Donaldson to seek Ward B council seat; Allen to seek re-election in Ward B

A veteran Waynesboro firefighter is seeking the Ward B City Council seat in the May city elections now held by Vice Mayor Bruce Allen.
Robert “Bob’’ Donaldson is a 1995 graduate of Waynesboro High School and holds an associate degree in computer science technology from Blue Ridge Community College.
Donaldson will oppose incumbent Allen in May. Allen confirmed Friday that he will seek a second term in May.
Donaldson became a volunteer firefighter for the city in 2001, and became a full-time career firefighter in 2003.
He has also worked part-time as a fire prevention specialist for Harrisonburg and volunteers as a firefighter for surrounding agencies.
Donaldson said his service with the city of Waynesboro offers him the knowledge to make a difference in city government.
“I know how the city works having worked for the city,’’ he said.
Donaldson said he would bring a new perspective to Waynesboro City Council, one that focuses on such important areas as economic development and education.
“I believe that a strong education system is the cornerstone for growth of the community. If elected, I will work with other elected officials to improve our city’s school system,’’ he said. “I will strive to enhance Waynesboro’s economic growth by helping to improve and make more efficient our comprehensive city package that includes all aspects of the city’s departments, services and infrastructure.”
Allen said Friday he does plan to seek re-election and was busy collecting voter signatures to get on the May ballot.
Allen said he believes “it is good when the community has a choice. The community can weigh out and look at the new person and what changes or opportunities they want to offer.”
Four years ago, Allen took a decisive victory in a three-candidate field, garnering 62 percent of the vote cast for the Ward B seat.
Donaldson said he plans to run a “positive campaign talking about the issues of the day.”
His campaign will include meeting with city department heads and much door-to-door meetings with city voters in the next few months.