Staunton Council candidate Adam Campbell address solar, affordable housing and more in town hall

STAUNTON — Candidate forums for the open city council seat may be limited this election season. As Staunton gears up for a race to fill the remaining year of former Mayor Andrea Oakes' term, there was one forum this week with only one more announced so far.

Adam Campbell is running against Wilson Fauber for the seat in November with early voting beginning Friday, Sept. 22. There may be just one chance to see both candidates in the same venue discussing issues. That will be Oct. 13 at Marquis Memorial United Methodist Church. The Staunton West End Business Association has scheduled a one-hour forum that night beginning at 7 p.m. Per the organizer, both Campbell and Fauber have accepted the invitation to participate.

There was an opportunity Tuesday night, Sept. 12 at a town hall organized by the Staunton Democratic Committee, but Campbell was the only local candidate on the stage. Fauber didn't accept the invitation to take part. In addition to Campbell, state-level candidates Randall Wolf (House of Delegates, District 36), Jade Harris (Senate, District 3), and Kathy Beery and Joshua Huffman (Senate, District 2) attended.

Campbell addressed a variety of issues at the town hall meeting Tuesday held at the Clocktower Restaurant in the Tempest Bar.

Accessibility of Downtown Staunton

Campbell said that while improvements have been made to help those with disabilities access Downtown Staunton easier, there is more that can be done.

"The actual percentage of ADA curb ramps in the city that are compliant is probably like 1%," he said. "There's so many more opportunities to do. Signalized intersections, audible pedestrian crosswalks. Now, granted, we do face some challenges from topography in the city, but there are certainly plenty of opportunities to improve accessibility for all users and make better connections for non-motorized travel within the city as well."

Schools

Campbell was asked what Staunton should do if it received a $25 million windfall from Virginia's budget surplus with the only restriction being to use it for public education.

Campbell mentioned the ongoing renovations to Shelburne Middle School and the maintenance and transportation facility.

"There's definitely needs in Staunton City Schools," Campbell said. "We reworked our funding methodology between the school board and city council just few years ago, and it seems to be working well from everyone I've talked to. But, like I said, with being invested in this public school system with my own children, and just believing in public education, that will always be a critical pillar for any successful community. You can't grow as a community and attract new families if you don't have a tremendous school system. So that would always be a top priority for me on council."

Affordable Housing

Campbell told those in attendance that addressing affordable housing in Staunton falls under his platform of collaboration, saying there is an opportunity to do more on a regional level.

"I'm registered and looking forward to the the Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro housing summit that's planned for next month," he said. "I think it's important for city leaders, community leaders, the industry experts and nonprofit organizations to be together in the same room to talk about these issues, to have a better understanding of where everyone can do their part to help address it."

Climate change/Solar

Asked if there was a master plan in Staunton to mitigate climate change, Campbell said there wasn't, although there are goals in the comprehensive plan. Campbell said he'd support additional policy in the city code.

"I think where it makes sense you should take every opportunity possible, especially in public projects, to do your part to improve the environment," he said. "Absolutely, solar panels should always be considered. I think there should always be a cost benefit analysis to consider if it makes sense, especially for rehab uses if the building can support it, but it should always be absolutely considered for any new construction from a city government building standpoint."

Campbell said he also sees potential in improving Staunton's stormwater system.

"Improving runoff, improving flood control through less paving, implementing better designs for stormwater management and capturing that water before it just ends up in a channelized flow," he said. "So yeah, I would totally be supportive of a better strategy to tackle that issue."

All the candidates on stage were asked their thoughts on the "Stop Big Solar" signs around the area.

"I am a big fan of solar," Campbell said. "It is a critical part of how we must produce energy moving forward. That may change over time as technologies change, but, as of this moment, it is a critical part of how we need to strategize energy production."

New construction vs. renovations

Campbell was asked if he preferred building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing existing space. He asked if he could choose both.

"There's a need for all those types of developments," he said. "I think it's important for the city to be reactive and be able to adapt to the market and the developers needs. If I'm given a decision between a brand new house and a rehab of existing house, I will take the rehab of the existing house all day every day ... but there is certainly a time and a place for new home construction as well where it makes sense."

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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton City Council race: Adam Campbell takes part in town hall