With 3 seats for Supervisor up for grabs this fall, so far no one has registered to run. Chairman H. Spencer Murray addressed this issue during the citizens information period of Monday’s meeting.
The Citizens Information Period on our agenda is a time dedicated for citizens to speak to the Board regarding issues they have to bring forward. Tonight I want to initiate this agenda item with some comments to citizens by your Chairman with other comments by Board members as they desire.
There are three district supervisor seats up for election on November 9, 2017 for districts 1, 2, and 3. Districts 4 seat held by me and District 5 seat, held by Supervisor Duer are not up for election until 2019.
Anyone wishing to be listed on the ballot for Districts 1, 2, or 3 in the November election must see Terry Flynn or Liz Smith in the Board of Elections to obtain the disclosure and signature forms that are due June 13, 2017, some 35 days from now. A total of 125 registered voters signatures are required in the district being petitioned. Having done this process twice now I can say it takes time and involved knocking on a lot of doors.
As of today no one has begun the process of qualifying to be on the ballot in District 1, currently held by Supervisor Hogg.
In February Supervisor LeMond, who currently holds the District 2 seat, informed his constituents in the Board meeting that he would not be seeking reelection in order that potential candidates would have ample time to start the qualifying process. As of today no citizen has come forward to be on the ballot in District 2.
Vice Chairman Bennett, who now holds the District 3 Supervisor seat has begun the process to obtain signatures and will be on the November ballot.
So my plea tonight to all citizens that love Northampton County, please take the election process seriously. Yes, the job of an elected leader can be time consuming and often frustrating. But it is also very rewarding when good, positive things are getting done. Please find among you the qualified, dedicated fellow citizens who understand governance and encourage them to serve. We all benefit from spirited debates, rigorous campaigns and listening to all voices, not just those of the most vocal.
Let’s get the good government we deserve through strong leadership and widespread participation.
About the Author
Vote for the people running that the sitting board members ARE NOT supporting – Then the people of Northampton might have a chance…
The sitting board members created and are in favor of policies that made our hospital and most other business leave the county!!!
The current board members are an embarrassment to Northampton County Virginia, and to local governance in general.