Election Day has come and gone, with several local positions filled. Kenbridge town council members Mary Dayton and Paul Perusse both ran unopposed and successfully earned another term. They talked with The Dispatch both about how they feel running unopposed and what their focus is, heading into another term. 

“Running unopposed is both humbling and thought-provoking. On the one hand, it feels like a sign that the community trusts and values the appointment made by the current Town Council,” Dayton said. “On the other hand, I wish there was more community interest and engagement in local government. I would love to see more residents getting involved and running for office themselves! Local communities like ours are strongest when there is active participation.”

Having grown up in Kenbridge, Dayton left for college, attending Virginia Tech before moving back to Lunenburg County after graduation. Then three years ago, she moved back to the Town of Kenbridge. Earlier this year, she applied for and was named to fill the open spot on council. Tuesday’s win marked the first actual campaign for Dayton, who lives in town with her children and state trooper husband. 

Kenbridge Town Council looks ahead

In terms of what she’d like to see the town do, Dayton said it’s tricky, because with a small town, you work with what you have. Oftentimes, there’s just not money in the budget to tackle too many new things at once. One thing she is passionate about is public safety. Also, Dayton said providing spaces for families to be able to go is a key for her, one she thinks could help bring other young families to Kenbridge. Beyond that, she wants to find ways of getting more people involved in the town. 

“I am committed to finding ways to encourage more engagement and to help more people take part in shaping our town’s future,” Dayton said. “My goals for Kenbridge next term focus on enriching our community and enhancing our town’s beauty and quality of life. I want to expose our town to more art and culture by exploring grants for public murals and fundraising for year-round decorations, adding vibrancy and a strong sense of local identity. I am also committed to ensuring our streets are safe and that our laws are properly enforced so residents and visitors feel secure. Additionally, I plan to encourage new events and expand existing ones to draw more people to Kenbridge and cultivate a sense of pride in our home.”

‘I want to see this town grow’ 

For Kenbridge town council member Paul Perusse, this marks his second campaign and second term on the board, having first earned a seat in 2020. He hoped that his unopposed campaign this time around was a sign people supported him and his platform, rather than an indication of a lack of interest. 

“I really hope this reflects more of (community members sharing) my personal experiences and feelings rather than just the common dissatisfaction many have with local government in general,” Perusse explained to the Dispatch. “Before being elected, I was a regular at council meetings, often one of the only ones in attendance.”

Looking ahead, Perusse said he wanted to continue giving back to his adopted town. And part of that means finding ways for Kenbridge to grow. 

“I don’t want to see Kenbridge turn into one of those boarded-up towns you see all over the place. I want to see this town grow without destroying its inherent charm,” Perusse said. “I would love to see those who go off to college return to a well-paying job instead of losing them to a city somewhere else and maybe coming back 10 years later to raise their kids. We really need to make Kenbridge a place for kids to grow up happy and safe, with things to keep them occupied and engaged.”

Dayton echoed her fellow council member’s optimism for the town. 

“I feel hopeful about election day and am optimistic about the opportunity to continue serving our community,” Dayton said. “I believe Kenbridge is moving in a positive direction, and I’m incredibly proud of the progress our community has made. The resilience, dedication, and spirit of our residents make me proud to call Kenbridge home.”