ELECTION 2023: Tuckahoe District supervisor – Greg Baka (Republican) vs. Jody Rogish (Democrat)

Editor’s note: The Henrico Citizen posed the same 10 questions to every candidate for the Henrico Board of Supervisors and is publishing their answers in Q&A format, along with previews of each race, on an individual race-by-race basis. Candidates’ responses appear in alphabetical order according to last name.

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With the retirement of seven-term Tuckahoe District supervisor Pat O’Bannon at the end of this year, the seat will be filled by someone other than O’Bannon next year for the first time in 28 years. The two candidates seeking to step into the role are Republican Greg Baka and Democrat Jody Rogish.

Baka has served as O’Bannon’s representative on the Henrico Planning Commission since 2016 and has her endorsement for the seat. He is a former small business owner and entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience in land planning and consulting.

Rogish is a consultant with Impact Makers, serving the Virginia Department of Corrections as an information technology project manager. He serves as vice president of baseball for Tuckahoe Little League.

Baka is campaigning on a platform focused on support for fiscal responsibility, strong county infrastructure, lean government and effective planning for future growth. Prior to his time on the planning commission, Baka also served on the Henrico Board of Zoning Appeals and the Henrico Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. His professional career includes experience in site development, electric transmission and local permitting.

Rogish is promising to bring a fresh perspective to the board and has vowed to prioritize full funding for the county’s public schools and public safety agencies, while working to retain the county’s employee base and maintain its parks and green spaces.

The race is the most well-financed local election in Henrico this year, with the two candidates having combined to raise about $265,000 in combined cash and in-kind donations this year.

Through Oct. 26, Baka had raised a total of $ more than $170,000 in 2023 from 374 cash and in-kind contributions, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. His largest donors include O’Bannon ($15,000), Theodore J. Linhart ($15,000), Mark. A Jones ($10,000), and O’Bannon’s campaign ($4,400). His campaign showed a balance of $17,550 on Oct. 26, according to VPAP.

During the same timeframe, Rogish had raised nearly $94,000, according to VPAP, from a total of 413 donors. His largest donors include Carole Total ($11,500), Marcia Rogish ($6,500), Patrick Connelly ($5,250) and Gumenick Properties ($3,000). His campaign showed a balance of $20,202 on Oct. 26, according to VPAP.

LEARN MORE

Greg Baka's campaign website

Jody Rogish's campaign website

Virginia Department of Elections – Citizen Portal

Map of Henrico’s magisterial districts

Register to vote

Henrico Office of the General Registrar and Electoral Board

1. What is the most important issue facing your district?

Baka – Top schools. We need to fully fund our public schools to give our kids access to an excellent education to lay the groundwork for their future by keeping dollars focused in the classroom. Education is the key to future success! My mom was an elementary school teacher for many years and gave me a deep sense of appreciation for the value of education and the doors that it can open for every student!

Rogish – I have knocked over 6,000 doors and have spoken to many Tuckahoe residents about their concerns. I truly have enjoyed getting to know people in the district and have heard many issues including crime, speeding and loud racing, lack of sidewalks, school quality and safety, taxes, and development. What I hear about the most from Tuckahoe residents is school safety, rising property assessments, and crime.

2. What are the most important issues facing Henrico County overall?

Baka – 1) Schools: As a proud father to two Henrico County public high school graduates, I believe we need to keep and build upon our high standards for top-notch public schools through investments in the classroom to further student success. This includes the recent 2022 bond referendum projects such as Quioccasin Middle School and Jackson Davis Elementary School that will completely rebuild these two schools and deliver world-class resources to our students. 2) Public safety: I appreciate the dedication and sacrifices that our law enforcement, fire department, EMS workers, and volunteer rescue squads make for our Tuckahoe residents every day. We especially need to support our police, fire department, and sheriff’s office with their recruitment and retention efforts for officers who are willing to serve all of our citizens. I support the full funding of the plans to renovate Fire Station #17 at Gaskins and River Roads that will increase the efficiency and service delivery in Tuckahoe. 3) Economic development/job creation: I want to see our major economic development efforts become a catalyst for our county’s economic engine that fuels new job growth to help keep our tax rates low in Henrico. We can build upon signature projects, such as redeveloping Regency mall into a viable mixed-use live, work, play community with new housing units; or revamping Virginia Center Commons into a community that will be anchored by a facility to promote regional youth sports tourism events; and GreenCity, a groundbreaking, environmentally-friendly eco-city with a significant investment in new housing and green space and a planned sports arena suitable for major national tournaments.

Rogish – Crime and public safety are universal issues across all the county’s districts. While Eastern Henrico has more opportunities for development than western Henrico, we have a county-wide need to achieve smart, sustainable growth.

3. What will you do as a supervisor to address crime in the county?

Baka – For those individuals who put their lives on the line every day to serve us, I will support fully funding our public safety agencies for salaries, equipment, and training. Public safety is one of my top priorities, and I support added recruitment measures to fill the current job vacancies in law enforcement right now. Our police academy was awarded nationally-recognized certifications and we need to identify more potential academy recruits. I’m proud to be endorsed by the Henrico FOP Lodge 4, and we need to do all we can to support our law enforcement personnel by equipping their work to reduce illegal activity.

Rogish – I have worked as a project manager with the Virginia Department of Corrections for almost 20 years to reduce recidivism. I look forward to bringing together community leaders, business owners, police, attorneys, and county staff to help our young people stay out of trouble, to keep illegal drugs and crime out of our community, and to rebuild mutual trust and respect. The board of supervisors has budget approval authority for the county, and fully funding the training and other necessary 21st-century resources for the police department, sheriff’s office, office of the commonwealth’s attorney, Henrico Mental Health Services, substance abuse services, and other family services is absolutely critical to addressing crime.

4. How do you view development in Henrico – is there too much of it or is more necessary? What will you do to ensure future development is appropriate?

Baka – Land development is largely a market-driven activity. Development and even redevelopment projects in areas of the county outside of Tuckahoe have occurred at higher rates than what we’ve seen in Tuckahoe. The amount of development in the Tuckahoe District, and county-wide, has been consistent with what’s allowed in the Henrico Comprehensive Plan. The county and residents are at a key threshold now as the planning commission and the Henrico Planning staff have recently started on the process to review and update the county’s comprehensive plan called HenricoNext 2045. I’d invite you to take a closer look at www.henriconext.us, which includes mapping activities that seek direct feedback from residents and businesses to voice their opinions on appropriate development. While Tuckahoe is mostly built out, there are many redevelopment opportunities throughout the district. Public input needs to be promoted and made widely available to weigh-in on any areas of focused redevelopment.

Rogish – Each of Henrico’s five districts has varying development issues, needs, and opportunities. Common to all districts is the need for smart, sustainable growth that is based on a 21st-century comprehensive plan guided by community outreach and citizen input. I encourage every citizen to get involved and provide their feedback on the 2045 Henrico Comprehensive Plan, the guide for land use, currently being drafted. I will represent the interest of our residents first. Henrico County welcomes businesses, and we all enjoy the benefits of our county being a desirable location, but growth must occur with respect for environmental sustainability and impact on quality of life.

5. What responsibility, if any, does the board have to address climate and environmental concerns locally?

Baka – The board has the responsibility to lead on any and all issues affecting the county. The current board has made great strides to address local environmental concerns and we need to continue to build on these successes to minimize potential environmental impacts. The planning commission has worked with staff to ensure that new development includes areas for green space, tree preservation/tree planting, and promotes the use of native plants to ensure long-term viability. Henrico Public Works has worked closely with new developments to ensure the minimum standards required by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality are met. Henrico Public Utilities has installed the best water filters available at the county’s wastewater treatment plant that allows for the cleanest possible water for discharge.

Henrico County has been serious about environmental sustainability and the preservation and protection of our natural resources. Here is a brief summary of environmental outcomes over the past decade: 22 LEED certified buildings; six rooftop solar systems saving taxpayers millions by using a private-public partnership; restored 15,000 feet of streams to improve water quality and cut down on pollutants; conserved more than 2,000 acres of historic, rural, and riverfront land in Eastern Henrico; developed 20 miles of sidewalk and 67 miles of trails and bike lanes; expanded the no-charge recycling program by delivering 95-gallon curbside recycling carts to 90,000 households. In sum, the board should set the direction on policy goals including the goals in the natural resources section of our comprehensive plan update. We have dedicated professional staff who can work through how we accomplish measurable and attainable goals.

Rogish – The board of supervisors is the county’s policy-making body and as such has a tremendous responsibility to address climate and environmental concerns because of the enormous impact on overall community health and well-being. While the county has launched the Henrico Environmental Action Resource Team and has implemented certain environmentally friendly projects and measures across a number of departments and areas of service, what we are missing is a robust, centralized, and coordinated approach to sustainability that sets and tracks measurable conservation goals enterprise-wide. I am committed to ensuring that the 2045 Henrico Comprehensive Plan currently in development includes more robust environmental policy, including a climate action plan.

6. Describe one effort, program or initiative in Henrico (currently in existence or not) for which you would propose more funding than is currently being allocated?

Baka – Here are two; both need to be addressed without raising our low tax rates. Mental health – There is an acute, increased need for mental health services in the county and for additional training of public safety personnel for training on dealing with mental health crises and emergency responses. Initiatives such as the CARE team that combines work from fire, police, and mental health professionals are taking positive steps in this direction.

Drainage is a key issue that retiring Supervisor Pat O’Bannon, who has endorsed my campaign, has brought to the forefront. I was a proponent for all four issues on the 2022 bond referendum (schools, public safety, parks, and drainage). Many neighborhoods in Tuckahoe were built at a time that only required drainage be adequate for a 10-year storm flow, and the oldest areas of Tuckahoe pre-date that regulation. This means there is critical need for better drainage in Tuckahoe, and heavy storms result in excess flooding impacting the largest investment that families will ever make – their home. More funding is needed to prioritize and rectify poor drainage in Tuckahoe.

Rogish – One of the reasons I am running is to make sure Henrico is putting the best 21st-century technology and resources in our employees’ hands (including our teachers, police, fire, public works, etc.), to ensure we are serving the community in the most efficient, expedient, reliable, sustainable, and user-friendly way possible.

7. Describe one county effort, program or initiative for which you would propose reducing the amount of funding being allocated?

Baka – I understand that the county manager implemented a monthly report that highlights the various outcomes of county departments and agencies based on their dollars spent. I would want to read through those reports to better understand the cost-effectiveness of county programs before proposing any such reductions. We should conduct our budgeting process with a fiscally-conservative perspective seeking cost savings in situations where necessary benefits are not fully achieved.

Rogish – It is important that we review programs annually to determine if we're still utilizing the optimal solutions. Government works best when it continually adapts and improves on the ways in which serve our citizens. This might mean reducing programs in some areas or adding programs in others. I am pleased that our county manager and current board of supervisors have done an excellent job of fiscal management, and I am excited to partner with them to solve existing and new issues for the benefit of our residents. My evaluation of programs will prioritize cost-effective solutions.

8. What will you do as a supervisor to address housing issues in the county?

Baka – The board has taken a great step to help seniors with the new Henrico senior freeze [Real Estate Cap] program that will freeze the taxes paid by seniors feeling the simultaneous pinch of rising assessments and recent spikes in inflation. The county also has a Henrico Re-Invest program available that, for those who qualify, allows for tax abatements on improvement made within the home which particularly helps our aging housing stock. There is also a program that allows for county-acquisition of dilapidated properties. I’d like to continue these investments in better housing opportunities, and I am glad to be endorsed by the Richmond Association of Realtors.

Henrico is currently seeing a diversification of housing types, some of which can ease housing affordability including new townhomes, apartments, two-over-twos, senior living options, cottages, and single-family homes. I recognize that housing plays a key role in economic development. Housing is a strong baseline supporter of overall economic development by the raw materials purchased and used, job creation for new housing starts, and reinvestment to modernize an aging housing stock. Housing positively impacts the overall economic activity of Henrico by residential investment and consumption spending on housing services.

Rogish – This is a complicated problem – with no simple answer – across the county, the state, and the country. Henrico County is forecasted to continue its growth at a rate of 1% to 2% per year. Basic economics teaches us that with low inventory of homes, prices will continue to rise. Most builders and developers will say that we need more inventory. However, increased supply is not the only answer; land trusts, tax breaks, and fee reductions will also assist in making housing more affordable and stable across Henrico. I am excited to work with our regional partners to solve this, as it will be all hands on deck as we work towards a solution.

9. Why are you the best choice for supervisor from your district?

Baka – For 33 years, my professional work has focused on different facets of local government including community planning, permitting, and comprehensive plan consulting. Over the last several years, I have developed a solid understanding of the local government operations for different services and programs in Henrico County. I will continue a fiscally-responsible and fiscally-conservative approach to budgeting in Henrico. What sets me apart is my experience – I have the experience needed for Henrico’s future! As the planning commissioner for the Tuckahoe District, I’ve gained a sense of looking at neighborhood issues through the lens of our residents who would be affected by new developments over the past seven years. I developed a deep appreciation for our green space, public parks, and recreation programs, as a member of the Henrico County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission serving for five years. See gregbaka.com for more information.

My background both in local government and business gives me an understanding of how local government can effectively work for all people. My extensive experience of working through complex issues with constituents at neighborhood meetings and public hearings would be a tremendous asset in this role.

Rogish – Tuckahoe needs a new voice with a fresh perspective. My wife and I chose Henrico as the place we wanted to raise our family, and I have been deeply involved with the community through leadership roles at Tuckahoe Little League, public school PTAs, our HOA, and other activities. Voters have voiced strong support for me because they know I will listen with empathy, roll up my sleeves, and work to solve problems with transparency and accountability. I will be a unifying member of the board of supervisors, something that the voters I’ve met tell me is important to them. My cell phone and email address are on my website, rogish4tuckahoe.org, and all my literature, so I encourage folks to call, email, or text me with any questions or concerns and I will respond before Election Day.

10. As a supervisor, how would you weigh the need for adequate road system with the desire to add sidewalks and bike lanes?

Baka – All of the above are needed and can safely exist side by side. We should be encouraging bike lanes and sidewalks to increase efforts to provide for multi-modal transportation where feasible and safe to do so. The best way to do this is to look to the update of the HenricoNext 2045 Comprehensive Plan process to create the goals, objectives, and strategies needed to implement more bike lanes and sidewalks. This update plans to place an added focus on the county’s bike/pedestrian plan. We need to increase public input on these topics to allow more public feedback in the planning process to specify areas for improvements within the plan. The board has been consistently investing in sidewalks including Three Chopt Road near Douglas Freeman High School, Ridgefield Parkway at Deep Run Park, and coming soon to Ridge Road between Forest Drive and Parham Road. Let’s continue these vital investments to increase our community’s connectivity!

Rogish – If you follow me on social media, you know I am a huge fan of alternative transportation methods, including bicycles, scooters, and walking. Fortunately, Henrico maintains the majority (not all) of the roads in the county, so there is much within our control. First and foremost, we need to prioritize and assess routes, particularly surrounding schools, libraries, and other community resources, to ensure pedestrian and bicycle safety. This issue will require significant community input and the expertise of civil and traffic engineers to guide decision-making.