By Channing Shilling
Rockbridge County and Buena Vista voters chose a mix of incumbents and newcomers in key races. Here’s a look at the results:
BUENA VISTA:
Buena Vista elected Stanley B. Coffey to fill the empty seat on the city council. Coffey received about 53.3 percent of votes in Buena Vista’s two precincts with Jody Fix trailing at 44.4 percent.
Coffey will take the seat of Todd Jones, who was appointed after Tyson Cooper was elected as mayor.
Coffey, 71, worked for 16 years at the Buena Vista wastewater treatment plant. He was elected to the city council in 2016 and served for six years. Last year, Coffey lost the election by 22 votes.
“I’m not a politician. I’m a hometown boy. I’m all about the citizens and the city itself,” Coffey said. “I enjoyed being on city council and I want to finish the things I started.”
“Let’s get the economic development going. Let’s get someone out on the road searching for things to bring here,” Coffey said. “Let’s get big industries back in this town for tax revenue. That’s what we need.”
“I loved working with the people in the city,” Coffey said. “I will get you the answer to your question and follow up on it. That’s what I’ve done for six years.”
While on city council, Coffey pushed for a new playground and more campsites. This year, his priorities are different.
Coffey said the city needs to overhaul its wastewater plant, which will cost $22 million. “That is a major operation, and we need to take care of it.”
He also wants to beef up the city’s economic development.
GOSHEN:
In Goshen, an incumbent and a newcomer filled two open seats on the town council. Sheila L. Sampson received about 36.8 percent of the votes and Stephen C. Bickley Sr. received 35.2 percent. A third candidate, Jeff Shaffer, trailed with 22.8 percent of the votes.
GLASGOW:
In Glasgow, three candidates filled three open seats on the town council. They are: Brandall B. Branch, Marcie R. Hill and Natalie H. Harris.