Although a small step on its own, the anti-payday loan statement made by Staunton on Thursday could send a big message to the capital - if, that is, other communities follow suit. In Waynesboro, where there are five payday loan stores, officials have just never considered taking a side in the debate, said Mayor Tom Reynolds. In Staunton, the City Council is urging other communities to join them in calling for stricter oversight of payday lenders. Payday lenders, well aware of the vocal opposition they face, have been amenable to some reform ideas, such as limiting the number of loans a person can take out at any given time. Dan Drummond, a lobbyist for the country’s biggest payday lender, Advance America, said those aligned against the industry fail to understand the business’ true nature or the makeup of its clientele. read more