A Carbon Neutral Campaign

This is just a quick update to let you all know that the Bryce Carter for Blacksburg Town Council Campaign is now officially carbon neutral! I personally donated carbon offsets that will be allocated towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation efforts. The amount was established by estimating total campaign paper use, shipping, events, driving, and other general office and coordinator position demands. Our website provider also has certified green hosting.

Representing the Student Voice

Representing the Student Voice

With voter registration quickly coming to a close on October 5th, the power of the vote should be emphasized with students here in Blacksburg. Since around 1900, there have been at least as many students residing in Blacksburg as permanent town residents. In 2008, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Tech Office of University Relations, students make between 63-70% of the population in the Town of Blacksburg. Yet, over the past century there has never been any direct student representation on Blacksburg Town Council. Virginia Tech students are citizens of the Town and the upcoming election is an opportunity not to be missed in getting our voice heard.

There are tremendous possibilities to engage students with the Town of Blacksburg in issues of town development, policy, and community relations. I am currently working with the SGA to create a new Student Advisory Committee that will help to actively engage students in developing a voice of the student population for matters pertaining to Blacksburg. Issues such as pursuing community oriented development, creating a diversified and more walkable downtown, enhancing alternative transportation options, expanding programs for students and classes to receive credited real-world experience locally, and collaborating on policy that impacts students are just a few of the possibilities in which student representation and cooperation can truly enhance our community.

Currently there are ten candidates vying for four seats on Town Council, including myself as the only undergraduate student. I encourage every member of the community to learn more about all the candidates and consider the issues that matter most to you. Talk to your friends and classmates and together get registered to vote by October 5^th. You can drop off your registration forms at the SGA office on the third floor of Squires. On November 3^rd, make your voice heard and vote!

Bryce Carter
Blacksburg Town Council Candidate
Undergraduate, Humanities, Science and Environment
www.brycecarter.com

Upcoming Meeting Events

Here are all the upcoming meeting events for the Bryce Carter Campaign, note time and location are subject to change:

Public Open Discussion - Saturdays at the Blacksburg Public Library
September 19: 8:30-10:00pm
September 26: 4:00-6:30pm (canceled)
October 3: 8:30-10:00pm
October 10: 8:30-10:00pm
October 17: 4:00-6:30pm
October 24: 4:00-6:30pm
November 1: 1:00-5:00pm

Students for Bryce Carter - Mondays in Jamestown Room, Squires
August 13: 6:00-7:00pm
September 7: 6:00-7:00pm
September 14: 6:00-7:00pm [Room 345]
September 21: 6:00-7:00pm
September 28: 6:00-7:00pm
October 5: 6:00-7:00pm [TBA]
October 12: 6:30-7:30pm [Norfolk Room]
October 19: 6:00-7:00pm
October 26: 6:00-7:00pm
November 2: 6:00-7:00pm

Steppin' Out and Coffee with the Candidates

Steppin' Out was a lot of fun and it was great meeting and discussing issues with many residents of Blacksburg and those from the surrounding region! I wanted to offer my special thanks to Graham, our campaign field organizer, and to TJ, Jenny and Maroon Man for the tremendous help! Friday's "Bryce Crispy Treats" were a big hit and I imagine more batches will come in the future for all to enjoy. Our recycling can designed by Jenny was in an excellent spot and to those we caught in the act we would offer candy which lead to quite a few smiles! Also my fond thanks goes to the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg, particularly Laureen Blakemore and Sue Drzal for their outstanding coordination efforts to make the event such a success!

I hope everyone enjoyed Steppin' Out! It was a pleasure to discuss the campaign in detail with many of you and I thank those that have offered to help out with the campaign, we'll certainly be in touch soon!

Campaign Field Organizer Graham Owen and myself holding up a filled recycling can in front of our Steppin' Out Booth.

Also don't forget to come out to the Easy Chair Coffee Shop from 7-9pm THIS THURSDAY to hear me talk about my background experience, speak about details of the campaign and have an open discussion about the issues. Click below to join the Facebook event.

Roanoke Times: A crowded field of candidates

It is important to start getting to know all your candidates for the election this coming November. With 10 candidates for 4 seats, now is the time to start considering what issues matter most to you and where each of us stands.

As you will hear many times, the foundation of my campaign is based on two pillars: sustainability and community. I believe that we must pursue sustainability to meet the local and global challenges ahead and I believe that working with and empowering our community is the key to developing collaboration to find creative solutions to these challenges. Stay tuned to this blog for specific examples of how the campaign will work to address the challenges that our community faces today.

I know it is essential to listen to what are your concerns regarding issues in your neighborhoods and of town policies. Within the next week I'll begin knocking on front doors and reach out to each of you to provide an opportunity for you to have a direct voice for this campaign that I intend to take straight to council. I'm looking forward to talking with each of you directly about what issues matter most to you.

In the mean time, here is a great article I recommend you read from the Roanoke Times to explore the contenders for Blacksburg Town Council.

Best,

Bryce Carter
Town Council Candidate


The Roanoke Times: July 19, 2009

A crowded field of candidates

Blacksburg Town Council contenders say they will canvass the community and use online tools to generate voter interest.

Sharla Bardin

BLACKSBURG -- Candidates for town council say their strategy on reaching voters this year will include Facebook and face-to-face conversations.

That's just a couple of the methods they will use to set themselves apart from a large group of council hopefuls.

Ten people are running for four open seats in the Nov. 3 election. Susan Anderson is the only incumbent on the ballot -- the two other incumbents, Al Leighton and Tom Sherman, decided to not seek re-election -- while incumbent Mayor Ron Rordam is running unopposed.

The council seats are voted on at-large.

Last year, the council voted to change elections from May to November of odd-numbered years in hopes of boosting turnout significantly. This fall will mark the town's first November election.

The candidates include Virginia Tech students and employees, a design engineer, a retiree and active volunteer, residents with experience working on town boards and a former council member.

The youngest candidate is Bryce Carter, who turns 21 in August, while the oldest is 72-year-old Frank Lau.

Some of the campaign issues from the candidates include promoting smart growth, preserving green space, enhancing downtown, attracting businesses, enticing young professionals to live in the area, working with Virginia Tech and local municipalities, and ensuring open, accountable government.

FULL STORY