Stephanie Noel-Branch says she became interested in running for Buena Vista City Council this year when she read back in the spring about plans for a tax increase. She started attending meetings, including those of the budget finance committee, to learn more about the city government, and filed papers to be a candidate.
She said she believes it is “vital that every segment of our population is represented by an individual who comprehends their concerns and articulates them effectively. I am dedicated to serving as that representative and remain committed to giving back to the community that has continually supported my family.”
A registered nurse who works as a care coordinator for Carilion’s Family and Community Medicine, Noel-Branch is the mother of three children, all of whom graduated from the Buena Vista city schools. She previously worked in retail management for 14 years and owned a small business. She served as a school nurse during COVID and has provided care at Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, Amedisys Home Health and Connections Plus Hospice.
She said she values “hard work and community – a trait passed down from my grandparents. Balancing nursing school with raising teenagers taught me resilience.” Raised in a military family, she has lived in Buena Vista 30 years. Her husband Mickey is a lifelong local resident.
She said she sees a need for a new middle school “from a health care perspective … A healthy environment is important for both students and faculty. The current structure has been maintained as well as possible, given available resources. In the past, the justification for constructing a new high school was due to concerns about safety and potential health risks associated with the old building. Given this precedent, it raises questions about continued use of the current middle school facility.”
Financing such a project, she said, “remains a challenge. Reexamining next year’s budget allocations and considering outreach to promote funding could be helpful steps. To generate sustainable revenue and attract businesses, the city should avoid relying on long-term residents to cover budget deficits.”
She acknowledges that the city has other fiscal challenges. “The construction of the new wastewater treatment plant is recognized as an ongoing priority for our community and necessitates prompt attention. I have held discussions with the city manager regarding this issue, and it is my understanding that the city is proceeding with plans to initiate the project.”
She also sees road repairs in the city as a “definite necessity. I feel that project planning for road improvements should be conducted more aggressively and proactively. I do think that initial efforts should focus on main roads with higher traffic volumes and those that provide access to schools.”
She said she’s “impressed by the [city] economic development team’s efforts, which are clearly delivering results. Some people may overlook the extensive behind-the-scenes work before any construction is visible. I do think that in the past three to four years, Buena Vista has experienced more growth than in my previous 30 years here.”
Of Southern Virginia University’s plans for a new dormitory, she said it “may alleviate housing shortages and support local businesses, [but] it may also place additional demands on infrastructure and municipal services. Having participated in public meetings and consulted with city officials, it is essential to thoroughly address these concerns prior to proceeding. Commencing construction in late 2025 appears premature, given the significant impact this project will have on Buena Vista.”
She said it’s important to be open to change when considering how to serve the city. “Change can present challenges, but it is sometimes required. A lack of change may result in complacency and limited perspective. To advance as a community, it is important to consider approaches that improve the quality of life for citizens while preserving local history and integrity. Developing a sustainable financial plan for the city is preferable to relying on tax increases to manage deficits.”
NOEL-BRANCH
