MIDDLEBURG RESIDENTS will have some choices to make May 4, as 5 candidates vie for three open seats on the Town Council. Incumbents Helen Hyre and Eura Lewis are seeking reelection for another four-year term, and they will be up against Trowbridge Littleton, Bundles Murdock and Lisa Patterson. Current Mayor, Tim Dimos is running un-opposed.

The candidate turnout for this year's election can be attributed to the rise in interest in the water, sewer and growth issues that the town is dealing with.

Along with the incumbents, Helen Hyre and Eura Lewis, Trowbridge Littleton has previous town council experience, Bundles Murdock sits on the current Planning Commission and Lisa Patterson is a newcomer to town politics.

The Middleburg Eccentric would like to introduce all the candidates to you and remind the voters to make a difference by voting for your choice on May 4th.

Helen Hyre, Re-election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?

I am a native of Middleburg and I would like to help preserve this historical town. I have previous experience on the town council.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?

The water and sewage project. It would mean a lot to me to see this project completed.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.

I was born and raised in Middleburg. Served on the town council for 8 years, planning commission for two years and the Board of Zoning Appeal for two years. I am a certified medical assistant and work on private cases.

Eura H. Lewis, Re-election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?

I stand out among other candidates because I have eight years of experience serving Middleburg as an elected official. Throughout this time, I have exhibited dedication to my role on the Town Council and to its citizen by staying abreast on issues that affect them.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?

Recently, Middleburg has been receiving more and more attention from commercial businesses. One of the more important issues that need to be addressed is finding a way to manage growth and to keep our small town's unique character. Our water system must be upgraded so that Middleburg can be a town that continues to have sufficient drinking water.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.

I am a retired teacher, married to the late Trustee Carl Lewis. I have two daughters, a son-in-law and three grandchildren. I graduated from St. Paul's College. I continue my education by taking courses at George Mason University, University of Virginia, James Madison University, Virginia State University and the University of Shenandoah. My current appointments include, Chair of Public Safety Committee, Historic District Review Committee, Pink Box Docent, the Founder of the Windy Hill Family Development and Tutoring Program. I continue to serve the community in numerous capacities such as a member of the Tourism Committee, the Middleburg Community Center Board Executive Board of Directors, the Middleburg Garden Tour, Middleburg Beautification and Preservation Committee, Keep Loudoun Beautiful, Middleburg Library Advisory Board, Bluemont Concert, Christmas in Middleburg and the Windy Hill Advisory Board. I am also a member of the Fauquier County Retired Teacher's Association.

Awards include: Teacher of the Year, Fauquier County Public Schools, and Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Middleburg Community Center.

I am also a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Rectortown, Virginia, Baptist General State Convention of Virginia, and the Former President of the Division of Women AREA D. Lastly, some of my interests include traveling and reading. Serving the community in various areas has helped me gather a better understanding of the Middleburg Community at large and it reaffirms my commitment to "Making a Difference in the Town" of Middleburg.

Trowbridge Littleton, Election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?

1. 20 years on council!
2. Assisted in completing water/sewer projects on time and under budget!
3. Innovative ideas with traditional values!
4. Life time resident with knowledge of history and traditions!
5. Ability to understand the ramifications and frustrations of council's thoughts and decisions!

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?

Middleburg is facing major infrastructure and growth decisions which will have an effect on the town for years to come. The new town council must take into consideration the effects these decisions will make on the tax rates, water and sewer rates and the overall growth of our town. Without proper financial and construction management the residents and the commercial districts could have to pay taxes and fees which could be devastating to their survival. We are facing growth issues which need an extreme amount of cooperation and patience so it will be a positive to all. The Middleburg Town Council needs to be more innovative to solve these problems, while keeping its historical heritage we all love.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.

1. Maintaining Middleburg's wonderful character
2. Life long area resident
3. 20 years on Middleburg Town Council
4. Served on community boards, (church, school, social clubs)
5. Sports: fishing, golf
6. Commercial helicopter and fix wing pilot
7. Local builder for 30 years
8. Enjoy giving older buildings new life while maintaining their historical character.

Bundles Murdock, Election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?

Experience. I am currently serving on the town's Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission. I am the 4th generation of my family to live in the town.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?

Commercial Development. Middleburg must not become a "nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there". I will fight for the residents of the town in the face of mounting development pressure.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.

I have been involved in community service all my life. After years working and traveling the world for the U.S. Department of State, I recognize our little town as a treasure and a special place to live. I want to keep it that way.

Lisa Patterson, Election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?

Middleburg needs new water infrastructure, and, as a Civil Engineer with a Masters of Science in Water Resources Engineering and Management, I am uniquely qualified to represent our village as we analyze our problems and plan our solutions.

We all want this unique Village to continue to be a beautiful, secure and successful community. Because my personal history is so closely tied to Middleburg, and because I derived so much value from the wonderful years I spent growing up here, I want to return the investment that was made in me by serving on the Town Council.

If you give me your confidence and your vote, I will work hard and responsively to represent you well.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?

We must solve our water and sewage problems in a carefully staged and sensible way. My engineering background in water resources management uniquely qualifies me to help address these concerns. I will work to keep taxes and water and sewer charges low as we improve these critical systems.

We need to create an environment that supports our local businesses. The commercial district provides approximately 65% of the town's taxes and this tax base is critical to the viability of the town. By ensuring the success of our local business sector, we will ensure the health and well being of the entire community.

We are all worried about growth, traffic, and education. If you let me represent you in these Town Council discussions, I shall listen carefully to your ideas and concerns before I support any conclusion.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.

Twenty-two years ago when my family moved to Middleburg, I was only ten years old. Growing up here provided me with a wonderful education, a respect for history and tradition and a clear sense of one's responsibility to give back to the community. I attended Hill School, Foxcroft School, and Bucknell University. After my marriage in the summer of 2000, I moved to southwest Germany for two years where I earned my Masters Degree from Stuttgart University. My husband, Tom, and I returned home last year from Germany and have purchased a house in Middleburg. We are expecting our first child in September. We feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to raise our child in the same wonderful community where I was raised, and I want to do my part to make certain we perpetuate the traditions we enjoy here.

My commitment to the future of the Village is unparalleled. You may count on me to listen carefully to your hopes, fears, frustrations and ideas, and to make certain your position is heard as we decide how to shape Middleburg's future. Please email me with your concerns and ideas at skyp8nter@aol.com. I look forward to your suggestions.

Tim Dimos, Mayorial Office

Why are you the best candidate?

Well, as far as I know, I am the only candidate.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?

We are looking at Five to Six Million Dollars in required water and waste water capital improvements in the next five years to serve our 425 existing customers and the new growth anticipated by our 2000 Comprenhensive Plan. Because that planned growth is modest (approximately 6 new residential customers each year - and virtually no new business customers) the cost burden of the capital improvements necessarily falls almost exclusively on the existing customer base. That in turn means increases of 50% or more in a rate schedule that is already one of the highest in the state. The good news is that the development of Salamander Inn at our doorstep presents a unique opportunity to defray those costs over a wider base and thereby lessen the burden to existing customers. It is an opportunity that demands our attention.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.

I grew up in Middleburg, attended Hill School, then Deerfield Academy and University of Virginia (BA 1966; LLB 1969). Page and I moved back to town in 1980. I am a lawyer and, since 1993, have been practicing from my office in town.