Adam Campbell was elected to Staunton City Council one year ago to fill a vacancy and is running for election to remain on council.
He said the last year has kind of felt like an internship or that his campaign from 2023 never ended.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been great,” Campbell said of his time on city council so far.
He added that the five candidates running for four seats in November’s election all bring unique strengths that would benefit Staunton City Council.
“I think, no matter what happens, this city is going to be in good hands from a leadership standpoint for the foreseeable future,” Campbell said.
From his 2023 goals, Campbell said he succeeded in maximum return on public investments. After experiencing a city budget cycle and gaining a better understanding of the process, in 2025 he has an improved plan to address the city’s needs in the future.
The city has a 5-year improvement plan, but Campbell said he would like to also see the city create a three-year or short-term plan to fund top priorities.
One of Campbell’s goals in 2023 if elected in November 2023 was that he wanted to improve communication and outreach between the city and residents. The result was the city’s increased social media presence alerting residents to goings on and created transparency about government activity.
Public outreach for a plan with the West End was also part of that communication strategy and the first budget in brief which was presented in July 2024.
If reelected, Campbell intends to further communication and transparency in the city’s spending.
In 2023, another goal of his, given his experience as a planner for the Virginia Department of Transportation, was to maximize outside partnerships. Federal funding of $2 million was then obtained for renovations of the Lewis Street BRITE Bus Hub and administered by the Central Shenandoah Planning District. Campbell said that 90 to 95 percent of the funding for the renovations was provided by state and federal funding.
New on his priority list for 2025, if elected, Campbell will work on encouraging economic development staff to shift priorities from new business ventures in Staunton to expansion and retention of existing businesses. Staunton Crossing has so far brought success for the city, but, Campbell said, existing businesses are just as vital.
“We’ve been very focused on Staunton Crossing, obviously, for good reason to get into a position where it’s setting us up for success,” Campbell said.
He would like to see more communication and support for local businesses. Where are gaps with local businesses? What can the city do to assist local businesses?
“I just think there are opportunities there,” he said.
Funding new projects is a concern on Campbell’s priority list for 2025 after bids for renovations at Shelburne Middle School came in overbudget. Phase 2 of renovations include an addition near the gym to provide flexible-use space for students and faculty, but bids came back at $7 million. The city is not in a position right now to commit to that price tag.
“The city council had general consensus that obviously we support the project, but that’s too much to consider out of a typical budget cycle,” Campbell said. Discussion must be held in the next budget cycle for phase 2. The city will fulfill the school system’s need.
Campbell, who grew up in Stafford County, earned a degree in landscape architecture from Virginia Tech, where he met his wife, Katie. The couple moved to Staunton in 2014 and have two young sons.
Campbell will participate in a candidates forum on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 in City Council chambers, sponsored by the Staunton Visioning Coalition and Staunton Democrats will sponsor a forum at Ciders From Mars on Monday, September 23, 2024.
Early voting begins Friday, September 20, 2024. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Related stories:
Staunton City Council to choose five candidates to interview for vacancy (augustafreepress.com)
Staunton voters choose Adam Campbell for open seat on City Council (augustafreepress.com)
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Rebecca Barnabi
