PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Page Valley News will be publishing profiles of local candidates in two contested races in this fall’s general election in August and September. These Q&As will be published around midday on Mondays and Thursdays in alphabetical order for each race.
In September, PVN will be broadcasting pre-recorded candidate forums among the candidates in these two contested races through our YouTube channel. Click on the link here or the YouTube icon in the upper right on our Home page to subscribe to our channel ahead of time.
ADDITIONAL EDITOR’s NOTE: This week’s Q&A slot was scheduled for new challenger Donald E. “JR” Good Jr. and Monday’s slot (Aug. 24) was scheduled for incumbent Robyn Good. Both candidates received the same information and spoke with PVN on the phone, but both still failed to meet the deadline. After a follow-up contact by PVN after the deadline, neither responded, thus effectively declining to participate in this process to inform the voters. The next two candidates (in alphabetical order) will now move up in the process, with Doug Purdham featured today (Thursday, Aug. 20) and Vice Mayor Bruce Stoneberger on Monday (Aug. 24).
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Doug Purdham
- Age: 75
- Education: Graduate of Page County High School; business management certificate, University of Kentucky; computer classes, Lord Fairfax Community College (now Laurel Ridge CC).
- Work: Retired; Masonite Corp., 1973-2001; various others through 48 years.
- Elected/Appointed office: Appointed to Stanley Planning Commission for four years in mid-1980s, served as chairman; first elected to Town Council in 1988; elected Mayor in 1992, served almost 25 years; rejoined council.
- Community: Charter President of the Stanley Jaycees, State Vice President of Virginia Jaycees; Community Lay Director of Shenandoah Valley Emmaus Community; mentor at Page County Middle School.
- Family: Wife, Paige; two daughters, Meredith and Melissa; six grandchilden; two great-grandchildren.
• Why are you running for public office?
My primary reason, now and always, has been that I love this Town and its people. I believe if you care about where you live, you should do whatever you can to make it a better place to live. I’ve tried to do that through my involvement in this community through my service to the Town.
• What makes you the best candidate for the Stanley Council?
I believe I still have something to offer this governing body and my community. I just hope the citizens of Stanley feel the same way.
• What is the most pressing issue facing the Town of Stanley and how would you address it?
Without a doubt it is our infrastructure. Some of the water lines are old and need replacing. Our sewer plant is over 40 years old. We are constantly searching for grants that we would qualify to receive. We try to address water lines when we repair leaks by replacing as much of the existing line as possible.
A close second challenge is in trying to provide the best service possible to our citizens without having to pass increases of fees and taxes.
• What is the best thing about Stanley and how would you maintain or improve it?
The best thing about Stanley is our citizens’ care and support of each other. Stanley cares, and so do its people. There are so many occasions where people just show up for one another. There are fundraisers to support special causes, those in immediate need. Our people continue to support needs in the community through Casey’s Backpacks and school supply drives. We continue to see growth in attendance of special events held during the year. Our hope is to grow and improve the events while contiuing to provide entertainment without passing any cost to our people.
• Briefly describe a decision you have made in a leadership role and tell why you made that decision.
One of the most difficult decisions I have had to make was in discipling or terminating an employee. You are dealing with a person’s livelihood and career. It doesn’t matter how justified the decision was, whether it be for attendance, unsafe work habits, or performance. You have to be absolutely positive that you have made the correct decision.
Early voting starts Friday, Sept. 18
For election information visit the Page County Voter Registrar.
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