On May 3, Vinton residents will vote to fill two seats on town council and also the office of mayor. Three candidates are vying for the town council positions–Doug Adams, Keith Liles, and Janet Scheid. Mayor Brad Grose is running unopposed. All four are profiled here and have answered a set of questions posed by the Vinton Messenger.
Candidate Doug Adams
Doug Adams is running to keep his seat on town council. He was first elected in 2012.
Adams grew up nearby in Roanoke and moved to Vinton in 1971 when he married his wife Brenda. He retired last year after 43 years with Dayco, an automotive parts manufacturer, having worked as their regional sales supervisor. In his position he supervised multi-million dollar national and local accounts and managed sales and service personnel.
Adams has served on the Vinton First Aid Crew since 1972 in many positions including president.
He is the co-founder of the Vinton Needy Family Program which for many years has raised funds for, purchased, and delivered Christmas gifts and a holiday meal to disadvantaged children in the Vinton area.
Through the years, Adams has served the community on numerous boards and commissions, involving not only emergency services, but planning, zoning, and transportation in both Vinton and Roanoke County, including the Highway Safety Committee and the Roanoke Valley Regional Transportation Planning Organization. He also represents Vinton on the Roanoke Valley Regional RVTV-3 Committee.
Adams is an active member of the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club where he has also served as president.
He and his wife have two children who attended Vinton public schools and four grandchildren.
Answers from Doug Adams:
1. As you have talked with citizens in Vinton while campaigning for town council, what are the major issues and concerns they have shared with you and how would you resolve those issues?
One issue that citizens have talked about most is having a good “sit-down” restaurant in Vinton—something different. There is work going on in the background which will be made public shortly.
The other frequently mentioned concern is the sign ordinances. Some businesses say it is hard for them to get signs put up where they need them. There is a fine line to walk; we don’t want the town to be ugly with flashy signs, but we need to review the existing ordinances to see if changes can be made. This topic has been under discussion by council.
2. Why did you choose to live in Vinton?
My wife Brenda brought me to Vinton. I grew up behind Dairy Queen on Rt. 460 in the East Gate area. I joined the First Aid Crew when we settled in Vinton and I knew there was nowhere else I wanted to go. I could have moved many places across the country with my job over the years. I traveled a lot with my job, but I always wanted to stay in Vinton. I like the people here, the small town atmosphere, and Vinton’s proud heritage.
3. What expertise do you bring to town council—why should voters support your candidacy?
I have 45 years of Public Service experience with the First Aid Crew volunteer and career staff and with town government. I have many contacts both within the Roanoke Valley and across the state of Virginia in the Public Safety field. I also have contacts with transportation planning, serving on the Highway Safety Committee. I have served on a wide variety of other boards and commissions in Vinton, in the Roanoke Valley, and the state. I have four years of experience on town council—behind the town council bench—learning the in’s and out’s of local government. I know when to listen and when to speak, making sure that I understand the issues so that we can work to solve them with a reasonable outcome. You can’t make everyone happy every time, but we try to address the issues in the best way possible for the town’s citizens.
4. Our Vinton Police Department, in the last several years, as in many police departments around the country, has faced issues with the retention of personnel. What do you think is the cause and how would you address the problem?
The Vinton Police Department and our officers are very professional with high standards, doing a sometimes thankless job. Our department, like others, is facing the issue of retention of personnel. In the past we have lost officers due to relocations, personal lifestyle changes, offers of better pay from other jurisdictions, better pay from the private sector, or burn-out. Police officers frequently are called on to make split-second decisions which affect the lives of others and their own. Town Council is working with Human Resources to review compensation for all employees, especially the police department, which is experiencing the greatest turnover and is of high priority with our citizens. Council challenged Chief Foster to review department policies and procedures to work with officers to both improve the program and improve morale.
5. What area of Vinton do you see as having the most growth potential–being that the town is now mostly “built out”?
Downtown Vinton has a huge growth potential. We are going to see it grow when renovations are up and running with apartments at Roland E. Cook and the old William Byrd. New business facades will change the look downtown. New businesses will be coming to the downtown area and with the coming summer months and the new library I think we will see many more people coming into downtown Vinton, and the restaurants and businesses staying open later.
Candidate Keith Liles
Keith Liles is running for a seat on Vinton Town Council for the first time. He has lived in Vinton for 40 years and is a proud graduate of William Byrd High School.
He has an extensive background in customer service management and is currently employed by Allstate Insurance Company.
Liles currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Vinton Planning Commission which he says has allowed him to learn about Vinton’s infrastructure and what it takes to encourage and permit new businesses to be developed in Vinton.
He is serving his sixth year as a member of the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where he has been active as a volunteer on several committees. Serving on the board has opened up opportunities to meet both residents and business owners.
Liles is also a member of the Urban Development Areas Steering Committee for Vinton, and works on the Roanoke County Economic Development Focus Group. These groups identify opportunities that will allow partnerships with Roanoke County and other localities to better Vinton.
Liles is an active volunteer for the United Way of Roanoke Valley Community Investment Process and a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Roanoke Valley.
He enjoys spending time with his high school sweetheart, Lisa Abshire, and his extended family who also have strong ties to Vinton. In fact, his aunt, Joyce Castelli, is the founder of Deb’s Lemonade which got its start in Vinton.
Answers from Keith Liles:
1. As you have talked with citizens in Vinton while campaigning for town council, what are the major issues and concerns they have shared with you and how would you resolve those issues?
Why did we purchase and what are the plans for the Old Holden’s Store? – Now that we own the Holdern’s Store (the Old Gish’s Mill), I think we need collaborate with the new owner of the old William Byrd School to create a welcome attraction for our citizens and the new neighborhood that will be created while also enhancing the gateway into Vinton.
Vinton needs to draw in new businesses and entice business owners to come into Vinton. I believe work is needed to review some outdated ordinances to ensure we have them updated to attract new businesses to open and thrive within our community.
2. Why did you choose to live in Vinton?
I was raised in Vinton and I take great pride in the town of Vinton and all it has to offer. I’m intrigued by Vinton’s history and passionate about its future.
3. What expertise do you bring to town council—why should voters support your candidacy?
I feel I bring a fresh perspective and I want to see Vinton grow. I have experience and extensive knowledge of customer service in the corporate world and I understand the citizens are the Town’s customers. I volunteer and support the United Way and Big Brother’s Big Sister’s campaign annually. I hold active positions on the Vinton Planning Commission, the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and volunteer on Vinton’s Urban Development Areas Steering Committee, and the Roanoke County Economic Development Study Group.
4. Our Vinton Police Department, in the last several years, as in many police departments around the country, has faced issues with the retention of personnel. What do you think is the cause and how would you address the problem?
I had an opportunity to speak with Chief Foster and I believe he has great ideas to address his department’s retention.
Personally, I feel we could do a better job of creating a sense of belonging and community involvement so the town residents can get to know the police force and gain a sense of the responsibilities they face daily. Also, I believe a look into the competitive wage comparison would be beneficial to review and see what gaps exist.
5. What area of Vinton do you see as having the most growth potential–being that the town is now mostly “built out”?
I believe there are multiple areas in Vinton with growth opportunity. Hardy Road, Walnut Ave, By-Pass Road and Downtown to name a few. I feel we need to look at some zoning potential we have and see what we can expand on. I think we have some great opportunities for growth in front of us and we just need to capitalize on those.
Candidate Janet Scheid
Janet Scheid has served on town council since August 2015 when she was appointed from a field of six applicants to complete the term of Wes Nance who had resigned. His term would have ended on June 30, 2016. She is now running for election to that position.
Scheid has been a Vinton resident for 28 years. She grew up in Fairfax County, graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., and then completed her Master’s Degree in Planning at Virginia Tech.
Scheid has had a 32-year career in the public sector on both federal and local levels.
After college, she worked for nine years with the Environmental Protection Agency. In 1988 she and her husband, Bud LaRoche, moved to Roanoke. She worked as a planner for Roanoke County in the Planning, Community Development, and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism departments. In 2008, she became the county’s Greenway Planner. She retired from that position on January 1, 2011.
Scheid represents the town on the Roanoke Greenway Commission. She is a founding member of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy and has served as its president. She is a 20-year breast cancer survivor and active on the Susan G. Komen Board of Directors.
Scheid was recently appointed by the governor to a five year term on the Board of Trustees for the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
She and her husband have one son who will graduate from Old Dominion University in May with his doctoral degree in physical therapy.
Answers from Janet Scheid
1. As you have talked with citizens in Vinton while campaigning for town council, what are the major issues and concerns they have shared with you and how would you resolve those issues?
One concern is the condition of the town’s infrastructure. By that I mean sewer, water and roads. I believe the Town is “playing catch up” with our capital investments. Proper long-range planning for capital improvements has historically not been a priority for the town and it’s only recently that the town has begun to set aside monies for these needed capital improvements. There are water and sewer lines that need to be replaced and roads that need to be milled down and repaved. There is a long list of needed improvements and we can’t get to them fast enough. As a Council member with a strong background in long-range planning, I will continue to push for capital improvement budgeting so that we can get to these desperately needed improvements as quickly as possible.
I have also heard concerns raised about doing business in Vinton. I believe good, healthy economic development is crucial to the town’s proper growth, and I do believe that there are things that can be done to make it easier to do business in Vinton. One of those is updating and revising the town’s zoning ordinance. I have pushed for that to be a priority. As a planner by education and training, I understand how important it is for this ordinance to be user friendly and current.2
2.Why did you choose to live in Vinton?
My husband and I chose to live in Vinton because we fell in love with our house and property and its proximity to my husband’s office. We have chosen to stay in Vinton because we love the area and its “small town” feel. We have found the town to be a great place to live through various phases of our lives–as a young couple with no children, as parents of a child who attended the public schools here, and now as empty nesters and retirees. Vinton has a lot to offer people and for the past 28 years we have found it to be a wonderful home.
3. What experience do you bring to town council – why should voters support your candidacy?
I believe I have a wealth of experience that I bring to Town Council. I have 22 years of experience as a local government planner in Roanoke County. I have worked on economic development projects, completed long-range and strategic planning projects, written and revised zoning ordinances and worked on greenway projects.
I have cultivated strong working relationships with not only Roanoke County leadership and staff, but also with our neighboring localities of Roanoke City and Salem City. In addition, I have developed a strong working relationship with both Rep. Bob Goodlatte and Senator Tim Kaine and their staffs. My experience as a local government planner has taught me that we must not only deal with the issues of today, but it is crucial that we have the foresight to build the capacity to deal with issues 5, 10 and 15 years into the future.
4. Our Vinton Police Department, in the last several years, as in many police departments around the country, has faced issues with the retention of personnel. What do you think is the cause and how would you address the problem?
I think the simple answer to this question is pay. Our department, being a small unit, pays approximately $2,000-$4,000 dollars per year less than some of our neighboring departments. Therefore, our department sometimes tends to be a stepping-stone in an officer’s advancement. Due to budget constraints, it is difficult for the town to compete with our larger neighbors but we need to continue to make progress here. In the next year’s budget (2017) we plan to at least partially close the gap in pay between Vinton and our neighbors. There are clearly benefits for a police officer to stay with the Vinton force. In addition to a very supportive community, police officers in Vinton have take-home vehicles.
5.What area of Vinton do you see as having the most growth potential – being that the town is now mostly “built out”?
I believe the largest problem facing the town today is the need for more economic development. That can come in two forms–new development and re-development. In my opinion, Vinton is ripe with re-development opportunities. Examples of that are the Roland E. Cook and old William Byrd High School projects. Both of these residential projects will bring vitality to downtown that will lead to the demand for more stores, restaurants and places to shop. The new library is already bringing thousands of people to downtown that weren’t here before. Now we need to market the existing businesses and give these people new and exciting opportunities to eat, play and shop in downtown.
Downtown Vinton has many other re-development opportunities in empty and under-utilized stores. Updating and revising the zoning ordinance, which I have been advocating, will help with this. We can also provide incentives for growth and development through our existing programs such as the revolving loan program, the facade improvement program, and the change of use grant program. I have experience working with grants and know how these programs work.
With our planned renovation of the Farmers’ Market and stage we can attract many fun events to the downtown area and really showcase what downtown has to offer. We need to continue and expand these grant programs to reach further along our corridors – not just in downtown. For example, there are opportunities at the old library, along Washington Avenue and at the Colonial Downs building for re-development. In terms of new development there are opportunities at the Vinton Business Center on Hardy Road and other sites within the Town. There are multiple 18-20 acre sites that need to be marketed and prospective businesses courted for these sites.
Candidate Brad Grose (running unopposed for mayor)
Mayor Brad Grose is running unopposed for his position on Vinton Town Council. He was first elected to council in 2000 and was then elected Mayor in 2004 and has served in that position ever since. Before being elected to council, he served on the Vinton Planning Commission for nine years.
He is the owner and president of Dominion Electronics in Vinton.
Mayor Grose serves on numerous local and regional boards, commissions, and committees, including the Roanoke Valley-Allegheny Regional Commission Executive Board and the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He served for two terms as Chamber president.
He is a member of the Vinton Vision Committee and a board member of the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership. He received the Virginia Municipal League “Certified Local Government Official–Gold Award” in 2005. In 2006 he received a commendation from the Virginia General Assembly for Public Service.
The Mayor was a charter graduate of the Vinton Citizens Police Academy and the Advanced Citizens Police Academy. He is “Santa” in the Vinton Christmas parade. He is a familiar face at countless community events and a fervent supporter of veterans.
He and his wife Debby have been married for 37 years and have two daughters and two grandchildren.
Answers from Brad Grose:
1. As you have talked with citizens in Vinton while campaigning for town council, what are the major issues and concerns they have shared with you and how would you resolve those issues?
In general, the citizens of Vinton seemed to be pleased with the services provided by the Town of Vinton. I have gotten positive remarks about many services including trash pickup and snow removal. I did receive a few questions about the following:
Tax increase–I have received a few questions about the recent Real Estate Tax increase. I have explained that the revenue generated by this tax increase is used to employ additional full time career fire fighters. Most citizens approve of this investment in the public safety of our town.
Street paving–Unfortunately, repaving/resurfacing of streets in the traditional manner has become very expensive. Along with our neighboring localities, we are trying some alternative methods of paving. We will continue to evaluate this issue and determine which method is the best solution for our community.
2. Why did you choose to live in Vinton?
I chose to live in Vinton for several reasons. I think it is an attractive town with a convenient location. The schools and town amenities are by far the best around. However, the main reason I chose to live in Vinton is because of the wonderful people who live here. They are friendly, honest, and hardworking people who appreciate their community.
3. What expertise do you bring to town council—why should voters support your candidacy?
I feel, at this point, that I bring an incredible amount of experience to the town. I was first elected to Council in 2000, and elected as Mayor in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Prior to that I served on the Vinton Planning Commission for 9 years where I became a Certified Planning Commissioner. I have served on various boards and commissions both here in Vinton and throughout the Roanoke Valley. I have attained the Gold status for Certified Elected Officials from the Virginia Municipal League. In addition, I have been recognized by the legislature of Virginia for my contributions to the Town of Vinton.
4. Our Vinton Police Department, in the last several years, as in many police departments around the country, has faced issues with the retention of personnel. What do you think is the cause and how would you address the problem?
Nearly all police departments in the country are having retention and personnel issues. Sadly, our police officers nationwide do not receive the respect and honor they richly deserve. Unfortunately, the Vinton Police Department pay scale had fallen behind surrounding localities. The Town of Vinton’s new budget for 2016-2017 will include adjustments that should address the Police Department compensation issues.
5. What area of Vinton do you see as having the most growth potential–being that the town is now mostly “built out”?
Since the town is mostly “built out,” we must repurpose and revitalize our existing structures. In fact, we are making great strides in revitalizing our downtown area. However, our two main corridors will be major contributors to economic development in the future. Vinton Town Council has placed a renewed emphasis on economic development in all areas of our town.
