ELECTION 2018 | ROCKINGHAM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
District 2 voters will be asked to select one of two candidates running for the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors when they go to the polls Tuesday. Sallie Wolfe-Garrsion, 46, of Mount Clinton, is a part time clerk at the law firm of Clark and Bradshaw, who is running for re-election after being appointed as the district’s supervisor in April to replace Fred Eberly, who resigned in March for health reasons.
Charles Long, 52, who works for Valley Building Supply and Allied Concrete, is running for his first four-year term on the five-member board after finishing his two- year term as Dayton’s mayor.
District 2 represents the Dayton area, Linville, Edom, Singers Glen, Mount Clinton, Silver Lake and a portion of Hinton.
The Daily News- Record asked both candidates about their reasons for running and issues facing the county.
Here are their responses:
Charles Long
Q: Why are you running for this seat?
A: I was encouraged by many people throughout District 2 including Dayton, when they had heard that I was no longer running for another term as mayor after 14 years on council. I have the experience as a proven leader, a man of my faith and words, and have the energy and knowledge to attract businesses and grow Rockingham County for the future, all while protecting our Family Farms and Ag Forestal Districts.
Q: What are the biggest issues facing the county and how would you approach them?
A: 1st: Water/Sewer demands for future developments in Rockingham County — two of which are awaiting approval- one south of Harrisonburg off Pear Street and Route 42 South near Dayton, and the other north of Harrisonburg off Route 11 North and Vine Street. Both important to the communities, yet needing the services being requested. I would first approach the adjoining Town of Dayton for connection to their newest and cleanest water source at Silver Lake where the connections currently terminate at the Dayton Walmart. As for other potential development, I would evaluate the economical impact and pursue the connections as needed from Rockingham County.
2nd: Work closely with VDOT to allocate much needed funding for Road Improvements throughout our District 2 and Rockingham County. As we are all aware, focus on I-81 improvements and start to make things happen here in Rockingham County.
3rd: Open the lines of communications between Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg to pursue opportunities that are harmonious to the needs of others, all while saving money in the process.
4th: God gave us a “vision,” and now it is up to each one of us and the Leadership of our Board to respect the generations of the past, and be proactive with our decisions for the future.
Q: What experience do you have, personally/professionally, that qualifies you for this office?
A: I have served on Dayton’s Town Council for over 14 years and mayor for the last seven years, growing Dayton into what we have today. I have been instrumental (with a great team) in developing successful activities/programs. A leader at Virginia Tech, a Virginia Certified Planning Commissioner, and most importantly — currently serving as a Sunday school teacher, wsher and worship leader at Mill Creek Church of the Brethren. Employed at Valley Building Supply/Allied Concrete Companies, serving with great people and currently on the Safety Board and a member of the Board of Directors for the Virginia ACI (American Concrete Institute). I am ready to Lead the Rockingham Co. Board of Supervisors into the future, so please vote for Charles Long on Nov. 6.
Sallie Wolfe-Garrison
Q: Why are you running for this seat?
A: For more than 20 years, my husband and I have chosen to live in and raise our family in rural District 2 in Rockingham County. In April, I was appointed as the District 2 Supervisor on the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors.
As the distinct, independent, yet unifying, voice of the citizens of Linville, Edom, Singers Glen, Mount Clinton, Hinton and Dayton, I have ensured that District 2 continues to benefit from informed, principled, conscientious governing discussions and decisions. Rural District 2 must continue to thrive as distinctive and independent and needs representation on the Board proven to be distinctive and independent. I have been that voice since April and would be honored to continue in that capacity.
Q: What are the biggest issues facing the county and how would you approach them?
A: Rockingham County is a vibrant, thriving and vitally essential region of the Commonwealth. As the governing body, the Board of Supervisors is tasked with the multidimensional duty to balance the rustic, rural, agricultural-based lifestyle that is the hallmark of Rockingham County with essential, yet carefully controlled, growth to ensure endurance and prosperity for the County and citizens.
Endurance is achieved by maintaining and securing the resources from which we benefit. To prosper, we must look beyond mere maintenance. We must be distinct and committed in decisions to identify avenues that will allow for the preservation of our beautiful County while not stifling the careful changes needed to remain vibrant, thriving and vital.
Q: What experience do you have, personally/professionally, that qualifies you for this office?
A: In April, the Board of Supervisors chose me, from 10 individuals, to represent the citizens of Linville, Edom, Singers Glen, Mount Clinton, Hinton and Dayton as the District 2 Supervisor.
Unlike my fellow Supervisors, I do not have decades of governing experience. So, I have spent hours with County staff, read thousands of pages of County documents and made every inquiry and decision from the distinct and new perspective of a District 2 citizen. But my most valuable time, daily since April, has been spent talking with and learning to know the opinions and thoughts of other District 2 citizens. I have met with dozens of special interest groups, civic organizations, farmers, County and City organizations, commercial business owners and fellow residents. Although many conversations occurred during meetings, many more occurred in my every day life in District 2 — in school buildings, in grocery stores, at church and at community events.
As District 2 Supervisor, I am informed, inquisitive, accessible and not aligned with a political agenda.
