RADFORD – Former city council member and vice-mayor Dr. Richard “Dick” Harshberger is the newest Radford City Council member, chosen to fill former councilman Onassis Burress’s open seat until the next council election in November 2022.
Burress resigned effective Oct. 31 to take an out-of-state job opportunity.
Radford City Council began a process to fill the vacancy at the beginning of November.
“The council met several times over the course of the month, first developing a process for how to select the interim member and then developing a key list of qualities that the individual would pose,” according to a statement from the City of Radford announcing the appointment. “These qualities included experience with city operations; a wealth of knowledge pertaining to Radford and the work of the council; engagement in the community; a shared vision for the direction of Radford; a good, professional representative of the community; a desire to serve; and a passion and love for Radford. Throughout the process, the council engaged with citizens seeking nominations and letters of interest and support before deliberating and selecting the interim member.”
Harshberger will begin his duties effective immediately.
“Dr. Harshberger needs no introduction to the Radford community, as he has served on city council previously for 16 years, as a council member and vice-mayor,” according to the city’s announcement. “Dr. Harshberger has also served in various leadership roles throughout Radford, including service on [numerous] boards, commissions, or committees. Dr. Harshberger brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, professionalism, engagement, and passion for Radford that will align with the Council’s vision and continue to move Radford forward.”
Council members thanked other candidates who offered to fill the role.
“The council would be remiss not to mention the others who stepped up and volunteered to serve in this interim role. There were a number of excellent and well-qualified nominees who came forward. These individuals are already vital to the community and certainly have a future in this city. Council is immensely grateful to each of them for their service and their willingness to serve more, as well as to the citizens of Radford for their input,” the city’s announcement said. “This entire process, especially council’s interactions with each of these prospective nominees, has only strengthened the current council’s conviction that Radford has a very strong future.”
Radford’s city code says the “appointee shall serve only until a member is elected at the next ensuing special election,” so Harshberger will serve until the next election is held in November of 2022.
According to Radford Voter Registrar Tracy Howard, whoever is then elected in November 2022 would take office immediately upon qualification and would serve the remainder of the term, until Dec. 31, 2024.
– Heather Bell
