Middleburg residents will have some choices to make May 2, as six candidates vie for four open seats on the Town Council. Incumbents Darlene Kirk and Mark Snyder are seeking re-election for another four-year term, and they will be up against Frederick "Fritz" Hutchinson, Lisa Hubbard Patterson, Judith Pryor Plescow and Karen "Candy" Robinson. Current council member Betsy Davis is running unopposed for Mayor.

Along with the incumbents, Fritz Hutchinson has previous Town Council experience, Lisa Patterson sits on the current Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, Judith Plescow and Candy Robinson are newcomers 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 2nd.

Frederick "Fritz" Hutchinson
Election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?
I will not say I am the best candidate for council, but with six years on the Planning Commission and two years served on Town Council I believe that I can effectively serve in the best interest of the citizens of Middleburg.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?
Infrastructure overall, Over development, Traffic congestion

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.
1. Education: B.S. Univ of Maryland, Graduate School Va. Tech, MEd American University.
2. Lived in Middleburg 15 years. Married, 3 Children, 6 Grandchildren.
3. Community Services: 3 years on Library Board (Middleburg). 17 years on Christmas Parade Committee. Past Commander American Legion Post 295. Church Trustee. 4 years on Pink Box Committee
4. Interests and hobbies: Golf, hunting, photography, camping, (most all outdoor activities)

C. Darlene Kirk
Re-Election to town Council

Why are you the best candidate?
I have lived in Middleburg all my life, as has most of my family. I love this town and the people and am committed to preserving the way of life we all cherish. It is an honor to serve the town.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?
We must continue to work with Salamander and iron out all the details, such as their entrance, the homes they can build on the property, open space/permanent easement of the majority of the property, reimbursing the town for costs associated with the development, etc. We must update our ordinances and comprehensive plan to accommodate an inn of that size and scope but protect the town from being overshadowed by large projects The town needs to look at its budget and start saving money for other improvements we need to make to our aging water/sewer system and on town buildings. We need to save money to finance them so we don't have to borrow the money and burden our citizens. We need to find ways to be competitive in the personnel market with other towns, counties, etc. to keep our outstanding employees.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.
I have worked for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the press and public affairs office. I graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg with a B.S. in Elementary Education. My mother, Betty S. Kirk, was on the Town Council before me and wanted to finish her term (20+ years) and then retire. Unfortunately she passed away before she could do so and I asked Mayor Dimos if I could finish out her term for her. The Council was gracious enough to vote me in. The town then voted me on Council four years ago as a write-in.

I live in the Ridgeview subdivision of town in the house my parents bought 50 years ago with my grandfather Maxwell McCormick who works at Hill School.

Lisa Hubbard Patterson
Election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?
I want to make a serious and significant contribution to Middleburg's future. You have my assurance that I will represent you with integrity and commitment. As a long-time resident, civil engineer, parent, and business owner I have much to offer the community. I wish to continue to work with residents, schools and businesses to keep Middleburg unique, thriving and prosperous.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?
Growth and development are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg. Many negatives come with growth: traffic, congestion and loss of open space are just a few. With well-planned development the town can gain a greater tax base, more businesses, and better services. Loudoun has seen explosive development in the past decade. Additional development in Middleburg that provides little or no benefit to its residents is a waste of space that we can't afford. Middleburg's Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinances need to be reviewed and updated to ensure they meet the town's current needs and future goals.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.
For over 23 years I have lived in and around Middleburg. I attended Hill School, Foxcroft School, Bucknell University (BS Civil Engineering) and The University of Stuttgart, Germany (MS Water Resources Engineering). As a professional engineer, I have a unique sense of the history of this beautiful area, and an educated understanding of the many near- and longterm issues facing our Village. Upon our return from Germany my husband, Tom, and I settled back in Middleburg. After the birth of our daughter, Remy, I opened a small restaurant, Mello Out, in Middleburg. I presently serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Middleburg Planning Commission. I am also an active participant on the Main Street Middleburg Committee.

Judith Pryor Plescow
Election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?
Eight years ago my husband, Stephen, accepted a position in Northern Virginia. As a native of Charlottesville I wanted to live somewhere that had the small town, Virginia feel that I grew up with. Middleburg was the perfect location. I watched Charlottesville change from a small town to an ever changing, growing, congested city. I have watched the demands placed on Middleburg and see several parallels. I feel that I can use my experience as a real estate agent combined with my appreciation of small town Virginia to preserve the charm that is Middleburg while supporting intelligent growth that is necessary to keeping Middleburg thriving.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?
We need to provide an environment where intelligent, considered growth is supported so that the local business community can continue to sustain itself while controlling growth so that Middleburg can retain it sense of community. Local business owners are running into rents that are going sky high and forcing small business owners out while only those with deep pockets can afford to keep their businesses going. Middleburg has always supported its local businesses and we need to work together to continue that tradition. Changes need to be made to protect the small business owner that makes Middleburg a real village and not a designer village.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.
I was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia. Spent a little time in McLean, VA and Orlando, FL. I attended VCU but left shortly before graduation (not one of my better decisions!) I've been married to Stephen for 17 years. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats and a horse that I dearly love and spoil just a bit too much. I have worked for Long & Foster for 8 years. I often refer to my move to Middleburg as a reward.

Karen D. Robinson
Election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?
I think that I am the best candidate because I want to be able to be a voice for the people of this town and let them know that as a Council Member that I am here for them.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?
Development is my major concern because when development takes place it can disturb the beauty that is in a town like Middleburg and I would hate to see that happen.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.
I am a 45 year old native of Middleburg. I have two sons. My parents moved to Middleburg in 1937 and my father still resides here. All of my siblings (11) were born and raised here. I enjoy bowling and spending time with my family.

Mark T. Snyder
Re-Election to Town Council

Why are you the best candidate?
I don't know about "best," but I have been involved with the Town for 10-12 years, so I do have a lot of experience. I also understand the underpinnings of the legal relationship between Virginia and municipalities, which determines what we as a council can do. I am detail oriented and try to analyze issues as thoroughly as possible to find the best outcomes for Middleburg. Finally, I try hard to listen to people and learn from what they tell me; what they want in Middleburg.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?
We are set to address the traffic impacts from the Salamander Inn development on things like pedestrian safety and other traffic-oriented impacts. We need to do a good job to make sure visitors continue to be able to visit, and that business people and residents can make it around Town.

I would also like to continue to improve our water infrastructure, our long-term finances and control growth so that we keep our small-town charm and way of life.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.
I have served two terms on council (eight years), about ten years on the planning commission (two years appointed by council, then eight as the council representative) and 2-3 years on the board of zoning appeals. I have lived in Middleburg for about 22 years and I work at Northrop Grumman.

Betsy Allen Davis
Election to Office of Mayor

Why are you the best candidate?
I have been a member of the Town Council for 8 years and I feel that I have shown my commitment and dedication to my town. I take my position on Council with seriousness and respect... I care so much about our town and it's future and I would like to be able to finish some of the projects that we have started.

What are the most pressing issues facing Middleburg?
Continuing to keep our town strong and vibrant for our businesses and our citizens.

Protecting what we have within and around our town ...beauty, history, horses, great shopping and dining, peacefulness and a wonderful quiet "way of life"!

Keeping a strong and healthy budget with fair and competitive wages for our employees.

Tell us about yourself, background, interests, etc.
I'm 53 years old and I've lived in Middleburg all of my life. My family, Nancy & Howard Allen (my parents) and Page Allen (my sister) and I own The Fun Shop which is celebrating its 50th year in business this year. I am a lifetime member of the Middleburg Vol. Fire & Rescue. I just finished 4 years as a Board Member of the Middleburg Community Center and I am on the Alumni Board of The Hill School. I love tennis and golf. I have a wonderful husband, Mark, who works for the Leesburg Police Dept. and three loving daughters.... Brooke Costin, Liza Costin Taub and Lauren Davis...they are my true loves! And I have a dear granddaughter, Emma Taub (age 20 mos.) who is precious (of course!)