MEDIA ADVISORY: Lynchburg Better Together Releases City Council Conduct Pledge as Candidates Cite Governance Breakdown

Pledge centers on restoring focus, credibility, and trust in local government

Lynchburg, VA — February 2, 2026 — Lynchburg Better Together today released a nonpartisan City Council Conduct Pledge, linking widespread concern about the conduct and effectiveness of City Council to why a new slate of candidates has stepped forward to run for office.

The pledge outlines baseline expectations for how City Council should conduct public business, including professionalism, respectful conduct, responsible use of rules and procedures, transparency, and accountability. It does not endorse specific policies or political parties, nor does it seek to replace existing rules.

“For many residents, the issue isn’t ideology—it’s whether City Council can function effectively and responsibly,” said a spokesperson for Lynchburg Better Together. “These standards reflect why our candidates are running: to restore discipline, trust, and focus to local governance so the city can move forward.”

The pledge responds to growing public frustration with meetings that lose focus, procedural conflict that delays city business, and conduct that undermines confidence in local government. Without naming individuals or incidents, it emphasizes the importance of restoring foundational norms of governance.

“Our decision to run came from listening to neighbors, city staff, and business and community leaders who are exhausted by dysfunction,” said Dave Henderson. “We believe serving on City Council means doing the work with professionalism and respect, even when disagreements are real.”

Another candidate emphasized the impact on residents and staff alike. “When meetings stretch on for hours without progress, it sends a message that people’s time doesn’t matter,” said Nat Marshall. “We’re running because we believe City Council should be focused, disciplined, and centered on outcomes.”

A third candidate pointed to the long-term consequences of governance breakdown. “How decisions are made matters,” said Christina Delzingaro. “When procedure is used to obstruct rather than govern, it erodes trust and makes it harder for the city to plan for the future.”

The City Council Conduct Pledge affirms principles such as starting meetings on time, maintaining a safe and civil governing environment, respecting public participation, applying rules consistently, treating city staff with professionalism, and keeping the city’s long-term interests at the center of decision-making.

Supporters stress that the pledge is forward-looking and nonpartisan, intended to clarify shared expectations rather than relitigate past events.

The pledge is open for signature by Lynchburg residents and community stakeholders. The full City Council Conduct Pledge, along with a signer’s FAQ and additional context, is available at www.lynchburgbettertogether.org/pledge.