Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing Enterprise series profiling candidates for Martinsville City Council ahead of the November election.
Mayor LC Jones has announced he is seeking re-election to Martinsville City Council, highlighting accomplishments during his first term and outlining four priorities he said would guide his work if returned to office.
Jones, who was elected to council alongside Council Member Aaron Rawls, has served as mayor for nearly three years.
In campaign materials, Jones highlighted several accomplishments during his tenure, including supporting the development of more than 100 new housing units, expanding community events such as the Culture & Soul Banquet, Community Get Fit Challenge and Food Truck Rodeo, and securing a $150,000 grant for a fitness pad at Historic Baldwin Park.
He also pointed to the creation of initiatives including the Citizens Academy, Mayor’s Cup Blood Drive and Community Neighborhood Walks.
“As this campaign continues, I want to focus on four priorities that I believe will make a real difference in the lives of Martinsville residents,” Jones said.
One of those priorities is reducing what he called duplicate government services between Martinsville and Henry County.
“We must be better stewards of taxpayer dollars. I have advocated for creating a City-County Consolidation Committee made up of citizens from both Martinsville and Henry County to identify opportunities to eliminate duplicate services while maintaining quality service to our community,” Jones said.
He said areas for review should include the courts, animal shelter services, water resources, The Warming Center and other shared services.
“By working together, we can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and invest more resources where they are needed most,” he said.
Jones also said he supports additional investment in local schools.
“I support the one-cent sales tax for school capital improvements, which would dedicate one penny of every sales tax dollar to improving school facilities without increasing property taxes,” he said.
He also expressed support for an elected school board.
“I also support establishing an elected school board, giving the citizens of Martinsville a direct voice in selecting leaders who will advocate for our students, teachers, and the future of public education,” Jones said.
Transportation is another priority Jones identified.
“Reliable transportation is essential for employment, education, healthcare, and everyday life,” he said.
Jones said recent state legislation creates new opportunities to improve public transportation and accessibility.
“I will advocate for partnerships between the city and our school system to develop transportation solutions that more effectively connect residents to schools, jobs, healthcare, and essential services,” he said.
Jones also said he wants to continue promoting Martinsville and strengthening relationships with state and federal officials.
“Over the past month, I have met with senators, delegates, and members of Congress from across Virginia to share a positive vision for our city and demonstrate that Martinsville is ready for new economic development opportunities,” he said.
“When our local government works collaboratively and professionally, we build stronger relationships that can attract investment, create jobs, and open doors at both the state and national levels.”
Jones also emphasized his commitment to residents.
“There are many important issues facing our city, and I remain committed to listening to residents and working to address them. These four priorities represent areas where I believe we can make meaningful progress and improve the quality of life for everyone in Martinsville,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting residents while going door-to-door throughout our neighborhoods, and I look forward to continuing those conversations. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous Martinsville,” Jones said, adding “vote LC Jones for Martinsville City Council.”
Mayor LC Jones has announced he is seeking re-election to Martinsville City Council as part of the November election.
