Where's the civic pride, Leesburg?
By Staff
When the results of May 6 town elections came in, there were a few surprises. Hamilton’s last-minute write-in candidates replaced two incumbents. Hillsboro's turnout jumped up 28 percentage points from two years ago.
But the most shocking and disappointing surprise was Leesburg’s turnout, in this, the town's 250th year of existence.
While voter turnout was up through most of the county, it seems that in Leesburg, 92 percent of the town’s voters forgot they live in a democratic society. An 8 percent turnout rate is an inexcusable lack of civic interest.
We searched for reasons for the low turnout. Granted, it wasn’t a hotly contested race. The mayor ran unopposed and only four candidates campaigned for three open seats, without much controversy or negative campaigning.
But 8 percent? Are people really that busy?
In 2000, the turnout for town elections was 22 percent. Not great, but fairly average for a local election. But it's gone downhill from there. Here’s how turnout has looked in Leesburg since then:
2002: 21 percent
2004: 17 percent
2006: 15 percent
2008: 8 percent
We can only grimace to think what the turnout number in 2010 will look like, if the trend continues. Why bother having an election at all?
The real shame is Leesburg is at a turning point in its history, where council members will be directly responsible for fostering the kind of economic development that will make the historic town thrive in the 21st century.
Leesburg’s council will review redevelopment proposals for the downtown that are coming down the pike, and if people in the town don’t take an interest, a small minority will control the future of a town.
If the town is looking for inspiration, it need only look a few miles west on Route 7. Purcellville had a healthy 35 percent turnout ?and its streets have been packed lately with townspeople celebrating the town's 100th anniversary.
Leesburg deserves the same level of support from its residents.
U.S. 15 needs help
The May 7 accident on U.S. 15, which hospitalized several people, once again points to the need for safety improvements on this dangerous road.
And “safety” does not just mean widening the road. Studies indicate that the wider the road, the faster people feel they can drive. Careful planning is needed, using the latest in traffic-calming technology.
We ask Loudoun County and Leesburg officials to work together to find a comprehensive solution soon to fix this former country road that is now being used as an interstate highway.