Heather Bell
RADFORD – There are two seats on the Radford City Council and two seats on the Radford City School Board up for election this November, but so far there are no official candidates yet.
According to Radford Director of Elections and General Registrar Lindsey Williams, no candidates have submitted any candidate filing forms or petitions as of Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.
The current council members who hold the two seats coming up for election are Kellie Artrip and Bobby Davis. Davis said he will not be running for re-election.
“No,” said Davis when asked if he was running. “I was committed to fulfill my obligations for my one term.”
Artrip had not responded to the Radford News Journal’s inquiry by press time.
The current school board members who hold the two seats coming up for election are Board Chair Jenny Riffe and Board Vice-Chair Dr. Jody Ray. Riffe said Thursday she is not seeking re-election.
“I do not plan to run again,” said Riffe. “I have elderly parents and I need to focus my time and energy on helping them. I hope that everyone who chooses to run has a wonderful campaign and I wish them all the best. Whoever wins the two open school board seats will have an excellent experience working with our new superintendent and incoming assistant superintendent. Dr. [Adam] Joyce and Dr. [Melissa] McDaniel are going to be a powerhouse team for Radford City Public Schools and I expect a bright future for our Bobcat community.”
Ray had not responded to the Radford News Journal’s inquiry by press time.
The deadline to submit filing documentation is Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Radford Office of Elections located at 619 2nd St. Radford, VA. 24141. Williams said potential candidates should try to file their paperwork prior to the deadline.
“It is wise for candidates to communicate with our office well in advance of the filing deadline to ensure that there is the opportunity to rectify any errors made on the candidate filing forms,” she said.
