VINTON–Councilman Wes Nance has formally resigned from Vinton Town Council as of July 2, 2015. Council will be accepting “Letters of Interest” through July 20 and is required to choose his successor by August 15 according to the town charter. The charter requires council to fill the vacancy within 45 days.
Nance has served on Vinton’s council since 2008. He has been especially visible as a member of the Finance Committee in recent years with an eye on the wise use of taxpayer money. His term was to expire on June 30, 2016. The person appointed to fill his spot on council will need to run in the spring elections to retain the seat after that date.
The Letter of Interest asks two questions: “Why are you interested in serving on Town Council?” and “What qualities do you believe you would bring to Town Council?”
In addition to a Letter of Interest, a State Board of Election Certificate of Candidate Qualification form must be completed. The form is available online at www.vintonva.gov/ or in the office of the Town Clerk at the Municipal Building on Pollard Street.
In general the brief form certifies that the candidate is 18 years old, an American citizen, has lived in the state of Virginia for one year, and currently resides in and is a registered voter in Vinton.
Nance is the Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney in neighboring Bedford County. Increasing demands from his job necessitated the move. The date of his departure from Vinton Town Council was dependent upon the sale of his home and the purchase of one in Bedford County. His original plan was to remain on council through the month of July. Town council members must reside in the Town of Vinton.
In a message to town council Nance stated that, “I have been blessed to work with you, consider your insight, learn from you, and to call each of you friend. Thank you all for your devotion of time and love to this town. Thank you for the role you play in this blessed community’s present and future.”
“Wes has truly been a great asset for our council,” said Mayor Brad Grose. “He will be nearly impossible to replace.”
Nance grew up in Vinton and went on to graduate from the University of Virginia and then the Wake Forest School of Law. He served as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Roanoke City from 1997 through 2001 when he assumed his current position for Bedford County.
He served the Vinton community on the Board of Zoning Appeals before being elected to town council.
More information for those interested in filling the vacancy on Vinton Town Council is available from Susan Johnson, Vinton Town Clerk at 540-983-0607.
