PRESS RELEASE: Democratic City Council Candidates Release Results from Listening Session with Community Faith Leaders
Listening session highlights the need for responsive leadership, stronger public schools, serious action on poverty, and respect for every resident.
LYNCHBURG, Va. — Lynchburg Better Together City Council candidates Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall have released a new summary of feedback gathered during a listening session with community faith leaders.
The document, “What We Heard From Community Faith Leaders,” reflects a call for city leadership that listens before making decisions, respects Lynchburg’s diversity, strengthens public schools, addresses poverty seriously, and protects the dignity of every resident.
“Faith communities see the challenges facing Lynchburg at the neighborhood level,” said Christina Delzingaro. “They work with families, students, seniors, and residents experiencing hardship. City Council should listen to that experience and make decisions grounded in compassion, fairness, and practical results.”
The listening session highlighted three major priorities.
City leaders must listen before deciding. Participants said they value leaders who approach community conversations with genuine curiosity rather than predetermined answers. They want a City Council that maintains meaningful relationships with residents and community organizations throughout the decision-making process.
Lynchburg must address poverty and strengthen public schools. Faith leaders emphasized that the city’s future depends on supporting children, families, and neighborhoods. They called for leadership that treats educational opportunity and economic hardship as central community concerns rather than isolated issues.
“Poverty affects education, health, housing, employment, and public safety,” said Dave Henderson. “These issues are connected, and City Council needs to work with schools, faith communities, service organizations, and residents on long-term solutions.”
Public safety should protect both security and public trust. Participants said Lynchburg can protect public safety without sacrificing inclusion or dignity. They encouraged city leaders to consider how enforcement practices affect families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods, particularly when residents feel vulnerable or targeted.
“Public safety is strongest when residents trust their local government and know they will be treated fairly,” said Nat Marshall. “We need leadership that protects the community while respecting the dignity and rights of every person.”
Faith leaders also emphasized that religious conviction can inspire service, compassion, justice, and care for neighbors, while city government has a responsibility to serve people of every faith and those who do not belong to a faith community.
“Lynchburg is home to people with many different beliefs and experiences,” Delzingaro said. “City government must create public spaces where everyone belongs while working with faith communities and other civic partners that are committed to serving their neighbors.”
The candidates said the release is part of their broader commitment to listening directly to residents, educators, workers, business owners, service providers, and community leaders as they develop a practical agenda for Lynchburg’s future.
The full “What We Heard From Community Faith Leaders” summary is available at: https://www.lynchburgbettertogether.org/what-weve-heard/what-we-heard-from-community-faith-leaders
About Lynchburg Better Together
Lynchburg Better Together is supporting Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall for Lynchburg City Council. The campaign is focused on practical, community-centered leadership that strengthens neighborhoods, supports families, invests in public services, and builds a better future for all of Lynchburg.