[Sly Fox]

Liberty voters may be force in local elections

By Alicia Petska
Published: November 8, 2008

Newly registered Liberty University students turned out in force Election Day, tipping the city’s electoral scales and triggering speculation about the influence this nascent voting bloc may wield in the future.

With the state looking toward the governor’s race in 2009 and three at-large City Council seats up for grabs in 2010, some are now wondering: Is the LU factor here to stay?

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[Sly Fox]

LU students, for good or for bad?

By Darrell Laurant
Published: November 12, 2008

“Democracy used to be a good thing,” former North Carolina Senator Jessie Helms once declared, “but lately it has gotten into the wrong hands.”

I keep that statement in my toolbox of quotes, and it’s so telling that I can’t resist dragging it out every now and then.

The concern in some circles over 4,000-plus newly registered Liberty University voters is one of those times.

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[Hold My Own]

Not going to lie...after Obama won I cant tell you how many times I've heard "finally we get one of us in there!"


I think after this next election I'll know how they feel by getting a pro-liberty person in council and finally "we'll have one of us in there"


Things have gotten better through the years and the arrogance and belief that LU has very little to do with the growth of the city is finally starting to fade...finally


but we need one of our's in there fighting for us from the inside

[Iwasneverhere]

Not going to lie...after Obama won I cant tell you how many times I've heard "finally we get one of us in there!"

Or that we are racist for not voting for him and being against his policies. Got that one today.

[Fumblerooskies]

There is already "one of us" on council in the district most of the students vote in.

[jimflamesfan]

I believe that Penn State basically controls local elections in State College, PA.

I think this will be a good thing for LU.

[JMUDukes]

James Madison U basically got our entire city council elected (all Democrats) and any other local official (all Democrats as far as I know). and we probably gave Obama a nice boost.

[thepostman]

James Madison U basically got our entire city council elected (all Democrats) and any other local official (all Democrats as far as I know). and we probably gave Obama a nice boost.

that is why I don't understand the "controversy" here...I am pretty sure this is the same kind of thing that happens in a lot of college towns across america...it just almost always goes the other way

[rogers3]

There are a couple of at large council seats, but

1. I really don't believe LU students give a rip about local elections

2. As someone mentioned, Jeff Helgeson (former LUer, and wrestler, at that) holds the seat in LU's district

3. Not all at-large councilors are purposely countering LU's growth

4. Council elections are held in May, after school is out. I really doubt that students remaining in the Burg will have the numbers or the interest it takes to make a difference.

5. Most of the negative press about the student vote is baseless, but it sure does appeal to the "anti-LU wacko minority."

[JDUB]

there is a lot that goes on that most people dont realize where if we had more people in council we could get stuff done faster.
we need more power locally, if for nothing else than to get rid of the tree huggers because they are costing us money and preventing or hindering several projects

[blindpilot]

Three at large seats will be decided on May 4, 2010. The last day of school is May 14, 2010.

[JDUB]

LU students will get out to vote because there will be a huge push for it by the school. Local stuff has a huge effect on the school, and with all the kids already registered to vote it won't be difficult to get them to do it. The school just has to get them excited about voting for it, which shouldn't be too difficult

[Hold My Own]

there is a lot that goes on that most people dont realize where if we had more people in council we could get stuff done faster.
we need more power locally, if for nothing else than to get rid of the tree huggers because they are costing us money and preventing or hindering several projects

Without a doubt...thats essentially what I was trying to convey

[rogers3]

I'm all for balance. Jesus might well have been a treehugger; after all, wasn't God the One that charged humanity with being good stewards over Creation? I'm not going to debate the environmental issue here, but if you are in the know, you would be able to count any number of projects that were started without going through the permit process that any person or business in the city is required to follow. Balance is a two way street and these days, the Administration seems to pay much greater attention to such guidelines and thus, the school seems to have a much easier time getting things done. Local businesses have, at times, been adversely affected in their dealings with the school; for years, local businesses wouldn't extend credit to the school. When I first started working with the school (late 80's) I'd have people asking me why I did business with the school and how I get paid; these questions are rarely asked now.

As a LU grad with family on faculty, a local business owner, and a city resident, I DON'T want to see a city council dominated by Liberty representatives. The last election changed the face of council more than it has changed in a long time, and the change was a good one for those concerned about fiscal responsibility and business/economic growth. There are plenty of good, conservative locals who have a lot of their life invested here- and recognize the value of LU- to fill the at-large seat that really needs to be changed. I would wager on that seat changing at the next election, even without LU votes.

[Hold My Own]

Would you say the treatment towards LU has been fair thus far?

[rogers3]

Three at large seats will be decided on May 4, 2010. The last day of school is May 14, 2010.

Only one of those councilors could be looked at as one who has consistently been at odds with LU.

If LU wants to see a real change on the Council, they would need to move several thousand students into Ward I. That being said, a candidate that was seen as simply a water-boy for LU wouldn't stand a chance in any Ward or for any at-large seat.

[Hold My Own]

I didnt quote you but my question was for you Rogers3

[rogers3]

Would you say the treatment towards LU has been fair thus far?

For the last two years, I would say that we've been treated fairly. This is partially due to adding a moderate/conservative (Garrett) to council. I think that it is also related to the difference in the personalities of the Administration- particularly Jerry Jr.'s influence. After Rachel Flynn left, and Jr. became visibly involved, the relations between LU and the city have gotten better. If you asked me that 5-10 years ago, I'd answer a firm NO. I would also point out that back then, there was a certain attitude displayed by the Administration had that could have been translated as "up yours."
The "City versus LU" issues receiving the the most press in the last five years were more related to personal holdings of Falwell family members, and had little to do with the school.

[Hold My Own]

Ok...I'll give you that things have gotten better in the last 2 years...but when you improve on nothing it's still not much of an improvement. 10 years ago on a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give the CC a 1....today I'd give them a 4 maybe 5....but when Liberty is the life blood and future of this city it needs to be in the 8-10 range.....LU does not "run the city" nor do I think LU wants to have that type of authority on the CC...but it needs to get to a point where the CC says "Hey guys we've noticed a problem here with a potential solution, can we take a look at it" rather than LU having to beg and then go public with the problem.


again, things have gotten better...but I think there is still room for great improvement.

[Hold My Own]

I'd answer a firm NO. I would also point out that back then, there was a certain attitude displayed by the Administration had that could have been translated as "up yours."

I can agree with that...but at the same time you have to understand how personal you must take it when you are told (through actions) that your ministry really has had little to no effect on the city. Doc has had mountains to climb (and claim) and the one place you would think you could seek refuge is your own city (that you know you've helped) but you get opposition there to....sometimes even more so.



and that translation you used IMO is what made LU what it is today. OK...you wont build this for us...that's fine, we'll name it after us...or like when LU was told they couldnt cut the trees down and JJ knew the law and Doc's response (I believe it was in church) was in fact we can and because we can we'll timber the whole mountain...of course he didnt but it's just the point that you cant push them around simply because it's a Christian school

[rogers3]

Ok...I'll give you that things have gotten better in the last 2 years...but when you improve on nothing it's still not much of an improvement. 10 years ago on a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give the CC a 1....today I'd give them a 4 maybe 5....but when Liberty is the life blood and future of this city it needs to be in the 8-10 range.....LU does not "run the city" nor do I think LU wants to have that type of authority on the CC...but it needs to get to a point where the CC says "Hey guys we've noticed a problem here with a potential solution, can we take a look at it" rather than LU having to beg and then go public with the problem.

I'd say 6-7 for the last two years. I'd like to know more about things that LU has had to pursure beyond the normal channels; I haven't really heard of one recently. The city voted unanimously on the rezoning to allow the retail center across from the airport (which really surprised me!). No real city issues with the CUP, again, a surprise. DEQ had a problem with watershed issues, since resolved, but no relation to the city.
The only thing I see as a potential issue is the tunnel/Wards Rd. project. I'm not sure what the school or the city is expecting, but when the North Grounds Connector was built from JPJ to US 29, UVa picked up the total cost of the project, with little to no state funds. Liberty has been made to pay for certain traffic improvements (i.e. ramps) in the past, and if we are truly going to build tunnels under NS, this will probably be the next LU-City battle.
By the way, I don't count anything we do that goes against our CUP as a valid argument for poor treatment by the city.

[Hold My Own]

I'll agree to that...however on that scale I think the last 2 years of docs life (4 years ago) they were a 3 or 4. Meaning there were improvements made but there was still plenty of butting of heads.


Let's not make the mistake though of only judging the agreements/disagreements to what we read in the paper....1/100 of the conversations and details make the paper...so it's really how that working relationship is going between a few at LU and the CC and Payne



Your ramps comment is exactly what I was thinking when I wrote that...what did Doc say at the time? Something like we're the only something something something University or 501c3 that has been made to do that themselves? This was a long time ago and I had young ears so I really dont remember, but I remember it being a big deal that we had to do it.


And that wasnt the only thing...

[rogers3]

...and that translation you used IMO is what made LU what it is today. OK...you wont build this for us...that's fine, we'll name it after us...or like when LU was told they couldnt cut the trees down and JJ knew the law and Doc's response (I believe it was in church) was in fact we can and because we can we'll timber the whole mountain...of course he didnt but it's just the point that you cant push them around simply because it's a Christian school

I have seen that animosity for years and never get used to it. It is more common than you think- lifers in Harrisonburg are quick to point out that JMU has destroyed Harrisonburg. STUPIDITY! I think it is more of a vocal minority. I know plenty of old Blue-bloods who hate Liberty, but DO recognize the positive impact it has on the city. When someone questions me as to the positive impact of the school, I can simply point to my business... and the large list of businesses that have grown around Cnadler's Mtn.

As to your second point, I would have cringed if I heard that response from the pulpit. The right of the landowner is obvious, but such responses only lead to escalated tensions; it is up to us to respond in such a way that we don't provoke increased tensions. I would bet that a response affirming the right to cut down timber freely could be communicated in a disarming manner. In fact, if LU had a plan for their timbering activities and knew that they would be developing such an incredible trail system that is available for public use, an announcement of both together would have been a real positive for any city resident hearing the news. I talk up amenities such as the trail system as my little part to help other locals realize that Lynchburg has a much greater resource than "just" a Christian university that is creating jobs- after all, it's my best after work trail running spot.

[Hold My Own]

Also, I dont want to sound like the CC has done great things and been Obamalike for every other business or project in the city but only objected to LU



Our CC has had problems seeing the light in many areas...one project (not LU related) we worked on for 10 years before it finally became a reality...

[JDUB]

there is a ton of stuff we haven't been able to do because of the city. we don't go whining to the news everytime the city acts retarded, but there is a lot going on at LU that not many know about until it is officially announced. one good example of a project that was canceled or postponed b/c the city is the hydaway lake expansion. another is east dorms. we ran into so many problems with the city that we weren't able to build any for this semester and now have kids in the lynchburg inn.