DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) – Nine candidates are running for the five open Danville City Council seats this election year.

Those include Shakeva Frazier, Petrina Carter, Maureen Belkoand Felice McWilliamsand five starters, Barry Mayo, Lee Vogler, Madison Whittle, Sherman Saundersand L. G. Campbell, Jr..

All nine are running as independents.

WDBJ7 asked each candidate the same four questions. Here’s a breakdown of four of the candidates who will be competing for your vote this November. We are waiting for responses from the other five.

Why should people vote for you?

“People should vote for me if they want the city to spend less on tourism and splash pads, and focus on improving our infrastructure and the things that affect our daily lives,” Maureen Belko said.

“For 12 years, I have been a constant voice for positive change in Danville. Today there is a health clinic for city employees and their families that I proposed several years ago and which has a 100% satisfaction rate. It has also saved Danville taxpayers more than $180,000. The bike share program that thousands of people have enjoyed over the years was an idea I brought to the Council after a trip to Chattanooga. I worked with Dr. Miller and other board members to implement it. The White Mill is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation that will change our waterfront landscape forever. That process began with a tweet I sent to Alexander Company encouraging them to visit the property. Fortunately they said yes. Public safety is the most fundamental responsibility of a local government and for years I led the charge to implement the community policing model that has now led to the lowest crime levels in 30 years. I have also fought for better pay for our police officers, firefighters and first responders. Supporting small businesses has always been a cornerstone of my work on the City Council, as I believe they are the backbone of our economy. I proposed and the Council approved the elimination of the license fee for small businesses earning $100,000 or less. I am also currently a member of the Virginia Small Business Commission after being appointed by Governor Youngkin. Reducing taxes has been another of my key objectives. Last year, I led the effort to reduce personal property taxes, commonly known as the car tax, which will go into effect in January 2025. Additionally, I have successfully fought for tax relief for seniors for three consecutive years . I will continue to push for greater tax breaks for all citizens if I am re-elected in November. Over the years, I have voted against utility increases and other rate increases. This year I voted against the city council salary increase. I believe our citizens should see and feel Danville’s new prosperity. That means, first and foremost, taking care of the people of Danville,” Lee Vogler said.

“People should elect me as their candidate because I am deeply committed to serving and empowering our community. My personal experiences foster a strong compassion for those who are often overlooked. With a strong background in community advocacy, coupled with my academic achievements and professional experience, I have a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of our residents. I firmly believe in equal opportunities and the fair distribution of resources, guaranteeing prosperity for all,” said Shakeva Fraizer.

“With 36 years of business experience in Danville, I understand what it takes for our city to thrive. My business experience means I will bring strong financial management skills to the City Council, treating our city’s resources with the same care I have applied to my business for decades,” said Madison Whittle.

Would you like to make any changes to the way the city spends Casino revenue?

“Casino revenue should be spent on updating our utilities department, our animal shelter and our roads,” Maureen Belko said.

“I believe we must continue to make strategic investments with our casino revenues that will position Danville for success for years to come. That being said, I believe we can take a percentage of the casino’s revenue to expand programs that will help Danville residents reduce their utility bills. I have proposed some specific programs that would help achieve this. However, I do not support sending the city of Danville’s casino money to outside locations, as a recent campaign proposal by another candidate would have done. I also think we should consider increasing tax relief for all of our citizens. As we become a more tourism-focused city, we must continue to shift the tax burden from our citizens to those who come to our city, use our services, and then leave. I will continue to look out for the people of Danville, first and foremost,” Lee Vogler said.

“I appreciate the initiatives already funded by Casino revenue, but I envision a more impactful use of these funds. I propose allocating more resources to reduce taxes for our citizens and increase investments in education and job training programs for our youth and young adults,” said Shakeva Fraizer.

“Yes, I would like 40% of the Casino’s tax revenue to be invested in Danville Utilities and used to help reduce tax bills, which I made a motion for and it failed 8-1!” —Madison Whittle said.

How do you plan to address homelessness in the city?

“We need to improve our housing so that there are more affordable options for all citizens, which will reduce the number of displaced people,” said Maureen Belko.

“One of the unintended consequences of the rapid growth Danville is experiencing is that many of our citizens are now deprived of their homes. That, combined with the severe housing shortage, has led to homelessness for some in our community. That is why it is imperative that we continue to work with developers to build a wide range of new homes in our city so that supply increases. Currently, demand is far outstripping supply and causing prices to skyrocket. By treating housing development as we do economic development, we can quickly increase supply, which will stabilize prices. This will allow many of our citizens to find affordable housing. Beyond that, we must work with community partners and local churches to provide resources to those who need them. Many groups are doing good things, but they often work in silos and don’t talk to each other. By combining these resources, we can address the problem more effectively,” said Lee Vogler.

“As the executive director of a homelessness prevention organization, I am dedicated to advocating for people who are homeless. I plan to work closely with community members and agencies to proactively provide essential resources, such as rental assistance, legal assistance, and financial education classes. Additionally, I will actively seek grants and create partnerships with landlords and housing organizations to address the critical need for affordable housing. I will tirelessly advocate for the needs of our local homeless shelters and other organizations that support people without stable housing,” said Shakeva Fraizer.

“Homelessness is a community problem, not a government problem. Therefore, I ask all churches to join me in solving this problem by pledging $500 a month to reduce the number of homeless people in the city of Danville. I have personally already provided resources to The Redemption Center and God’s Finally Calling, both of which are outreach ministries that are currently focused on a solution,” said Madison Whittle.

Additional comments?

“As a compliance auditor, I have experience reading complicated contracts, analyzing large data sets, and reviewing budgets – all skills that will be desperately needed to examine future projects our city will adopt as we continue to grow,” she said. Maureen Belko.

“Being able to serve the people of Danville on the City Council has been one of the great honors of my life. It’s something I don’t take for granted. I have to earn it. That’s why I’m running FOR re-election. I’m not running against anyone. I am running for the people of Danville and the future of our city. I am Lee Vogler and I would appreciate being considered for one of the five votes people have for City Council,” Lee Vogler said.

“As the first name on the City Council ballot, I would greatly appreciate your vote. For more details about my positions and background, please visit my website at frazierforcouncil.com”said Shakeva Fraizer.

“If I am re-elected, I will continue to fight for lower taxes, reducing the city’s utility bills. I will also be donating my 30% pay increase to Danville Police, Fire and Rescue and the remaining 70% will be split between 7 local charities,” said Madison Whittle.

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