Incumbents sweep in Waynesboro
Mayor Frank Lucente, Vice Mayor Bruce Allen and City Councilman Tim Williams swept to victory in contested races for seats on Waynesboro City Council Tuesday.
Lucente’s win over former City Council member Lorie Smith in the At-Large race was something of a surprise. Smith, also a former School Board chair, had the backing of several former Lucente allies and the endorsements of the two local newspapers, The News Virginian and The News Leader, but she fell short in her bid to unseat Lucente by 131 votes. Read more
Chris Graham: Medicine
We have, unfortunately, experience with losing elections – we being progressives in Waynesboro, loosely defined.
And I say loosely defined because the word progressive means something very different in Waynesboro than it does just about everywhere else in the country.
In California, for example, progressive means, well, what it means in California. The progressive coalition backing the three challengers in Tuesday’s City Council elections includes people who would get laughed out of progressive meetings in California, not that they’d try to go. Read more
Chris Graham: Can’t cut your way to prosperity
The quickest way to lose 50 pounds is to cut off a limb. Thwack. Right there, you’ve cut 25 percent off the top without having to do more than get anethesized.
Now, long term, you’re not going to be nearly as productive as you were before. That limb clearly did you a lot of good before you had it lopped off. Made it easier to walk, or if it was an arm that you decided to do without for the sake of weight loss, carry stuff.
This about sums up my thoughts on the upcoming City Council elections in Waynesboro. You really can’t cut your way to prosperity. Read more
Smith receives Police Benevolent Association endorsement
At-Large candidate Lorie Smith has received the endorsement of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association.
“We will ask our members, their friends and families, and all citizens who respect the strong and efficient enforcement of our laws, to cast their ballots in the upcoming election in your favor,” wrote Michael W. Wells, the president of the Central Chapter of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, in a letter announcing the endorsement.
“I’m honored to have received the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association. Support for the efforts of our public-safety agencies a key issue to local voters and to my campaign,” said Smith, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Frank Lucente in the Tuesday, May 1, City Council election.
Therese Rodammer: Why I’m voting for Lorie Smith
Arriving in Waynesboro for the first time in the 1990s, I was fortunate to meet Lorie M. Smith in Waynesboro Junior Woman’s Club, an energetic and enthusiastic leader. From the moment I first met her, it was clear that she was eager to serve not only our club but also the community with all she had to offer. As a teacher myself, I am proud to recognize her dedication to education.
However, her own record serves as a better testimony to her than I could ever give. Following her time in Junior Woman’s Club, she served on Waynesboro’s School board from 2002-2006. Afterwards, she progressed to City Council from 2006-2010. As such, she is in the perfect position to serve as City Councilperson, as she is able to see situations not only from the fiscal perspective, but also from the educational perspective. Her expertise is needed now more than ever. Read more
Mayor, incumbents put on defensive on land deal at forum
Mayor Frank Lucente was on the defensive at a Thursday night candidates forum on the issue of the controversial $3.5 million land deal that his City Council agreed to with two former political supporters.
“I think in the long run we made a good deal. If I was doing a business deal, I would do the same thing for myself. So I think it was a good deal for the taxpayers,” Lucente said in the face of criticism at a Youth Summit sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club. Read more
Lorie Smith: Let’s stand together now
Posted by afp on May 2, 2012 · 2 Comments
I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all who have supported my candidacy. I also would like to thank the News-Virginian, Staunton News-Leader and Virginia Police Benevolent Association for having confidence in me through the endorsement process. Read more
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