Helgeson, Marshall face off at forum

By Alicia Petska

Published: April 24, 2008

City Council challenger Nat Marshall said Thursday the voters of Ward III need a representative who can build partnerships within government. Incumbent Jeff Helgeson said what they needed was someone who can stand up to a “bully.”

The two Ward III candidates faced off in a forum organized by the Windsor Hills Neighborhood Association, whose members have fought some high-profile battles against developers in recent years.

Helgeson, a one-term incumbent, touted his record of opposing high-density development, particularly when it’s located next to existing single-family neighborhoods.

Marshall noted Helgeson has been on the losing end of several 6-1 votes, though, and said someone who could build relationships with the rest of council would better serve the ward.

“I think your council member has to work with those other six council members,” he said. “If we’re always at odds, it’s going to be hard to work toward these decisions. Your representative has to be able to convince them these are the right decisions to make.”

Helgeson said the association is already making a difference by banding together to get its voice heard. He pointed to the Cornerstone development — which recently had a request for a revised layout curtailed by council — as one example of their success.

He urged them to continue aggressively advocating for their interests and said he would do the same.

“Sometimes, when you’re dealing with someone who’s a bully, just being nicer to them doesn’t stop them from being a bully,” he said. “The city government has been a bully for quite a long time. By standing up, we got some respect.

“Collaborations are not built just by rolling up, but by making sure your voices are heard and your concerns are being met and somebody is in your corner fighting for you.”

Marshall said City Council debates give way to conflict too frequently.

“So often, we see the teeth and knives come out. We’re not working together,” he said. “We need to work together … and make a positive impact on the whole city.”

More than 50 people were in attendance at Thursday’s event, which took place in a Timberlake Road church. The candidates answered questions for nearly 90 minutes.

Click here for more 2008 Lynchburg City Council elections coverage

One more forum

- The last forum in the City Council elections is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. That event, which is being organized by the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, is open to the public and will include candidates from all four wards. It’s being held in the Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall at Lynchburg College.