Candidate Q and A

Answers to questions I have been asked recently…

Why do you serve?

I love Powhatan County. I feel so blessed that I have been able to raise my girls here and be a part of this wonderful community. Part of what I love about Powhatan is the way our values, as a community, are displayed every day, by the actions of individuals, churches, community organizations and businesses. The willingness of our citizens to serve, whether through church, PYAA, Lions or Rotary, and many other ways, makes Powhatan special. You can see the results of our citizen involvement every week in Powhatan Today or the community website, powhatanva.com. I have always served my community, and it brings me great joy. In Powhatan, you can really make a difference by serving.

Why are you running for Board of Supervisors from the 5^th District?

I have been encouraged by many friends and neighbors to run for the Board of Supervisors from the 5^th District. My experience serving as Chairman of the School Board has given me the opportunity to see first-hand the workings of the Board of Supervisors and the way they conduct business. Quite frankly, many people feel the Board is out of touch with the taxpayers of the County, and I agree. While most of us have had to cut budgets at home and at work, the Board of Supervisors appears to be conducting business as usual, spending on things that should be reduced or eliminated. The Board needs a wakeup call. They need to do some “recalculating.” They need to make some tough decisions in the coming year and I hope to bring common sense conservative values to the table as those decisions are made.

Do you have to give up School Board Chairmanship to run for Board of Supervisors?

Local elections take place this fall for School Board and Board of Supervisors, as well as other local offices. My decision to run for Board of Supervisors means that I will not seek reelection to the school board. I will continue to serve as Chairman of the School Board through the end of this year.

What is your main “issue” as you run for Board of Supervisors?

Government at all levels – federal, state and local – need to focus on, and fund, core functions of government. I don’t think government is the answer to everything. Governments are formed to take care of the needs (not wants) of citizens that cannot be met individually. Core functions of our local Powhatan government include, the Sheriff’s Office, Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, the School Division among others. Recent discussions about expanding the library, adding another convenience center, funding local nonprofits and building a huge government complex are totally out of touch with our citizens. These are difficult tough times – Times to look for ways to save money, not spend money on non core functions of government.

How can I help?

The 5^th District is, by far, the largest district geographically, stretching from the James River to Amelia County, west all the way to Cumberland County. I will need lots of help reaching voters and sharing our message. From putting up signs, distributing bumper stickers and dropping of literature and letters, I welcome your support.