Based on a response received from Appomattox General Registrar Patricia Morton, Jane Allen is a confirmed candidate for the Appomattox Town Council. The election will take place on November 5, 2024.
The Appomattox Times is committed to ensuring our readers are well-informed about the candidates running for Town Council. In pursuit of this goal, we have reached out to each candidate with a series of questions that delve into their visions, policies, and plans for our community.
These questions were carefully crafted to cover a wide range of pressing issues, aiming to provide a comprehensive view of where each candidate stands on matters most important to the residents of Appomattox. In the spirit of transparency and fairness, the questions were provided to the candidates via email. We have published their responses exactly as we received them, without any modifications or editorial input.
We encourage our readers to engage with these interviews thoughtfully, considering how each candidate’s responses align with their own values and aspirations for our community. The Appomattox Times is proud to play a role in facilitating this important dialogue and we look forward to contributing to an informed and active electorate.
Can you tell us about your background and what motivated you to run for town council?
I was born and raised in Appomattox County, I moved to town when I purchased my home 11 years ago. My education and background is in healthcare/social work. I was encouraged by others on council to run because I am active in our community. You can often find me walking in town during my free time and on social media sharing about local events and activities.
What are your top three priorities for our town, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
My priorities for the town include the people. The people who live here and those that also visit. I am currently on town council and my focus is on sidewalks/accessibility and inclusion for all children at our town park. I’d like to see old sidewalks repaired, new sidewalks established and inclusive, accessible playground equipment for all abilities at our town park.
How do you plan to balance economic development with preserving the character and environment of our town?
I would like to see our town thrive. To see updates and progress, all while keeping the small town feel as you make your way thru our town. I would like to see our current businesses thrive and welcome new ones as well. Having incentives to bring your business to our town and to keep them here is important. Relationships with our businesses and maximimal use of resources thru programs and grants geared to making positive changes is key.
What skills do you bring to the town council that you believe will make a difference in your ability to serve effectively?
I have a positive attitude, which is important when you’re on any team and working with others. I can communicate my opinion but also love hearing others ideas and visions as well. As a newcomer to the council, this last year I have learned to seek guidance from those that have invested time serving and working in our town, they have so much experience to learn from.
Are there any new initiatives or technologies you believe our town should explore to improve services or quality of life for residents?
I would love to see every inch of town used. From parks, sidewalks and streets to buildings. I would love our town to be the type of place a tourist visits and would want to never leave. Having services for our residents from healthcare to housing is needed. I believe we should continue to explore programs that small towns like ours qualify for that will make our town safer and efficient for our day to day lives and for those that visit.
How do you envision the future of our town, and what long-term plans do you have to guide its growth and development?
I envision our town to continue to attract visitors and there is a need to create ways to engage and keep them coming back while also preserving our small town culture. I would like to see use of buildings, space and economic diversity. Having resources to encourage businesses to stay and also come to our town could promote growth.
What makes you the best candidate for this position, and is there anything else you would like to share with the voters?
I have enjoyed my first year on council. I am familiarizing myself with the employees, programs and projects. Its been exciting to see plans completed, progress made in other areas and new ideas being brought to meetings each month. As I walk thru town I am excited to see the progress that current and past council members have made as well. I hope to make an impact for the current and future residents here. May the decisions I make while on council bring positive change and progress to our town. We may be a small town, but we have BIG decisions to make for the future.
