Bristol council names three finalists after public interviews for vacant seat; finalists return Feb. 24

Vice Mayor Osborne announced that the City Council had selected three finalists to return for closed-session interviews on Feb. 24: Alex Littleton, Jackie Nofflin and Rebecca Reeves. The council held public interviews for six applicants and heard several speakers during the public-comment period urging the council to appoint Jackie Nofflin to the vacant seat.

Council and staff outlined the process at the start of the meeting: the council interviewed candidates one at a time, then went into closed session to discuss and select finalists before returning to the dais and naming the three who will be interviewed again. Vice Mayor Osborne said the finalists would be interviewed in closed session at the Feb. 24 meeting and the council expects to name an appointee after that round.

Candidates described their backgrounds and priorities in front of the council. Jackie Nofflin, a pastor and long-time local volunteer, emphasized advocacy for people with disabilities and low-income residents and said accessibility upgrades are needed in city facilities. "I stand for the people," she told the council, urging investment in small businesses along Exit 7 and improved ADA access in public buildings. Rebecca Reeves, a small-business owner and library foundation board member, stressed fiscal responsibility, preserving essential services and attracting family-friendly economic development. Alex Littleton, a long-time resident and nonprofit executive, focused on family services, workforce and affordable housing as drivers of growth.

Public commenters widely supported Nofflin. David Brooks, a college student who spoke during public comment, said the choice "is about trust" and urged the council to appoint someone who listens to younger residents. Mary Darcy and other residents described Nofflin as a unifying figure who has worked across community groups and nonprofits.

The council also clarified process milestones: council discussion in closed session tonight produced the three finalists; the finalists will return Feb. 24 for closed interviews and the council expects to announce an appointment after that second round of interviews. The newly appointed member will be sworn in following the public announcement.

The meeting record shows the council followed the process set out under Virginia law for discussing appointments in closed session. The next public update on the appointment will come after the Feb. 24 meeting.