The six candidates for Fincastle Town Council were recently asked to share their reasons for running in this year’s election. Below are the responses given by each candidate running for three seats on Fincastle’s council.
Andrew “Dean” Clemons
I am running for Fincastle Town Council to represent the voices of our community. I believe in teamwork, collaboration, integrity, and common sense. My goal is to work closely with residents and council members to ensure that Fincastle remains a safe, welcoming place where families can grow and thrive.
After raising our family in Daleville since 2007, my wife of 27 years and I relocated to Fincastle eight years ago. We are proud to own and operate Steeple View Farm, formerly owned by the Ellis family, which gives me a unique appreciation for the history and character of this town.
With a diverse background in business, including working with national corporations and business leaders, I bring practical experience and problem-solving skills to the table. As a proud Air Force veteran, I value service and dedication. Our family reflects these values as well– our son is a VMI graduate, our youngest son serves in the Air Force, both are alumni of Lord Botetourt High School, a son in Florida, who is an arborist, and our daughter works as a registered nurse.
We care deeply about the future of Fincastle. Like you, I have seen taxes rise and recognize the growth headed our way. Now is the time for leaders who are fully committed to preserving the well being and charm of our town.
I am running because I believe we can shape a better future for our families by protecting Fincastle’s historical heritage, supporting small businesses, and fostering responsible, sustainable growth. My vision is one of prosperity balanced with respect for the community’s values and history– one that fills me with hope for what lies ahead.
I would be honored to have your support and your vote.
Kathleen Cornelison
Fincastle has been my home since 2018. My husband and I moved here shortly before our son was born. We now have two children and consider ourselves fortunate to raise our family here. I am running for Town Council because I am passionate about promoting the growth of family-friendly events and resources while maintaining the history and integrity of the area that make it unique.
I believe in community, connection, and learning. I will advocate for those values by focusing on revitalizing downtown and green spaces. In addition, I will collaborate with the incredible resources in the area, such as libraries, schools, museums, and historians, to bring rich experiences and attract young families to the area. By running for Town Council, I hope to give back to the community that has already given me so much.
Clay Fitzgerald
I’m running for Fincastle Town Council because I truly care about the town, and feel that I have things to offer.
I live on the same land that was part of our family farm since 1962. Until recently, it was actually just outside of the town limits.
I was a successful business owner that received Highway Safety Awards and am a Life Member of the Fire Department.
Being brought into the town is part of what has prompted me to run. When the town expansion was proposed, those that were being brought into the town were told nothing would change with zoning or other items, and that we would just be part of the town. Fast forward to present day: we see proposed fence ordinances doing away with A-1 zoning, and agriculture under attack by people who spread fear about “commercial farming” and other items.
Being surrounded by green areas has always been a part of town.
While safeguarding the historic nature of the town and its resources is very important and commendable to those that have served on council, being a town involves more than just those items.
I have been a vocal proponent of items such as getting permanent generators for our water system. These are available through non-competitive grants. And while the town has been successful with other types of grants, attention needs to be paid to the town’s infrastructure and how we can be self-sustaining. Recent events, not that far away, show that the power can be out over a wide area for days if not weeks.
The town should be pursuing every non-competitive grant that would benefit the town as a whole.
I am running for council to be a voice for common sense and the town as a whole, including the new parts of town as well as the old.
Barry Rakes
I am running for Fincastle Town Council because I care deeply about the town and would like to help in planning its future. I was involved in the creation of the Big Spring Park Nature Trail and Community Orchard, and would like to continue investing in places and events where families can thrive and want to reside.
After being a property owner and living at the center of town, I would like to see future development in and around Fincastle retain its incredible historic character. As an architect, I offer 35 years of practical experience with buildings and their environs, contractors, engineers and budgets.
Thank you for your consideration this Election Day.
Jim Reynolds
In 2016, my wife and I moved to Fincastle to be closer to our daughter’s family. This was a very good decision for us when we moved into the Santillane subdivision where we enjoy our neighborhood, the beautiful scenery and historic heritage of Fincastle and Botetourt County.
Since August of 2023, I have served with the Fincastle Town Council after being appointed to fill a vacancy. I have enjoyed serving on the council and support the efforts to improve our community. I was an active volunteer in the Vinton area prior to moving to Fincastle. I have held leadership roles in the Vinton Chamber of Commerce, Lions Clubs including the Daleville-Fincastle Club, Dogwood Festival and the Virginia Feed Association. I was president and owner of Reynolds Grain Company and know the challenges facing small business owners today. I have been an active volunteer for the Roanoke Rescue Mission, Botetourt Food Pantry and Historic Fincastle.
In the coming years, Fincastle will be experiencing growth and as a member of council, the government will need to be involved with this growth to see that the needs of a growing community are met while preserving our scenery and historical heritage. I ask for your support in the election on November 5 so I can continue to serve our community.
John M. (Jay) Saunders
I am running for Fincastle Town Council this year because of all the infrastructure work we have pending in association with rebuilding the courthouse and surrounding structures. Besides being a local, licensed building contractor with over 30 years experience, I have a great deal of expertise in historic preservation. I was the founding manager of the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke, and I oversaw its $9 million renovation.
I also own and maintain multiple historic properties, including the old Fincastle Baptist Church, where my family has lived for over five years. Since then, I have grown to love our community, and I really believe that my experience could be of benefit to it, especially now.
Thank you for considering me when you cast your vote.
As a reminder, the last day to request a mailed absentee ballot this Friday, October 25 at 5 p.m. The last day for in-person early voting is Saturday, November 2 at 5 p.m.
The Botetourt County Registrar’s Office will be open this Saturday, October 26 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. for in-person early voting. The office will also be open on Saturday, November 2 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. for the final day of in-person early voting.
All voters wishing to vote on Election Day must do so in their assigned precinct based on their residential address. There is no voting in the Registrar’s Office on election day. Voters can check the status of their voter registration or find their polling location at vote.virginia.gov.
For more information, including a look at sample ballots in respective precincts, visit www.botetourtva.gov/405/Election-Information.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
