Blacksburg Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith recently presented the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County with a proclamation in honor of its 50th anniversary.
The proclamation cited the league’s work in “believing in the power of democracy and encouraging citizens to take a larger role in public affairs.”
“We thank the community for 50 years of support,” said Elizabeth Obenshain, league president, “and plan to continue the league’s civic work that is vital to American democracy.” League vice president Deborah Travis said planning is now underway with other community organizations for candidate forums for the House of Delegates, Town Council and other local offices before this fall’s important elections.
According to Obershain, the league’s goal is to ensure that community members know about candidates’ positions on local issues and are encouraged to vote. A major focus this year is a study of equity in school financing.
“Together with the league in Washington County, we are coordinating a statewide study to document whether state funding is equitable and ensures high quality education for all K-12 students,” said Obenshain. The Virginia Constitution states that the General Assembly “shall seek to ensure that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained.”
This is just the latest in the programs the Montgomery County League has undertaken in its 50- year history. “We didn’t get to celebrate the League’s 100th anniversary last year or our own 50th anniversary as we would have liked because of COVID, but we are so pleased to have this recognition from the Town of Blacksburg and Mayor Hager-Smith,” Obenshain said.
