Join

Will Stafford Go ‘At-large?’

Stafford, Va. — As Stafford’s Board of Supervisor’s Chairman prepares to head to Richmond next month for his new job as Delegate, there is talk about changing the make-up of county’s Board of Supervisors.

Del. –Elect Mark Dudenhefer (R-Stafford, Woodbridge) was elected in November to serve in Richmond when the General Assembly convenes Jan. 13. That will leave open not only the Garrisonville District Supervisor’s seat but also the title of Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors.

The Board is expected to appoint a replacement for Dudenhefer next month.

Like all chairmen before him, Dudenhefer was appointed Chairman by his peers, not elected by the public to serve At-large like chairmen in Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun and other counties in Virginia are.

Hoping to change that is Stafford Aquia District Supervisor Paul Milde, who hoped to discuss the possibility of adding or converting a seat on the Board to an At-large seat. He says Stafford is the largest county in Northern Virginia without an At-large supervisor.

But his efforts were quickly dashed during the Dec. 13 Board when a majority of supervisors voted to table discussion about a possible At-large seat until Dudenhefer’s replacement is found.

“It’s unbelievable that for the first time ever, without any discussion, you guys decided ahead of time to vote 5 to 2 to shut me down on this issue,” said Milde to his peers.

Dudenhefer’s replacement, along with two new board members elected in November to represent the Griffis-Widewater and George Washington districts, respectively, will make for an essentially new Board.

Because of this, Falmouth District Supervisor Susan Stimpson thought it best to wait until the new Board is in place.

“I do respect you, as a courtesy to this board, I think we’ve already discussed this,” Stimpson told Milde following the vote.

And she’s right, as this issue is not new to Stafford. County residents signed a petition, circulated in part by Milde, which urges the county to petition the General Assembly to allow them to add an At-large seat to the Board that would be elected by all county residents, a position which would, according to supporters, have the best interests of the entire county at heart.

Supporters also said an At-large Chairman could break a tie vote on the Board, would not be beholden to party politics, and that one of the current seven magisterial districts could be absorbed by another sitting supervisor, doing away with the need to add an eighth district.

The Board is expected to take up the issue once again during their Jan. 17 meeting.

Recent Stories

Most of the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors made it clear during a meeting Tuesday night they have no interest in joining a Regional Transportation Authority with Fredericksburg as well as Stafford, King George and Caroline counties, the Fredericksburg Free Press reports.

The region braces for unsettled weather patterns as a cold front sweeps eastward today, according to the National Weather Service.

“Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s veto of a bill that would have allowed young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to become police officers was met with disappointment from Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham, who pushed for the measure and went to Richmond to support it.”

Fire and rescue crews were called to a fire at Lake Ridge Orthodontics today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 5:31 a.m.

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

×

Subscribe to our mailing list