The Stafford County Board of Supervisors began its first meeting of 2025 with a significant leadership transition. Supervisor Deuntay Diggs was elected chairman in a 4-3 vote, succeeding outgoing Chairwoman Meg Bohmke. Diggs addressed his new role during the meeting and outlined his expectations for the year ahead, emphasizing transparency and teamwork.
Chairman Diggs’ Vision
Supervisor Diggs took a moment to reflect on the responsibilities of his new position and the values he brings to the role. “The citizens in the George Washington District knew that I was a law enforcement officer in this community. I love my job. And part of being a law enforcement officer is conducting ourselves with integrity. And so I will continue to do so, and I can serve in this role and do that as well,” Diggs said.
He further expressed a strong desire to foster collaboration among the board members. “The goal is that we’re gonna work together as a team. I’m not asking, I’m demanding that. That’s the expectation,” he stated. Diggs’ remarks came as a call to unity, encouraging board members to prioritize cooperation and accountability.
The board also elected Supervisor Tinesha Allen as vice chair in a 5-2 vote.
Community Concerns Addressed
Several public speakers attended the meeting to voice concerns, including issues surrounding the treatment of citizen volunteers on county boards. Mary Becelia, a former Library Trustee Board member, reiterated the need for protection for citizen volunteers and called for a formal apology from the board regarding her removal last year.
Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary was censured for her role in Becelia’s removal in December 2024.
Diggs was acknowledged explicitly for his prior apology to Basile. Public speaker Clayton Calvert remarked, “Thank you, Supervisor Diggs, for your ongoing courage, not only for your role as a police officer in this community but on this dais, when you showed bravery in a different setting.”
Transparency and Accountability Discussions
During the meeting, a proposal was raised to revise the board’s Code of Conduct, focusing on transparency and accountability, particularly for board members working as county employees. Rock Hill District Supervisor Crystal Vanuch suggested adding a clause requiring employees to take leave for board-related activities during work hours and to submit leave requests for public review. While the motion was withdrawn, the board agreed to revisit the discussion in a future work session.
In response, Diggs reiterated his commitment to transparency. “If there’s any, clearly there’s only two people on this board that this comment and this is aimed at, and that’s myself and Supervisor English. And if anyone has questions about how much I work or when I’m working or when I’m not working, they can always contact the Sheriff’s office,” he said.
Diggs is a county sheriff’s deputy, while English retired from the sheriff’s office as a deputy and still works there part-time.
Supervisor Monica Gary’s No Votes
Supervisor Monica Gary cast “no” votes on multiple appointments during the meeting, explaining that her decision stemmed from what she described as retaliation by the board for her previous actions. Gary had publicly called out the board’s handling of Mary Becelia’s removal from the Library Trustee Board, accusing the board of violating state code.
Gary’s dissenting votes come after her recent announcement that she would not seek a second term on the board. This decision follows her censure in 2024 for her stance on the controversial removal of Becelia. Gary stated, “It is my position that because this board is continuing to retaliate against me by withholding appointments when I exercise free speech to call this board’s violation out of the Virginia Code 4.2.1-35 when removing Ms. Becelia, I will not support any of the appointments.”
The board concluded its meeting focusing on setting a collaborative tone for the year ahead.
Diggs, elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2024 representing the George Washington District, praised Anderson’s leadership and vision for the future in a statement announcing his endorsement.
“Derrick Anderson is the leader we need to unite our community and tackle the challenges that matter most, both locally and globally,” Diggs said. “With a deep commitment to putting country over party and strong roots in our community, Derrick is focused on building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. His vision and dedication inspire real change. Let’s come together and support Derrick in making that vision a reality.”
Diggs’ endorsement is significant in a closely watched race because of his nonpartisan approach. Beyond his political role, Diggs has gained recognition for his diverse accomplishments as a law enforcement officer, motivational speaker, author, actor, and even a contestant on “America’s Got Talent.”
In response to the endorsement, Anderson expressed his gratitude, highlighting Diggs’ bipartisan approach and service to the community.
“Supervisor Diggs is an energetic, effective, and bipartisan community leader, and I’m honored to have his endorsement,” Anderson said. “He puts country over party every day, and I appreciate his service as a law enforcement officer. I look forward to working with him closely to improve our great district when I’m in Congress.”
Diggs currently serves as an alternate on several key committees, including the Joint Schools Working Committee, the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Association, and the Rappahannock Regional Jail Authority Board. He also represents the county on the George Washington Regional Commission and the Rappahannock River Basin Commission.
As the race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District heats up, Diggs’ endorsement could provide Anderson with a boost, particularly among independent voters in the region.
Anderson has a background in military service and public policy. His campaign emphasizes national security, economic growth, and bipartisanship as key tenets of his platform.
The 7th Congressional District race is expected to be highly competitive and is considered a “toss-up.‘ Voters will decide on November 5 who will represent their interests in a region that spans urban and rural communities. Early voting is underway.
Stafford County Supervisor Deuntay Diggs will hold his first town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Stafford High School.
Diggs represents the George Washington District, said he’ll be joined by elected School Board member, Susan Randall, also of George Washington, as well as residents whom Diggs appointed to several county boards and commissions.
“I am delighted to introduce to you the esteemed team representing the George Washington District! Our inaugural town hall meeting is scheduled for March 27th at 6:00pm, hosted at Stafford High School in the auditorium. Your presence and participation are highly valued as we embark on this journey together. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege to serve,” Diggs posted to Facebook.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with opening remarks from Diggs, State Senator Tara Durant (R-27, Stafford, Fredericksburg), Delegate Joshua Cole (D-65, Stafford, Fredericksburg), Randall, and Dr. Brad Hatch from the Patowomeck Tribe.
After introducing the various board and commission appointees, Diggs will take questions from the audience until 8 p.m.
Diggs is a Stafford sheriff’s deputy, and the town hall meeting comes as five people who police said work for a Charlottesville towing company assaulted two cops at a south Stafford McDonalds and were set free hours later by a county magistrate.
Other types of crime in the county are up, too. Diggs’ boss, Sheriff David Decatur, said the number of police chases his deputies respond to in the county has increased, as local police agencies in Northern Virginia chose not to pursue suspects who are eventually stopped in Stafford.
Meanwhile, the Board of Supervisors is working to finalize its FY2025 budget, with final adoption expected next month. Supervisors have advertised a lower Real Estate tax rate used to fund county government operations, but tax bills are expected to rise due to higher home assessments, up at least 13% over the past two years.
School officials said the county’s budget is about $2 million short of what it needs to fund schools for the coming year fully.
Diggs was elected to replace Tom Coen, who served on the Board of Supervisors since 2018.
