By Debbie Adams
Vinton Mayor Brad Grose announced at the Vinton Town Council meeting on February 18 that he will be running for re-election in the May 5 election.
“I am very thankful for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon the Town of Vinton these past several years,” said Grose. “I am also grateful to the Lord and the citizens of Vinton for allowing me to serve as mayor during this exciting time. I want to thank my family for their love and support and understanding while I have served as a council member and mayor. I could not have served without all of them.
“It has certainly been an honor to be part of a great team during a tremendous time of growth and progress in the Town of Vinton,” Grose said. “Much has been accomplished in our town and many more great advancements are in the near future. I believe my experience will be an asset to the Town of Vinton as we face the opportunities and challenges of the next few years.
“Therefore, I am running for re-election as mayor in the upcoming election,” he said. “I ask for your support, your prayers, and your vote on May 5.”
Grose was first elected to serve on Town Council in 2000. He was 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. He is a United States Army veteran having served from 1966 to 1968. He was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam era. He achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5 and worked as an electrical technician and in tech/supply.
Grose serves on numerous local and regional boards, commissions, and committees, including the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission where he serves as chairman 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 and a familiar face at countless community events and a fervent supporter of veterans.
He and his wife Debby have been married for 41 years and have two daughters.