Town Council welcomes new faces

By Justin Faulconer

Published: July 16, 2008

Amherst Town Council welcomed two new faces July 9 and reorganized its governing structure for the next two years.

Richard Wydner and Paul Kilgore Jr. are joining the five-member board, replacing C. Manly Rucker III and Jason Campbell.

Mayor Jacob Bailey appointed Wydner, who previously served on council from 2004-2005, as the town’s vice mayor, noting his previous experience. Bailey also allotted roles to council members who will serve on committees until June 2010.

Wydner, 70, is retired and has served on the town’s planning commission and the Amherst County Board of Equalization. He said he wants to help the town move forward in expanding industry and improving public utilities.

Kilgore, 46, is a battalion fire chief for the Lynchburg Fire Department and also sells real estate. He planned to run for council when he retired, he said, but the opportunity presented itself earlier.

He said he is looking forward to helping industries improve the quality of life for people he’s known for years.

“I lived here all my life,” Kilgore said. “I enjoy seeing our town looking good and I want to promote the town.”