Public Pools, Libraries, and the Path Forward: Lynchburg’s Debate Over Community Priorities
- Lynchburg Herald
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Two opposing perspectives from Cardinal News explore whether Lynchburg's government or private enterprise should drive community access to public resources like pools and libraries.
Cardinal News Hosts Community Conversation on Public Priorities
Cardinal News recently spotlighted two divergent perspectives in its Cardinal Way series on the future of public services in Lynchburg, focusing on taxpayer-funded libraries and public pools. The Lynchburg Herald has synthesized these opposing viewpoints — one from local arts leader Geoffrey Kershner and the other from Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer — to explore how the city’s priorities are evolving in light of community needs, fiscal realities, and political philosophy.
Kershner: The Private Sector Can’t Replace Public Goods
In his piece titled “The private sector can’t replace public pools or libraries in Lynchburg. Here’s why,” Geoffrey Kershner argues that libraries and pools are not luxuries but “infrastructure for minds and bodies.” Kershner — a former City Council candidate and the spouse of Downtown Lynchburg Association Executive Director Ashley Kershner — warns against reducing public investment in these spaces.
Kershner contends that public institutions ensure equitable access to literacy, education, wellness, and community, particularly for low-income families. He suggests that reliance on nonprofits or the private sector to fill the gaps would lead to service inequality and ultimately diminish quality of life.
“There is no private model that will guarantee that the kid without money will get to read books or swim safely in summer,” Kershner writes. He positions public funding as an essential mechanism for equity and shared civic values.
Timmer: It’s Time for New Ideas and Accountability
On the other side of the debate, Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer authored a response titled “If you want change, you need new ideas.” She critiques the assumption that more government spending equals better outcomes and calls for creative, fiscally responsible solutions to local challenges.
Timmer notes that Lynchburg faces rising taxes, a growing budget, and unmet core needs like school maintenance and public safety infrastructure. She questions whether continuing to fund expensive projects — like a $14.5 million new pool or $12.5 million library renovation — aligns with the city’s actual priorities.
“What about private partnerships, community-based models, or hybrid funding options?” she asks. “Maybe we don’t need to say ‘no’ to these ideas — we need to say ‘not like this.’”
Timmer emphasizes that good government should steward public funds wisely and pursue accountability, even if that means rethinking longstanding programs. She calls for innovation and public engagement in defining what “essential services” should mean in the future.
Lynchburg's Debate: A Citywide Conversation Just Beginning
The Cardinal Way series reflects a larger ideological debate in Lynchburg over the proper role of government in daily life — one that is playing out in budget hearings, city council meetings, and community forums.
Should city government focus only on infrastructure, education, and safety? Or should it fund amenities that enrich the social and cultural fabric, even if they stretch the budget?
The answer may lie somewhere in between, but with historic tax increases, capital project debates, and resource constraints shaping the FY2026 budget, Lynchburg residents are being asked to weigh in more than ever.
The Lynchburg Herald applauds Cardinal News for fostering this public dialogue and will continue covering how these issues evolve in the months ahead.
Sources:
Geoffrey Kershner, “The private sector can’t replace public pools or libraries in Lynchburg. Here’s why.” Cardinal News, April 29, 2025
Jacqueline Timmer, “If you want change, you need new ideas.” Cardinal News, April 29, 2025