Voter's Guide 2023

Get out and vote (early now or in-person Nov. 7) this fall!

Typically, voter turnout in Culpeper is low. With more than 50 percent of the population commuting, folks are up early and home late. Many would not be able to tell you who their representatives are on the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors. That is lamentable.

Particularly at the local government level, it is the men and women who serve in these positions that make Culpeper the attractive place that it is for commuters, such as easy access to transportation, a ordable housing, good schools, recreation opportunities, an eclectic and vibrant downtown district and a welcoming climate for new businesses. For those closer to these races and their outcomes, it is imperative that voters head to the polls. Critical races like those for sheri and commonwealth's attorney in Culpeper will make a di erence in how public safety is governed in Culpeper. At the county level, two are seeking the position to represent the East Fairfax District, but only one will succeed.

Culpeper Times encourages folks to support and vote for their choices on Nov. 7.

VA. HOUSE DISTRICT 61

Michael Webert

Larry Jackson

VA. HOUSE DISTRICT 62

Nick Freitas

Sara Ratcli e

VA. SENATE

Bryce Reeves

Jason Ford

Elizabeth Melson

TOWN COUNCIL

Jon Russell

Jaime Clancey

Pranas Rimeikis

Meaghan Taylor

CLERK OF THE COURT

Carson Beard

COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE

Terry Yowell

COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY

Russ Rabb III

TREASURER

Missy Norris White

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

David Lee - East Fairfax

Kathy Campbell - East Fairfax

Tom Underwood - Salem

Gary Deal - West Fairfax

Paul Bates - Catalpa

Editor’s note: These candidates did not respond to requests to submit answers for this guide:

COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY

Russell L. “Russ” Rabb III

CULPEPER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - CATALPA DISTRICT

Paul W. Bates

CULPEPER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - SALEM DISTRICT

Tom S. Underwood, V

CULPEPER TOWN COUNCIL

Jamie M.D. Clancey

CULPEPER COUNTY SHERIFF

Scott H. Jenkins

CULPEPER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Dennis F. Verho

Tom A. O’Halloran Jr.

SCHOOL BOARD

Barbee Brown - Catalpa

Pat Baker - East Fairfax

Kelley Pearson - Salem

Terese Matricardi - Salem

Matt Borja - West Fairfax

Crissy Burnett - West Fairfax

SHERIFF

Joe Watson

Tim Chilton

Scott Jenkins

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DIRECTOR

Tom A. O’Halloran Jr.

Dennis F. Verho

TREASURER

Missy Norris White

SENATE

Bryce E. Reeves

November 7 is Election Day. Learn about who is on the ballot in Culpeper.

Candidate’s Forum

Sponsored as a free community event by the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, the Culpeper Times and Culpeper Media Network.

Daniel Technology Center, Germanna Community College 18121 Technology Drive, Culpeper

Wednesday, October 4 – 5-8 p.m.

District 62

Nick Freitas

Sara Ratcliffe

Senate

Jason Ford

Elizabeth Melson

Town Council

Jon Russell

Clerk of the Court

Carson Beard

Commissioner of the Revenue

Terry Yowell

Commonwealth’s Attorney

Russ Rabb III

Treasurer

Missy Norris White

Thursday, October 5 – 5-8 p.m.

Board of Supervisors

David Lee - East Fairfax

Kathy Campbell - East Fairfax

School Board

Barbee Brown - Catalpa

Pat Baker - East Fairfax

Kelley Pearson - Salem

Terese Matricardi - Salem

Matt Borja - West Fairfax

Crissy Burnett - West Fairfax

Sheriff

Joe Watson

Tim Chilton

Scott Jenkins

Constituents are invited to attend in person. The forums will also be videotaped and live streamed on Facebook and on www.culpepermedia.org.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

Tra c, Tra c, Tra c. The young George Washington, while surveying this area, recorded Culpeper as “a high and pleasant situation.” And so it is. While blessed by its geography, Culpeper is cursed by its topography. Geographically, it is a destination and a crossroads with access to and from the four cardinal directions. These gateways enter the town through three major roads from the north and west; and three

roads from the south and east. Because of its topography, which allows for only four streets through the center, the town resembles an hour-glass through which all local and transit tra c must squeeze through. With the continuing growth in and around the town, we need to stay ahead of the transportation needs for pedestrians and vehicles. That includes more sidewalks, trails, road improvements and public transportation. The Sperryville Pike project is a good example of where the town should concentrate its e orts.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

First and foremost, my experience on Town Council makes me a better choice. I do my homework on every issue. I think I can continue to make a di erence and be an e ective member on council.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

Toward the end of last year I was asked by many members of the community to consider running for a third term on the Town council. I think people are pleased with the current council and the town sta , who together have worked to maintain and support a high quality of life for our town residents. I enjoy engaging with citizens, business owners, law enforcement, community leaders and sta on matters that a ect our daily lives here. I would like to remain a part of this team and to continue to support my community.

Jon Russell

47

Chief of Staff Spotsylvania County Public Schools

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

Improve housing availability,

Both my experience on Council and my ability to devote the time necessary to be an e ective council member are two reasons to support me as your council representative for another term. During my time on council we have enhanced our water resources with the addition of wells, a new water tower and a new dam. We developed Rockwater park, put in a splash pad and made enhancements to Yowell Meadow Park. We incentivized infill development in the downtown area, and have supported the development of housing for low to moderate income residents. This is just a short list of what has been accomplished, and all of it done without ever raising taxes. Every day our Town sta is working to enhance the quality of life for our citizens and to make our town a destination for tourists as well. We have a solid, diverse and collaborative Town council, and I would be honored to continue to serve with them.

tourism and youth activities.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

My desire is to serve our community and shepherd reasonable growth.

Meaghan Taylor

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am running for o ce because I believe that the Culpeper County School Board needs a new generational perspective on the issues it faces and the objectives it would like to achieve in the next few years. The past few years have seen school systems reeling from a pandemic, mental health crises, and the politicization of classrooms. I think my unique experience could aid in the crafting of better policy

regarding these issues that helps solve immediate problems, while simultaneously mitigating future ones. As I prepare to depart my first form of public service through my military service, what better way to start another form of public service through bringing my perspective and serving the community that helped raise and educate me for 13 years. Running for o ce is an act of hope and trust. There is hope for a better future for Culpeper schools, and I trust the voters of Culpeper to make the best decision on their School Board. It is

ultimately make a di erence for the betterment of our community.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

up to me to make the case for why I am worthy of their trust to make their hope a reality.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I’m the ideal candidate for this role because I bring both a passion for shaping meaningful educational policies and a unique perspective as a young individual running for o ce, which is currently missing on the School Board. This isn’t a criticism of the current members or other candidates; rather, it underscores my unique background. To my knowledge, I’m the only candidate who graduated from high school in the 21st century. My firsthand experiences make me

adept at tackling contemporary issues like the impact of social media on mental health and the e ects of the pandemic on student learning. I witnessed the rise of social media during my time in Culpeper schools, seeing its potential to unite students around shared interests and its capacity to harm them when misused. Additionally, I was still in college when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, allowing me to observe how it disrupted learning for myself and my peers. My youth and fresh perspective can enhance the School Board’s decision-making process by ensuring comprehensive analyses of all sides of an issue, leading to the formulation and implementation of the most e ective policy solutions.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am passionate about the success of our county's students to be confident, knowledgeable and healthy by providing them with the best resources to succeed and

I have a vested interest in this community and its success. I have volunteered extensively for di erent needs in and out of school. I want our students and sta to be safe.

I want parents to be an active participant in education. I want our school district to continue to be the best place to work and thrive in the county, if not the state. I’m a good listener and problem solver. People come to me when they want an objective perspective. I’m open to listen to many opinions. It is what led me to make the decision, with help from others, to get our students back to school in the wake of the pandemic. We were at the forefront of a mitigation plan that was a shining

example for Virginia. Our sta was able to minimize the spread and learning loss, but provided freedom for learning and teaching. We were able to provide free meals and keep athletics going. I am a freedomloving American, born and raised in Virginia, resident for almost 20 years, and raised my two children here. I treat people with respect and believe we all have the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. I want the best for our students' successes in the classroom and beyond.

55 Culpeper County Public Schools cburnett@culpeperschools.org

Christina “Crissy” Burnett

25 Bartender, Sweet Roux mattborjaforschoolboard.com/

Matt Borja

• 33 years of law enforcement in the Commonwealth

• Manage budgets including large federal budgets

• DCJS Instructor

• Train VA Law enforcement

• 25 years Alexandria police department, retired Special Operations Sergeant

• Special Deputy U.S. Marshall

• U.S. Marine Corps

• Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office, Captain, Chief of Operations

• Federal Security Contracting as a Director for the Akal Group

• Business Owner, Special Operations Solutions, LLC.

• Training, Investigations, Exercise Development

Paid for by Joe Watson for Sheriff

MARINE CORPS VETERAN

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I have chosen to run for a second term on the CCPS School Board for the Catalpa District. During my fi rst term, my priorities were school safety, retention of competent sta and to oversee that every student leaves CCPS prepared for employment higher education/training programs, enlistment or direct employment. My priorities have not changed. We have continued to upgrade our safety protocols and the technology needed to protect our school building, sta , and students. State of art security cameras now accessible by both the town police department and the county sheri ’s o ces are only part of what has been purchased and made accessible to the proper law enforcement areas. Our ability to sta our positions throughout CCPS has easily outshined comparable school systems around

SCHOOL BOARD

us. We have more bus drivers now than ever before in our school system. We continue to hire bus drivers and bus aides to help our goal of reducing bus run times for our students in the further outreaches of our county. Our students are completing associate degrees, completing Career and Technical certifi cations that are leading to full time employment upon graduation, and entering the workforce directly after graduation.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

Currently, I am unopposed for the Catalpa County School Board District. I would like to think that my service on the school board these past 4 years has shown that I am the best candidate for the Catalpa District Culpeper County School Board position. Regardless of being unopposed, I am still willing to answer any questions from my constituents

as to my views on issues. Please know that I do not vote on my personal beliefs, but on what I think is the best interest of the students, parents, and community. I do not agree with violating any law to make a point. Those actions would more than likely result in taxpayer money being spent to cover lawyer fees for a case that we would never win. I do agree with respectful exchange of ideas and views, with compromise when necessary. I have learned a great deal in the last four years on the school board and I believe I

have made a di erence for the students, parents and taxpayers of Culpeper County. Having retired after 41 years in public education, I have the knowledge to understand what is possible and what is not possible under the requirements from the state and the national governments. I listen to criticism and complaints from many parts of our community. I go into the schools to determine for myself whether these concerns are verifi ed or not. I then follow through to see that issues are taken care of.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am running for the CCPS School Board because #1: After 27 years as an Assistant Principal at CCHS and EVHS, I have a unique skill set and a wide range of educational experiences that can contribute positively to our schools and Culpeper community. #2: After the death of my husband, Bill Pearson, in 2021, I fi nd myself with a di erent kind of time on my hands. #3: Our current School Board member’s retirement creates a vacancy, and serving on the School Board is a natural continuation of my public service in public education. I am an independent candidate because I sincerely believe politics do not belong in public education. I have always been apolitical in my work with academics and instruction, school safety and security, student support services & student discipline, Special Education, Career & Technical Education, recruitment and retention of personnel, planning for future growth, and upholding school law. I am a life-long educator who solicits input from everyone, solves problems, and builds consensus. I would be privileged to serve on the School Board and continue a life I love working

with our community and being a strong, experienced advocate for all students and public education in Culpeper.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

With 27 years of successful, front-line experience as a high school administrator in Culpeper, I am the best candidate for the School Board from the Salem District. I bring a well-documented history of collaboration, teamwork, and being responsive to students, parents, teachers, employees, and the community. Since 1990, I have been a strong advocate for the rights of all students, parents, and employees — and I will continue to do so on the School Board. I treat everyone with respect, and I have been told I consistently demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, practical problem-solving skills, and e ective consensus-building skills.

I sincerely believe politics do not belong in public education. I am fair, responsive, reasonable, and realistic — and throughout my entire career, I have always been non-partisan and apolitical. I also bring the credibility and practicality of a school-based educator to the table when working with School Board members, the Board of Supervisors, law enforcement and judicial agencies, community services groups, and business and industry representatives. As a member of the CCPS School Board, it would be my distinct privilege to serve our Culpeper students, parents, and employees again as a strong advocate for education and our public schools.

31 years in public education (CCPS Administrator 1990-2017) & Farm Owner-Operator KelleyPearson.com

Kelley A. Pearson

Barbara “Barbee”

L. Brown

M. Terese Matricardi

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am running for school board because I understand how critical public education is for students, families, and for our country. As a licensed teacher, school psychologist, and mother, I have witnessed many challenges in public education but also have the practical vision to

Patricia “Pat” Baker

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I ran in 2015, continued running in 2019, and it appears I am not finished, so I will run for reelection in 2023. I moved to Culpeper in 1985. My children went from kindergarten through twelfth grade in Culpeper,

recognize the solutions. My last name, Matricardi, means “mother’s heart” and it is my mother’s heart which compels me now to stand up for our children, our schools, and our nation.

I’m convicted by the words of Edmund Burke, who said, “Evil prevails when good men do nothing.” I know that I cannot answer well to my Creator if I do nothing about public education today. Salem District voters have urged me to run to ensure that they are represented

I taught in Culpeper for twelve years, and I’ve served on the school board for eight years. The first couple of years you listen and learn. The school board is a policy board, and not responsible for the day to day operations of the schools. The board has the responsibility to hire and

by someone who shares their conservative values. Administrators, teachers, and parents are desperate to restore common sense principles and beliefs back to public education, and I am the candidate who will do that.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?

As a licensed teacher and school psychologist for 28 years, I have gained a great deal of expertise into the legal foundations of education, and I know how to facilitate real solutions. I also raised three children, homeschooling them for many years, though they each graduated from Eastern View High

evaluate their superintendent, be fiscally responsible, communicate with constituents, follow state and federal laws, and keep the students academic achievement as a priority. During my first term, the board met with the Board of Supervisors, and together recognized the need for a career education center. In my first term, the first shovelful of dirt was turned. I ran again to see the completion of the Culpeper Technical Education Center. This was accomplished. We are starting the expansion, and renovation of CMS, and in the future a new elementary school. I am asking to be re-elected because there is more to be done.

School, and attended or graduated from UVA. I have the intelligence, experience, and the courage to implement e ective, practical solutions in public education by prioritizing school safety, academic excellence, and parental rights. Improving public education today will require someone intelligent enough to see through the longstanding status quo, and courageous enough to lead the way. I will be a true representative of Salem District voters o ering respect and collegiality to the school board as we work to bring real solutions for students, parents, and teachers.

MATT BORJA FOR

An independent voice looking to bring generational change to Culpeper schools.

Advocating for increased school funding to raise teacher pay and expand mental health services.

Bringing communities together to ensure that every student receives a world-class education from CCPS.

SCHOOLBOARD

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I believe I am the best candidate because of what I’ve done, I am doing, and would like to continue to do for the next four years. There is no substitute for experience especially if the candidate/board member learns

from the experience and applies new knowledge to future endeavors. As a board member, I was elected four di erent times to serve as chairman of the board and once as vice-chair. I’ve been chairman of the Administrative Committee, served on the Finance and Capital Improvement Committees, and serve on the joint SB/BOS CIP team. I am also a two term vice-chair of the Mountain Vista Governor’s School Governing Board, an advisory member of the Academic Advisory Board for MVGS, and the board representative as an advisor to the Culpeper County Gifted Advisory Committee. I serve as our board’s representative to the VSBA Delegate Assembly. I take my position seriously, continue professional development, and volunteer for various school events. I believe I am a quick thinker, kind person and quiet leader who strongly believes in Public Education, who wants only to o er our students a world class education to secure their future.

OF SUPERVISORS

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

“Matt is a shining example of our Culpeper public schools, and we should all be proud! As a former Culpeper School Board member, I enthusiastically support Matt Borja for the West Fairfax School Board seat.”

Michelle

Chairwoman

Vote Matt Borja for School Board on November 7!

As the incumbent, I have and will continue to fight to keep our taxes the lowest in the state of Virginia. As a small business owner, I will continue to do what I can for each and every business to survive even during a pandemic. As a parent, I will continue to focus on

building new schools to eliminate our overcrowded ones. I will continue to have a great relationship with the other board of supervisors even if we disagree on certain topics we are civil and professional to one another.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I am the best candidate for East Fairfax Board of Supervisor simply because I listen to my constituents and do what they want, not what I want. I was brand new to the board when the pandemic took place and worked hard to keep our county going in the right direction it needed to be even during extremely di cult times.

73 Retired Educator

53 School Psychologist, Independent contractor matricardi4sb@gmail.com

North Former CCSB

Kathy Campbell

Gary Deal

66

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

My goal is to always be there for my constituents and try to make a di erence. I am still motivated to help people - to improve their quality of life. It may be a personal issue with them to address. It may be fighting to keep taxes low. It may be lobbying for recreation, education, and economic development. It may be keeping everyone updated on local government and community issues. It may be helping

lead the community through trying times, something I certainly have been involved in with COVID. I am honored to serve the community at this moment as Board of Supervisor Chairman, and hope my past performance warrants my West Fairfax citizens to vote for me again on November 7th.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

Because as a part-time coach since 1983, I believe in camaraderie and

working together. As Chairman the past four years, I have tried to steer the Board accordingly. My late friend and Board member Bill Chase implanted in me years ago, “to succeed with any initiative you must have the support of other members.” We have certainly been working together. Along with our first responders, volunteers, and healthcare workers, we have helped lead the community through COVID. At the same time, we and county sta have built a state of the art Vocational Education School, a Fieldhouse, placed LED lights on 14 ball fields, currently constructing rural broadband, built pickleball courts, supported the new Kids Central facility, and soon to break ground on the public pool. We

have accomplished this while keeping tax rates the lowest in the state. We continue to improve the Carver Center. Lastly, balance between smart growth, economic development, and protecting agriculture and the rural character of the County is important at this time. I certainly want Culpeper to remain Culpeper, however we must continue to plan and have fiscal foresight. I am proud we made the decision to bring Amazon to Culpeper. We must continue to procure economic benefit and tax revenue involving tourism, and business and technology, to supplement the costs for public services such as new schools, greater support for our volunteers, and improvements to our rural roads.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I’m running because I believe that I can make a positive di erence in our community. Also, I believe that the government can be a force for good and as citizens in a democracy we have a responsibility for civic engagement — voting, volunteering, or running for o ce. The four pillars of my campaign — public schools, mental health, the environment, and law enforcement — are all areas for which I have a tremendous passion. All of them, in my

Timothy W. Chilton

php?id=100089720929991

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am running for the elected position of Culpeper County Sheri because it is time for change — a change in culture, access, community engagement, and most of all, a change in leadership. I plan to bring transparency, trust, and respect back to the agency as well as to the community in which it serves and protects. With my 26 years of law enforcement experience, serving right here in Culpeper, I know I have the resources and leadership skills to make these positive changes happen. I have been approached by numerous citizens and community

opinion, are vital foundations for the well-being and safety of the Culpeper community, both now and in the future. In particular, we need to pay special attention to and provide robust funding for our public schools, as well as all agencies that provide for mental health and family-related services. Culpeper’s amazing teachers, who educate, transform, and save young lives on a daily basis, are still paid 7% below the area market average. Mental health concerns locally are dramatic. In 2022, a survey of Culpeper’s stu-

dents in grades 7-12 revealed that 25% had considered suicide and 15% had actually attempted it. As a community, we MUST work together to address these issues.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I think it’s important for voters to know that I have demonstrated a commitment to the Culpeper community through my volunteer work. I currently serve on the Public Transportation Board and as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for People, Inc. helping our at-risk youth. I’m also an English tutor with The Culpeper Literacy Council and serve as Vice President on the Board of

Directors. Additionally, my experiences as a Principal and as a graduate of UVA’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership have taught me that truly e ective leaders understand that listening, cooperation, and teamwork produce the best results. I plan to take that approach to the Board of Supervisors, if elected. Finally, I believe that voters want elected o cials who serve with honesty and transparency. They want someone who will listen to their concerns and advocate for ALL citizens. And, they want new ideas and careful thinking as we strive to confront the many challenges we face as a community. I will try my best to bring all of those qualities with me into elected o ce.

leaders to run in the past, but the overwhelming support this campaign has seen thus far tells me 2023 was the right time to make it happen!

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I am the best candidate for numerous reasons. I’ve been a certified law enforcement o cer in Virginia for over 26 years and take great pride in the relations I have built with this community and the respect I’ve earned among the citizens of Culpeper and neighboring counties. I have attended a myriad of local, state, and federal criminal justice schools and trainings, and have worked for over a decade with multiple task forces to combat the area’s influx of narcotics. I will bring trust and transparency back to both the community and the Sheri ’s O ce and return a sense of pride to the hard-working men and women who wear the badge every day. Improving community-police relations is at the top of my priority list, and that begins with implementing body-worn cameras, increasing training in mental health and co-response, making our schools safer, and a shift

in leadership style that favors policing over political agendas. I have lived locally all my life and have raised my (now grown) sons within this great community. I am running as an in-

Joseph A. Watson

65 Retired Joewatsonforsheriff.com

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am running to bring professionalism, honesty and integrity and fiscal responsibility to the o ce of sheri in Culpeper County. I have been a resident here since 2003. I have three future step granddaughters in the county school system. I believe the County deserves the most qualified person to be the Sheri of the County. I could no longer standby and not act! I

dependent candidate because I truly believe this position should not be party-a liated, as the Sheri needs to serve and be accessible to everyone.

have the best resume and experience in the race and would like to bring that professionalism to the people of Culpeper.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

My 33 years of law enforcement experience in the Commonwealth including four years as a Marine Corps Military Police O cer in Norfolk Virginia, four years as a Captain and Operations Chief in the Sheri ’s O ce, and four years a Director of Federal Security contracts for the Akal Group of companies and my 25 years with the City of Alexandria Police Department have uniquely qualified me for this position. As the Captain, I was awarded the QuILL Award by the board of supervisors for saving the County a substantial amount of money. I look forward to serving the people of Culpeper County as their Sheri .

Retired, BOS Member, DEAL Real Estate & Land Development

53 Culpeper Police Deputy Chief, CTEC substitute teacher, Rangers Hill Farm Owner facebook.com/profile.

David C. Lee

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I’m running for reelection because I enjoy serving the citizens of Culpeper and I enjoy the job of Clerk. I also have a passion for advancing the o ce and making the o ce run more

Terry Leigh Yowell

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

For the past 22 years, I have served the citizens of Culpeper County with the concerted focus of providing our citizens the highest level of customer service in a professional and e cient manner. My sta and I understand that we interact with more citizens daily than almost any other county agency and it is critical that each of those interactions end with the citizen

e ciently; in turn, better serving the citizens. It is my pleasure to serve Culpeper County and I hope to continue to serve for many more years.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I believe I am the best candidate because I have the experience in the o ce. I have been in the o ce for almost nine years now and I have been Clerk for a little over two and a half years. I have made many chang-

es to improve the o ce and I know I can make many more. I truly want this County to have one of the best Clerk’s O ces in the Commonwealth. I have the knowledge and ability to make that happen. A brief summary of some of the changes I have made are: implementing

COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE

having a better understanding of the processes undertaken to determine their local tax bill. In addition, and to ensure our county maintains the revenue stream needed to provide the services our citizens want and need, we know well the importance of equity, fairness, and transparency in the tax assessment process. Citizens should know how their tax bills are determined and they should have access to the person responsible for determining the tax

assessment. I remain as committed to this philosophy and to serving our citizens in this manner as I have for more than twenty years.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I believe I am uniquely qualified to continue serving as Culpeper’s Commissioner of the Revenue for several reasons. I have spent most of my career in public service as commissioner of revenue and as a deputy commissioner prior to assuming the o ce. I am a certified Master Commissioner of the Revenue by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service since 2004 and

eRecording of certain land records, back-scanning the remaining deeds from 1986 to 1749, online court costs payments, fileless case files, plastic CHP cards, in-house plat scanning and scanning older plats, encouraging wider access to Secure Remote Access, and acquiring grants for preservation and scanning of records- to just name a few. I will continue to advance the o ce, allowing greater and easier access to the citizens of Culpeper County.

have ensured my entire o ce is trained in all areas associated with the assessment of local property taxes. I participate in a rigorous annual training and continuing education program managed by the Commissioner of the Revenue Association of Virginia and overseen by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. In addition to continually educating myself in local property tax law, the truth is I enjoy the work I do, and I think that comes through in the interactions I have with our citizens. It is important for our elected o cials to remain connected to the community and I am committed to serving my fellow citizens to the best of my ability.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am stepping up to serve our community in a greater capacity because I believe the voters of the new 28th district deserve to have an independent choice. I believe in people over partisanship. I have traveled to Richmond for the past 7 legislative sessions to advocate for bills that are pro-voter, profarmer, pro-small business owner.

I have also gone down there to oppose bills that would have been harmful to consumers, farmers, and businesses. I've become frustrated with elected o cials that are more concerned with getting or keeping partisan control, than they are with being responsive to constituents. I'm also running to inspire other

women, mothers, and people who have overcome major life challenges to step up and run. We need authentic people, with wisdom, compassion, and empathy serving our district.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

As an independent, I have the flexibility to move among the parties and bridge the divide between the Republicans and Democratic members. I know how to build crosspartisan coalitions around reforms. I'm an experienced advocate and decision maker, who has been elected or appointed to local and state-wide boards. I serve on the Rappahannock County Board of Social Services. I've also devoted time to Virginia Farmers Market Association, FairVote Virginia, and Virginia Hemp Coalition. I am committed to representing the people of the new 28th district with grace, humility, empathy, and grit. I will look for common ground and start from there. I have built my platform by talking to the people of our district. I have pledged to not take corporate or public utility contributions. I believe that policy should be written with the input of the grassroots, not with dollar signs in mind.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am running for State Senate to give voters a choice. I believe people should have the freedom to vote for a candidate who shares their values and is willing to consider the issues of their district when representing them. This election will have a big impact on the future of our state and our local communities. We have an education system that needs fiscally responsible reform and investment. A healthcare system that is lacing in accessible mental health resources.

And specifically women are at risk of losing the freedom to manage their own healthcare decisions. I'm running to protect Virginians from government overreach and help make sensible investments in our education system and economy.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I believe I am the best candidate because above all, I o er integrity and accountability. I believe these are two pillars upon which quality representation should be built. Our political environment has become so polarized that it's easy to find your camp and ostracize those who are not within it. I don't believe that is how representation of all citizens should be conducted, and if elected, I plan to work for the good of all people within this district. I will be present throughout the district, maintain accountability to the people I represent, and create transparent modes of communication with all constituents.

2023 Voter’s Guide

58 Commissioner of the Revenue

24 One-Stop Center Manager at Rappahannock Goodwill Industries fordforva.com

Jason Ford

42 Farm & Farmers Market Manager, Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor www.melsonforvirginia.com

Elizabeth Melson

32 Clerk of Court

Carson Beard

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I’m running because Virginians deserve the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family, just as they asked for when voting for me and Governor Youngkin in 2021. My entire time in o ce, I have worked to accomplish just that while making government simpler and more e cient with the aim of lowering the taxes of hardworking people. However, there is still work to do in protecting the rights of parents and stopping soft on crime, tough on taxpayer policies coming out of the Democrat dominated state Sen-

ate. Working to protect and provide opportunities in our community takes someone with a record of doing just that. My community’s faith in me to represent them has been overwhelming and I’m prepared to continue living up to that.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I have a record of voting to protect the interests of those in our community. I’ve always stood up for life, law enforcement, farmers, parents, and for our Constitutional rights. It’s also important that a legislator be e ective. I’ve been recognized by my colleagues in the House of Delegates as an e ective leader and legislator, which led to my election as the Majority Whip. Building and passing good laws while stopping harmful legislation and infringements of rights is what I have always done. I will continue working towards lowering the cost of living, preserving parents’ rights, protecting small businesses, and defending the 2nd Amendment. My endorsements from law enforcement and firefighter organizations

come because they know I see the importance of safe communities and can get things done in Richmond. I am the only candidate on the ballot in

the 61st House District who has any experience doing this and any record of standing up for people here instead of out of state interests.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

What makes America and Virginia truly unique in the world is not our government, but the ability of citizens to be able to make their own decisions about the direction of their lives free from the constant meddling of politicians and bureaucrats. The degree to which politicians both in DC and Richmond wish to intrude into decisions that are better left to individuals, parents, and families seems to be never-ending. All of us have seen politicians on TV say, "Nobody wants to take your guns," "Nobody wants to raise your taxes," or "Nobody wants to indoctrinate your kids" and yet, when they have power, that is exactly what they try to do. People are exhausted trying to work, educate and protect their kids and it feels as if the government is working against them by raising their taxes, refusing to punish criminals and allowing inappropriate and even pornographic materials in their kid's schools, all the while treating us as if we are

the problem. I'm running because I have always found the arrogance and constant intrusion by the government into every aspect of our lives to be antithetical to the American Dream.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

Being a good candidate in a representative government, means the people of the district believe you are capable of e ectively representing their values in Richmond. I currently serve on the Education, Public Safety, Courts of Justice, and Finance Committees. In every one of these committees, I have consistently stood for greater choice in education, protection of your second amendment rights, protection of victims and their families, punishment of violent o enders, and lower taxes and regulations. Each of these positions is rooted in the belief that maximizing individual liberty and personal responsibility is what protecting a free society is all about. I reject the notion that one can maintain a free society by constantly handing over more control to politicians under the guise that if they only had more power, they would take care of us. For the last 8 years, I have fought for free markets, protecting innocent life, protecting your right to defend yourself, school choice, and constitutional limitations on government power. If this represents your values, I would ask for the privilege of continuing to fight for these things in Richmond on your behalf.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

I am running to give voters a choice between a Democrat and a Republican, a candidate who supports a woman's right to have an abortion and a candidate who does not, the choice between a candidate who wants to provide health care for as many Virginians as possible and a candidate that does not, and a candi-

date who believes in climate change and a candidate who does not and takes money from Dominion and the energy industry. I am Pro Choice, believe that every citizen needs health care regardless of their employment status, and believe we have to protect our environment.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

Because I am the Democrat, the party that gets things done. I will support legislation to protect a woman's right to choose, expand health care access, and curb our fossil fuel usage. I've been a Northern Virginia commuter for 4 decades so I can relate to the way many of the people in our district live and work. I am the son of a career soldier and have spent most of my career working for the Army, and I believe in good government.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?

My personal and professional experiences helped to reinforce the deeply held value of service to my community. I spent three decades working closely with legislators, government agencies, and community partners to foster sound public policy that is fair, equitable, and leaves no one behind. I see government as a force for good in our lives, and I believe voting is a sacred duty, and a hard-won right. We honor those who fought so hard for that right by showing up and doing our duty, first and foremost by voting. Participating in our political system honors those who fought so hard for us to be free, whether casting our vote in every election we are able or running to represent our community. I believe the expectation that we heard, seen, and heeded by our elected representatives is the other side of that right. A key part of the job as elected leaders is to ensure our community is uplifted and heard in the halls of power. I am running for the House of

Delegates to bring my experience and commitment to this community and to answer the call to service as Delegate for the new 62nd district.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

As a member of the sandwich generation, those who know the challenges of caring for aging parents and children at the same time, I helped shepherd three parents through their end-of-life processes. Each of those experiences came with both blessings and burdens, and put into sharp focus the issues many must face during these often-uncertain times. I believe diverse lived experiences are an important perspective, never more so than when choosing someone to represent and lead us. I was raised by a single mother who struggled with mental health challenges and often had trouble making ends meet. Throughout my upbringing, I saw what it means when public policy fails to meet the needs of our citizens. We need people in elected o ce who understand what people want and need from our government, and it can be useful to have a representative who understands how life can be a bumpy road with hard choices. I am the right choice to represent the new 62nd District, because I bring both the compassion of someone who understands the daunting challenges we face and the proven experience of someone with solid policy solutions to make a positive di erence in the lives of my neighbors.

TERESE MATRICARDI

CULPEPER SCHOOL BOARD SALEM DISTRICT

REPUBLICAN CHAMPION for

“I strongly endorse Terese Matricardi for Culpeper School Board representing the Salem District. Terese will vote for common sense policies for YOUR children and will be a leader in our shared fight to protect parents’ rights in our schools! Terese will be a strong voice for parents, teachers, and students in Culpeper as she works to prioritize school safety and academic excellence.”

WINSOME EARLE-SEARS

Republican, Lt. Governor, Virginia

“Terese Matricardi will be a great asset to the school board in Culpeper County with her emphasis on school safety, protecting law-abiding students and staff, prioritizing parental rights, and upholding the Constitution for all citizens. Students, parents, and teachers will be grateful for her courage and conviction.”

JASON MIYARES

Republican, Attorney General, Virginia

“Terese Matricardi is one of the finest people I’ve ever met. She wholeheartedly believes in the fundamental right of parents to be engaged in their children’s education. She will ensure transparency and parental involvement in our schools. I can’t think of any better person to represent the Salem District on the Culpeper School Board more than her and it’s my pleasure to enthusiastically support and endorse her.”

BRYCE REEVES

Republican, State Senate, Virginia

“Virginia voters have stated loud and clear that parents concerns about what is being taught to their children WILL be taken seriously. Terese Matricardi will be our voice on the School Board.”

NICK FREITAS

Republican, House of Delegates, Virginia

“I first met the Matricardis 17 years ago when their family moved to Reva. I am thrilled that Terese is running for School Board, and I whole-heartedly support her campaign.”

TOM UNDERWOOD

Republican Board of Supervisors, Culpeper County