Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The News & Advance Entry Title: Council votes down talk of MEO resolution; Commonwealth's attorney: Lynchburg to start enforcing skill game ban Jan. 1; City Council votes 5-2 to censure Misjuns, first in council's history Entry Credit: Emma Martin Judge Comment: The two stories disfunction in the Lynchburg council show how, especially the second one's conversational style, were very insightful and showed how an intentionally disruptive politician can sour the public image and upset the work of government.
The article on the end of skill games showed how difficult it has been to rid the state of unregulatred gambling.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The News & Advance Entry Title: 'Inner squabbles' on display as Lynchburg City Council meeting turns heated; Police, fire chiefs detail firearm incident after bullet-stricken laptop produced at city council meeting; body jilts workplace resolution; School funding, real estate tax rate Entry Credit: Bryson Gordon Judge Comment: The stories on infighting in Lynchburg and the methods used expose important aspects of how power can be used and abused. The choices before the public in the budget and tax rate story are very detailed and show each property owner what their taxes will buy depending on the rate imposed.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The News & Advance Entry Title: 'We are being held hostages': Crowd blasts Bedford council's land annexation vote; Bedford commission recommends denial of halfway house in Goode, residents voice concerns; Bedford supervisors narrowly approve tax increase after emotional hearing Entry Credit: Justin Faulconer Judge Comment: Interesting stories on a variety of local government issues that have real impact on people's lives. I think the story about opposition to the treatment facility could have included information about drug addiction rates and how many other inpatient facilities are operating.
Competition Comment: Strong reporting from all the entries on important community issues.
