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While all eyes were on national elections last night, there are plenty of local races to talk about as well. On the local side, incumbents all won new terms Tuesday night, with the majority running unopposed. Basically, there were no surprises in this year’s election results for Prince Edward, Buckingham and Cumberland counties. 

In Pamplin, the numbers look a bit different from two years ago. Back then, Sarah Blackwell won re-election as mayor with just 39 total votes. Two years before that in 2020, the numbers were even fewer, with less than 20 total. For her third term in office, Pamplin residents showed up to express their support. Looking at the historical data provided by the Virginia Department of Elections, this Tuesday marked the highest turnout for a local race in Pamplin’s history. Blackwell earned 91% of the vote or 57 ballots, with 5 write-ins. This comes after a year that’s seen plenty of change for the small town, split between Appomattox and Prince Edward counties. After 15 years of planning and pushing, the western end of High Bridge Trail was expanded to connect Pamplin to the 32 miles of state park. New businesses are opening up, with others set to follow in the months ahead. 

Now when you walk down Main Street, there’s some open signs, letting folks know they’re welcome to come in. You can go down to MiPa’s Table to get food, stop off at the farmers’ market to get supplies for your own home, pick up ice cream at Bubble’s Sweet Dreams or stop off at P & P Thrift.

Residents also expressed their support for the town council, with all six running unopposed. Ronald Franklin got the most votes, with 49, followed by Ruth Williamson and Patricia Miller tied at 45, Shannon Reed at 42 votes, John Marks at 40 and Ken Swanson at 39 votes. Much like the mayor’s race, it wasn’t just the fact none were challenged. In the 2022 election, the highest vote total was 33, compared to 49 this time around. Two years before that in Pamplin, the highest vote total in the town council race came in at 19. 

Looking at Farmville elections

A similar story could be told just down the road in Farmville, where all three incumbents for town council seats ran unopposed in this year’s elections. Daniel Dwyer was re-elected to the At Large seat with 1,698 votes or 96% of the ballots cast in that race. Donald Hunter will continue serving Ward D on council, as he got 422 votes or 98% of ballots cast. And Sallie Amos won in Ward E with 346 votes or 97% of those cast. 

We reached out to all three, asking them four questions about Farmville’s past and future beyond the elections. As of presstime, Dwyer was the only one who had responded. We’ll be glad to include the other answers as they come in. 

Q1: What are you proud of from this last term? 

Dwyer: I am proud of many things in the last four years. We continue to lower our debt through the outstanding efforts of town staff and the support and guidance from Town Council. Our town is in very good financial standing. Recreation is vital in a forward thinking community and Council unanimously voted to approve the building of the town’s splash pad. We closed the town’s swimming pool several years before the selling of the golf course. The pool, due to its location in Cumberland County, was not readily accessible to all of our residents. The splash pad is open to everyone, even those not living in town. It is free, it is fun, it is nearby and you do not need to know how to swim. We used ARPA funds to pay for it, so no debt was incurred. It is a winner. We have recently been upgrading the efficiency of many services. New parking meters which accept debit cards, new efficient water meters will be coming soon, improved efficiency of Town facilities such as lighting and other things. Through a majority vote, including me, the Town now participates in Virginia’s Retirement System plan which benefits existing and future employees.

Q2. Beyond the elections, what will be your focus moving forward?

Dwyer: Prior to being elected to Town Council, I was on the Town’s planning commission for about five years. That experience has served me well since I was elected. I believe our zoning ordinances should be reviewed periodically and we are constantly making changes when the need for change is clear. These ordinances need to be forward thinking in regards to growth but also in protecting what makes Farmville special. Determining the best path forward is challenging but vital to our future growth. The town is very fortunate to have a dedicated planning commission made up of residents who give of their time.

Q3: Where do you see Farmville in five years? What needs to change? What should stay the same? 

Dwyer: There was a housing study completed several years ago which concluded that Farmville needs additional housing not only affordable but across the board. There are at least two proposed developments which could address some of the housing needs if they go forward. The additional rooftops means growth and an increase in the Town’s tax base. More rooftops can be an incentive for new businesses and industrial growth. So in the next five years I envision a healthy, growing community. I believe there is a need for decent, affordable housing for those families with lower incomes. Rents are high in our community. A family’s housing cost should not exceed 30% of their income. There are many lower income families paying much more than the desired 30%. As our town grows we need to retain the things that make Farmville desirable like safe neighborhoods, a litter-free town, a vibrant retail base and affordable taxes just to name a few. Controlled growth is vital. Though not on Town Council’s plate, there is a need for improvement in our pubic school system. A thriving school system is vital for a healthy, growing community. I am hopeful a remodeled elementary school will just be the start. It appears the future is now as we see new restaurants popping up, new boutiques, new retailers coming in and new medical offices. The next five years is off to a great start.

Q4. What are some things Farmville needs to prepare for? 

Dwyer: When I ran for Council the first time, a resident expressed concern that we have an ample supply of water for current and future needs. Securing access to water from Sandy River reservoir for future needs is vital. The need for high speed internet is being addressed by local companies. The town needs to prepare for the infrastructure that will be needed before the roundabout is started. Also, there are old water and sewer lines around town that need updating and that is currently being studied. Public safety is and should always be of the upmost importance. Farmville has an outstanding, dedicated police department but it doesn’t end there. Also looking out for our safety and protecting area citizens are the Prince Edward County Sheriffs Department, Longwood University police, Hampden-Sydney College police, Prince Edward County Rescue Squad, Farmville Fire department and all the other local fire departments, and of course, Central Hospital, just to name a few.