The Shadow
l thought that we would kick the elections around a little bit this week and the first thing we should look at, or I should say Covington and Iron Gate should look at, is their spring election. If both communities insist on not voting to do away with the spring election, then it will become more costly for the two. I personally think it would be like throwing money down a rat hole to not change the election to the fall or November election.
The biggest reason for changing the elections from May to November is that the State Board of Elections just announced that they will start billing localities for state costs of holding spring elections. I have been told that the cost the localities will be billed is not an overwhelming amount but in these days localities need to pinch every penny. In November, the state will continue to pay the cost.
I have an idea that would be a sure fire way for the councils to vote to change the election from May to November. The people should tell the council members if they vote to continue the May elections, then pay for the election cost that the state says they are not going to pay for out of the pay they receive each month so that it will not be an added cost on the localities, I bet Covington would vote right away to change the election time to the fall November election.
Now that idea might not work for Iron Gate, for the simple fact that the council members in Iron Gate do not get paid for their service on council. But I still think that Iron Gate should change because the fall election draws more voters out when national and state offices are up for grabs. I will admit that what I am suggesting may fall on deaf ears because the people are set in their ways and are slow to change.
I understand that Blacksburg held its first November election last year and turnout skyrocketed compared with previous May elections.
That is the best reason for anyone to make the change. The higher-profile November races draw more people to the polling places who in turn vote in local races, too. Our representative democracy works best with more citizens’ participation on election day.
We all need to get out and vote and we need to vote in November if no other reason is to save money for the localities. I personally don’t care whether I vote in May or November.
It may be a bit warmer in May, but I have always managed in November to wrap up and get out and vote. You can call me tight, but I like the word frugal, it sounds better than being called a tightwad.
But if it is going to save me and the place where I live money, I say let’s go to the polls in November instead of May!
We have been talking about Iron Gate, so let’s bring up their election this May. I understand that Mayor Alan Williams, Vice Mayor Bobby Daniel and Richard Erskine have qualified to get their name on the May ballot.
I have been told that another candidate and member of council, Kawahna C. Persinger did not qualify to get her name on the ballot in time for the May election. I have not heard if she will run as a write-in candidate or not. I know that in Iron Gate there is almost as many that get elected as write-ins as others do by notifying the registrar that they are declaring themselves as a candidate.
I also hear that John Norvell is running for Iron Gate Council. I believe that he has served on council before.
I believe that if I ever run for a political office, I will move to Iron Gate because you do not have to get 125 registered voters to sign your petitions to run because there are so few voters in the town. All a person has to do is to appear before the registrar and declare themselves a candidate. In short, I don’t believe I could find 125 people that would sign my petition so I guess I would have to move to Iron Gate and that may not be a bad idea, Iron Gate is a pretty good place to live.
Speaking of another election, Clifton Forge has three on council that are up for re-election. They are Mayor Don Carter, Vice Mayor Nellie Friel and Councilman Jimmie Houff. I understand that all three are passing out their petition sheets to get the 125 required registered voters to sign. Carl Brinkley’s name has been mentioned as a possible candidate but I have no official word on him as yet. He has served on council before.
Now for Covington election news: I understand that Bill Zimmerman will apparently be running without opposition for re-election to Covington City Council in May. Bill represents District 1 and he was the only person to submit voter petitions by the March 2 deadline. So unless someone decides to run as a write-in against Bill, he will be uncontested.
There will be no candidates on the ballot in District 2, where BB Bryant is the incumbent. BB did not file petitions to qualify for the ballot, but I am hearing there is a good chance that he may run as a write-in candidate. I am also hearing Kim Warlitner’s name mentioned as a possible write-in candidate in District 2.
Let’s move off of the election news. I understand that the Subway at Drive-In Market in Covington opened Wednesday. Renovations for the new restaurant have been complete for some time. From what I am hearing, the Subway beside T&E on Craig Avenue will stay open. Both Subways in Covington will be run by Dixie Gas & Oil, which owns the Drive-In Market.
Before I close, here is a feat worth mentioning. Jolanda C. Pendleton, a celebrant from Clifton Forge, has now performed over 2,000 weddings in her role that is equated to a justice of the peace.
Jolanda reached the 2,000 milestone near the end of last year. “Look at all the damage I’ve caused,” she said recently with a smile.
Over 2,000 weddings is certainly a lot of bliss!
As we get ready to celebrate Easter tomorrow, there are a couple of things that most Christians believe.
Jesus is alive and the tomb is empty. After Jesus’ death, Mary the mother of James, Mary Magdalene, and Salome made their way to the garden tomb to pay their respects and anoint His body.
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead.” (Matt. 28:5-7).
If you believe that Jesus has risen and is alive and through His blood, He shed for your sins, you too will live again after death if you believe.
Happy Easter!
I am out of space, time and coffee, see you next week and remember you have a risen Jesus. …
