Candidate Q&A: Henrico Board of Supervisors

Editor's note: In advance of the Nov. 5 general elections, the Henrico Citizen posed four questions to each candidate for the local and state offices that represent Henrico. Below is the first in a series of responses from those candidates; it includes the responses of each candidate for the Henrico Board of Supervisors who replied by our deadline. Responses were limited to a total of 400 words. They appear alphabetically by district and then by the candidates' last names.

1. Why should residents of your district vote for you?

SCHMITT – I have proven over the last year serving the Brookland District that the promises I made last year were kept. That included priorities placed on education, public safety, amenities across every corner of Brookland, and fiscal discipline to keep our tax rate low and our services high. The fine folks of Brookland deserve nothing less than an accessible & accountable advocate. My entire family believes in serving others and we’ve all done just that for decades, beginning with my dad serving as a firefighter, my sister as a teacher, and my wife and kids volunteering for our local non-profit youth athletic association. Henrico is a great place to live, work, and play and I’m running for re-election as supervisor for Brookland so that I can keep working for my neighbors and community.

BOWERS – As the President of Northern Henrico Civic Association, Chickahominy Bluffs Homeowners Association and advocate for the community, for over a decade, I have been advocating for the Fairfield District regarding the safety and security of residents, speed limit reductions, parity relative to property values, infrastructure improvements, new housing developments, community maintenance, beautification initiatives, blighted properties, and economic development to ensure that the Fairfield District is on par with other districts in Henrico County. I developed relationships with my opponent, Mr. Thornton, the County Manager, Mr. Vithoulkas, Henrico County Police Department, other Henrico County officials, and VDOT to ensure that the Fairfield District is safe, secure and maintained at a high level.

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.

BRANIN – I was born and raised in the Three Chopt district. Growing up here, I have always believed in giving back to the community that has given so much to me. For the past 14 years, I have worked to improve the quality of life of everyone throughout the district and plan to continue to do exactly that.

JONES – Education isn’t being adequately funded. Teachers aren’t being paid enough. We need more sidewalks and we need better transportation infrastructure. We need development that keeps our community’s interests and the impact on the environment as top priorities. I’m going to work tirelessly advocating for policies that make a difference.

O’BANNON – Experience counts. As a member of the Henrico Board for 24 years, I led the way in economic growth, continuously improving services. I helped lead the Board to decrease the real estate tax rate five times, keeping homes affordable and keeping business costs stable. I listen; I keep my promises. From implementing low-cost, door-to-door within-the-hour taxi service for seniors who qualify for CARE service; to completing Tuckahoe Creek Park; to making certain libraries are open on Sundays; to helping Henrico develop an app – I find creative solutions for problems.

NELSON – I have kept my promises and the Varina district has made significant progress while I have been the Supervisor. Over $150 million has been invested in Henrico schools and there will be a new high school in Highland Springs in 2021 (approximately $100 million). We have made and are making improvements to Dorey Park, funded a future 100-acre park in Sandston and the new East End Aquatics Center is coming. Additionally, we have bus routes to Short Pump and more frequent service for residents to include evening/nights/weekends. Jobs have come to Varina, including the $1-billion-dollar investment by Facebook at White Oak Tech Park.

ROWE – The Varina District will continue to change and grow. In the process, we need strong leadership to strategically manage and oversee the challenges ahead and create new opportunities for our communities and each other. I will advocate for a more transparent approach to doing county business, so that it works better – for our residents, businesses and visitors. I have a history as a strong leader and collaborator in the local community and broader region. I will be an accessible supervisor. I will bring effective challenge to the Board of Supervisors. I am uniquely qualified to represent the Varina district and have the background, compassion and courage to make our shared vision happen.

2. What will be your top focus if elected?

SCHMITT – One of my initial promises and still a high priority need for Brookland is quality, well funded educational resources for our children’s future. This includes teacher pay, teacher work environment, high-functioning learning spaces - in quality infrastructure, and safety for our kids while in our schools. I’m proud to have funded our schools with the largest single-year increase in more than a decade, including 3% raises for teachers, a $3.8-million-dollar pay compression adjustment, and fully funding two new high schools and a new Brookland elementary school to be built simultaneously.

BOWERS – Safety and security of the community; economic development; education parity; infrastructure parity; wage increase for all first-responders to be on par with the national average.

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.

BRANIN – If re-elected, I will focus on completing my traffic resolution that I have been implementing for the past 4 years and continue assuring that our children have every advantage afforded to them in education and quality of life.

JONES – Education funding, specifically increasing teacher pay. I have pledged to raise teacher pay by 20% before the end of my first term. Working in corporate settings, I have dealt with my share of budgets and know finding waste that can be redirected to address this issue is doable.

O’BANNON – Sidewalks, schools and public safety. As the county urbanized, residents began to recognize the value of walking to shopping centers, schools and parks. From the 1940s to the 1990s, people didn’t want sidewalks. Times changed. However, retrofitting sidewalks requires engineering for reasons including drainage problems they cause. I have added miles of sidewalks and have programmed miles more, for the future. When Henrico was contemplating renovating a 60-year-old school, I worked with the county manager to structure financing to build a new Tucker High School instead. Meals tax money was used effectively, not only to build one school, but two. The Henrico Board is responsible for the public safety of our residents. Our Division of Fire has worked to make certain Henrico has an Insurance Services Office, Inc., rating of #1 – a rating held by only 2% of all counties in the U.S. Our police division is accredited both nationally and internationally.

NELSON – I will continue to work to improve the Varina District and to ensure that residents have the best schools, good amenities and local job options.

ROWE – Effectively managing growth, infrastructure and human services. As a veteran banker, I will leverage my business, finance and economics expertise to evaluate and approve economic development initiatives that best fit with Varina’s character, enhance sustainability of small businesses and attract new businesses that create job opportunities. When economic times are good for most, human services needs are often overlooked. I believe that helping each other is a core value of strong communities. Addressing poverty, food and housing insecurities and job training opportunities that don’t require incurring student loan debt will be my priorities.

3. What are the most critical issues: 1) facing your district? 2) facing the county? How do you propose to address these?

SCHMITT – Henrico faces many challenges and it’s not prudent to focus on just one. Some key challenges are to remain economically well-balanced during an ever-changing economy, maintaining strong public safety divisions, ensuring the highest levels of education for our children, & keeping our tax-rate low while maintaining Henrico as a great place to live, work, & play. More specifically, here in the Brookland District, I’ll always advocate for a balanced Brookland where families in every corner have access to the very best amenities. I’ll address each of these and others just as I have for this past year, head on and with strong determination to serve and advocate for my constituents well.

BOWERS – In the Fairfield District: 15.1% poverty level; lack of economic development; schools accredited with conditions; stressed infrastructure. The Fairfield District does not have major corporations to support the residents who live in poverty and other residents who are forced to drive more than 20 minutes to their employers. Currently, the Fairfield District has several schools that are not fully accredited, subpar real estate assessments, 15.1% poverty level, and many underperforming communities in which residents are relegated to live because of lack of employment or poverty level wages. Hence, families do not have the financial resources to supplement the resources needed by their children before enrolling in school. The Infrastructure is 45-plus years old in many parts of the Fairfield District. A comprehensive infrastructure improvement effort is necessary. In the county: lack of economic development across the county; infrastructure issues that require repairs; lack of first-in-class schools in all of the districts; schools accredited with conditions in the eastern part of the county; consistent property value assessments across the county; first-responders earning less than national average wages. I will address these issues by working with industry, the community, the county manager and the Board of Supervisors to create and implement strategies to address the aforementioned issues.

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. Having the citizens 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.

BRANIN – For Three Chopt, the biggest issue facing us is congestion. I have implemented a three-part plan that widens Three Chopt Road, adds an I-64 interchange and expands Three Chopt Road westward, without any additional charge to the taxpayers. As for Henrico as a whole, the issues of smart growth and preserving the tax ratio are top of mind. To work to solve these issues, I work with my fellow Supervisors on a daily basis and I have implemented the increase from $100,000 to $400,000 BPOL tax exemption, which has brought new business, thus new breath, into our county to preserve our business residential ratio.

JONES – Education is one of the most important issues. I have pledged to raise teacher pay by 20% before the end of my first term. Having worked in corporate settings for the last 14 years, I have dealt with my share of budgets and I know finding waste that can be redirected to address this issue will not be a problem. Districting and zoning policies are also critical. They have an immediate impact on what schooling options are available – right now pre-K is not offered at every school, so some kids are starting from square one with a disadvantage. We need universal pre-K – this shouldn’t be a function of which neighborhood you live in. Finally, smart growth is a top issue for me which includes safe neighborhoods. Making sure that we have sidewalks and bike lanes improves both quality of life and safety. I have seen parents walking children on the edge of a road to reach a bus stop because there is no sidewalk. I have seen disabled individuals in motorized wheelchairs on the road because again there is no sidewalk. We can do better.

O’BANNON – I will add miles of sidewalks. Many already have been engineered. I will help the School Board monitor their financial needs. The Board of Supervisors is the funding provider for schools. I championed the Mental Health First Aid program for county employees and Henrico residents. This program helps people recognize and understand mental health issues and how to address them. I will maintain the Henrico’s triple AAA bond rating, so Henrico can borrow at a low interest rate. Henrico needs to pay our employees a competitive salary. Everyone wants the best of the best – especially public safety employees – working for our residents who expect the best services. Yet, I will keep the real estate tax low. For the past 15 years, Henrico has been rated No. 1 in the state for fiscal responsibility. That is the secret of Henrico’s success.

NELSON – My district has made a lot of progress over the past few years and I am excited to see the work start for the new Highland Springs HS and a new park in Sandston opening soon. The East End Aquatic Center will also be a very special opportunity for Varina residents and kids. I want to continue to address these types of issues. Most importantly, however, we need to ensure that every Varina schoolchild has the same opportunities and the same top notch education as anywhere else in the county. Henrico needs to continue to have the amenities and schools that make people and good corporate neighbors want to settle here. Like many places, we need to plan for an aging population and for helping seniors age in place. We need to keep up with and manage growth.

ROWE – More effectively managing growth, infrastructure and finances. I will support Smart Growth strategies that preserve Varina’s beauty, green space and options for rural living and farming. I will prioritize more strategic infrastructure funding, including to significantly enhance the quality and safety of our roads and public transportation services. I will advocate for more funding for curbs and gutters in the more rural areas, sidewalks in busy areas, seated and covered bus transportation kiosks and extended service hours and locations across the greater Varina District and county. I will collaborate on local, regional and state-wide partnerships for innovative education and training initiatives that address barriers to citizens’ ability to earn industry certifications, apprenticeships and other skills credentials needed to compete for new jobs. I will leverage my financial management expertise and compassion to make sure that critical services are adequately funded, including to support mental and behavioral wellness.

4. How will you involve citizens in local government matters?

SCHMITT – This first year I have been so energized by getting out in all corners of the district attending community meetings, neighborhood watch events, and HOA meetings. By attending those regularly as well as continuing to hold town halls Brookland District voters can be assured they always have access to me. Oh yeah...and by providing my direct personal cell (804-723-1093) to every single person I’m blessed to represent.

BOWERS – As I have done over the last decade as president of Northern Henrico Civic Association, president of Chickahominy Bluffs Homeowners' Association, a community activist and community advocate, I will go into the communities and meet with civic leaders, homeowners' association leaders and residents to understand their issues, solicit recommendations to improve their living experience, and create a citizen advisory board from all of the districts to assist the Board of Supervisors in developing a master plan "economic prosperity" for the greater good of all residents in Henrico County.

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."

BRANIN – I have an open door policy and like to hear from constituents, which is why I give out my personal cell phone number. Additionally, I work to appoint representatives from all of the different communities within Three Chopt into key positions as advisors and community leaders.

JONES – A supervisor should be an advocate for their constituents. This means focusing on constituent services and going out of their way to gather feedback from affected constituent groups when significant items are brought to the board’s attention. Part of this will be holding regularly scheduled town halls where citizens will be able to address me directly. I got involved in politics through advocacy. I was chair of the MS Society Government Relations Advisory Committee in Virginia. Part of advocacy is being able to listen - to your constituents, to government officials, to advocacy groups and more. As supervisor I will listen to all citizens to make the best decisions for Tuckahoe and Henrico.

O’BANNON – Just as in the past. I got Board meetings video-streamed live. My town meetings are interactive and video-streamed.

NELSON – I am constantly out in my district, attending events and meetings. I pride myself on answering every email and call and responding promptly on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms. I will continue to be engaged, accessible and active. My constituents’ opinions are most important to me. I will continue to hold town hall meetings in each part of my district: Highland Springs, Sandston, and Varina.

ROWE – I will advocate for the adoption of a “Smart City” approach to strategically managing and overseeing county operations and finances. Generally, this approach is focused on improving the quality of life for all citizens at its core – to drive enhancements to governance processes, education delivery methods, compassionate community policing and public safety initiatives, public participation, better use of technology and objective data-driven decision-making metrics to provide sustainable services. I will advocate for a district and county-wide survey to obtain citizen feedback and input for shaping a shared vision of the future.