by Lori Graham, Contributing Writer
Councilmember John Bush chose not to seek re-election in this year’s 2023 election, ending his 14-year service to Blacksburg Town Council, and previous years dedicated to civic service.
“This is a bittersweet night for me,” Vice Mayor Susan Anderson said.
Anderson went on to say that Bush’s community support began prior to his 2009 election to Blacksburg Town Council, serving on many committees. Anderson pointed out Bush had first ran in 2009, with a campaign that focused on sustainable development and a community-centered approach to progress that listens to the voice of Blacksburg Town members.
“He had great civic service prior to 2009. He was Chair of Blacksburg Historic Design Review Board from 1999 to 2009. He was also Chair of Blacksburg Historic Architecture Review Board from 1998-99, also serving on that committee in 1997. He also was Chair of the 16 Squares subcommittee from 2006 to 2009,” Anderson said.
Additionally, Bush’s expertise in architecture lent to his servitude with the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) from 1997 to 2009, as stated on his biography on www.blacksburg.gov website.
Bush has resided in Blacksburg for the past 25 years; as a graduate student earning a master’s degree in architecture in 2001 from Virginia Tech University, working for the Office of University Planning at Virginia Tech, and as a parent of two Blacksburg students along with his wife Elizabeth. Bush will remain connected to Blacksburg through community activities and will be missed by Council and community members, Anderson said.
Councilmember Michael Sutphin added to Anderson comments expressing the impact Bush has had on the Blacksburg community.
“He is someone who lives in the 16 Squares and advocates for our neighborhoods and our community in Blacksburg, and I think that is something that John has done extraordinarily well over the past 14 years,” Sutphin said. “So, thank you so much for your service.”
Councilman John Bush expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Blacksburg’s people and the Council members he has worked with over the years.
“I sincerely thank the citizens of the Town of Blacksburg for the honor and their trust in me to ably represent them the past 14 years as an elected official for the Town. The town has given so much to our family, I can only hope I have been able to give back in service to all the citizens that live in the town and call our town their home. The town is well served both by our elected officials, the professional staff and all the good folks who work for and in the town. Keep up the good work,” Bush said.