Candidates for sheriff emerge as focal battle during Charles City NAACP forum

Candidates for Charles City offices received one final opportunity to state their platform during Friday night’s forum sponsored by Charles City’s Branch of the NAACP. But it was clear and evident that the position with the most intrigue by the 75 people in attendance was the race for county sheriff.

Incumbent Alan Jones Sr. and challenger Jayson Crawley received a majority of the questions posed from submissions and attendees. The two candidates were questioned about how to combat drugs in the county, the current crime rate, and how to address the shortfall on the number of deputies.

It was one question in particular that perked the ears of both candidates along with those in the audience. That question revolved around bike races in the county, a sore subject in the eyes of many constituents that drew complaints. The question posed asked what would be done about them.

“We were at ten races a year and now we are at four races a year,” commented Jones. “Eventually, I want all bike races out of the county.

“But what people don’t know is that while we provide security for those races, they are funded by the vendor,” he continued. “That provides extra pay for our deputies.”

For Crawley, he believes more enforcement when cyclists break laws is needed.

“I would have a pre-route meeting with the organizers,” Crawley commented. “I want to get a list of all the participants and ticket those who violate the rules. We will have zero-tolerance towards our citizens for traffic infractions. If they continue to violate, then they will be banned.”

During closing statements, each of the candidates spoke about their campaign and desire to serve Charles City County.

“I pledge to be steadfast of my core values of integrity, professionalism, compassion, dignity, respect, and fairness,” Crawley said. “I will have the courage to do the right thing.”

“Residents placed their trust in me in 2016 and I pledge to maintain the high quality of public safety in our community,” Jones countered. “I will put an emphasis on safety, value, and if re-elected, continue to work closely to meet the emergency objectives that we have in preparation of a crisis.”

In the battle for the District 3 Board of Supervisors seat, incumbent Byron Adkins Sr. said that while he has served the last two-and-a-half years as a supervisor, he has served Charles City his whole life.

“I have been available and worked my entire life in Charles City because of my interest and devotion to the goodness in the county,” he said. “I will continue to have the mindfulness, respectfulness, and courtesy to all people. This [principle] did not just start today or when I decided to run for the board of supervisors, and I believe in maximizing our resources and not using tax dollars.”

Martha Harris, who is also vying for the District 3 seat, said that her years of government experience and 12 years on Charles City’s School Board will be assets to the county.

“I am responsible for the oversight of administrators who manage day-to-day operations,” she said. “We need an advocate for the senior citizens and to bring back sports and opportunities for the youth. I have always been an advocate and I will try to help in anyway that I can.”

Two newcomers are battling for the position of treasurer of Charles City, with both presenting remarks during closing statements.

“It is an honor to be considered for this position,” said Kourtney Brown. “I firmly believe that the role is vital and I am dedicated to uphold the role with transparency, accountability, and manage them financially.”

“I will be fair, respectful, and treat every person with dignity and respect,” commented LaWanda Christian. “I ensure you that if I am elected as your treasurer, you will be proud.”

In the only other challenged position, District 1 Board of Supervisors candidate Bob White made a brief statement about how he would address the county’s growth.

“This county is great, and I don’t want to see change, but we need to have measured growth,” he said. “I think we can grow this county through tourism. I also think we need to get everybody in this county internet.”

Ryan Patterson, the other candidate for District 1, was not present due to having a prior engagement.

Other closing statements made by candidates in attendance:

Victoria Cox-Washington (Clerk of Circuit Court): “I am proud to be your clerk, honored to be your clerk, and will be proud to serve as your clerk once again.”

Candice Jones (Commissioner of the Revenue): “I believe in efficiency, quality service, and improvement through technical service. I want to improve our relationship with DMV to bring a DMV Select to the county as well as update our GIS system. These are not promises, these are my visions.”

Tyler Klink (Commonwealth’s Attorney): “We have a phenomenal community in Charles City. I want to keep Charles City straight and we have a lot of outside threats bringing crime to our county. My goal is to hold these people accountable.”

Michael Hill (District 2 Board of Supervisors): “Charles City is a great county and I have been in public safety for 38-and-a-half years. That experience helps me relate to some of the issues we have here and makes it easier to understand some of the decisions that need to be made. I get tired of people talking about how bad Charles City is when they don’t know what’s really going on. My motto is ‘You cannot talk for people that you cannot talk to,’ and I plan to talk to everyone.”

Rodney Tyler (District 2 School Board): “I believe our children deserve the best education possible. I understand the importance of creating a healthy and safety environment. I will continue to advocate for our students and for teachers to give them better pay and retain them. Finally, I want to help provide a comprehensive education, as academic and real world skills are critical.”

Joy Harris (School Board At-Large): I’m a very active parent in the school system. I will educate you all about the issues we have in the school system such as increasing SOL scores and retaining teachers. I will listen to your ideas and use the input from students, parents, and partners to make our school system the best.”

Royce Paige (School Board At-Large): “I have leadership experience and I will work for this system and any system to make America better.”

Lashrecse Aird (District 13 Seat- Virginia Senate): “I may be new to getting to know this community, but I won’t be new to serving the community. I look forward to working and fighting on your behalf. The difference in putting people in office is if the person you put in there cares about the people or not.”

*Eric Ditri (District 13 Seat-Virginia Senate) and Delores McQuinn (District 81 Seat-House of Delegates) were not in attendance.