ELECTION 2023: Varina District Supervisor – Tyrone Nelson (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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Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson is running unopposed for his fourth four-year term on the Henrico Board of Supervisors. Nelson, a Democrat, first was elected in 2011, then re-elected in 2015 and 2019. He serves as the pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Richmond.

Nelson played an instrumental role in helping Henrico County acquire seats on the Greater Richmond Transit Company's board of directors, a board to which he was then appointed and now chairs. He also has served on numerous other boards and commissions, including the Capital Region Airport Commission, the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, the Virginia State Compensation Board, Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority and CodeVA.

During his time in office, Nelson has been part of a board that has lowered the county’s real estate tax from 87 cents per $100 of assessed value to 85 cents and also has provided an anticipated $76 million in real estate and personal property tax credits to homeowners and vehicle owners in the county, as an attempt to counter rapidly rising assessments. He was instrumental in the funding and construction of a new Highland Springs High School and in the planning and implementation of several sports and recreational projects in the county, including new professional-level outdoor basketball courts at Fairfield Middle School, a new baseball stadium at Dorey Park and the planned Taylor Farm Park in Sandston.

Nelson is the only board of supervisors candidate who does not face opposition.

LEARN MORE

Tyrone Nelson’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?

Nelson – The balance in the types of development and where and when is it appropriate.

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

Nelson – Excellent public education options, public safety, comprehensive plan creation, jobs, and affordable housing.

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

Nelson – Support our public safety employees and its leadership as I have done over the past 12 years.  Fill vacancies.

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?

Nelson – The answer will depend upon which area you represent. Varina is definitely not overpopulated, as it represents 54% of the land mass with 65,000 citizens. I will continue to use the comprehensive plan as a guide for all kinds of development with the voices of the residents and our staff as guides.

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

Nelson – The local board definitely has a major part in addressing concerns to the point where we can. I am encouraged by the steps we have been making recently and I am open to what is to come.

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?

Nelson – I think we need to continue to look at the care of our citizens – especially those who are wrestling with mental health issues, both adults and youth.  I would support more funding in those areas. I also would support finding ways to offer support for those who are looking for affordable housing.

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

Nelson – Nothing comes to mind right now.

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

Nelson – I will continue to examine the cases that come before us and challenge developers to find ways to create affordable housing.  There are creatives ways to take housing up instead of out causing less land usage.

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

Nelson – I have served for the past 12 years. I have tried to do the best I can to move the district forward. We have built a new high school and renovated many of our other schools.  We have a new library and a new park coming online. We have conserved over 1,000 acres of land and counting. The district has the most money spent from a public dollar standpoint than any other district. I am just getting started. I am more mature and wiser and look forward to being a leader on our board and in the region going forward.

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

Nelson – The roads are for us to share. Every development project should take that into consideration. I am an advocate for safe roads, biking, and more sidewalks.