In Virginia, towns and cities can have either a “weak mayor” or “strong mayor” system. In a strong mayor system, like in the City of Richmond, the mayor holds a lot of power. They carry out policies passed by the City Council and handle local government administration.

But most towns in Virginia have a “weak mayor” system, where the mayor has a mostly ceremonial position and presides over Town Council meetings. Often mayors can only vote to break a tie and have no veto power. Towns with weak mayors often hire town managers to handle day-to-day administration, including the Town of Mineral. Not every town elects their mayor — some select a mayor from within town council — but the Town of Mineral does.

The Town of Mineral has five council members and a mayor elected to four-year terms. Here are the town council candidate responses to our questionnaire.

This year, for the mayoral race, Pam Harlowe chose not to run for reelection, and Town Councilmember Robert “Bob” Spedden is the only candidate running for mayor.

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for Spedden based on responses we received from our voter survey. We reached out to him multiple times over email and phone, but he did not submit a response.

Here are the questions we sent him. If you would like to reach out to him yourself, you can find his contact information, as provided to the Virginia State Department of Elections, searchable by name.

The future of the town: For the second time in five years, some Mineral leaders are considering giving up the town’s charter and dissolving into Louisa County. According to reporting from Engage Louisa, Mayor Pam Harlowe raised the idea again this summer, amid serious turmoil. Council failed to pass a full annual budget; fired and then tried to rehire the Town Manager Nicole Washington; Washington then sued the town; and, separately, the town’s treasurer resigned, citing a “hostile and toxic work environment.” If the process goes forward, and residents ultimately vote to approve it, Mineral would stop existing as an independent town. Where do you stand on this? If you’re against it, what do you think needs to change to keep the town going?

Council relationships: Given the high turnover and turmoil among the town leaders, if the town continues, what steps would you support to strengthen relationships between town council members and prevent burnout among local leaders?

Town finances: This year’s budget standoff showed disagreements among Council members on how the town should spend its money. With money tight, what would you prioritize funding, and what would you be willing to cut or delay to pay for it?

Water supply: Mineral is working to stabilize its water supply after years of problems, including boil water advisories, issues with its well and a state order restricting new water hookups until the town secures more supply. Where is the town in this process today, and what would you prioritize to stabilize Mineral’s water supply going forward?