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The LIVE Blacksburg Video Series. (L.I.V.E.)
Endorsements:
“Vote Krisha Chachra for Mayor!!! I’ve known Krisha for more than 20 years. Her and her family have been active members of this community for decades and have always given back. Krisha is connected and tuned into what the people of Blacksburg need. She’s friendly, approachable, positive and sincere. She is the leader we need to continue to shape the future of Blacksburg.”
“One of the first people who stepped in, introduced herself, and offered advice, connections, and guidance was Krisha Chachra. My wife Michelle and I returned to Blacksburg in 2015 to open our boutique gift shop, T.R. Collection, and later we opened Sugar Magnolia, an ice cream shop and gift store. We had a lot of questions and Krisha met us with such enthusiasm and interest in our business that we knew right away she would be someone we would consider an asset to know on Town Council and more than that, a friend.
Krisha took the time to sit with us on numerous occasions and listen and understand our business. She wanted to know about our business mission and what made us choose Blacksburg. Anytime we had questions, she was one of the first to be there with an answer, introduction, or opinion. She made connections that have proven invaluable to us and the success of our business. She makes a regular habit of checking in with us to make sure we are still on point with our mission and goals. She understands that what we do is so much more than one gift shop. It is a culture of community that we want to help further in Blacksburg, and Krisha is the one whom we believe is best suited to lead Blacksburg in that direction.
Krisha has run a positive and passionate campaign, and based on all the candidates’ responses, she is the only one that truly wants to be mayor and has the passion for Blacksburg to lead the conversations we must have about our future.
Krisha Chachra is the right person to facilitate a positive, win-win approach to Blacksburg’s future and we endorse her for mayor.”
-Tom Raub, owner of T.R. Collection in Downtown Blacksburg
“As a Realtor who has lived in Blacksburg my entire adult life, whenever someone is looking to move here I am proud to tell them about my friend Krisha Chachra, and all the things that she has done for this Town. Her leadership will continue to make this one of the BEST places in the world to live. She won my support years ago based of her record of service and her presence in the community (long before she decided to run for mayor), and I am PROUD to tell prospective citizens about her, and about what she will do for ALL of Blacksburg’s citizens! I support Krisha Chachra for Mayor”
– Dave Phillips, Phillips Real Estate
– K.C. ARCENEAUX
“I’d like to take a brief moment to share my support of Krisha Chachra as she runs for mayor of Blacksburg. If you’ve ever gotten the chance to speak to her, you’ve probably noticed a thing or two about her personality. She is effervescent, she is goal-oriented, she is kind, she is an innovator, and she is caring.
In the few years I’ve gotten to know her, she’s helped create new publications for the area, she’s supported a boosting economy with the chamber of commerce, she was elected vice-mayor, and she’s headed up numerous projects that unify and connect our beautiful corner of the world.
This past summer, my husband fell deathly ill. Krisha had never even met him, but she showed me love and support, and she was right there alongside me and a community that was rallying to help Michael fight for his life. That meant so much to me, and when my husband finally did meet her at Steppin Out, he told me that he was wowed by her energy and how much she genuinely cared.
Krisha is an intelligent, savvy, driven, family-oriented, and capable woman, and Blacksburg would be lucky to have her at the helm. Politics aside, she is a home-town girl who is passionate about creating a better present and future for Blacksburg. This November, Vote Krisha Chachra for Mayor.”
– Carla Robertson
“As the owner of Tempo in Downtown Blacksburg, member of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., and member of the Montgomery County VA Chamber of Commerce, this is my wholehearted “official” endorsement for Krisha Chachra for Mayor. Coming off her uplifting, energizing kick-off, I can’t think of another candidate who has been more involved in our community (for decades!) than Krisha. She is positive, forward-thinking, and extremely hard-working – the epitome of a “community builder”.
Even if she wasn’t a dear and loyal friend to me, I would still wholeheartedly believe that she is the best candidate for Mayor. She has done so much for Blacksburg during her many years as a Town Councilwoman, promoting business and helping make Blacksburg friendly to companies and young professionals. She was invaluable in helping me open Tempo in downtown Blacksburg. Without her help in navigating the process, I wouldn’t have been able to be in the space. She is also truly an advocate for women and children. I’ve seen many women talk about supporting women (and that’s great)…but Krisha has always taken it a step further and actually “walked the walk” in actively helping women with her own time, energy, resources and position, to support and promote women in our community. Our daughters are a mere few months apart so I know personally how much it takes to care for a toddler. It takes a very special leader to care for their town so much that they would be on Town Council, run for Mayor and be a mom to a toddler (and a great Mom at that.) This is what is means to give back to one’s community.”
–Nancy Harder, Blacksburg resident and downtown business owner of Tempo Studios
Krisha’s campaign kick-off video. Watch to learn more about her and where she stands on the issues
“I want to endorse Krisha Chachra for Mayor due to her vision, mission and character. I have known Krisha for over five years at a personal level. To me, it is a person’s character along with his/her experience that makes him/her fit for a position. For a public position, character matters even more. We want to see someone who leads with integrity, conscience and character. The reason I can endorse Krisha without any reservation is because I know her heart. Krisha is a woman who does what she says. In today’s political world, this is a rare quality. If she says, she will focus on revitalization of local businesses in Blacksburg, she will do it. If she says, she will focus on making Blacksburg business friendly, she will do that. Also, as a Blacksburg-born and raised person, Krisha truly cares for Blacksburg. Her track record as a former Vice Mayor and current Town Council member proves this commitment to you, She has been in public service for a long time. Krisha also taught at college level, wrote books, published in magazines and is an awesome mother to a busy toddler. To me, as a foreign-born US citizen, the most important quality of Krisha is that she has a diverse and global perspective. She truly cares for everybody who is in our community regardless of their nationality, race, ethnicity, socio-economic level. I believe that she would be the perfect fit for Blacksburg as a Mayor because she would reflect the diverse and welcoming nature of the Town. Krisha can think globally and live locally. As an avid world traveler, Krisha is aware of how others live, work and play. She herself is an Indian American. If you vote for her, regardless of your preferences, you can make sure your voice will be heard. I want to finish up by saying this: Krisha is a kind of woman who could create time to visit me both at home and at the hospital in my challenging times – in spite of her busy schedule. I am not even going to talk about her feminine qualities being compassionate and lovely (she is), but to me, her human qualities speak up the loudest. She cares for you, for her Town, and for the world. She has a unique quality of being local (a native of Blacksburg) but envisioning more than local. There is still much more to say about her qualities – like her services both at NRCC & RU and many other organizations, but you can figure them out yourself. I wanted to give you my understanding of her as a person and a close friend. Hope this helps to make your decision. #livelocallythinkglobally”
–Nida DeBusk, businesswoman, active mother of twins and immigrant from Turkey
“They say that “politicians ” worry about the next election while “leaders” worry about the next generation. Krisha is a a leader. Regardless of being friends with her I would still encourage people to stop for a minute to see what mountains she has already moved and projects she has established that are still in place . For example this is the 10th year for Up on the Roof which is now an event that has gone regional. Also, The South Main Merchants have had a networking group she helped established along with yearly events like the Easter Egg Hunt or Boo-Do for the whole community. She has helped bring business to Blacksburg and didn’t stop by handing a realtor card she stayed with these investors or new owners every step of the way . While doing all of this she still is very active on The Radford University Board of Visitors (nominated by the governor) and on The Board for New River Community College. She always thinks a head for the next generation and spends countless hours advocating for childcare and inspiring children. It’s people like her that pave the path for my 13 year old. Remember keep in mind the next generation and vote for Krisha!”
– Karie Geiss, board member of Up on the Roof
“Krisha is the right choice for Mayor of Blacksburg because she is deeply invested in this town and has the best interests of Blacksburg and its citizens in her heart, vote for her and help make Blacksburg better!”
– Danny Burkholder, Blacksburg native
“The development of the Old Blacksburg Middle School property is extremely important to me because we need the foot-traffic Downtown. After listening to many resident’s opinions, Krisha has a clear understanding that the property needs to be developed in the right way and makes suggestions to incorporate people’s ideas.
She has also helped connect the owners with local tenants who are looking to expand their businesses in Blacksburg. She works hard to facilitate our success.”
-Dr. Chris Belluzzo, Owner, South Main Chiropractor and board member of South Main Merchants Association
“Krisha Chachra has been a great advocate for the First and Main lifestyle center and the South Main Street area in general. She has always been accessible to First and Main during her tenure as a council member. She works hard for the citizens and businesses of Blacksburg.”
-David Street, Owner, First and Main
Krisha Chachra listens with compassion and sincerity – then suggests what actions to take in order to solve any concerns or issues we may have. Over her two terms on council, I was involved in the ownership of three restaurants in Blacksburg and I trusted Krisha to guide me when I needed anything from the Town. Even if she wasn’t a personal friend, I would honestly say she has Blacksburg’s best interests in mind and wants the town to be successful.”
-Pear Aivey, Founder, Social House, Next Door Bake Shop and Café de Bangkok
“Krisha was in the trenches with all of us at First & Main when we were struggling to stay afloat, she was our truest advocate and mediator between us, town council and other Blacksburg businesses. For years. During that time she personally supported and professionally served local businesses and had a special knack for creating a culture of oneness in Blacksburg. She knew how to connect the right people. Thrilled to see her taking this step, she was meant for this position!”
-Heather Renee Boyd, Employee at the First and Main Shopping Center
“I support Krisha Chachra for mayor of Blacksburg. I have known Krisha for over 20 years having grown-up in Blacksburg attending both Blacksburg middle and high school with Krisha. She’s a native of Blacksburg like I am so she truly understands the needs of the town. Krisha has worked tirelessly for the residents of Blacksburg for 8 years on town council and knows how the town operates. She is an accomplished leader, community builder, and has a common
sense approach to leading Blacksburg into the future. If you want to see an honest, empathetic listener, and fiscally responsible leader manage today’s needs for Blacksburg citizens, Krisha is the person who will get things done. I am proud that Krisha serves on the Board of Visitors at Radford University, my alma mater, as an effective and compelling ambassador to the University I love so much. Krisha has already proven through her experience on town council that she is committed to all Blacksburg residents – she has a vision for tomorrow!”
-Vicki Kappas Keriazes, Blacksburg native
“I am endorsing and supporting my wonderful friend, Krisha Chachra for Mayor all the way for Mayor of Blacksburg!!! She has paid her dues on Town Council and has been a significant force
in doing many great things for the Town already! Krisha is a tremendous asset to the entire community and I am fully confident she will be a great leader at the helm of our beautiful Town and the Montgomery County area as a whole!! Please give her your support and vote if you can!”
-Victor Dreselis, Long-time Blacksburg resident on the South end and Downtown property owner
“I’ve been fighting, along-side several others, against VDOT implementing a poor plan (R-cut) for the intersection near our house…Town council had a vote, and they voted to move forward
with the “R-cut” plan. That vote was not unanimous, Krisha Chachra voted against it, knowing that this was not going to be beneficial to the growth of the town. I’m voting for Krisha because she understands where the town needs to go.”
-Julie Rosenberger, Blacksburg resident on the North end and local advocate
“Krisha’s love and passion for the community of Blacksburg is infectious and inspiring, and she is the mayor its citizens deserve!”
– Marissa Yi, young professional entrepreneur and photographer
“When I think about helping entrepreneurs, I think about removing barriers, not creating programs and I think that’s where Krisha has always helped. She notices the next hurdle and helps us find a way over it.”
-David Henry, Co-Founder of Card Isle, tenant at TechPad
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