On May 6, 2008, Betsy Davis runs unopposed for her second term as Mayor of Middleburg, while four candidates, current council members Trowbridge Littleton and Catherine ("Bundles") Murdock compete with Sara E. ("Sally") Bolton and Kathy Jo Shea for just three open seats on Town Council.

Under normal circumstances the duties of Middleburg's Mayor are more like those of the U.S. Vice President than those of a Chief Executive. Though her signature is required on key legislative and financial documents, the Mayor's duties are mostly limited to presiding over meetings of Council, setting a direction and "tone" for her administration, and formally representing Middleburg on ceremonial occasions.

Like the U.S. Vice President, the Mayor's vote also breaks ties. Indeed, the only time the Mayor votes is when Council is otherwise evenly divided.

The Mayor and new members of Council will be called on to make key decisions in the year ahead: on zoning and land use; taxes and fees; the transformation and management of the town's infrastructure, and a host of related issues critical to both the future of the town and its special ambience.

During the week of April 14, the Eccentric asked each of the candidates for voting seats on the Town Council to answer six questions about themselves, the Town, and its future. Their answers follow.