*Editor’s note: The following candidates did not return questionnaires before deadline: Victoria Mayor Carol Watson, Victoria Town Council members Johnnie W. Brame, Ken Boyd, Sandra Jones, Lee Scott, Ron Mattox and Greg Elam, Kenbridge Mayor Emory Hodges, Kenbridge Town Council members Tom Palmore, Daniel Thompson, Mike Bender, Cathy Gilley and Raymond Hite. Polls in Victoria and Kenbridge will be open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday.

Robert Kassel

Victoria Town Council candidate

If there was something you could change about the town government, what would it be?

I think there should be more transparency on what the town is doing to accomplish the goals and meet the needs of its citizens.

What prompted you to run?

I’ve talked to a lot of people in town who feel their input is not considered when the council makes decisions that impact the community as a whole. I am confident in my ability to encourage more participation in council meetings from our citizens. I also feel that my management and financial expertise are great assets and are necessary for the future of this town and its citizens.

Hafiz M. Ibrahim

Kenbridge Town Council candidate

What do you consider the most pressing issue confronting the town?

It’s badly managed with over spending has no proper check and balance.

What special skills do you think you bring to council?

I have been in business in the town for the past 10 years and I believe I can offer a lot towards better management of the town.

What is one thing you want to voters to know about you?

I’m a hard worker and have always been and will fight hard for the town’s people and there voices.

Ken Blackburn

Kenbridge Town Council candidate

What special skills do you think you bring to council?

I have been employed in businesses large and small throughout my career, as a computer programmer and an executive. I understand how a budget works and the relationships between government activity, business activity and the local economy.

If there was something you could change about the town government what would it be?

Since we have a small tax base, the town depends on receiving grants and funding from the state and federal governments. I would reduce the amount of paperwork required to acquire grants and loans to complete needed repairs and construction projects.

Christopher Gill

Victoria Town Council candidate

What do you consider the most pressing issue confronting the town?

Growth. The most recent recession has had a detrimental effect on Victoria. We have witnessed business after business close on Main Street. This is the same issue that many small towns across the country are faced with.

If there was something you could change about the town government what would it be?

Focus less on the past and look more toward the future of Victoria. One should learn from the past but not live in it.

Richard McGrath

Kenbridge Town Council candidate

What do you consider the most pressing issue confronting the town? Upgrading sewer lines and pump system.

 What special skills do you think you bring to council?

I served on the council previously and understand how the needs of the citizens has to be addressed.

Anthony Sandy

Kenbridge Mayor candidate

What prompted you to run?

I want to help a lot of people, especially the ones on low-income and small businesses. I see a big suffering and these people need help.

What do you consider the most pressing issue confronting the town?

We need to bring in more jobs in the town, so we can offer our people hope and save people from leaving our area.