Danville City Council Candidate Profile

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

Those include Shakeva Frazier, Petrina Carter, Maureen BelkoAnd Felice McWilliamsand five incumbents, Barry Mayo, Lee Vogler, Madison Whittle, Sherman SaundersAnd LG Campbell Jr.

All nine operate as independents.

WDBJ7 asked each candidate the same four questions. Here’s a look at four of the candidates vying for your vote this November. We’re waiting for the 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 things that impact our daily lives,” said Maureen Belko.

“For twelve years, I have been a consistent voice for positive change in Danville. Today there is a health clinic for city employees and their families, which 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 has been enjoyed by thousands of people over the years was an idea I brought back to Council after a trip to Chattanooga. I worked with Dr. Miller and other council members to get that in place. The White Mill is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation that will forever change the landscape of our riverfront. That process was started by a tweet I sent to the Alexander Company, encouraging them to come see the property. Luckily they said yes. Public safety is a local government’s most fundamental responsibility and for many years I led the charge to implement the community policing model that has now led to a 30-year low in crime. 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 at City Council because I believe they are the backbone of our economy. I proposed and the Council approved the elimination of the licensing fee for small businesses generating $100,000 or less in revenue. I also currently serve on the Virginia Small Business Commission, having been appointed by Governor Youngkin. Lowering taxes has been another major focus of mine. Over the past year, I have led efforts to reduce the property tax, commonly known as the car tax, which goes into effect in January 2025. In addition, I have successfully fought for tax credits for seniors three years in a row. I will continue to push for further tax relief for all citizens if 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’s pay increase. I believe that Danville’s newfound prosperity should be seen and felt by our citizens. That means taking care of the people of Danville first and foremost,” said Lee Vogler.

“People should choose me as their candidate because I am deeply committed to serving and strengthening our community. My personal experiences promote strong compassion for those who are often overlooked. With a solid background in community advocacy, along with my academic achievements and professional experience, I have a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of our residents. I am a strong supporter of equal opportunity and fair distribution of resources, ensuring prosperity for all,” said Shakeva Fraizer.

“With 36 years of business experience in Danville, I understand what it takes to keep our city thriving. My business background means I 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.

Do you want to make changes to how the city spends casino revenue?

“Casino revenues should be spent on modernizing our utility department, our animal shelter and our roads,” said Maureen Belko.

“I believe we must continue to make strategic investments with our casino revenues that will position Danville for success in the years to come. That said, I believe we can use a percentage of casino revenue to expand programs that will help Danville residents lower their utility bills. I’ve suggested some specific programs that could help with that. However, I am not in favor of directing the City of Danville’s casino money to off-site locations, as a recent campaign proposal from another candidate would have done. I also believe that we should look at promoting tax relief for all our citizens. As we become more of a tourism-oriented city, we must continue to shift the tax burden from our citizens to those who enter our city, use our amenities, and then leave. I will continue to care for the people of Danville first and foremost,” said Lee Vogler.

“I appreciate the initiatives already funded by the Casino’s revenues, but I foresee a more effective use of these funds. I propose to allocate more resources to reduce taxes for our citizens and to increase investments in education and training programs for our youth and young adults,” said Shakeva Fraizer.

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

How do you plan to tackle 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 being priced out of their homes. That, combined with the severe housing shortage, has left some in our community without a home. That’s why it’s 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 far exceeds supply, causing prices to skyrocket. By treating housing construction as we understand economic development, we can quickly increase supply, which will stabilize prices. This will allow many of our citizens to find affordable housing. Additionally, we must work with community partners and local churches to provide resources to those in need. Many groups are doing good things, but often they work in silos and don’t talk to each other. By combining these resources, we can tackle the problem more effectively,” said Lee Vogler.

“As the executive director of a homelessness prevention organization, I am committed to advocating for people experiencing homelessness. I plan to work closely with community members and agencies to proactively provide essential resources such as rental assistance, legal aid, and financial literacy classes. In addition, I will actively pursue grants and build partnerships with landlords and housing organizations to meet the critical need for affordable housing. I will tirelessly advocate for the needs of our local homeless shelters and other organizations that support those without stable housing,” said Shakeva Fraizer.

“Homelessness is a community problem, not a government problem. That’s why I’m asking 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 given resources to The Redemption Center and God’s Final Calling, both of which are outreach ministries currently focused on a solution,” said Madison Whittle.

Additional comments?

“As a compliance auditor, I have experience reading complex contracts, analyzing large amounts of data, and assessing budgets – all skills that will be much needed as we vet future projects that our city will adopt as we continue to grow.” , said Maureen Belko.

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

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

“If re-elected, I will continue to fight for lower taxes, which will lower the city’s energy bills. I will also donate my 30% raise to Danville Police, Fire, & Rescue and the remaining 70% will be distributed to seven local charities,” said Madison Whittle.