Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
BLACKSBURG – Rick Johnson, a Blacksburg resident for 30 years, hopes to bring a new voice to the Blacksburg Town Council that is of collaboration and compromise, especially when addressing the concerns of the Blacksburg citizens.
Blacksburg citizens previously have addressed the Council about the often-slow process for acquiring building or business permits. Johnson commented that the Council provides policy and oversight to the Town Manager and staff, but the Town Council does also hold influence on the processes that can make permits more efficient.
“Some of that is bringing the fact that citizens are concerned about it, and some of is really direct conversation with the Town Manager,” Johnson said. “Recognize the problem, talk about it, find a solution, involve citizens.”
As Virginia Tech University and Montgomery County continues to see growth in the area, bringing on the need for more housing options, developments in residential areas have also been met with some opposition from Blacksburg residents in the past. However, Johnson says it is less a case of “not in my backyard”.
“They’re saying yes, right here in my neighborhood, but not a five-story apartment building,” Johnson said. “Let’s compromise. Let’s do multi-family, which is what people want to do with affordable housing, whether its rental or purchase.”
Johnson said that it might mean a few less units than maybe proposed but everyone will win if a compromise is made. When citizens feel that a decision may have already been made before considering peoples’ input, they begin to feel that coming to meetings and expressing their views is futile.
“So, they don’t want to participate,” Johnson said. “I think the fact that there’s only two ballot candidates for three spots is a sign, you know. A sign for Blacksburg for sure about what’s going on and what people think, you know, about Blacksburg and Town Council.”
Johnson is running as an Independent for Blacksburg Town Council. Previously he served as Director of Housing and Dining Services at Virginia Tech University for 17 years, and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Duke University where he retired in 2017. Johnson has also served on the Montgomery County School Board.
“Let’s work together with the citizens,” Johnson said. “That is where I think I can make the biggest difference.”
Johnson will attend the Oct. 5 Candidate Forum hosted by the NAACP and League of Women Voters at Blacksburg Council Chamber, 300 South Main St., Blacksburg. Incumbents Jerry Ford, Jr. and Michael Sutphin, along with an additional write-in, Liam Watson, round out the four individuals competing for three seats in the race for Town Council. Blacksburg Council member John Bush will not be seeking re-election, leaving a seat open.
More information about Rick Johnson and his campaign for Blacksburg Town Council can be found on his website at https://www.rickjohnson2023.com/.
