Why are you running for this office?

I am running to complete what I started in 2021. Having served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for over eight years, I thought I knew a lot about city management. After being appointed to the City Council, I quickly found out how much more there was to learn. The last three years have been a great learning experience for me, fueled by my desire to do the best job possible for those I represent.

For those who have watched our city council meetings, either live or recorded, you may notice that I tend to be the one asking the most questions. Most times, I already know the answers. But I ask so that those in the audience, who may have the same questions in mind, can hear the answers, and more importantly, know that the questions have been asked.

I have gained knowledge over the past three years thanks to the city staff and my own personal desire to know more. While I now have familiarity with just about all aspects of city government, I want to help those who do not know where to go for answers, but remembering that the answers may not be those they want to hear. That is something on which we may be able to work.

What is your view on growth management in your community?

Unfortunately, we cannot see into the future. Our Planning Commission works to tie the past, present, and future together in the form of our Comprehensive Plan. In 2016, Poquoson had two grocery stores and three pharmacies, likely enough for the city and nearby Tabb. A proposed third grocery with a fourth pharmacy was widely rejected. Then, in 2018, one of the preexisting groceries and two of the pharmacies closed. Very few, if anyone, saw that coming.

Our Office of Community Development and our Economic Development Authority work to recruit companies to join our community. These offices, boards and commissions, and the council work together to blend the city’s needs and vision with those of the prospective companies. But in a small community, that may take time. Plans of property owners may not align with those of city planners and other citizens, but perhaps there is room for compromise and talk. Decisions are made on an individual basis, remembering the past, looking at the present but keeping an eye toward to future. Sounds cheesy, I know, but it is often true.

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

I assume the words “taking money” refer to accepting a campaign contribution. I am sure there are opinions on both sides of this, but as a candidate who has not and does not “intend to solicit or accept any contribution from any person,” which is an option allowed by the Virginia Department of Elections, I would be against taking money if the business likelihood was known at the time of the offer.

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

The question should be, “How will you work with constituents with whom you disagree?” Obviously, the solution is dialogue, to be able to talk or communicate with one another. It will likely come down to the level of the disagreement. If the disagreement is that they see a place where the city needs to revamp some of its operations or processes, and they have not researched the topic to see if something like a state law precludes the changes, then it will be difficult. But if the disagreement is a matter of degree, “we need to do more or give more,” then it will be easier. The most difficult may be ones who believe things like, “you should stop people from cutting down trees on their property to build a house because I like the trees there.” That memory may last a long time.

I think a lot of disagreements can be solved with open communication, before, during, and after council meetings. Some call this transparency, and they have a point. As mentioned before, this is the reason I ask the questions I do during the meetings, for clarification for those in attendance and for those who view it later. If there are still questions, anyone can send me an email or give me a call. Our email addresses and phone numbers are listed on the city’s website.