Charlottesville Tomorrow created questionnaires for local candidates in Central Virginia based on issues readers said they care about.
The following is from Bill Hyson, a write in candidate who is running for town council in the Scottsville, in Fluvanna and Albemarle counties. See all the candidates and information about voting in the 2022 Voter Guide.
What are three of the most pressing issues facing your community right now? How will you address them if reelected to Orange Town Council?
I think the three most pressing issues in Scottsville are:
- Analysing both the known impacts and unintended consequences of the proposed large apartment development, which could be located at the end of a small quiet neighbourhood street
- Developing a workable maintenance plan and overseeing the maintenance of the parks, streets, and buildings in the town
- Reviewing, advising, and providing oversight of our small-town budget
I am currently on a very active government service committee that is discussing and making recommendations on each of these important issues.
How do you plan on bolstering your local economy?
The town has an Economic Development Committee that works with the Chamber of Commerce to promote business growth.
Do you support banning guns on town property?
The state prohibits carrying firearms in public areas. Local government must adhere to such state policies, which I support.
Are there capital projects that need to be completed in your jurisdiction? If so, how do you propose completing those?
Most capital projects have been completed or begun. Currently there are some much needed renovations being done at Canal Basin Square, a historic park and tourist attraction.
Do you support raising or lowering tax rates in your jurisdiction? If so, why, which taxes and to what extent?
I do not support a separate town property tax, but would consider an increase in lodging or meals taxes. I prefer the town first cut unnecessary expenditures to maintain a balanced budget.
Do you support your jurisdiction taking measures to reduce carbon emissions? If so, what measures do you support? If not, why?
I support reducing carbon emissions and hope the town will continue looking into the possibility of installing solar panels on the public buildings.
2022 Voter Guide and Election Results
Here’s what you need to know to make informed choices about who represents you.
While we can’t cover every story that’s important to you, we do our best to be responsive to your needs. We use tips from readers to choose which stories to cover, to incorporate information into broader reports or to help us decide how to grow Charlottesville Tomorrow. Here’s where you can tell us what you think we should be covering.

More about the 2022 Elections
In central Virginia, there aren’t enough candidates to fill open seats in local governments
Why? Politicians and political scientists say it’s about local party politics and money.
Scottsville Town Council candidate Dan Gristko responds to voter questions
Statement from Dan Gristko, who is running for town council in Scottsville, in Albemarle and Fluvanna counties.
Orange Town Council candidate Elliott Fox responds to voter questions
Elliott Fox, who is running for town council in the Town of Orange, Orange County, says the water tower and the workforce are key issues.
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City Council will discuss real estate tax rate Monday night
Residents’ tax bills will likely rise.
Starting your summer vegetable garden? Here’s why you might ask a Charlottesville High School student for help
The nonprofit Cultivate Charlottesville built its first school garden in 2010, and now two schools offer courses for credit on how to farm.
Find Charlottesville Tomorrow journalists at two professional conferences this week
On Thursday, we’ll be at the annual meetings of the Association of College & Research Libraries and the Virginia Coalition for Open Government.