Name: W. Pat Dent

Age: 62

Website: www.dentforcouncil.com

Biography: After a 28-year career with the City of Newport News Fire Department, in July 2009 I was selected to fill the vacant Deputy Fire Chief position for the City of Williamsburg and just a few months later was appointed Fire Chief. I earned an A.A.S. and B.S Degree in Fire Science and completed numerous leadership courses, which included leadership development courses at the Weldon Cooper Institute at the University of Virginia.

After retirement from the Williamsburg Fire Department in 2019, I quickly realized what I already knew, I am a public servant at heart. It was then, with the support of many community members, I decided to run for City Council in 2020. I had a genuine desire to put my 38+ years of local government experience to work for Williamsburg. With the support of the community I was elected to my first term on City Council and was subsequently elected to Vice-Mayor by my council colleagues.

My wife Sandy and I have been married for 42 years and have two adult children and four grandchildren. Our son and daughter-in-law own a small business in the Greater Williamsburg area and their three children attend WJCC schools. Our daughter has been an educator for eight years. She and her husband are the proud parents of a two-month old daughter.

Why are you running for this office?

I felt a commitment to utilize my local government experience along with my passion for public service to continue serving the Williamsburg community. I have demonstrated the ability to have open and honest communication with the members of our community, earning their trust and respect. During my first term on City Council, we collectively navigated a pandemic, improved infrastructure, maintained a strong financial position and completed many other projects. There is still work to be done and I want to put my experience, dedication, and proven record to work for another four years.

What is your view on growth management in your community?

I believe growth is necessary for our community to continue to thrive and provide much needed housing options. This growth needs to be managed so that our schools, public safety, traffic, and other provided services are not negatively impacted. As a member of the current Williamsburg City Council, we approved approximately 450 additional housing units over a two-year period which included a mix of townhomes, apartments, and one underperforming hotel that will convert to affordable housing apartments. We as a City Council also denied several project requests that would have added approximately 800 additional housing units. I evaluated each project on its own merit, but factors that influenced my final determination included citizen opposition, environmental concerns, traffic concerns, impact on city services and schools, and allowing property zoned as commercial to be rezoned to residential. The projects that were approved as previously mentioned had not yet been completed, which raised concerns for me about adding additional housing units before the impacts of the approved projects were realized. I strongly advocated for allowing the approved projects to be completed before approving additional housing projects. Growth is inevitable to remain a viable community, but it needs to be managed at a pace that minimizes negative impacts on the community.

What is your view on continuing the partnership between James City County and the city for a public school system?

As a current City Council member, it would not be appropriate for me to take a stance on the possibility of a school separation before all of the information has been properly vetted and public input received. I have been engaging with parents, teachers, students, and taxpayers to make certain their voices are heard and are part of my decision making process. Also, from a personal interest, I have three grandchildren attending WJCC this year. As a result of the discussions on this topic, I believe no matter the ultimate outcome, the school system will be stronger for it. My focus is to ensure all students receive a quality education and have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of whether that is in the current joint system or a separate system. I am the right individual to have on City Council for such a decision because I have a history of bringing people together for a common goal.

What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?

I have the utmost respect and trust in constituents that any money contributed to my campaign is not an effort to persuade me to vote in their favor on business they may have before City Council. During a campaign, it is not always readily apparent if contributors will have business before City Council in the future. Individuals contribute to my campaign based on my stance on policy decisions and how I carry out the City’s vision. I work tirelessly to earn the community’s trust and respect, performing my duties with unwavering integrity. I will not compromise my integrity based on an individual’s financial contribution.

How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?

It is my responsibility to acknowledge that constituents may have different factors influencing their position on any topic. Disagreements with constituents is inevitable, but I handle the disagreements with respect and empathy. I believe it is important to actively listen to all positions on an issue and do so with an open mind. This sets the tone for the conversation and demonstrates the value I place in their opinion. I respect differing opinions and work towards finding common ground on an issue. I work to develop a positive relationship with constituents by ensuring their voices are heard. Steering the conversation towards solutions can result in a better outcome on the issue. This approach allows me to continually learn from varying points and positions on every issue.