Kneading Change: Pete Gets Candid on the Blacksburg On The Rocks Podcast

In case you missed it, Pete sat down for an honest, wide-ranging conversation on the Blacksburg on the Rocks podcast—an episode that digs into what’s really going on in town, and why Pete is running for mayor.

Here’s a taste of what was discussed:

🗳 Why Pete’s Running:
From bakery counter conversations to early mornings before the farmer’s market, Pete shares what motivated him to step up—from frustration with the status quo to a deep belief that local government should be accessible, transparent, and built around real people.

🏡 Kabrich Street Housing Development & Beyond:
Pete talks about the town’s approach to housing, why we need data-backed decisions, and what inclusive growth could look like if we genuinely involve the community in shaping it.

🌱 Is Blacksburg Really Small-Business Friendly?
Spoiler: It’s complicated. As a local business owner, Pete dives into what’s working, what’s missing, and how seasonality, turnover, and bureaucracy create real barriers for those trying to make a living here.

📉 The Seasonality Struggle:
With a town population that fluctuates wildly throughout the year, Pete explains how that rhythm affects everything from staffing to sustainability—and why we need creative, long-term solutions.

🧩 A Platform for the People:
Accessible meetings, clear communication, responsive leadership—Pete breaks down the core of his campaign platform and how it all comes back to one idea: local government should work for everyone.