(L to R) Dale Burdette, Vice Mayor; Michael Foster, incumbent; Debbie Laudermilk, incumbent; Pamela Lightfoot, candidate; Thalia Turner, write-in candidate; and Gayle Hillert, Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board of Directors and Past President.

Clifton Forge Community Gathering Presents 'Candidate Conversation' By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Clifton Forge, VA (Oct. 15, 2026)— The Historic Masonic Theatre, located at 510 Main Street in Clifton Forge, was the setting for a significant event this evening, courtesy of the Clifton Forge Community Gathering. Tonight's "Candidate Conversation," which ran from 6:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m., offered residents an opportunity to engage with local political candidates, as well as hear some of their write-in questions answered by those running for office. The candidates voters will be choosing from are the current vice mayor of Clifton Forge, Dale Burdette, incumbents Michael Foster and Debbie Laudermilk, candidate Pamela Lightfoot, and write-in candidate Thalia Turner. With five in the running and three who will be chosen, residents will have the opportunity on November 3 to choose three among those five running or opt for a write-in. As the evening got moving, candidates were given two minutes in which to answer questions submitted by residents, with a 30-second warning when time was running out. Among the questions answered were how they would address complaints both during meetings and online, what their visions were for the town's future, and how they would allocate a $1,000,000 grant if they could do anything with the money. Other significant issues which were addressed included storefront properties and how council might prevent them from being used as storage facilities, local infrastructure, and how the current candidates have been involved with promoting the town. The "Candidate Conversation" at the Historic Masonic Theatre was an enlightening event for all attendees, giving residents the opportunity to engage with those requesting a seat on council. For those who may have been unable to attend tonight's discussion, the Alleghany Journal was on-site to livestream the event. That video is currently available for viewing on the Alleghany Journal Facebook page.

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