Author Archives: admin
Use Value Property Tax Program (Land Use Tax)
The Use Value Property Tax Program was adopted in Albemarle in 1973. In the 1990s, urban residents and housing advocates wanted to stop the program in order to get more money for urban services and housing. To prevent losing the … Continue reading
Issues, Accomplishments, and Current Work
Engaging citizens in County government has been a priority for me. From 2008-2022, I held 82 Town Hall meetings at various locations around the district. Covid restrictions limited in person meetings for two years, but we maintained connections online where … Continue reading
Protecting Natural Resources
Albemarle citizens have prioritized clean air, water quality, and protection of natural resources and biodiversity. Information I bring from the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) of the EPA makes funding opportunities and technical assistance available to Albemarle; Continued to lead … Continue reading
Climate Change
It is no surprise to anyone that our rain storms are more ferocious, our heat or drought or freeze or blizzards are all more extreme. Albemarle County local government must plan for adaptation of operations and to assist citizens to … Continue reading
Emerging Chemicals – Safety and Regulation – PFAS
My work on the EPA Local Government Advisory Committee and its three subcommittees, air and climate, water quality, and emerging chemicals has educated me on the federal decision process and ways to access technical assistance and funding for Albemarle. The … Continue reading
Parks and Recreation
The mission of the parks and recreation department is to provide a unique system of parks, trails, and recreational experiences, while being superior stewards of the environment. During Covid closures, users of the trail systems and passive outdoor experiences soared … Continue reading
Data Centers
Albemarle leadership should address the impacts of potential data centers on our local environment, residents, and economy. We should not leave the issue unaddressed, especially in the comprehensive plan and zoning updates which are in process now. Our topography and … Continue reading
Comprehensive Plan Update – Place Matters
2023-2024 will be an important time for all residents to participate fully in the review and adoption of an updated comprehensive plan. Required by state law, the “comp plan” is the backbone for decision making in local government, from the … Continue reading
Quality of Life and Public Safety for Rural Area Residents
I will continue my efforts to enhance public safety on the roadways and in our rural residential areas with road improvements, enforcement for speeding, and investments in public safety officers to enhance community policing. Speeding is the topic of the … Continue reading
Crozet Community Growth – Roads, Schools, and Affordable Housing
The first Crozet Master plan was adopted in 2005, before I became a Supervisor. Crozet residents wanted predictability and planning in the face of advancing development. The Crozet Master Plan is still the living guide for development in the growth … Continue reading
Promoting Local Farms and our Agricultural Community
As the operator of a grassfed beef to consumer farm in Albemarle for more than 40 years, I am particularly invested in ensuring that our farms continue to thrive. I have strengthened agriculture and forestry activities County-wide through clarification of … Continue reading
Enhancing Economic Development in the County
I have worked to promote growth of local businesses and increase the number of new jobs in the County, while adhering to adopted planning principles and the citizen-generated Comprehensive Plan. Supported the development and adoption of Project ENABLE, a Strategic … Continue reading
Improving Public Safety
I have championed increased funding and support for the Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department, and the volunteer and paid Fire and Rescue Departments. I have worked to protect our combined emergency service system that brings together volunteers and paid staff … Continue reading