Steve Huppert
Columnist
hupps440@aol.com
Now that the election is over, campaign signs are gone, political advertisements have disappeared and hand shaking and back slapping, with smiles for everyone, have vanished.
All that remains of the election are the unelected will start planning for four years down the road, and a second try.
The newly elected will take their seats starting in January with the hopes of a new beginning and promises of a brighter future for everyone.
For the first time in eight years, Town Manager Randy Wingfield will not be there to greet the newly elected council members. As of Jan. 1, 2026, Randy will be retired from the Town of Christiansburg.
For the last 28 years Wingfield has worked for Christiansburg, the last eight as town manager. During that time, the town has continued to grow at a rapid pace, to the current size of 25,000. With the population growth, the town has experienced increases in transportation issues along with the demand for additional housing and utilities.
All the growth has been handled with few major growth problems. Much of the credit can be award to the constant work and organizational skills of Mr. Wingfield.
One of the major develops in the town under Randy’s leadership has been the creation of the “Market Place.” The Market Place has created a tremendous increase in restaurant and retail opportunities for citizens of Christiansburg and Southwest Virginia.
For years, Christiansburg has been known as the recreation hub of Virginia, with extensive opportunities for citizens in all type of sport related activities. With the addition of the Market Place, Christiansburg has also become the retail center for the area.
Randy feels one of his biggest accomplishments is the addition of the length of the Huckleberry Trail and the development of the Huckleberry Park. For years, the town has needed increased fields for soccer, lacrosse and football. This park is the answer with the addition of the town’s farmers’ market. People and dogs (dog park) also have a place to enjoy life.
The best thing about the Huckleberry Park is there is room to expand in the future.
He and other members of the staff of Christiansburg have been leaders in the development of a passenger rail service that will be located in Christiansburg (Cambria) by 2027. This will be a major achievement for the entire New River Valley.
The town is going to miss Randy’s work ethic and ability to achieve growth and expansion.
Thanks Randy.
