ELECTION 2023: Two Democrats vie for Tuckahoe District supervisor’s nomination
Table of Contents
Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of article profiling candidates for local elected office. It features the two Democratic candidates for the Tuckahoe District supervisor’s seat. A previous article profiled the two Republican candidates for the seat.
* * *
The pending retirement of longtime Tuckahoe District Supervisor Pat O’Bannon will open her seat next year, and two Democrats – Jody Rogish and Anne-Marie Leake – are campaigning to become their party’s nominee in the November general election for the seat.
Anne-Marie Leake
Anne-Marie Leake’s tenure as director of the Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District, on which she has served for three years, prompted her to run for supervisor
“Early on into that term, I recognized that we have a lot of opportunity in the county for more robust conservation practices and policy and that we have a great opportunity for more expertise at the Board of Supervisors level,” she said.
This work has given her an opportunity to work with federal, state and county agencies as well as other conservation organizations, which taught her about how the county operates, she said.
Leake spoke about her history of being an engaged citizen, which includes serving as the chair of the board of directors of The READ Center, an adult literacy non-profit, and PTA president. Leake, a University of Virginia graduate, has been involved in local politics since helping her father’s successful campaign to become the Fairfield District supervisor in 1975.
Residents are concerned about environmental issues, Leake said, citing a survey conducted by the county last year as a part of the comprehensive planning process that showed a need for greater attention toward preserving open space and sensitive environmental areas.
“All of this environmental policy really impacts all the policy of the county,” she said, “and I feel that the most important way to support economic development is to make sure that the county continues to be a place where people want to live and work.”
Environmental considerations are especially important as county officials work on the next comprehensive plan and unequal development between the east and west ends, she said.
Although Leake admits her focus has primarily been on environmental aspects, she would continue to listen to residents about their needs, she said.
Leake encouraged people to use the visit interactive map tool at HenricoNext.us to have their voices considered in the current planning process. Her continued focus on this demonstrates her commitment to engagement that makes her stand out from other candidates, she said.
Another issue she is passionate about is school inclusivity, which comes from her efforts in the successful campaign to rename Harry Flood Byrd Middle School to Quioccasin Middle School in 2015. Leake also would hope to improve sidewalks and transportation if elected, and supports the recent bond referendum that will fund school projects, parks and recreation and drainage infrastructure.
Jody Rogish
Rogish has worked with the Department of Corrections for the last 20 years and currently is a consultant with !mpact Makers, serving as an IT project manager. Along with his work, Rogish said he has the educational background ideal for the position, having earned his master’s degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University.
“We moved from the city of Richmond for the schools, the parks and everything that Henrico County offers,” he said. “So I am really running because it is a very well-run county, Henrico overall, and my position is I just want to continue to improve on the positive things that are in the county already.”
With the quality of the public school system drawing Rogish and his wife, Alison, as well as others to move to Henrico, and maintaining the county’s leadership in public education would remain his top priority, he said. His three children currently attend Tuckahoe Elementary School, Tuckahoe Middle School and Douglas S. Freeman High School.
Henrico must continue to invest in the most up-to-date resources and infrastructure in its schools, and make sure to do so in both the east and west sides of the county, Rogish said.
“Infrastructure is important,” he said. “Clearly, the county just passed an 8% raise for all folks, and just making sure that we'll take care of the people and the infrastructure that ultimately take care of our kids.”
Another priority for Rogish is improving parks, stemming from his longtime involvement in Tuckahoe Little League as a coach and vice president of baseball on the board of directors. Rogish said he is proud that the local organization is a low-cost opportunity for about 1,500 children every spring.
“Coming out of COVID to me, to me, we've noticed tremendously how much our kids need the outdoor space in the parks,” he said.
Rogish also wants to prioritize making sure sidewalks and crosswalks are in place so children can walk from school to their neighborhoods safely, and put more bike lanes throughout the county, he said.
On all issues, Rogish plans to prioritize community engagement if elected.
“I really believe as a community, whether it's with schools or with parks, that we all have a voice so making sure that we're all listening to everybody's side,” he said.
* * *
LEARN MORE
Anne-Marie Leake's campaign website
Jody Rogish's campaign website
Virginia Department of Elections – Citizen Portal
