A.J. Harpold
Candidate for Salem City Council
Background
- Occupation
- Tea room owner; choreographer
- Campaign website
- aj4citycouncil.com
Opening the Gilded Rose Tea Room in downtown Salem; secretary-treasurer of the Choreographers Guild and a former choreographer and stage director for film, television and live tours. A G. W. Carver PTA board member.
Photo: Candidate-submitted photo — Cardinal News voter guide
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Opposes adding to residents' everyday costs.
ReportHow to vote in Salem: Salem City Council candidate questionnaire responses (Cardinal News voter guide data)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“I honestly don't think the local population can withstand a further increase in their everyday expenses”
Education
Opposes a school construction sales tax referendum now.
ReportHow to vote in Salem: Salem City Council candidate questionnaire responses (Cardinal News voter guide data)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“I don't think Salem City needs to hold a referendum to raise local sales tax for school construction.”
Housing
Supports more varied housing for young professionals, seniors and families.
ReportHow to vote in Salem: Salem City Council candidate questionnaire responses (Cardinal News voter guide data)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“Salem needs more housing. But housing that serves a variety of residents, and a variety of needs.”
Economy & jobs
Supports new small businesses and remediating existing buildings.
ReportHow to vote in Salem: Salem City Council candidate questionnaire responses (Cardinal News voter guide data)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“opening up possibilities for new businesses, the remediation of existing buildings and looking towards developing more diverse housing options”
Environment & parks
Supports historic and natural preservation in Salem.
ReportHow to vote in Salem: Salem City Council candidate questionnaire responses (Cardinal News voter guide data)Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
“promote the historical and natural preservation of our beautiful city”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from A.J. Harpold on them.
- Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.
- Government & transparencyNo documented position found.
All sources (3)
- Candidate list, November 3, 2026 General Election: City of Salem (all offices)
Election filing · Virginia Department of Elections · elections.virginia.gov
- Sample ballot, November 3, 2026 General and Special Elections: City of Salem
Election filing · City of Salem Electoral Board · salemva.gov
- How to vote in Salem: Salem City Council candidate questionnaire responses (Cardinal News voter guide data)
Candidate questionnaire · Cardinal News · app.electup.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.