gun buy-back program in 1991
6. Developed a food program that lasted 10 years, serving an average of 500 people per week.
7. Volunteered in the prison for 10 years
8. Sports Complex Civic Arena - Future

I believe that prosperity must be shared in all areas of our community; leading to the development of an apprenticeship program at Bible Way

 

LEE VOGLER

Throughout my 12 years of service on the Danville City Council, I've had the honor of participating in various commissions and boards. Notably, I served as Chairman of the Danville-Pittsylvania County Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (RIFA), the Staunton River RIFA, the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, and the Danville Metropolitan Planning Organization. I also led the committee that named the public library after Ruby B. Archie.

 

Beyond my local involvement, I've also contributed at the state level, serving on the Virginia Small Business Commission and multiple committees for the Virginia Housing Commission. My professional experience as a small business operator, working closely with other local businesses and organizations, has given me firsthand insights into the challenges faced by our community's small businesses.

 

As the youngest member of the City Council, I bring a unique perspective informed by my 12 years of experience in governance. I've led positive improvements for our city, such as spearheading the establishment of a city employee health clinic with a 100% satisfaction rating, resulting in over $180,000 in taxpayer savings. This past year, I led the effort, but more importantly worked with my colleagues to pass the first reduction in personal property taxes (often called the car tax) in decades. That reduction will take effect in January. I also successfully advocated for senior citizen tax relief, as well as elimination of the license fee for small businesses.

 

MADISON WHITTLE
As a businessman in Danville for 36 years, I bring strong business skills and a focus on financial management. I see the city as a large business that requires careful planning and smart investments. One key difference between me and my opponents, is my commitment to using casino tax revenue to invest in the utility department, which will help lower utility bills for everyone.

 

MAUREEN BELKO

My professional background in compliance audit and my economics degree would bring an urgently needed skill set to council. Regularly for work I analyze large sets of data, legal documents, and budgets, in order to create improvement plans with my team or client. Our City spending needs an improvement plan. Current Council quickly approved tripling their salaries, multiple multi-million dollar splash pads, and celebrated all-time highs in the ‘rainy day fund’, but dragged their feet when it came to approving things like firefighter wages even after they were proven to be 20% below the national average. There is no reason why we have plenty of money for frivolous spending, but none when it comes to things that affect our daily lives. It is clear to me that we need to realign our priorities back to our assets, our services, and our people. I have the experience and skills to help us do just that.

 

PETRINA CARTER
I am a proud resident of Danville, Virginia, and for over thirty years, I’ve dedicated myself to serving this community. As a mother of five, a non-profit professional, and a strong advocate for all people, I’m passionate about empowering residents and fostering inclusive progress. My qualifications for City Council are deeply rooted in both my professional and community-based experience.

I hold a Master of Science degree in Training and Development from the University of St. Francis and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Carolina, equipping me with the skills to lead in organizational, community and social service settings. As a Governor’s appointee, I have served on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, and currently, I sit on several other boards, including The ARC of the Southside, Danville Historical Society, and as the Chair of the Virginia Community Action Partnership Racial Equity Committee.

As President and CEO of Tri-County Community Action Agency (TCCAA) I work daily on solutions to poverty, homelessness, and community development. At TCCAA, we are focused on empowering citizens to overcome obstacles and thrive. I previously served as the Senior Manager for the Virginia Employment Commission’s Danville Local Office, where I built strong partnerships with local economic developers and businesses, giving me unique insight into how we can create jobs and educational opportunities for all residents.

My role as the Director of Career Services at Averett University helped me develop a unique insight into the struggles young people have in equating their studies to a career choice.

What distinguishes me from my opponents is my clear focus on poverty and homelessness, two issues that remain pressing in Danville despite the city’s recent economic growth. While the River District revitalization and growth in technology and manufacturing are exciting developments, too many of our neighbors are being left behind.

SHAKEVA FRAZIER

Not only is Frazier a native of Danville, but she also has a vested interest in the direction that Danville is heading towards. What makes her stand out as a person is that she is entirely herself. She will not shy away from any challenge. As a member of City Council, Frazier will be true and transparent to the citizens of Danville, she will work with local organizations to ensure that positive change continues, and the needs of citizens will be met. As someone who has been in the nonprofit sector, Frazier sees the disconnect between people, City Council, and the resources that are available for everyone. As a member of City Council, Frazier will voice the concerns of those in need and do what is right for everyone concerned.

 

SHERMAN SAUNDERS

My qualifications for City Council include “Experience, which consist of 26 years as a City Council Member; Served as Vice Mayor, and served as Mayor of Danville City for 8 years. I do know the requirements of the job as a Danville City Councilman. I enjoy working as a “Team”.

 

2. What is the most important issue facing our city today?

 

BARRY MAYO

Housing, it's a nationwide crisis that we have to tackle head on. I feel that Danville is working hard at fixing it.

 

FELICE MCWILLIAMS

I feel adequate Healthcare is a big issue with our city. We can not be successful in any arena if we have a city full of sick people unable to do the work. Many senior citizens and families seek medical attention outside of Danville. That is a serious problem with a city of over 42,000 people. We have to find ways to have competitive salaries for experienced Doctors to practice and stay here, so that faith can be restored.

 

LEE VOGLER

I believe the most important issue facing Danville today are the challenges of growth. Not long ago, people were leaving our city in droves. Today, we are the third best in the state when it comes to people moving in vs moving out. One of the unintended consequences of this growth is a critically low housing supply, which has increased homelessness and stretched wallets thin due to rising rental costs. That is why we (City Council) have been very aggressive in recruiting and incentivizing developers to build a wide array of housing developments in our city. We need to start thinking of housing development like we do economic development.

I believe a big step in addressing the challenges of growth will be how we make the most of the resources we now have with the arrival of Caesars Virginia. Strategically investing this new revenue is vital to Danville's future success. We can do that by improving quality of life amenities, as well as our infrastructure. We also need to make sure we are looking out for the taxpayers by utilizing this revenue for much needed tax relief and lowering of utility rates. Balancing these two philosophies is crucial to our future success. Also, we should set aside a percentage of this annual casino revenue for our rainy-day fund to insure we are being fiscally responsible.

MADISON WHITTLE
I believe the important issues facing our city today are housing, high utility bills, our healthcare system, and the safety of our citizens.

MAUREEN BELKO
Our infrastructure is not prepared for the growth coming for our City. We need investments to our utilities department, our roads to prepare for tourism traffic and new housing projects, major updates to our animal shelter, and fair wages to the City employees providing the services that make our community run. The draw for people to move to Danville and work in our city is already great, but the infrastructure elements that citizens feel on a daily basis are what will make people want to stay. We need to anticipate and prepare for the changes and increased needs on all aspects of our City's assets and services.

PETRINA CARTER
Danville's housing crisis is the most pressing issue facing our city, and while it won't be solved overnight, we can take strategic steps to address it. First, we must assess urgent housing needs and leverage existing resources, such as casino revenue, to fund public-private partnerships for development. Reviewing and revising zoning requirements—specifically converting underutilized commercial areas into mixed-use housing—will also create more opportunities for growth. By working with nonprofits and developers, we can accelerate housing solutions. Use data from initial actions (e.g., zoning changes or new developments) to inform future decisions.  Finally, developing a long-term housing strategy, aligned with economic growth and community input, will ensure sustainable progress. Regular updates and adjustments will keep the city on track toward solving the housing shortage and attracting new residents. Regular communication builds trust with the community and stakeholders, allowing for adjustments to the strategy as new challenges or opportunities arise. By focusing on what’s most urgent and building on existing resources, Danville can start making progress while laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term housing solutions.

SHAKEVA FRAZIER
As Executive Director of 3rd Chance Housing, Frazier sees the lack of affordable housing on a daily basis. As of 2023, there are, roughly, 103 homeless people in Danville. While homelessness is an issue, Danville having more affordable housing can help alleviate the burden of homelessness but will prevent more people from becoming homeless.

SHERMAN SAUNDERS
Of the many issues facing our city, “Housing” rank very high on the list of consideration. The City of Danville is growing, more jobs are being created, in our City and Region. As workers are locating here, more Housing for families to live in is vital. Some evidence of this already exist.

 

 

3. Given the current scrutiny surrounding our city's animal shelter due to its high euthanasia rate, what specific actions or policies would you advocate for to improve the shelter's operations and reduce the number of animals euthanized? Additionally, how would you ensure that these changes are implemented effectively and transparently?

BARRY MAYO
First we have to gather the facts by asking why. Statisctics show that Danville takes in more animals than every locality in the state so we need to change that. Secondly, Danville has not been deemed for being out of compliance by the state and lastly we must come together because we have solutions, so let's work together to fix it.

 

FELICE MCWILLIAMS

I absolutely love animals and feel we need to do better by them by getting creative with ways to help our shelter increase the number of animals saved. Maybe implement a

“First time Pet Owners Program” that could possibly be funded with Casino dividends and grants, to allow the shelter to treat sick animals, spay/neuter, give 1st shot series, food and bedding. Many people and families shy away from pet ownership because of these initial costs, and if those costs could be eliminated, we'd save the lives of more furry friends.

 

LARRY CAMPBELL

First I want to thank Mrs. Paulette for the outstanding work she’s done for many years.  Many animals are not coming from Danville; we must evaluate this process. The question is; “do we have space to keep 3,000 animals a year?”  There is a need to up-grade the animal shelter.  They need to have a better advising campaign for animal adoptions and adopt policy for the amount of intake.  I have asked council for a work session, so that this could be discussed has a group.  From this work session, we can make the best decision has a group.  The Bible says in the midst of multitudes there is wisdom.

 

LEE VOGLER
Since day one coming on City Council, I have always pushed for more transparency and clear communication in everything I am involved in. I believe that accessibility is crucial to gaining the public’s trust and support.

When it comes to our local animal shelter, this is certainly an issue that has sparked passion from many in our community. I have been an animal lover my entire life. To me, they are part of the family. To truly tackle this issue, I believe it is necessary to bring together good-intentioned folks and have them sit in a room together, without finger pointing, and work towards positive, long term solutions that will save more animals, while also keeping our citizens safe. I know some may believe that it’s too difficult to bring passionate people with differing views in a room together, but that is what leadership is about. I believe I can help facilitate these conversations.

Beyond that, I do believe there are some easy fixes we can look at in the immediate future that will help. One is improving the DAHS facility itself. As we embark on upgrading facilities of all kinds across our city, our animal shelter absolutely should be high on the list. As a Councilman, I will support approving funds to improve our facility so that it is top notch and up to date. Also, we need to make sure all records at DAHS are digitized and easily available to the citizens. The expansion of adoption and fostering programs should be considered. The hiring of a fundraising/grant writing position would be a great step in the right direction to allow DAHS to easily secure more funds needed to adequately run their facility and make more programs available. Lastly, a full time marketing person who can communicate with the public on some of the great work, and programs, that are already available, but not widely known about.

 

MADISON WHITTLE

I have plans to visit our local shelter and I’m gathering information from other shelters I have visited. Find real solutions to improve current concerns.

 

MAUREEN BELKO

I have talked to many people on all sides of this issue. Currently we are in an emotional gridlock after months of disrespectful interactions. The solution can no longer be “get everyone in a room to collaborate”. From my professional experience with process improvement and my volunteer leadership experience starting and running a nonprofit, I can confidently tell anyone, just like I told Paulette Dean, that these are the first steps needed to improve the shelter’s operations:

First, the DAHS board needs to adopt a 1-3-5 year strategic plan. This will be the basis for all funding proposals going forward. There are many consultants in the area that can do this service with the board for very little money. Grant funds are available if they cannot afford it. Next, they will need several key hires to manage fundraising, marketing, and digital archiving. These areas will more than pay for themselves after the shelter is running smoothly.

It would be an honor to represent City Council and work with all parties involved to see this revitalization through. I believe we have gotten to this point because no one has volunteered to make it “their job” to help the animal shelter beyond their yearly line-item expense. I would feel very comfortable to step up for Council and lead that initiative.

 

PETRINA CARTER
Reducing the shelter’s euthanasia rate requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes, such as poverty, and improves access to resources, while also making the adoption process more accessible. Expanding affordable veterinary care, revising adoption policies, and establishing a foster care program are key strategies to help reduce overcrowding and improve outcomes for animals. By increasing community engagement and promoting responsible pet ownership, we can encourage more adoptions and reduce the number of animals surrendered. Transparent communication and consistent accountability will ensure these efforts are implemented effectively, benefiting both the animals and the community.

SHAKEVA FRAZIER

Because the issues arising out of the city’s animal shelter are new, there has not been a lot of constructive dialogue on what the issues are and what are causing them. As a member of City Council, Frazier will educate herself of the arising issues, what both parties want, and how there can be a medium in which will benefit Danville’s animals.

 

SHERMAN SAUNDERS

It is my understanding that our city’s Animal Shelter is placed /supervised by our State Capitol- Richmond, Virginia. Any State concerns are addressed by the City Manager. With the larger number of animals, more space will become necessary. Should the State ask the city to expand its services, as well as the State being heavily involved in any cost and a smooth transition. I have been a pet owner (dogs).

 

 

4. How will you balance commitment to entrepreneurial start-ups and small businesses with the need to attract and retain larger existing industry partners and industrial park prospects from small to mega in size?

BARRY MAYO
I believe that whatever the need is to the larger existing companies, the smaller business must find what the need is in hopeing to attract there business.

FELICE MCWILLIAMS
Our Education institutions, Arts and Culture, and a smooth running Infrastructure are key to attracting and retaining existing and hopeful prospects for large and small businesses. Our city needs to be attractive in these areas to draw the attention of entrepreneurs and businesses. As one of your Council members, I would be on a mission to encourage the growth of start-ups, small and large businesses.

LARRY CAMPBELL
One area of entrepreneurial ship that has been overlooked is Faith-Base.  We have seen success in assisting business for start-up at Bible Way Family Life Center with contractors by reducing their start-up overhead.  This program is not only for young people but with ex-offenders.  There is a continuous need for grants or tax credits to industry partners.  I have been saying for many years that prosperity need to be share in all areas of our community, not to be given but earned.  We do need more Faith-Base operations to unite together in this initiative.

LEE VOGLER
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. As a small business operator and a member of the Virginia Small Business Commission, supporting small businesses has been one of my core principles during my time on City Council. I successfully led the effort to eliminate the license fee for small businesses making $100,000 or less in revenue. I’m currently working with state legislators in my role on the Small Business Commission to update policies related to credit card fees and the “dealer discount” businesses receive for essentially being the sales tax collectors for the state. I believe there should be a dedicated Small Business Liaison position within our economic development department.

I also understand how critically important large industries are to our region. I have served on the RIFA since 2012, working with our partners in Pittsylvania County to bring thousands of jobs to our region. During my time as Chairman, we welcomed Tyson Foods, Zollner Elektronik, Aerofarms and the Navy-affiliated ATDM program to our region. In the very near future, we will announce the first tenant for the Southern Virginia Mega Site at Berry Hill. These industries not only provide a large number of jobs for our citizens, they are also great community partners. They sponsor food drives and support our schools. Their reach is profound.

To me, the important thing is that we don’t put all of our eggs in one basket, economically speaking. Those of us who lived here during the collapse of Dan River Mills are all too familiar with what can happen to a community when you are too dependent on one company. As proud as I am to have Caesars, and other, globally recognized brands in our city, they should be viewed as just one of many great industries, and partners, in Danville.

Lastly, I know it’s exciting to bring in a new company to our city. It grabs headlines. It likely gets a visit from the Governor. But to me, it is just as exciting, if not more so, when an existing company grows and expands. When we can help facilitate an already established business hiring more people or investing in more equipment, we absolutely should. We also need to explore more options to foster entrepreneurship in our community, by removing barriers to starting a business here.

MADISON WHITTLE
I will continue working with the IDA, Economic Development, and the Community Development team, while staying focused on the RIFA Board, which manages our shared industrial parks with the county, to support both entrepreneurial start-ups and larger industry partners.

MAUREEN BELKO
The key factor in the success or failure of any size business coming to our area is and has been Education. Not just education for the workforce, but also having reputable education available for our children so workers with families feel they can responsibly live here. Continuing to support and invest in career training opportunities as well as all of our school district’s needs in general is a must. Over the past few years I have seen several of my friends with small children who once moved into the county for their schools move back into the city. That is a strong testament to the improvements we have made so far and I would love to see that continue.

PETRINA CARTER
Balancing the commitment to entrepreneurial start-ups and small businesses with the need to attract and retain larger industry partners requires a "both/and" approach. Small businesses are the backbone of the community, often started by local entrepreneurs with deep ties to the area. These businesses need more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony; they require ongoing support such as access to resources, mentorship, and assistance with navigating regulations. At the same time, attracting and retaining larger industry partners is crucial for driving significant economic growth and job creation. To achieve this balance, we must foster an environment where both sectors can thrive. This means investing in infrastructure, offering incentives that benefit businesses of all sizes, and ensuring that start-ups and small businesses have access to the same resources and networks as larger companies. By doing so, we create a diverse and sustainable economy where small businesses contribute to the community’s identity while larger industries provide broader economic stability. Local policies should be business-friendly, streamlining regulations, providing flexible zoning, and offering technical assistance to help small businesses navigate bureaucracy. Attracting larger firms with clear incentives is crucial, while supporting small businesses by minimizing red tape.

Community engagement and ongoing support for small businesses is critical. Working closely with small business owners to understand their needs and providing continuous support—whether through marketing assistance, scaling, or connecting them to new markets—ensures their long-term success. Encouraging larger industries to source goods and services from local businesses will further integrate both sectors into the local economy.  By investing in infrastructure, offering targeted incentives, providing a utility allowance, fostering partnerships, and ensuring a supportive policy environment, we can create a thriving local economy where both small businesses and large industries succeed.

SHAKEVA FRAZIER
During her campaign trail, Frazier has spoken to many small business owners. In those conversations, Frazier has learned that small businesses want to be seen. When large-scale change is coming, they want to be the first to know so they know how to best serve their customers while also providing for their own families. As for the large employers that are looking at Danville to expand their business, Frazier welcomes them. Most of the large companies that are coming to Danville are not competitors of our local business but will actually help the small businesses by attracting more people to Danville.

SHERMAN SAUNDERS
Small businesses are vital to economic development. Not only do they provide goods and services to the general public, but also to other small and large businesses. Danville’s Economic Development Office and the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce have shown success in this endeavor, and will continue to do so. As in the past, Danville City Council will continue to support the efforts of economic growth. As a former President of the Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, and a past board member of the Danville Chamber of commerce, I know the value our local government and businesses place in the work of the Chamber and other business partners, in the growth and success of our Region.

5. Will you act to cap property taxes or reduce utility bills, particularly with the substantial revenue additions that will flow from the Caesar’s project and later from the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill?

 

BARRY MAYO
I'm a believer of wanting whats best for our citizens as well as for the city to sustain. Raising property taxes and utilities not what I would like to see, so I would want to work closely with our city manager in hopes that we can sustain them by bringing in those billion dollar companies that could help offset cost.

 

FELICE MCWILLIAMS
Of course, I am all for lower taxes and utilities. The cost of living has increased with very few

salaries reflective of these hikes. Our City Council needs to be always looking out for ways to

increase the quality of life for our citizens. Affordable taxes and utilities are 2 ways to help relieve financial stress of the people.

 

LARRY CAMPBELL

I am not in favor of increasing property tax on real estate and I voted to decrease it.   The idea of not ever increasing utilities or setting aside funds to be placed in Neighbors helping Neighbors for those who need.  I do not have a problem with that.  However, weatherizing houses are more important.

LEE VOGLER

Yes to both questions. I believe we should make sure our citizens are sharing in the prosperity of this casino, as well as the potential large industries on the way to Berry Hill, by providing much needed tax relief, as well as beginning to lower utility costs for our citizens. These are issues I have been steadfast on for years. I have voted against utility increases multiple times while serving on Council. This past year, I led the effort to lower the personal property tax rate, lower the real estate tax rate and expand tax relief for senior citizens. All three proposals were passed together for the first time in the history of Danville. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected this November, I will push for further reductions in the real estate tax rate because after our budget process ended this year, assessments ended up showing an increase for most residents. My goal is to lower bills, not just the rate.

To be clear, if I am on City Council when January 2025 comes, I will put forward a proposal that will lower the real estate tax rate. I will also propose an automatic increase in the income eligibility for senior tax relief that is tied to inflation. From 3 years ago to now, the income cap was raised from $20,000 per year to $40,000 per year. As a way to prevent the logjam that initially existed from happening again, I believe setting a policy of an automatic adjustment based on inflation would be wise.

Lastly, I will propose taking a percentage of the annual casino revenue to fund a lowering of utility rates, as well as expanding programs to help weatherize homes and businesses to make them more energy efficient.

 

MADISON WHITTLE
YES, this has been a key part of my platform from the beginning. I’m committed to capping property taxes and reducing utility bills, especially with the new revenue from the Caesar’s project and the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill.

 

MAUREEN BELKO

While our property tax rates went slightly down, appraisals have drastically increased. We need our rates to be reduced again to alleviate the tax hardship on our citizens. The city is doing well, so why wouldn't we give that back to the citizens?

 

As for utilities, I would like to see new solutions to support the half of Danville citizens that rent. For years now, the utilities department has offered and advertised large rebates and incentives for efficient upgrades to HVAC systems, water heaters, and other major energy consumers. These programs are obviously targeted towards home owners and a landlord who does not pay for utilities would not feel the same motivation to invest. One way to incentivize landlords to make these updates while also providing fiscal transparency to renters would be to grade residences based on historical usage and property size. If a renter's utility bill is expected to be over $700 a month for example, that's something they should know before getting into a leasing agreement.

 

PETRINA CARTER

To ensure Danville’s economic growth benefits all residents, I propose capping property taxes, expanding senior tax relief, and reducing utility bills. First, we would conduct a thorough review of the city’s budget, focusing on proposed revenue from projects like Caesar’s casino and the Southern Virginia Megasite. This would allow us to set a reasonable property tax cap that balances the city’s financial needs with the goal of easing the burden on homeowners. The cap would be subject to periodic reviews to ensure it remains sustainable as the city’s revenue grows. Next, we would expand eligibility for senior real estate tax relief by raising income and asset thresholds, making more seniors eligible for reduced taxes. We’d also simplify the application process, providing assistance where needed and using new city revenue to fund the program without compromising essential services. To reduce utility bills, we would begin by assessing the city’s utility revenues and expenses to identify cost-saving opportunities. These savings could be passed on to residents, with a focus on providing targeted reductions for low-income families, seniors, and small businesses. Additionally, investing in renewable energy could lower long-term utility costs. Throughout this process, we would engage the public through town halls and community forums, ensuring transparency and gathering feedback. By carefully balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for relief, we can make sure Danville’s economic success is shared by all its residents.

 

SHAKEVA FRAZIER

The revenue generated from Caesar’s and the megasite at Berry Hill need to be reinvested in our community. Frazier believes that part of this reinvestment should come in the form of capping property taxes and lowering utilities so that middle and working-class families can have more money to provide for their family.

 

 

SHERMAN SAUNDERS

To place a cap on property taxes, or utility bills, will be given high consideration by me. A yes or no answer, for me, would be uncertain at this particular time. I say this in the since that being frugal with spending, has led to revenue to help purchase the land and build the Megasite, to include attracting Caesar’s to our city.

6. The city is experiencing revenue growth from economic development projects, especially from the future Caesars casino. Danville officials have recognized that this revenue growth may not last forever and created the Investing in Danville Committee to help address and prioritize the most impactful projects for this revenue. What strategy would you employ to communicate these strategic investments when residents may have a shorter-term view on spending?

 

BARRY MAYO

One of my strategies is to draw those much needed industries to our mega sites which will help bring in the revenue for our city to grow.

 

FELICE MCWILLIAMS

I would advise citizens that are concerned with revenue growth and economic development, to get involved. It's what I do. I stay involved. Be present at City Council meetings. Join the Investing in Danville Committee. Let your voice and opinions be heard. Don't wait on us to make all decisions for you when you too can be an active force for the city.

LARRY CAMPBELL

Along with have the investing in Danville committee, we have already increased our reserve mandate from 20% to 25%, but I think we should additionally invest in creating a foundation/trust for Danville to grant and gift citizens in the future.

LEE VOGLER
For me, communication is always key in everything we do as elected officials. That is why for twelve years, I have been out and about in the community. I’ve held town halls in different neighborhoods (and not just during election time). I regularly engage with the community on social media. I’ve given out my personal cell phone number to the entire city. I always want to do all I can to keep the citizens informed, engaged and involved in what we are doing.

I would apply that philosophy to our investments of the casino funds. We need an up to date city website and social media pages solely dedicated to the use of the casino funds and the Investing In Danville initiative. Show people exactly where the money is going and what that means for them, and our community as a whole. Fear of the unknown is a powerful thing and when you don’t effectively communicate what you’re doing, it leads to confusion and distrust.

 

MADISON WHITTLE

My strategy is to continue advocating for the casino revenue to be invested in the Utility Department, as I’ve said from the start. This will directly lower utility bills, providing a tangible benefit to ALL residents.

 

MAUREEN BELKO

The vast majority of Danville does not know that there is an Investing in Danville Committee discussing how to spend millions of city dollars that will shape our community forever. The committee has published yearly comprehensive summaries about every project they are considering. Some projects are for additional city staffing, refurbishing old structures, scholarship funds, and even programs to address housing. I believe residents view the latest city spending as short-term because they have not yet felt the effects of the investments from casino funding in their everyday lives, but news about every latest ribbon cutting is front page news. The issue is partially because a ribbon cutting makes for a flashier headline, but I also think the committee needs to recognize that the investments in infrastructure are not meeting our community’s needs enough to grab attention. Further marketing from the committee and tracked metrics to document the changes achieved by the various investments would allow the community to be more a part of these exciting and historic moments.

 

PETRINA CARTER

To effectively communicate the city's strategic investments while addressing residents’ desire for more immediate benefits, I would focus on a two-part approach.

It is essential to provide short-term wins that directly impact residents' daily lives. This could include measures like reduced utility bills, expanded senior tax relief, and improvements to community services such as parks, roads, and infrastructure. By prioritizing projects that deliver visible and practical changes, we can ensure that citizens experience tangible benefits from the city’s economic growth, helping them feel more connected to Danville’s progress.

At the same time, transparent and ongoing communication is crucial. The city must regularly provide updates on both short- and long-term projects, using various platforms like town halls, social media, newsletters, and public forums. This transparency would demonstrate how revenue from economic development, such as the Caesar’s casino, is being allocated to projects that benefit the entire community. Additionally, engaging residents in the process through community forums or surveys will give them a voice in how funds are spent, helping to align their short-term expectations with the city’s long-term vision.

It’s important to clearly explain the long-term vision for Danville. By showing how investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and education will secure the city's future beyond the casino revenue, residents will better understand the importance of balancing immediate needs with sustainable growth. This approach ensures that citizens not only feel the benefits of the city's current economic boom but also trust that the city is planning wisely for the future.

 

SHAKEVA FRAZIER

Communication to Danville residents is why Frazier is running for City Council. In order for our citizens to better understand why the City Council is investing in certain projects, there needs to be education. To best do this, Frazier will attend Community Council meetings, with resources such as Plan Danville, in different Danville communities to explain what City Council is doing with their tax dollars.

 

SHERMAN SAUNDERS

It is imperative that we understand that Danville is an older City. Infrastructure to initially build this City has gotten old, which is cause for spending more money for Replacement and Safety. Underground Gas lines, water lines, and other dangerous infrastructure must receive high priority for safety purposes. “Safety is always First”.

 

 

7. How do you plan to balance economic development while maintaining the city’s historical character and community values?

   BARRY MAYO

Explore new markets by investing in our research to see what is good for Danville. That's why I like our plan Danville with Economic Development. We are looking at every area in our city and finding ways of preserving them.

 

FELICE MCWILLIAMS

Danville’s rich history is one of the reasons I love it! We are a unique historic city, with a very

specific cityscape that developers, businesses and homeowners will have to respect and maintain. I think the city does well in the preservation of our historic sites, and I plan to encourage growth that compliments and aligns with our vision for our city.

 

LARRY CAMPBELL

Council has approved a Cultural and Arts Board to enhance the city character and community values.  We have approved to set aside $250.000 for this initiate.  Additionally, we should consider offering incentives for honoring historical character and community values.

 

LEE VOGLER
Danville is blessed to be a city filled with phenomenal architecture. Those who came before us were wise to save so many of these historical buildings which have now been brought back to life and have been a major part of the Danville Comeback. Imagine what our River District and Old West End would be like today if these historic structures had not been saved. Adaptive reuse of our historic buildings must continue to be a part of our growth. One of the things I’m most proud of during my time on Council was making the initial contact to bring the Alexander Company here to bring the White Mill back to life.

As far as our values, I grew up in Danville. I came back here after college. I’m now raising my family here. I’ve always viewed Danville as a great place to raise a family and my intention as a City Councilman is to only enhance that notion. I don’t know what the specific data is, but my belief is that Danville is one of the most charitable places in America. We always step up to help those in need. We say yes sir and no ma’am. We hold the door open for strangers. That’s who we are and that’s what we do. Even as we grow, that character is at the heart of who we are as Danvillians.

 

MADISON WHITTLE

I was the only councilman to vote ‘No’ on the demolition of the last historic 100,000 sq. ft. tobacco warehouse in the River District. Preserving our city’s history is important, and I will continue to protect its character while supporting responsible economic growth.

 

MAUREEN BELKO
Danville historically is built on grit and reinvesting in it's community. We don't need to be a Richmond, Greensboro, or Durham. Those already exist. People live here because they love the life balance. My dad spent most of his life working jobs that required him to sit in traffic for at least 2 hours every day. Living here, my commute has never been more than ten minutes. I want to keep it that way. We can invest in jobs, refurbish buildings, improve roads, and still maintain that small town feel in our City. New and shiny is not always best. However, as long as the intention is to benefit our citizens and respect the hard work generations of families in Danville have dedicated to this city, I think we will be successful.

 

PETRINA CARTER
As a board member of the Danville Historical Society, I believe preserving our city’s historical character is crucial to maintaining the essence of who we are as a community. To balance economic development with this goal, the city must ensure that as new projects emerge, they are thoughtfully integrated into the existing landscape without compromising the integrity of our historical buildings and structures.

One key approach is to work closely with developers and city planners to incorporate design standards that honor the city’s architectural history. By maintaining a balance between modernization and preservation, we can attract economic growth while safeguarding the charm that makes Danville unique. Additionally, the city should actively support the efforts of the Danville Historical Society by investing in initiatives that protect and promote our rich history.  Supporting programs that educate residents and visitors about our heritage, preserving historical landmarks, such as the Winslow hospital and the Almagro Community and encouraging heritage tourism are just a few ways the city can foster this balance. Economic development and historical preservation are not mutually exclusive—by working together, we can ensure that Danville continues to grow while staying true to its roots.

 

SHAKEVA FRAZIER

In order to preserve our past and catalyze progress, Frazier knows there must be strong communication. The Danville Historical Society and neighborhood leaders should be consulted on what is important to preserve in our community. Examples of this would be what is already occurring: the White Mill being transformed into housing but maintaining the interior and exterior structure; Caesar’s keeping the Three Sisters smokestacks; and the future boutique hotel in Schoolfield will tell the history of Schoolfield with photos throughout the hotel. Frazier believes there is a balance with growth; we need to remember Danville’s past, but we cannot stay stagnant in our growth.

 

SHERMAN SAUNDERS

While historical character and community values are all part of economic development, zoning has always been a tool used to keep a balance of various community projects and organizations of the city’s design and appearance. Many cities, faces challenges related to affordable housing. What is your plan to ensure access to affordable, quality housing for all residents?

 

 

8. Danville, like many cities, faces challenges related to affordable housing. What is your plan to ensure access to affordable, quality housing for all residents?

   BARRY MAYO

We have a housing summit coming up that will work with developers in what houses are needed in our area based on income.

 

FELICE MCWILLIAMS

I am not an expert in this area, but will do my best to insure, families, first time homeowners, and individuals who suffer from large mortgages and high rent, are listened to and their needs

addressed and remedied, to the best of my abilities as a Council member. It is a fact that many

neighborhoods are experiencing gentrification, with long time residents worried about being priced out. There are plenty dwelling places that need to be restored and priced according to the

affordability of the people.

 

LARRY CAMPBELL
This is a very important issue here in Danville.  We need 2400 apartments and 600 single family houses and there is a big need for low income houses.  We need to continue pursuing contractor and developer to invest here.  We must favor owner occupant over landlords.

 

LEE VOGLER

We need to treat housing development like we have economic development. That requires creativity and innovativeness to work with developers on creating a wide array of housing options for our residents and those who are looking to move here. As a City Councilman, I have voted to approve more housing developments in the past 12 months than in the previous 12 years. Developers are bringing us these projects in response to the high demand we’re now seeing. Our annual housing summit has also provided a boost to bringing in more housing options.

Something I’ve spoken with our staff about for a while, and an idea that’s gaining traction, is identifying these sparsely used or vacant shopping centers and working with the property owners to redevelop them into affordable housing. These sites are tailor-made for housing, as they already have the infrastructure in place, as well as the parking. If we can turn the White Mill into a state of the art apartment complex, we can certainly do it with shopping centers.

As we bring more housing options into the marketplace, that will help reduce the cost of many of the current options we have right now. Prices are abnormally high right now because demand is high and our supply is low. We are working with many partners to address that issue as quickly as possible. Beyond that, I do believe we should incentivize developers to make a percentage of their housing stock more affordable to our citizens. As we’ve seen with the rise of homelessness, some of our citizens are being priced out of the market. Growth is good. I’m proud of the work we’ve collectively done to get us to this point, but we must make sure that the growth isn’t occurring at the expense of the most vulnerable in our community.

 

MADISON WHITTLE

My plan is to work with the IDA to grade city-owned properties and create shovel-ready sites for

developers. By preparing these sites and improving infrastructure through a road reimbursement program, we can encourage the construction of affordable, quality housing. I’ve also personally cleared 60 acres for potential home development.

 

MAUREEN BELKO
A side effect of growth is pressure on housing, so we will continue to see these challenges for the foreseeable future and we will need to activate every solution to combat it. New construction, new zoning, and more incentives for revitalizing old construction will all be needed in order to provide enough housing. Currently, I believe the focus should be on creating more middle-income housing. Without enough middle-income housing, lower-income housing feels the pressure which displaces our residents and can contribute to homelessness as well as gentrification. We should look to other areas in our city with land other than the River District to spread out the construction and investment.

 

PETRINA CARTER

First and foremost, partnerships are crucial. I believe in building strong collaborations with nonprofits, community development corporations, and private developers who are already working to create affordable housing. Partnerships allow us to pool resources, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to ensure a steady pipeline of affordable housing projects for our residents.  One of the most effective ways to encourage affordable housing development is through incentives. We can offer tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans to developers who commit to building affordable units. Developers should see that creating affordable housing is not only a social good but also a wise investment. I would work closely with city leadership to create programs that incentivize mixed-income developments, ensuring that affordable housing is included in new developments across Danville, not just in isolated areas.

I also recognize that many Danville residents are caught between rising rents and stagnant wages. To help these families, we need to expand housing assistance programs that provide rental subsidies, homeownership support, and emergency housing aid. It’s essential that we offer comprehensive help to those in need, bridging the gap between housing costs and what families can realistically afford. Beyond this, the affordable housing stock in Danville needs to grow. There simply aren’t enough affordable units for those who need them. One solution is to explore adaptive reuse—turning vacant or abandoned properties into livable housing. We can also focus on rehabilitating underutilized spaces, bringing them back to life as affordable homes. My vision is simple: a Danville where every resident has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Through partnerships, incentives, and tenant protections, we can move toward a more equitable housing market. Together, we can make sure that housing is a right for all of our residents, not just a privilege for the few.

SHAKEVA FRAZIER

Frazier sees the collaboration of local organizations to combat the challenges of affordable housing. When she is on City Council, she will communicate with landlords so that they better understand the plight that high rent is causing. Frazier will also make citizens aware of the West Piedmont Better Housing Coalition (WPBHC) to help with expenses in times of need. Frazier also believes that the difficult conversations of affordable housing need to happen. While Danville wants to grow, we cannot forget our citizens.

 

SHERMAN SAUNDERS

Bring in jobs that pay the kind of wages for purchasing affordable/quality homes. Working with investors, banks, and other lending institutions for the good and support of interested home buyers. Develop courses for first time home buyers that teach home safety, quality of care, create/develop a volunteer home inspection program, at no cost to homeowners.

 

9. What role should city council play in supporting Danville Public Schools to improve student outcomes?

 

BARRY MAYO

This is our number one priority. Our goal is to help our schools become acredited across the board and to insure that, education is our driving force for bringing in quality industries, stronger workforce and strong family structure in each household.

FELICE MCWILLIAMS

City Council should be DPS number 1 cheerleader. Working side by side, hand in hand to promote educational excellence! Big accomplishments have been made with 5 accredited schools in our district. With my husband Charles McWilliams already serving as a School Board member with over 33 years of experience, I have been very close to the needs of our School administrators, staff, teachers, students and parents. As a Council member, I would continue to be supportive of Danville Public Schools.

 

LARRY CAMPBELL

The main purpose that council can do is appropriate funding and work with their planning but we cannot tell the School Board what to do because they are elective official.  We did vote for the two-million-dollar increase to their budget.

LEE VOGLER
As a father of two Danville Public Schools students, and a coach of youth sports, this is an issue that is deeply personal to me. It’s important to note that City Council and the School Board are two separate elected bodies. Council has no authority over the School Board or DPS when it comes to policies. We (Council) just have control over the budgeted funds from the city each year.

With that being said, that doesn’t mean Council should not have a role in shaping the future of our school system. I believe we need to have a collaborative working relationship with our School Board. I’m pleased to say that in the last couple of years, that has been the case. And we are now seeing improvements across our school system, I believe, as a result of that. When City Council and the School Board are at odds, no one benefits and our young people suffer from it.

Through communication and collaboration, we can make sure that our teachers have what they need and our students have an environment that is conducive to learning. As someone who has sit in the room with many large industries looking to locate here, I can tell you that there are few things more important in the decision making process for a company than the state of our schools. Both in terms of facilities and in performance. I believe we are heading in the right direction with both. It isn’t perfection, but it is progress. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to ensure we have a school system that helps elevate our community.

 

MADISON WHITTLE
We should stay the course, as we’ve already made great progress. Five Danville schools earned full accreditation for the first time in a decade, and we need to continue supporting efforts that drive these positive outcomes.

 

MAUREEN BELKO
While I believe City Council should be prepared to help fund any improvements DPS needs, most of the responsibility for those improvement plans will come from the school board. The biggest way city council can support our students is to focus on the economics of our city. Taxes, utility rates, employment rates, and housing all greatly contribute to the quality of life our students’ homes and our teachers’ homes experience. City Council doing it's job well, will allow students and teachers to be able to focus more on improving student outcomes.

 

PETRINA CARTER

The City Council must play an active and collaborative role in supporting Danville Public Schools to improve student outcomes. Education and economic development go hand in hand, and the city’s future depends on the success of our students. As we celebrate the recent accreditation of five more schools, it’s clear that our students have the potential to achieve great things. However, we need to ensure that this progress continues by creating an environment that attracts and retains the best teachers and staff.

City Council should work closely with the School Board to address key issues like competitive teacher salaries and housing options. Offering educators salaries that reflect their value is essential if we want to attract top talent to Danville. Additionally, by expanding housing options and improving the quality of life in the city, we can make Danville a more attractive place for educators and families.

Beyond financial support, City Council should focus on fostering partnerships that empower our students and schools. This includes developing initiatives that bring the business community and local government together to create opportunities for student internships, career development programs, and mentorships that prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom. The council’s role is to ensure that every student in Danville has the resources, opportunities, and support needed to excel.

In short, City Council must be a driving force in creating a collaborative effort between the School Board, local businesses, and the broader community to empower our students and help them achieve greatness.

SHAKEVA FRAZIER
Frazier believes that the City Council needs to work with the School Board to better understand the needs of our students and what can be done to fix those issues and alleviate some of the burden of the School Board. A stronger bond between City Council and School Board will only lead to lasting improved student outcomes

 

SHERMAN SAUNDERS

Funding is imperative. The City of Danville is proud to support of children and teachers by giving them the necessary funding and tools to be successful. In fact, the city gives our schools more than 2 times the State of Virginia recommends we give to them. We are renovating GW High School, replacing GLH Johnson with a new school, etc. Education is City Council’s Number 1 Priority.

10. Crime rates in Danville have improved over the last few years but remain higher than state averages. What measures would you implement to further improve public safety and reduce crime rates?

 

BARRY MAYO

Continue to work closely with our police chief and his staff. Continue engaging in the community with our police force and place more camera's in our areas to insure safety nets for our citizens.

FELICE MCWILLIAMS
I plan to be a supportive voice of our law enforcement agency. Promoting good, active

relationships with the police and the people. The more we trust each other, and law enforcement to serve and protect us, we can bring the crime rates down lower, together! We need them, and they need us, so let's keep our city safe together!

LARRY CAMPBELL
One of the main concern that I have is why Black on Black homicide.  All of the murders this year have been young black men from age of 18-26.  This is a problem!  We need to create a safe zone for community members to feel comfortable speaking with law enforcement about crime and criminal activity, and we need to create a trauma prevention program for people exposed to crime.  Lastly we need to bring peace and unity to people in the community to prevent violent incidents amongst each other.

LEE VOGLER
I think it’s important to acknowledge where we are currently and how we got here. We have seen drastic improvement with our crime rates since 2015-2018, even reaching 30 year lows in multiple categories. A big part of this turnaround came from the adoption of a community policing model and a Police Chief who wholeheartedly believed in it. It’s no secret that I clashed frequently with one of our former police chiefs because I strongly advocated for a community policing model, as well as sector policing (also known as neighborhood oriented policing) where the city is divided up into sectors and you have the same officers in the same areas day after day, week after week. I was repeatedly told for many years that those things would not work in Danville. I knew they would. And once Chief Booth was hired, I met with him and knew immediately that we had the right person for the job. The results speak for themselves.

Chief Wiles is now continuing, and expanding upon, the success we’ve seen. I believe what Robert David is doing with Project Imagine is also very important. We need to try and connect with as many of these vulnerable young people as possible before they turn to crime. Another way of doing that is through the youth summer jobs program that Mayor Jones and I worked to implement a few years back. Partnerships with our business community, churches and other civic organizations are a crucial part of reducing crime in our city. The police cannot do this on their own. Whether it is through mentoring, coaching, volunteering, reaching out to a neighbor, or any number of other things, we can all play a role in making Danville a safer, and stronger, community.

MADISON WHITTLE
I will take proactive steps to improve public safety in Danville by considering a curfew, increasing police presence, holding parents accountable for their children’s actions, and creating community forums to engage with residents before issues escalate.

MAUREEN BELKO
There are many aspects that contribute to crime rates, but since the other questions already touched on housing, taxes, and education, I'll focus my response on healthcare. I would love to see the same effort spent on recruiting new businesses to this area reflected in the efforts to recruit more healthcare providers. Neglecting one’s health, albeit physical or mental, compounds a bill that always comes due and can throw your entire life out of control. Turning to drugs or whatever “quick fix” to salve larger issues can often be the only solution without available easy-access healthcare available. PATHS and DPCS have more people requesting help than they can service. Bringing in more private medical practices could help alleviate the workload on our current providers and allow for our community to be serviced faster.

PETRINA CARTER

To improve public safety and reduce crime rates in Danville, it's essential to address the deep connection between poverty and crime. With 38% of the city’s children living in poverty, we must focus on tackling economic hardship as a critical step in creating a safer community.  By investing in job training and workforce development, especially for youth and low-income families, we can help break the cycle of poverty. Collaborating with local businesses to offer apprenticeships and skill-building opportunities will create pathways to stable employment. Additionally, expanding after-school programs, sports leagues, and mentorship initiatives for at-risk youth will provide them with positive role models and safe spaces, keeping them away from negative influences.

When people feel connected to local law enforcement, they are more likely to report crime and work together to keep their neighborhoods safe. Expanding diversion programs for non-violent offenders, particularly those dealing with addiction or mental health challenges, will also help reduce repeat offenses by offering support and rehabilitation rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

Improving affordable housing and enhancing neighborhood safety are crucial components of this effort. The city should work with developers and nonprofits to create more mixed income housing developments, ensuring that economic growth reaches all communities. Installing better street lighting, expanding neighborhood watch programs, and utilizing community-based surveillance can deter crime and help residents feel safer.

Investing in education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the poverty-crime cycle. Expanding access to early childhood education and strengthening public schools will give children a strong foundation for future success, reducing their likelihood of turning to crime. Partnerships between schools and community organizations that focus on mentorship, counseling, and career-readiness can offer at-risk youth the support they need to stay on the right path.

The city must continue to expand economic opportunities for all its residents. As Danville grows, it’s vital to ensure that new job opportunities reach those in underserved communities. By focusing on comprehensive economic development that creates good-paying jobs and revitalizes neighborhoods, we can help reduce poverty and, in turn, reduce crime.

Improving public safety in Danville requires a holistic approach that addresses poverty, provides economic opportunities, and strengthens community ties. By focusing on education, affordable housing, job training, and building trust between residents and law enforcement, we can create a safer and more prosperous future for everyone in the city.

 

SHAKEVA FRAZIER
As a member of the Danville Police Review Committee, Frazier views bodycam footage of what our officers encounter. She will continue to support the Danville Police Department, especially the Community Engagement Department, uplift mentor programs already in place, and ensure that civilians feel secure when they are reporting a crime. Frazier hopes that she will be able to further improve the relationships between police officers and civilians.

 

SHERMAN SAUNDERS

Continue doing what we are doing: Constant training and re-training of our law enforcement personnel; continuous community involvement with parents, children, visitors and others who visit our city. Show respect to all of our law enforcement personnel. They are doing an Excellent job!!