The News Observer has sent a survey containing six questions to the 13 candidates for the six City of Blue Ridge offices up for grabs in the November 2 election.
The results of that survey will be published in the September 29 issue of the newspaper.
Glenn Harbison, publisher/editor of the newspaper, said the questions came from a local citizen seeking to know more about the candidates.
“That citizen explained how she had been in Blue Ridge for several years, but not all her life. She wanted to know more about the candidates.
“She had the idea to ask all the candidates similar questions, and said she believed, like many people she knew, the newspaper was the best place to get those answers.
“We appreciated her idea, and the confidence she has in us, so we put a plan into motion,” Harbison said.
The questions were sent to every candidate for mayor and council by email Thursday morning, September 16. Candidates had until Tuesday, September 21, at 5 p.m. to respond.
Here are the questions candidates have been asked:
•Who is a leader (dead or alive) you admire and why?
•If you had the power to change one thing about the City of Blue Ridge today, what would it be? Why?
•Where does your drive and/or motivation come from?
•What are the traits you feel are most important in a city leader right now, and how do you exemplify those traits?
•What is something that causes you great stress, and how does it impact your ability to work with others? What coping skills have you mastered to overcome it?
•If you are able to impact the direction of the city in the next 2-4 years in the way you hope to, what will Blue Ridge be best known for 20 years from now?
“We believe the answers will give voters, especially those new to the community, an insight into the candidates. We appreciate our reader’s idea,” Harbison said.