Candidate Q&A – Fairfield supervisor (Democratic candidates)

1. Why should residents of your district vote for you as their nominee and ultimately as supervisor?
Brown – Residents of the Fairfield District should vote for me because I am a 46-year resident of Hechler Village who is determined to provide the difference our community deserves. I am a devoted community worker who strives to resolve the stagnation that plagues my community. My mission is to become the catalyst who prompts redevelopment in the Fairfield District.

Thornton – My slogan for all of my campaigns has been – “Making Henrico Better-For the Future”. This slogan is based on the concept of “possibility governance” in which the citizen plays a very important part in local government. It is a belief that citizens and their representative can improve the civic domain if they work together. Many citizens have looked at my record and concluded that I have been a good listener over the years and attempted to meet and resolve concerns in the civic domain. I believe also that the information and programs at my constituent meetings have been beneficial to citizens of the Fairfield District.

Tyler – The residents of my district should vote for me because I have been fighting to make my district a safer and enjoyable place for everyone. The residents should vote for me because a lot of issues that residents are dealing with haven't been addressed in years, such as roadway and community flooding, and the list goes on.

2. What will be your top focus if elected?
Brown – My primary focus once elected is to revitalize the Fairfield District by attracting more quality businesses.

Thornton – If re-elected, I will continue to navigate issues which are important to citizens. Also, I will stress the importance of economic equity as it relates to jobs and small businesses. The entrepreneurial impact for the small business owner and better job creation will be a major focus. Additionally, we must focus on the importance of the upcoming census.

Tyler – My focus will be to work with law enforcement to make the communities in some areas in our district safer. I also would like to see more sidewalks and bicycle lanes. I will also work with the Henrico Economic Development Authority to see what can we do to create more jobs and attract more businesses.

3. What is the most critical issue: 1) facing your district? 2) facing Henrico County? How do you propose to address these?
Brown – One of the crucial issues facing the Fairfield District involves education and the many challenges that afflict the public school system. Henrico County as a whole has different community identified needs based on demographics. I propose to address the Fairfield District concerns by constituent meetings, whereby the voters will communicate their suggestions.

Thornton – Improvement in the areas of educational policy/practices and job enhancement is very important. The teaching faculty should reflect the present population. Also, we must continue to improve and expand the routes and lines of public transportation in the county. These issues can be addressed by making them priorities in our discussions and planning. By having the citizens to articulate and be a part of some type of citizen advisory group is one way of making sure that we hear the needs and concerns directly from the citizens themselves.

Tyler – A critical issue that faces my district is public safety. There have been people shot and murdered, and some of them have been children. I'm not familiar with issues that face other districts but all districts could use more job creation. I also feel as a county Henrico needs to be address its homeless population.

4. How will you involve citizens in local government matters?
Brown – I will involve citizens by organizing constitute meetings, ultimately giving a voice to the voters.

Thornton – I would do what I have done in the past  – I have formed a citizen taskforce group whose function is to identify issues and concerns in the County. The input of citizens is very important to my concept of “possibility governance”.

Tyler – By community engagement instead of the once-a-month constituent meetings. We need to have meetings in the community where the people live. Maybe start a community newsletter to inform people about local government activities.

5. What's your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Brown – My favorite pastime on the weekends is feeding the homeless and impoverished. If I can help someone then my living will not be in vain. I always treasure my family time and worship.

Thornton – I enjoy reading and traveling.

Tyler – My favorite way to spend time is with my wife and fishing.

6. What personal or professional clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Brown – I have served as president of the Hechler Village Neighborhood Watch. I am founder of the Community of Hope Ministry and Outreach based in Henrico County. I am actively involved in the Henrico County Heroes Program where I mentor young men. I am an active member of the NAACP. I am also a board member of Too Smart 2 Start.

Thornton – I am a member of several groups which relate to local government. Also, my church, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist and my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,Inc.

Tyler – Personal club is C.A.V.E. – Coaches Against Violence Everywhere

7. Additional information
Brown – I am a man of God, preacher of the word and teacher of people, father and beloved Papa.

Thornton – I also believe that my initiatives along the Laburnum  Avenue/Creighton Road Gateway have improved the vista, respect, and credibility in Eastern  Henrico.

Tyler – I am a product of my district and I understand the importance of community. A district cannot be successful if the communities that are in that district are failing. The Fairfield District has more low-income housing developments than any district in Henrico County, and they are failing.