Virginia towns and cities can have either a “weak mayor” or “strong mayor” system. In weak mayor systems, for example, the Town of Louisa, the mayor has a mostly ceremonial position and presides over Town Council meetings. Towns with weak mayors often hire town managers to handle day-to-day administration. 

In a strong mayor system, which the Town of Stanardsville has, the mayor holds more power. They carry out policies passed by their councils and handle local government administration.

According to the town charter, Stanardsville’s mayor is “the chief executive officer of the town.” The mayor does not vote at Town Council unless there is a tie. He or she does have veto power of anything Council passes, though a two-thirds vote from Council can override that veto.

In Stanardsville, the mayor sits at the head of a town with a population of 349 people in the latest U.S. Census Bureau count in 2020. Stanardsville does not levy real estate or personal property taxes. It is funded by bank taxes, sales taxes, Stanardsville Independence Day Celebration donations, and a handful of other sources of revenue, according to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget.

This year, incumbent Mayor Michael Payne is running unopposed for his seat. He was first elected to the office in 2022, when he also ran unopposed.

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for Payne based on responses we received from our voter survey. He provided answers below.

Growth and development

Stanardsville faces the potential of steady population growth in the coming years. Residents have raised concerns about roads and infrastructure keeping up with this kind of growth. What is your overall vision for town growth, and what specific steps would you take to prepare for a larger population?

Stanardsville is actively preparing for major growth. The Blue Ridge Meadows development will nearly double our population,* and with two of its three entrances connecting to Main Street, traffic at Main Street and Route 230 will be most affected. Increased volumes will also add pressure at Main Street and Ford Avenue. Residents are right to be concerned about road capacity. As mayor, I am working directly with the county and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to advance improvements at the Route 230/Main Street intersection, including safety upgrades, turning movement fixes, and pedestrian protections. I am also ensuring that traffic impacts from Blue Ridge Meadows are fully incorporated into VDOT’s review and the developer’s design work. Infrastructure modernization is equally urgent. Greene County’s water and sewer system must be rebuilt for both current residents and future growth.** The town supports the County’s engineering plan, will help pursue state and federal grants, and advocates for a faster construction timeline.

Roads

Traffic management on local streets like Main Street is a key concern for voters as the surrounding area grows. What authority or tools do you believe the town government has to manage downtown traffic, and what specific improvements would you prioritize?

Traffic is a major concern as Stanardsville and the surrounding area grow. The town does not own or control any of our roads — they all belong to VDOT — so our most effective tools are strong partnerships with VDOT and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. These relationships deliver real results. At the town’s request, VDOT recently approved restricting tractor-trailers (40+ feet) to a left turn only from Madison Road onto Main Street, reducing unsafe turning movements and limiting heavy truck traffic downtown. Signs will be installed in the coming months. To address speeding, the Sheriff’s Office provides temporary radar-assisted speed indicator signs, allowing targeted placement where visual reminders are most needed, and conducts regular speed enforcement operations on Main Street and routes into town. We are also working with VDOT to improve lighting and pedestrian crosswalk alerts at key crossings. For a small town, relationships are everything — and I will continue strengthening them.

Downtown and small business

Stanardsville has invested significantly in downtown revitalization, from sidewalk upgrades to the Farmers Market pavilion. What’s your vision for downtown Stanardsville, and what would you push for to support new and existing businesses there?

My vision for downtown Stanardsville is a walkable, vibrant Main Street with active storefronts, mixed-use buildings, and a strong small business ecosystem. The town has already taken meaningful steps: our Transient Occupancy Tax* and Food & Beverage Tax** allow businesses to keep 1% more when they file on time, directly benefiting local operators. Looking ahead, I will push to establish a formal business district and Main Street revitalization zone, update zoning to encourage mixed-use redevelopment (commercial first floor, office/residential above), and pursue grants that help property owners convert former commercial spaces — now residential — back into productive business uses. The William Mills House Renovation and Repurposing Project* is central to this strategy, creating new commercial space, business incubators, and a cultural anchor that strengthens downtown economic vitality. Stanardsville’s future depends on a strong Main Street, and I’m committed to delivering it.

Are there any other pressing issues facing the Town of Stanardsville that you would like voters to know about?

Stanardsville faces two major challenges. First: keeping your green in Greene. The town does not charge a personal property tax and relies heavily on the bank franchise tax, which is paid to the locality where your signature card was signed.* Encouraging residents to open accounts at the Stanardsville branch of United Bank, or any bank in Greene County, directly strengthens the Town’s finances without raising taxes. Second: Stanardsville depends on volunteers. Aside from one part time clerk, every service — fire and rescue, emergency response, town cleanup, events, decorating, flags, and more — is powered by volunteers.** Participation has declined in recent years, and rebuilding a strong volunteer base is essential. We have something special here, but preserving it requires residents to step forward with their time, talent, passion, and knowledge. I want voters to understand how vital these commitments are. There are many public boards with vacant seats waiting for people who care.