The Blacksburg Town Council is providing the following update on the process to fill two vacant seats on the Town Council through interim appointments in accordance with Virginia law.
On January 13, 2026, Town Council held a public hearing and announced the names of the two individuals being proposed to fill the vacant seats. Council members then reviewed public feedback and comments received during and after that hearing at their January 20 work session. The Town Council will proceed with a final vote on the interim appointments at its January 27, 2026, regular meeting. If approved, the interim appointees will be sworn in immediately following the vote.
In addition, the Town Attorney has submitted the required petition to the Montgomery County Circuit Court requesting that a special election be scheduled. This election will take place during the November 2026 general election to allow voters to fill the two seats for the remainder of the original terms.
The following Frequently Asked Questions are intended to provide more detail about this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there open seats on the Town Council that must be filled?
The vacancies were created by the resignation of Michael Sutphin and Liam Watson from their council seats in early January.
What is the process for making an interim appointment to the Town Council?
Under Virginia law (§ 24.2-228), when a vacancy occurs on a governing body, the remaining members must make an interim appointment to fill the seat. The individual appointed serves only until the vacancy is filled by a special election and the newly elected official is sworn in. If the Town Council does not act within 45 days of the vacancy, the Montgomery County Circuit Court is required to make the interim appointment.
Why did the Town Council announce the names of the individuals being considered for the open seats in advance?
State law requires the Town Council “to announce the names of all persons being proposed for the interim appointment” and hold a public meeting at least seven days before making an interim appointment.
Who is the Town Council considering for the interim appointments?
The Town Council is considering Joel Goodhart and Andrew Kassoff for the interim Town Council appointments. More information about Goodhart and Kassoff are available on the earlier announcement about this process.
Why is this process different from previous appointments to the Town Council or to boards and committees?
Appointments to council-appointed boards and committees typically do not require a public hearing. In the past, interim appointments to the Town Council also did not require a public hearing. For example, in 2018, the Council appointed then-Planning Commissioner Jerry Ford to an open seat through the typical appointment process, not a public hearing. In 2024, state law changed and now requires a public meeting and public notice before interim Town Council appointments are made.
Will there be a special election for these seats?
Yes. A special election will be held in November 2026 to allow voters to fill the two seats for the remainder of the original terms, which end on December 31, 2027.
Has the Town Council received public feedback on the appointment process?
Yes. The Council held a public hearing on January 13, 2026, and has received comments from residents regarding both the process and the proposed appointees. That feedback was reviewed and discussed during the January 20 work session.
How long will the individuals who are appointed to the Town Council serve?
The interim appointees will serve from the date of their appointment on January 27, 2026, until the results of the November 2026 special election are certified and the newly elected council members are sworn in.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Questions or feedback about the interim appointment process may be sent to the Town Council at TownCouncil@blacksburg.gov or to Lorraine Spaulding, Town Clerk at lspaulding@blacksburg.gov or 540-443-1025.
