LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – After a tough Lynchburg City Council RaceRepublican Chris Faraldi claimed victory in Tuesday’s election with just 51% of the vote, a slim lead of 167 votes over his Democratic rival April Watson.

At a press conference on Thursday, WDBJ7 sat down with recently re-elected Lynchburg District 4 Councilman and Vice Mayor Chris Faraldi.

Even with the added pressure of a write-in campaign launched by Peter Alexander, Faraldi says he’s grateful for the victory.

“We certainly would love to have more support overall and not have to write to fudge the numbers a little bit, but regardless, I’m grateful for the win and happy to continue serving on the city council,” Faraldi said.

Faraldi knows that he begins this new mandate with challenges ahead. With what some call a divided council, he says he is focused on putting aside differences to serve Lynchburg residents.

“Voters are looking for people who are focused on the job and nothing else and that’s what I’m committed to doing,” Faraldi said.

Faraldi says some of the council’s first priorities should be ensuring Sandusky Elementary School remains open and receives necessary renovations, completing a major sewer project and securing better salaries for teachers. Public safety and tax cuts are also high on his agenda.

Despite the fractured council, Faraldi is hopeful. He says Republicans have been united on key issues like reducing the tax rate and keeping schools open. And he believes if the council can unite around what’s best for Lynchburg, they can make progress.

“I think if we come together behind that common cause of providing solutions for the good of Lynchburg, then we’ll be fine,” Faraldi said.

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