Donnie Bryan

Independent candidate

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Buckingham and how do you intend to address it?

There are several issues we are facing. One of the biggest challenges facing our county is [that] we want to remain a rural and peaceful neighborhood, we don’t want our taxes going up. I feel another is having something for our youth and seniors to do. I guess the hottest would be the taxes and spending. Certainly keeping an eye on spending is the first priority, but the things we pay for today will surely increase in cost next year. You can only cut spending so much before it impacts the services received.

What is your opinion on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline?

I know the pipeline is coming because it has support in high places. I feel it will generate not only jobs in the short term for some county residents, but it will allow our local businesses to make money (restaurants and our motel). The pipeline will help our country which is a good thing. There will be other Americans that will reap the benefits of this pipeline and that is not a bad thing. It’s not always what’s in it for me. Many new businesses today need natural gas to operate, and the thought we may be able to tap into that is a plus. 

What new steps do you propose the county and town take to attract more jobs and businesses to Buckingham and Dillwyn? 

This is one of the priorities we are working on in our committee meetings. How do we try to get a business to want to come to Buckingham County? One thing is to have a certified workforce that the business knows is available. Henry County is the first in the state. We are working on becoming such a county if we can get support from the residents in this county. We will also work with the school system as well to ensure we can make this happen. Another is to aggressively market our county.

The county recently voted to remove the word ‘Buckingham’ from the annual vehicle decals. Should the county keep the decals?   

This was a lengthy debate and it was evident by the presentation [that] it would be cheaper in the long run to keep the decals. The costs to the residents would increase if we got rid of the decals.

The county is considering options relating to a new public library. Do you think a new or renovated library is needed in Buckingham? Why or why not? 

Yes. One of the things a business looks for when they relocate is the infrastructure and support in the county. The library we have is small and, at times, crowded. Many residents go there for the free Internet service. While we do not need one the size of Prince Edward’s library, I feel a modern, up-to-date library will be a benefit to the county. It will benefit the students wanting to further their education and those wanting to finish their high school education. There are some that say a library is not needed because of cell phones.

Carolyn Anderson Davis

Independent candidate

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Buckingham and how do you intend to address it?

I think the biggest challenge facing Buckingham County is deciding to remain a rural quiet county … We have open country sides, farmland, clean air and water, wildlife, scenic preservations, undeveloped open space, natural stream banks and lake shorelines, outdoor recreation opportunities and agriculture and forested areas in abundance. Diverse landscapes, riparian areas, open fields, forests and farmland, draw residents throughout Buckingham County. New zoning and upgrading of the existing water and sewer system would promote growth & development. I propose … attracting small businesses that would not generate noise, light, odors, smoke or other obnoxious [effects], with around five to 10 employees.

What is your opinion on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline?

I see the Atlantic Coast Pipeline as being positive for Buckingham County. Allowing the pipeline’s entry to the county would create a number of jobs and increase business/profits for a large number of businesses. Revenue of around $1 million plus collected, which would go toward real estate tax, would reduce an estimate of $7.40 tax relief for taxpayers. Also,    property owners would receive an agreeable compensation for the usage of their land. 

What new steps do you propose the county and town take to attract more jobs and businesses to Buckingham and Dillwyn?

I think bringing the community/town together to form a vision and set goals for local economic improvement. Include as many community/town members as you can to ensure that goals are shared and supported by the majority. Make sure the local paper is involved in the effort, so that a steady stream of information keeps everyone in the loop. Create a plan to present to the community/town. Plans should include analysis of local economic and social conditions. Chambers of Commerce provide numerous benefits to local businesses, including a voice in government [and] public relations with the community/town of business participation in community charities.    

The county recently voted to remove the word “Buckingham” from the annual vehicle decals? Should the county keep the decals?

I agree with the concept of removing the word “Buckingham” from the annual vehicle decals.  A resident expressed concern to the board that a county decal listing the name of the county that a person resides is dangerous because a person’s county or residence can be known by the decal. Should the county keep the decals? Yes. I think the taxpayer should not have to incur any additional fees. Also, currently the county decal serves as a permit for county citizens to use the county waste sites. This helps to identify those that attempt to put “out of county” waste at our sites.

The county is considering options relating to a new public library. Do you think a new or renovated library is needed in Buckingham?  Why or why not?

I would like to see a new library constructed in Buckingham County due to the fact that the present library is outdated with numerous of issues. The information kept in libraries helps everyday people start their own small businesses which helps grow [the] economy. Libraries are economically efficient. Their model of sharing allows them to serve many people with few resources. Libraries often have exceptionally high rates of return on investments. [They] offer after-hour homework help via online services that they subscribe to in order to support student’s learning.