Stewart, Tyler vying for newly created supervisor position in Charles City

Jackie Stewart (left) and Rob Tyler (right) are running for the at-large board of supervisors position in Charles City County.

Robb Johnson photo

Two candidates will be vying for votes in Charles City for the newly created at-large Board of Supervisors position.

Jackie Stewart and Rob Tyler are candidates for the position that will add a fourth supervisor in Charles City.

On Apr. 14, a special election was held on a referendum that was submitted to allow for a fourth county leader. The referendum passed in favor of creating the position 1,306-401.

The new position will be a first at the county level as the individual selected will represent the entirety of Charles City County and not one of the three districts. The position also is unique as the individual selected will serve a four-year term that does not coincide with the tradition election year of Charels City County.

With the additional supervisor, it will allow county leaders to converse about county business as a quorum will no longer exist if two supervisors meet. Currently, two leaders cannot meet due to the board currently consisting of three members.

During interviews of the candidates Tuesday night, each stated their platform and beliefs of what they can bring to the county.

“My qualifications are that I have 35 years plus in local government and public service,” commented Stewart. “I have the understanding how local government should operate.

“I am committed to serving the citizens of Charles City,” she continued. “I listen to folks, and I have spent my life doing that and really want to continue to build on what concerns of the county are and the things that we see are lacking to fill in the gaps.”

For Tyler, he points to his previous tenure serving the county as a basis on his ability to lead as a supervisor.

“I was [Charles City’s] Commonwealth’s Attorney for 16 years and I have a master’s in business administration,” Tyler said. “I I’ve spend the last three years studying this government and the problems of it.

“I think I have a pretty good idea what’s going on and what direction to go with it,” he continued. “I think I have the experience and knowledge of the government to be able to maneuver up there and make changes.”