Snyder asks for support for Amsterdam District supervisor
As this election draws to a close, I continue to be humbled and energized by the generous support I’ve received from residents throughout the Amsterdam District — and from across Botetourt County. That encouragement has fueled my commitment to serve our community with purpose, accountability, and respect.
Throughout this campaign, I’ve had countless conversations — often right on the sidewalks, porches, and driveways of our neighbors. These moments have allowed me to truly connect with people on a personal level. I’ve met a neighbor who courageously thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail earlier this year and a federal worker navigating the challenges of the recent government shutdown. Behind each story are meaningful discussions about the kind of leadership people want — a representative with experience, compassion, and the courage to stand up for individuals and communities alike.
I also understand that while social media is one of the easiest ways to communicate today, it can just as easily spread harm and misinformation. One of the cornerstones of my campaign has been face-to-face communication — building relationships one conversation at a time so people aren’t misled by online innuendo or false pretense. Genuine dialogue and listening are the foundations of trust, and that’s how I intend to lead.
I’ve also heard concerns about the voting process — not just at the ballot box, but in how decisions are made once representatives are elected. Some worry that votes may fall along party lines or be influenced by outside interests. My position is clear: if elected, I will base every vote on what best serves the people of Amsterdam and Botetourt County as a whole, after carefully weighing the facts, listening to community input, and considering both the immediate and long-term impacts on our county’s future.
I’m proud to be on record for voting in favor of a conservation easement and for rezoning a parcel from residential to agriculture, both actions that protect our rural character and values. I’ve also pushed back against development that doesn’t reflect who we are as Botetourt citizens — people rooted in a rich agricultural heritage and proud of our small-town way of life.
The people I’ve met want a leader with backbone who can also lead with empathy. That’s the balance I’ve worked to bring to every issue — from exploring options for Orchard Lake to posing tough questions about growth, land use, and solar development. Many residents have shared that they respect my straightforward, no-nonsense approach and my willingness to listen. Those conversations have inspired me to go further — I’ve already secured two locations to hold community forums and am committed to hosting regular town hall meetings to ensure government remains open, transparent, and accessible to everyone.
As your Republican Primary winner, I remain firmly committed to conservative values — protecting taxpayers, resisting unnecessary tax increases, and finding responsible ways to reduce the financial burden on families and small businesses.
Finally, I want to close with this: in all my work, I have strived to bring not only sound judgment, but also integrity and respect for the people I serve.
In Botetourt County, we deserve leaders who restore trust, unite our community, and always put people first.
Trust means listening to you — the citizens — so that decisions reflect your values, not the interests of a select few.
Unity means bringing people together — across neighborhoods, generations, and viewpoints — to focus on what strengthens us all.
Here in Botetourt, we know that division weakens us, but trust and unity make us strong. We are at our best when we work shoulder to shoulder, leading with honesty, transparency, and respect.
I would be honored to earn your vote for Amsterdam District supervisor on Nov. 4 — or better yet, vote early!
Tim Snyder, Candidate for
Amsterdam District Supervisor
Wilson summarizes three priorities for schools
It has been my honor to serve as the Buchanan District representative on the Botetourt County School Board for the past four years. When I was sworn in, we were emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and entering budget season. It was a challenging time that offered a steep learning curve. I quickly saw the realities of school governance: great ideas for capital projects, staffing, or programs must often be weighed against limited funding and competing priorities.
As a school division that depends on state and local funding, not revenue generation, we must work carefully within those parameters. Over the past several weeks, I have shared my three main priorities — Safe Schools, Smart Spending, and Strong Futures. I’d like to summarize those here as I ask for your continued support for another term.
Safe Schools means more than physical security. While we have made progress with projects like vestibule entrances and additional cameras, it’s equally important to continue fostering trust and safety within our schools. Our partnership with the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office and our School Resource Officers helps create a safe and supportive environment. I will also continue to support anti-bullying efforts and ensure that every student feels protected both physically and mentally.
Smart Spending has always been one of my guiding principles. As a family, we are budget-conscious and I bring that same mindset to the School Board. Each year, our division must balance the needs of students and staff with the financial realities of an aging infrastructure. The upcoming update to the state’s Local Composite Index (LCI) in 2026 (which factors in property values, income, and retail sales), may reduce our state funding and place additional strain on our local budget. Careful planning and responsible spending will be critical. I remain committed to making thoughtful, student-centered financial decisions that maximize taxpayer dollars.
Strong Futures means investing in both ends of the educational spectrum from early childhood programs to workforce and technical pathways. By supporting programs at BTEC and expanding opportunities for real-world learning, we prepare students for success after graduation. At the same time, investing in early childhood education when 90% of brain development occurs helps ensure every child starts strong and stays on the path to success.
My opponent has a background in education and administration, but I believe the strength of our board lies in its diversity. We currently have board members with backgrounds in education, law enforcement, business, finance, and healthcare. We collaborate well with our team of dedicated central office administrators who bring to the table their many years of education background and experience. This range of experience ensures balanced decision making that represents all perspectives.
Unlike my opponent, I have firsthand experience at James River High School as a parent of a graduate and a current student. I understand the unique needs of our community. James River is the heart of Buchanan, and I am deeply connected to it. I’ve sat in the bleachers, cheered at parades, and watched our students thrive in this close-knit school family.
I am accessible, transparent, and committed to advocating for students, families, and our community. I will continue to speak up for the needs of the Buchanan District with a strong and positive voice.
I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4, so that I may continue serving you and working to keep Botetourt County schools safe, strong, and successful.
Jenny Wilson, Candidate for
Botetourt School Board – Buchanan District
Linda George thanks residents for support
Thank you, Amsterdam residents, for your overwhelming support! It has been an honor meeting, talking to, and getting to know so many incredible people in our community. I’ve had so many welcome surprises throughout my campaign and it has been a very moving experience. I have enjoyed every conversation that I have had on your doorsteps, in your homes, and throughout our community, because we so closely share the same thoughts about what is happening in Daleville and the county as a whole. You have shared your heartfelt feelings about the changes that have become routine in Botetourt and how the county is being transformed, right before our eyes. Every single issue that has confronted our community is a complete representation of what needs to change.
If elected as the Amsterdam supervisor on the county board, I plan to vote in ways that “Keep Botetourt Beautiful.” I will work to stop reckless overdevelopment, lower our taxes, prioritize spending on schools and infrastructure, protect our historical sites, and most importantly, listen to you and represent YOU!
As we enter the final week of our campaign, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Running for the Board of Supervisors is not just a campaign, it has been a movement born from the shared vision of everyday people determined to build a Botetourt that steps wisely into the future while preserving its heritage and way of life.
Let’s continue to pursue our shared vision for Amsterdam and Botetourt and spread the word to every voter in the Amsterdam District, so that together we can win on Nov. 4.
Linda George
Daleville
Thanks for opposing Springwood solar farm
I want to update everyone on the proposed industrial solar farm at 4752 Springwood Road, Buchanan.
On the evening of Oct. 21, I received a phone call from New Leaf Energy. The person I initially discussed the proposed plan details with wanted to inform me of their company’s intention to withdraw from the project. The meeting originally scheduled for October 23 was cancelled. They were not interested in moving forward due to the negative public opinion that had been generated in the area. Respectfully, I thanked her for the good news and, of course, was excited our efforts helped in this decision.
I want to thank the neighbors, friends and local residents who took time out of their day to support this opposition. Signing petitions and posting notices on social media took a group effort to accomplish this task, which ultimately resulted in protecting our agricultural area. We would also like to extend our gratitude to The Fincastle Herald for informing readers of this coming event and details of the public meeting that was cancelled.
We all should remain aware of local happenings and be prepared for future events that might change our way of life in harmful ways.
Marty Francis
Buchanan
Supports Bowers for Buchanan Town Council
I am writing to share my support for Shean Bowers, a candidate for the vacant Town Council seat in Buchanan.
Shean is a lifelong resident of Buchanan who is both a young father and welding teacher at Botetourt Technical Education Center. His family has been part of this community for generations, giving him a deep connection to the town and extensive roots in the community.
It is heartening to see this young person willingly step up and offer to help shape the future of Buchanan. As a father and a teacher, Shean is passionate about the next generation and how we can work to make Buchanan a place that supports them. This feels paramount to me, as we are a town that desperately needs an infusion of fresh thinking and a solutions-oriented point of view.
After speaking with Shean over the past few weeks, it is clear that he wants to find transparent and collaborative ways of working with council members that benefit the entire town. Most pressing on his mind are finding ways to reconcile budgetary issues; identifying solutions for water and sewer; protecting and utilizing our natural assets of the James River and Appalachian Trail to benefit the town; and working with the community to put citizens’ concerns front and center.
In Shean Bowers, I believe we have a perfect bridge between the history of the town and a vision for how to progress us forward without losing our heritage. What he lacks in experience, he makes up in character and a strong desire to see this town thrive. I personally am excited to see a revitalized spirit and new way of working introduced to our Town Council in Shean Bowers. The type of passion he has shown for Buchanan gives me hope.
I urge all eligible voters to join me in supporting Shean Bowers next Tuesday.
Sarah Anderson
Buchanan
Comprehensive Plan needs to include health department
I very much enjoyed the go-at-your-own-pace Community Meeting for the Botetourt County Comprehensive Plan at James River High School Thursday evening. Staff and Planning Commission members were present, helpful and eager to facilitate the citizen experience. Well done!
I was also shocked and sad to see the local health department was not included in the Community Services section and was never even mentioned in the plan. Without the local health department, there would be no houses or development dependent upon well or septic tank permits. There would be no restaurant inspections, rabies investigations, communicable disease control investigations and initiatives, health education with efforts to promote health and prevent and mitigate chronic diseases common in Botetourt County, not to mention the vital statistics maintained by the local health department staff or WIC or the clinical services provided to our citizens. Those clinical services include all available immunizations administered by the most trained registered nurses in the region, preconceptual and prenatal care, prevention, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. And, should your loved one need to be admitted to a nursing home from home, it would be a public health nurse and a social worker who would assess whether the placement would be best for the patient and the most cost-effective alternative. Public health nurses also make home visits to assure pregnant moms experience successful pregnancies and parenting in the first years of life.
When I scan the plan’s goals, I can’t imagine a healthy community without the services provided by staff at the Botetourt County Health Department. These services are funded by taxpayers and are implemented through a cooperative agreement between the state and the locality. We are lucky, in Virginia, to have strong public health services in every locality.
Molly O’Dell
Buchanan
