Jesse Lineberry, a lifelong resident of Buena Vista, is making his first official run for elective office in a bid to become the city’s next mayor.
He has been a frequent speaker at City Council meetings recently, calling into question a proposal to establish a cigarette tax in the city and Southern Virginia University’s plans for a huge new dormitory. He has raised questions about Buena Vista’s high taxes and the deteriorating condition of the city’s infrastructure.
Lineberry, whose technical position for the service team of Modine North American Heating allows him to act as an ambassador for the company throughout the U.S. and Canada, says he would provide the kind of leadership the city needs to move it in the right direction. He’s committed, he said, “to using my personal network of colleagues statewide who are in positions that may be able to provide much needed resources and support.”
He’s running for mayor, he said, “Because this is where I grew up and where I am raising my family. As a homeowner and parent, I know the most impactful decisions are made right here at home by our local officials. I want to be a strong voice for my fellow citizens and help to shape opportunities and outcomes that will benefit generations to come.
“I have seen firsthand the decline in our city’s infrastructure, and like many of you I am concerned about the future. My career with the city’s largest employer has given me real experience managing budgets, working with the public and finding solutions in challenging situations. I believe in transparency, accountability and listening to the people. If elected I will be a rational, approachable leader who works for all of us in Buena Vista.”
He and his wife Tori are the parents of two daughters. He says he’s an active member of Buena Vista Pentecostal Church and enjoys volunteering in the community.
Asked about the city’s need for a new middle school, Lineberry said, “I believe that we should take advantage of the resources we already have available, such as the former Mountain Gateway facility located on Vista Links Drive. We must be innovative while also being responsible with taxpayers’ dollars. At the end of the day, we all agree something must be done. I am committed to listening to the community because this is about our children and our money.”
On the issue of plans to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant, he recalled a recent conversation with the city manager. “I learned that while a large portion of the wastewater project will be covered through federal grants, several million dollars will still need to come from taxpayers over the next few years. This will increase our water and sewer fees, but it’s a necessary investment to protect our community. Delays in addressing this issue have already put us at risk, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. Other localities have faced major fines because they ignored aging systems, and I don’t want Buena Vista to be next. As mayor, I will ensure department heads present regular updates at Council meetings so we can identify problems early and address them before they snowball into major expenses. We have excellent employees in this city, and I will make sure their concerns are heard and acted upon.”
Assessing the state of economic development in the city, Lineberry said, “I’m thrilled that Tractor Supply is coming to town, and I’m proud to see a few new locally-owned businesses opening downtown. But I know this alone doesn’t justify the high taxes our citizens face. We have to do more. Economic growth means more than just attracting new businesses – it means creating opportunities for our workers, our families and our young people. I believe the right leadership can push and encourage our economic development team to continue attracting larger businesses while also supporting small businesses. Together that creates new revenue streams and relieves the tax burden on our citizens.”
JESSE LINEBERRY
