The day starts early for Christiansburg Mayor Mike Barber. Every morning a little after 7, he has coffee at the Hardee’s on Roanoke Street. It’s a warm, quiet, coffee-scented opportunity for citizens come by to visit, ask questions and talk about life in Christiansburg.
“He keeps us informed,” Christiansburg resident Kenny Eanes said.
Conversation this sunny morning has rambled pleasantly from fishing, getting tags for a truck to snowmen and s’mores.
“Sometimes it’s political, sometimes I get a break,” the mayor laughs.
Anyone is invited to join in the conversation with constructive insight and questions.
“We have a good time,” Danny West, a regular visitor said.
In a decidedly more structured forum, the town also hosts a monthly “Coffee with the Mayor” event.
The morning gatherings work to improve government accessibility, showcase local businesses and strengthen community ties, providing a casual space to discuss government structure and introduce civic leaders and their work.
The next Coffee with the Mayor will present “The life of a patrol officer” on April 13, tentatively scheduled to be held upstairs at the Mockingbird Café on Franklin.
“It’ll be interesting to hear what it’s like patrolling the streets of Christiansburg,” the mayor said.
For more information about see the town calendar of events at www.christiansburg.org/
–Liz Kirchner
