Good Friday everyone. This is a James Exchange Quick Take. I am your host Nancy Gill.
Let’s talk elections. I don’t mean Federal or State, but Scottsville. I have mentioned to my listeners on several podcasts that Scottsville was mandated by the state—did I use that word mandated? Perhaps a tad strong, but in 2021 the General Assembly voted to move all elections in all municipalities from May to November.
Section E of Virginia Code 15.2-1400
HB 2198 passed on a 55-45 vote
SB 1157 passed on a 50-44 vote
What this means is Scottsville residents you can no longer vote in Victory Hall. Recently, Scottsville Town Council passed a resolution to have November elections. which again, was required. However, they prudently maintained May elections in the Town Charter.
This brings me to this year’s General Assembly and HB 1082 reversing this section E of 15.2-1400 State Code. The House passed HB 1082 on a 54-44 vote with one abstention and one nonvoting member. Delegate Rob Bell voted in favor of May elections in 2021 and 2022.
HB 1082: Elections; time of certain local elections. Removes a provision that requires local elections for mayor, members of a local governing body, or members of an elected school board to be held at the time of the November general election. The bill allows cities and towns that made the transition between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, to provide by ordinance for its reversal.
It now goes to the Senate. Procedurally it should be heard by the Privileges and Elections Committee and then to the Senate for their vote or it could be voted down in committee. Senator Deeds sits on this committee. If you care about this issue email Senator Deeds. I emailed at 8:27 yesterday morning and had a response back from his legislative assistance at 8:35.
Another issue I am keeping track of is a 2000-acre solar farm special use proposal before the Buckingham Planning Commission. The main opposition to this project is the size, environment (the property is within a quarter mile of the James River), and the perceived fast-tracking Buckingham Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors have schedule for the vote. Both bodies will meet on February 28 for a joint meeting. My understanding is the Planning Commission will move first followed by a public hearing by the Board of Supervisors. Of note, the Supervisors’ monthly meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. I will have more on this next week.
Another issue is the two proposed housing developments in Scottsville. On Tuesday the Scottsville Town Council is slated to vote on the Upper Bird special use permit. It appears that the Blenheim Road project has been put on the back burner.
Agenda 2.22.2022
As always, I want to hear from you. If you have a story, comment, or issue you want to discuss, contact me.
I will be back next week. Until then, have a great weekend!
Here Comes the Sun