Vanuch vows to curb Stafford residential growth, traffic congestion

STAFFORD COUNTY — Crystal Vanuch is running for the Stafford County Board of Supervisors.

Eyeing the Rockhill District seat, she kicked off her campaign at Barley Naked Brewing Co.

She’s running on a platform of curbing traffic congestion in residential growth. As a current member of the county’s Planning Commission, she prided herself on never voting to approve one residential rezoning in the district.

“I once was told to live in Stafford is to fight… You have to fight against residential rezonings, traffic, land uses that impact public safety in residential areas, school redistricting…” said the Stafford native. “People should be able to enjoy where they live and not have to fight for everything that is common sense.”

Vanuch, 35, also said she’ll put a priority on fixing the county’s roads to ease congestion, and to find ways to retain school teachers and keep class sizes small.

Earlier this year, Stafford officials scrapped plan to borrow tens of millions for county street and road improvements in the county out of fear the additional debt would dimish the county’s bond rating.

If she wins, Vanuch will replace Republican Wendy Maurer, who held the seat for the past four years. Maurer announced she would not seek reelection.

Vanuch has spent four years as Maurer’s appointment to the county Planning Commission of which she is the chairman, which recommends approval or denial of land use cases. The final decisions are made by the Board of Supervisors.

Vanuch runs a public relations firm for start-up healthcare companies. She lives with her husband of nine years, David.

Democrats will hold a nominating caucus on June 1 to find a candidate to run against Vanuch.

Voters will head to the polls on Nov. 5, 2019.