Council candidate: Kathy C. Lawson
Kathy C. Lawson considers herself a public servant first. She is an insurance professional, has lived in Martinsville since she was 5 years old, is married to her husband, Ralph, has three adult children and has been involved in many community service organizations.
"I believe in quality of life for all citizens, clean neighborhoods, fire, EMS, and police," said Lawson. "All of our schools are accredited and if college is not in the future for some students, we partner with Patrick & Henry Community College and NCI so they can learn a trade."
Lawson said she has been working on the housing shortage since the problem began by supporting the purchase and conversion of several uptown buildings, including the former BB&T Building.
"I've been through 12 budgets," Lawson said. "It's much more friendly with the new format. I understand everything it takes to make the city work."
Lawson said the city's infrastructure problems are not a result of neglect.
"They have not been ignored, like the city building, but they crept up slowly," said Lawson. "We are taking action and being proactive in major infrastructure like the Jones Creek Connector. There is capital in our budget to maintain the streets, water, sewer, and electric, but you can't control some things."
Lawson said she supported the city's litigation with the Henry County Public Service Authority.
"The PSA lawsuit has been going on for years. The County uses 49% so they are responsible for 49% of the maintenance," Lawson said. "Out of $9 million, they offered us $3 million and then $1 million, which is a joke. Hopefully there will be a resolution in 2025."
Lawson said she has never had a personal agenda as a member of city council and had been undecided about seeking another term in office.
"My service to the people has always been a priority to me and I hope we have built on the momentum of the last 10 years," said Lawson. "We're focused on the revitalization of uptown and our city manager is a visionary."
Lawson said she believed in the diversity of differing opinions among council members as long as everyone remained respectful toward one another, supported the decision of council regarding the allocation of $15 million in ARPA funding during the pandemic and said the city was already exploring options to curb the cost of electricity.
"The county has no way to diversify, but we do, like hydro, the landfill project, the battery storage project, and anything behind the meter," Lawson said. "Before the federal government deregulated electricity, we were buying power for pennies. We need to continue to look at other options."
Bill Wyatt (276) 591-7543
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