Danville Register & Bee
Published: May 4, 2008

Danville voters will go to the polls Tuesday to elect five new City Council members.

Mayor Sherman Saunders and Councilman T. David Luther are running for re-election. Councilmen Pete Castiglione, John Hamlin and Stokes Daniels decided not to run.

The Rev. Cecil Bridgeforth is a pastor and Danville Public School teacher. He wants council to tackle neglected issues that he refers to as the “big high.” He considers the high as high unemployment, sexually transmitted diseases, crime, utility rates, drop-out rates and high fees put on residents of Danville. Bridgeforth also cited as issues of concern a high illiteracy rate and a serious drug problem.

“My heart bleeds for the city,” he said.

Elder Larry Campbell is co-assistant pastor of Bibleway Worldwide Cathedral. He wants to bring common sense from the citizens of Danville to council.

“I will be the bridge to bringing various groups together to achieve a common goal,” he said.

Luther works in the broadcast industry. He wants another term on City Council to move the city forward.

“There is a lot of good work in progress that needs to be completed,” Luther said.

Albert “Buddy” Rawley is director of development at Danville Community College. He served on council from 2002-04 and is active in numerous civic groups. Rawley wants to make Danville a better place.

“ I love Danville, simple as that. I have lived in Danville most of my life,” Rawley said. “I have always worked in the community to make it a great place to live. I am absolutely committed to being a part of Danville’s emergence as a vital growing city.”

Challenger David Robertson is a mail carrier in the city. He wants to give something back to the community.

“I want to “step up to the plate” and start working to continue the progress that has already begun and help lead Danville and our citizens into what I believe will be a bright and successful future,” he said.

Saunders is director of Pittsylvania County Community Action. He wants to see more done to reduce crime and get people ready for new jobs coming to the area.

Fred Shanks, a surveyor and member of the Danville Planning Commission, says he’s running because he has a vested interest in the community. He’s served on the planning commission for 12 years and believes no one on council would have a “historical perspective” on zoning and land use issues.