Supervisors candidates discuss millennials, infrastructure and schools

Transcription

1 Richmond (VA) Times Dispatch 09/29/2015 "Supervisors candidates discuss millennials, infrastructure and schools" Audience: 262,572 Author: Laura Kebede Richmond Source Website: Supervisors candidates discuss millennials, infrastructure and schools By LAURA KEBEDE Richmond Times-Dispatch Posted: Monday, September 28, :30 pm Voters heard from all but one of the candidates for the Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Monday night on topics ranging from the county's appeal to millennials to supervisors' power in school system issues. About 75 people attended the candidate forum hosted by the Henrico Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber at Reynolds Community College, Parham Campus. The candidates running in contested seats are: Richard W. Glover and Danny Plaugher in the Brookland District; John Dantzler and Frank J. Thornton in the Fairfield District; and Eric S. Rohnacher and Robert C. "Bob" Shippee in the Three Chopt District. The two incumbents running unopposed, Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O'Bannon and Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson, also answered questions at the forum. Three Chopt candidate Tommy M. Branin, who serves on the Planning Commission, did not attend the forum. Three Chopt The Three Chopt discussion centered on how to hold back further growth in the district, home to Short Pump, until infrastructure and residential concerns can be addressed. Both candidates lauded the service of David A. Kaechele, who announced his retirement from the board in January. "To have the Three Chopt District continue to be the number one business district in Henrico, is to make it the number one residential district as well," said Shippee, 52, who is retired from a career in financial services. Rohnacher, 36,also in financial services, decried the growth rate of the district and said the county has some catching up to do in road infrastructure. He also said the future of the area is "all about attracting and retaining young professionals... to allow people to live a healthy lifestyle where they can bike and walk." Heavy traffic and the lack of sidewalks discourage people to walk around Short Pump, even if they live there, he said. Brookland Glover and Plaugher differed on the power the supervisors should exercise over the School Board. Glover said one elected body should not dictate to another. Plaugher said further action is needed when the school system is struggling. "I would much rather work with our School Board," said Plaugher, 33, executive director of 1

2 Virginians for High Speed Rail. "But if that doesn't work, at some point the buck has to stop, and I believe it has to stop with the Board of Supervisors because we ultimately approve the education budget." The candidates both support the meals tax for schools and oppose Henrico tax dollars funding a ballpark for the Flying Squirrels, who have started to look regionally for a new home. Plaugher said millennials are looking to live in places where they won't need to use their car often. "In Henrico, we have to start looking at the future," he said. "To keep us economically competitive is to make sure we have the transportation that the next generation is going to want." Glover, on the other hand, said there is not enough ridership in the district to justify bringing more bus service to the county. "We need riders in order to afford bus service," Glover said. "We're willing to put service where there's ridership." Fairfield Crime and schools were the focus of the Fairfield discussion. Many of the schools in the district are accredited with warning, and L. Douglas Wilder Middle School was denied accreditation. "One of the things we can do is lock arms, roll up our sleeves and ask what the problem is as you (residents) see it and how can we help as a local government," Thornton said of community development, especially in the Azalea Avenue corridor. Thornton, the current board chairman, has served for five terms as a Democrat. Dantzler, owner of Skyy Realty Group who is running as an independent, said his campaign is centered on job growth in the district and working with small businesses. "The one thing that deters crime is job growth," he said. "Whenever job rate goes up, crime rate goes down." He also said practices in well-performing schools in the western portion of the county should be applied to schools in eastern Henrico. Thornton said funding is not a problem, but the county needs to focus on getting parents involved and giving them the tools to help their children succeed. 19 Remaining You're entitled to view 20 free articles every 30 days. Then, if you enjoy our site and want full access, we'll ask you to purchase an affordable subscription. 19 Remaining You're entitled to view 20 free articles every 30 days, and you currently have 19 remaining. Then, if you enjoy our site and want full access, we'll ask you to purchase an affordable subscription. 19 Remaining Thanks for reading Richmond.com.You may read a few more articles before you reach a limit of 20 every 30 days. Click here to learn about our All Access subscriptions. 19 Remaining Thanks for reading Richmond.com.; You may read a few more articles before you reach a limit of 20 every 30 days. Click here to learn about our All Access subscriptions. 19 Remaining Thanks for reading Richmond.com.; This is the last article you may read during this 30-day period. Click here to learn about our All Access subscriptions. 2

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