Three Democratic candidates say the incident has prompted a larger conversation about hateful rhetoric in the community. While the candidates say the vandalism itself was upsetting, they say the community response has been a more important reflection of Lynchburg. “To me the biggest statement about Lynchburg is the community’s reaction to it,” Henderson said. “We had people immediately come out to report the sign, remove the sign, and offer their help. And again, that speaks so much more about what Lynchburg is versus a symbol of hate.” The candidates say their response is not about political parties.

The Lynchburg Police Department has paused the operation of its 15 fixed Flock Safety license plate reader cameras located on city rights-of-way in response to concerns raised by elected officials and residents, the department said Wednesday. City Council candidates responded with a variety of statements. Lynchburg Better Together candidates said they support the pause, and offered some steps the city could take.

With a month left until early voting starts in the general election, a large campaign sign for three Democrats running for city council was vandalized. Lynchburg Better Together, a group that endorsed Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall for city council, said it learned on Monday morning that one of its 4-feet-by-8-feet campaign signs at Vassar Street and Langhorne Road had been vandalized with swastikas, antisemetic imagery and other graffiti.

A hateful symbol now has Lynchburg candidates from both parties speaking out after someone vandalized a campaign sign with antisemitic graffiti. “To think that that could happen in our community is really hard for me to fathom,” said Dave Henderson, a Lynchburg City Council candidate. Someone vandalized a “Lynchburg Better Together” campaign sign Sunday night. It was covered with antisemitic imagery and other graffiti. “I'd say it's deeply painful for the city of Lynchburg to have an experience like this. That swastika that was on that sign is a symbol of hatred and violence,” Henderson said.

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.

Lynchburg Better Together City Council candidates Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall have released a new summary of feedback gathered during a July 14 listening session with leaders from the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company. The document, “What We Heard From Public Transit Leaders,” emphasizes: public transit is essential city infrastructure. Reliable transit connects residents to jobs, schools, health care, shopping, housing, and community life while supporting employers, downtown activity, public events, and economic development.