Category: Harrisonburg Politics
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Of all the city projects retiring Councilman Byrd helped shepherd, he says one stands above the rest
During Ted Byrd’s final city council meeting last Tuesday, Mayor Deanna Reed ran through the long list of projects and committees he has worked on during his 12 years of service as a council member, including serving as mayor from 2013-2015.
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Facing newly energized opposition, Del. Tony Wilt announces reelection bid for his 26th District seat
On Tuesday, surrounded by prominent fellow Republicans on the courthouse steps, Del. Tony Wilt announced his intent to seek a fifth term representing the 26th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. His announcement follows recent campaign launches by two Democrats hoping to face him in next year’s general election. In his remarks on Tuesday, Wilt emphasized a grassroots approach to the upcoming campaign.
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Scooter crackdown gets thumbs up from council
Harrisonburg is a little closer to allowing police and city staff to impound scooters abandoned in a right-of-way, blocking entryways or pedestrian traffic, or being ridden on sidewalks downtown.
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It’s deja vu with the Democrats seeking the 26th District nomination — but the selection process could be new
It’s beginning to look a lot like 2017. Or is it? Once again Cathy Copeland and Brent Finnegan are vying for a chance to take on Republican incumbent Tony Wilt, who was first elected in 2010. But while the candidates might be the same, the campaigns might look a little different this time, especially if the election process for the Democrats changes.
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Decision on community justice planner position on hold until at least July
Creating a community justice planner position — a major priority for activists, including the groups Valley Justice Coalition and Faith in Action — won’t happen until July 2019 at the earliest, if it happens at all.
Members of the Community Criminal Justice Board said during Monday’s meeting that they mostly agree with the goals of data analysis but still have to figure out if it warrants adding a new government-funded job.
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Brent Finnegan announces second bid to represent city in House of Delegates
The next election season has already begun. Last week, Harrisonburg resident Brent Finnegan announced his campaign as a Democratic candidate for the 26th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. In his campaign announcement video, Finnegan focuses on what he calls “kitchen table” issues, including the rising cost of healthcare, overcrowded schools, and paychecks that can no longer pay the bills.
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Romero’s big win positions him to become Harrisonburg’s first Latino mayor
In a city with a growing Latino population, there has never been a Latino voice on city council. That will change in January when Sal Romero is sworn in. And Romero also could become Harrisonburg’s first Latino mayor.
A blue wave crests in Harrisonburg
The statewide election storyline of large turnouts and good results for Democrats was mirrored in Harrisonburg last night, with Democrats Sal Romero and Chris Jones comfortably elected to city council in a five-way race against three Independents running on often-diverging platforms.
