Meet the candidates running for Board of Supervisors seats in James City County and York County

This article contains a roundup of The Triangle‘s profiles on candidates running for Board of Supervisors seats in James City County and York County.

John McGlennon and Trevor Topping, candidates for the JCC Board of Supervisors (Roberts District)

Democrat incumbent John McGlennon is running against Republican Trevor for the James City County Board of Supervisors in the Roberts District in the Nov. 7 election.

The Triangle reached out to both candidates running in this race and requested a biography. Each candidate was also asked to explain why they are running for this office.

John McGlennon (incumbent)

Affiliation: Democrat

Website: johnmcglennon.com

Biography: John McGlennon is the current member of the James City County Board of Supervisors for the Roberts District. As Supervisor, John has worked hard to represent the neighborhoods and citizens as well as our many business and community organizations. He has given strong support to our schools and library system, as well as the county’s programs and staff in such areas as public safety, parks and recreation, planning, social services and financial management. He has been endorsed by the organizations representing our teachers, police and firefighters, EMTs and 911 Dispatchers. John is Professor of Government at the College of William & Mary, and has been chosen to lead statewide organizations that lobby the General Assembly on behalf of fast growing cities and counties and which allocates state funding for public transit. John and his wife, Terry (a recently retired educator) have two grown sons and live in the Rolling Woods neighborhood.

What inspired you to run for this office?

The opportunity to help protect our quality of life, to enhance our standard of living and to give voice to the needs of our citizens were crucial when I first made the decision to run for the Board of Supervisors. I have gotten great satisfaction out of the many accomplishments that I have helped to achieve. I find that in local government, one can have the greatest impact on the conditions that most directly affect us on a daily basis. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but also see more that needs to be addressed, whether it is providing services to previously overlooked communities, increasing pre-K opportunities or preventing ill-conceived plans for changes in our traffic patterns, I continue to be motivated by a desire to serve.

Trevor Topping

Affiliation: Republican

Website: toppingforsupervisor.com

Biography: I was raised in Newport News, Virginia, and attended East Carolina University for undergrad, where I completed a business management degree. I own a financial services business, Topping’s Financial Services, LLC. I have been married to Jessie Topping for 4 years, and we have 3 dogs.

As a young husband, seeing local and national issues through my daily experiences both professionally and personally, it came on my heart to get involved. I want to bring a new generation of leadership to the county with fresh ideas and fresh energy. Instead of just talking about things I would like to see in the county, I want to be about them. I am willing to put in the time and the effort to ensure my family’s future in James City County is a great one. I feel I will bring a unique voice to the board as someone who is looking to grow their family in the county.

I was raised by two loving parents in Newport News, Virginia. They taught me common sense, hard work and family-oriented core values. After college, I was hired into Geico’s management training program, which eventually led me to a job as a Risk Advisor for Towne Insurance. Now, I have my own financial services business. Self-employment pushes you to learn a multitude of new skills which I will bring to my time on the board. Furthermore, my experience working with real estate agents and writing liability insurance contracts on properties for over 8 years gives me a great understanding of what brings value to a neighborhood and grows the value of real estate. I am certain my skill set will be a great asset to the James City County taxpayer.

What inspired you to run for this office?

My top priority is making sure the right development happens in James City County. I will be open to bringing tax revenue and jobs to the district, while also using common sense and shutting down the wrong development. I want to be a direct line for our community members to call and discuss ideas, concerns and visions. I will work to do a deep dive into our finances to make sure we are spending money efficiently while taking care of those who take care of us, our teachers, bus drivers, firefighters, policemen and women and first responders. I will get involved with county staff and the school board to make clear what I will and will not approve budget wise, give suggestions on adjustments to the school budget (which is 49% of the county budget) and focus on keeping taxes as low as we can for the average James City County resident.

I hope to make a difference by bringing a fresh new perspective to local politics and a voice for the people that have been silenced. During this campaign, I have talked with many parents who feel like their concerns of the administrative fluff in the school budget go unacknowledged. Talking with residents, I hear over and over again that they don’t know what the main issues are in the county, (like the school split) until they find out the county supervisors have already voted on it. I want to fix this breakdown in communication and be the most communicative board member James City County has ever seen! We need transparency and more town hall meetings. This will lead to better communication between the supervisors, the county staff, and the residents of the county.

Ruth Larson and John Curran, candidates for the JCC Board of Supervisors (Berkeley District)

Incumbent independent Ruth Larson is running against Republican John Curran for the James City County Board of Supervisors in the Berkeley District.

The Triangle reached out to both candidates running in this race and requested a biography. Each candidate was also asked to explain why they are running for this office.

Ruth Larson (incumbent)

Affiliation: Independent

Website: voteruthlarson.com

Biography: Ruth Larson has served the last 18 years in elected office and is running as an Independent candidate for re-election to the JCC Board of Supervisors for Berkeley District. Ruth is experienced in local issues. She is currently Chair of the Williamsburg Tourism Council which is helping to bring millions of dollars in revenue to our community annually keeping our tax rate low, and she previously served 10 years on the School Board, putting her in the best position at this particularly vulnerable time to negotiate for the County’s interests in the public school contracts when the City and County are deciding whether to stay together. She has been Chair of the Board of Supervisors and currently serves as Vice Chair. Among Ruth’s many accomplishments she was instrumental in creating the JCC Comprehensive Plan which won the ‘best’ category national award in 2023. Ruth understands how to attract and keep business in the area. Ruth was raised here, and her deep roots provide her with historical context about local issues, and she has loads of local contacts who reach out to her with their perspectives. As an Independent, Ruth represents the interests of ALL the residents of James City County.

What inspired you to run for this office?

I want to make a difference in local issues which are the ones that affect us most. Public safety, high quality schools, water, parks and recreation infrastructure, safe roads and fiscally responsible government are just a few of the number of things that are essential to our quality of life, and I want to provide the best outcomes at the lowest cost to the taxpayer.

John Curran, Jr.

Affiliation: Republican

Website: www.vote4curran.com

John is an active community member, dedicated father, husband, and proud Navy veteran who cares deeply about the issues facing our community and is focused on improving the quality of life for his neighbors in James City County.

Mr. Curran served in the U.S. Navy where he was stationed at Naval Telecommunications Command in Washington DC. During his time there, he was detail to the Armed Forces Inauguration Committee to support President Reagan’s second Inauguration. Afterward, John was requested for temporary duty to the President’s staff at the White House. During this time, Mr. Curran was transferred to the Pentagon to support the investigation and response to the Johnny Walker spy case.

Mr. Curran was then transferred to the Chief of Naval Operations where he served with a Counterterrorism Team. He then served onboard the USS Kittiwake, where he was involved in the recovery of the Space Shuttle Challenger after it exploded on takeoff. Mr. Curran was also involved in multiple actions in South America and the Middle East. After being honorably discharged, he served in the US Navy reserve for an additional two years.

John brings more than 30 years of business experience in government contracting, construction, environmental and alternative energy as well as economic development around the world. Mr. Curran founded his own consulting business where he provided direct consulting services. Since then, Mr. Curran has provided support for President Clinton for his Welfare to Work efforts, President Bush on the efforts after 9/11, President Obama on his efforts with Gang and Drug Warfare and President Trump on his efforts with Alternative Energy infrastructure and Veterans Choice programs.

Mr. Curran then founded Agri-Based Biofuels. The company started converting trash to fuels, primarily focusing on US military clients. This expanded into all types of alternative energy sources and integration. While CEO, Agri-Based then merged with Eco-Integrators that worked in agricultural fields as well as D3 a business that provided Economic Development support to small and developing countries around the world.

Mr. Curran quickly became a known subject matter expert, and he was called on by the US Congress to testify multiple times on Energy and Environmental matters as well as the economic impact in those areas. Mr. Curran sold off the business to a Trust in Europe Union in 2018. At this point, Mr. Curran continued to consult with businesses and governments, mostly in transition. Mr. Curran also during this time completed his bachelor’s degree in political science and his MBA in economics.

John is committed to supporting parental rights in schools, protecting our children from violence and bullying and supporting our teachers. He is passionate about ensuring public safety in James City County by supporting our first responders with proper equipment and training. Curran is focused on our water resources and supports a proactive approach to increasing supply through new technologies and cost-effective solutions. Maintaining the beauty of James City County balanced with enhancing the amenities valued by residents is an area of great interest to Curran and key to maintaining property values and owners’ rights.

What inspired you to run for this office?

What inspired me to run was the clear need for a more proactive Board of Supervisors.

I have worked with multiple areas around the world in creating long-term plans for communities. I have seen the growth within James City County over the past 20 years when my parents moved here. I believe it grew from around 20,000 to now just under 90,000 residents.

However, with all the beauty and history we have, there are necessities that are missing from our growth. JCC has not developed a positive business environment to attract new companies that can bring actual career path employment, not to mention a needed tax base.

We can’t implement zoning limitations that reduce the value of landowners and farmers in our area just to stop development. We need better and smarter development standards.

We need to look at every proposal for development, considering the location, the project, the impact on our community and roads as well as the overall need for it. We can, under Article 6 of the Virginia Committee Development Authorities, implement taxes to developers to cover the cost to the County.

Our water and sewer issues have been avoided by increasing rates to limit demand, with no solid efforts to bring new technologies into the County to provide low-cost solutions.

We need to demand accountability for our schools, including transparency between the student, school and parents. We should not only increase STEM programs but also vocational education to meet the increasing demands for skilled workers.

I also support providing our law enforcement with the tools and equipment, as well as training and pay, to maintain a strong force. This will enable them to stay ahead of increasing crime and ensure our public safety, as well as combat human trafficking that is on the increase.

Lisa Ownby and Barbara Null, JCC Board of Supervisors (Stonehouse District)

Democrat Lisa Ownby is running against Republican Barbara Null for a seat on the James City County Board of Supervisors in the Stonehouse District.

The Triangle reached out to both candidates running in this race and requested a biography. Each candidate was also asked to explain why they are running for this office.

Barbara Null did not respond to our request, but basic information is provided for the candidate.

Lisa Ownby

(Courtesy photo)

Affiliation: Democrat

Website: ownbyforsupervisor.com

Biography: I earned my bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in 1991. After earning my master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, I moved to Williamsburg in 1992 with my husband, who was attending Old Dominion University. We have lived in Williamsburg since then and love this community. My husband and I have raised four children here. Three have graduated from Williamsburg-James City County schools, and my youngest is a WJCC high school senior. My husband built a business here (Landtech Resources, Inc., a civil engineering, and land surveying firm) and we have thrived. I worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over two decades supporting families who had children with disabilities.

Locally, I worked for Child Development Resources, managing a U.S. Department of Education model demonstration project. While at CDR, I was appointed by Gov. George Allen to the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council, providing policy recommendations to the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Services and ultimately the governor on policy issues impacting Virginians with disabilities. I worked for the W&M School of Education, recruiting students to their master’s program in special education, focusing especially on increasing diversity in the field of special education. I stayed home raising my children for nine years. During that time, I served in and continue to serve in leadership positions with WJCC school organizations, including PTA, PTSA, PTA Council, band, and athletic boosters.

In 2014, I joined Landtech as Director of Operations. In 2016 I was elected to the WJCC School Board in a special election and reelected in 2017 for a four-year term. I served as Vice Chair and Chair during my five years on the Board. As chair, I led the WJCC School Board through the over-$155 million budgeting process and helped guide the division through the COVID pandemic. I have been endorsed by the WJCC Teachers Association, The Virginia Police Benevolent Association and the York/Williamsburg/ Poquoson/James City Professional Fire Fighters, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers.

What inspired you to run for this office?

It was my service on the school board that inspired me to run for the Board of Supervisors. So many decisions impacting our community are made by our supervisors, including school funding, workforce housing, and funding for fire, emergency medical services, police, parks and libraries. Our Board of Supervisors makes critical land use decisions that impact the county’s infrastructure, our tax rate, and our quality of life.

My passion and commitment to James City County and my leadership skills are well-suited for service as a Supervisor, and I will work to ensure the board focuses on community needs. Decisions need to be evaluated both in terms of how they impact services and amenities today and 20 years from today. I am passionate about our community and my husband and I plan to retire here. I am deeply invested in our county’s future.

Our local government should be responsive to our diverse community and our diversified economy. I believe that my listening skills and school board experience will enable me to make a unique contribution to the community as a supervisor. We need more workforce and affordable housing options, and we need to invest in fire, EMS, police and education. We need to adapt to growth without putting undue stress on our infrastructure. All of these issues will be addressed by the board of supervisors, and my skills and talents are well-suited to making data-driven decisions that benefit our community.

Barbara Null

Affiliation: Republican

Website: barbara4stonehouse.com

Biography: Barbara Null did not respond to our request for a biography. On her website, Null says she understands “the tremendous influence those serving in local government can have on our county” and believes local officials should rely on citizen input when making decisions. She currently represents the Stonehouse District on the James City County Planning Commission and has been endorsed by Supervisor Sue Sadler, whom she hopes to succeed. Null is a native Virginian and the daughter of a US Navy WWII Ace pilot, whom she says died in a carrier accident in 1952. Upon her father’s passing, she became a commercial pilot to honor his memory and built a 36-year career as an employee of United Airlines. Aside from her role on the Planning Commission, Null has served as a member of Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), the Fraternal Order of Police and the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute. She has also served as the past president of Greater Williamsburg Republican Women, the former chair of the WJCC Republican Committee and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

York County Board of Supervisors

Eight candidates are vying for seats on the York County Board of Supervisors this year.

The Triangle reached out to all of the candidates with a series of questions. We received responses from Douglas Holroyd, Dalila Johnson and Stephen Roane. Their answers appear below.

The other candidates did not respond by the deadline, but their names and websites have been provided.

Douglas Holroyd, District 1

Website: friendsofdougholroyd.com

Affiliation: Republican

Opponent: None/uncontested

What inspired you to run for this office?

I was disappointed to see a large residential development proposed for my area, less than 1 mile from my house, with no prior knowledge provided to the local citizens. I joined a grass-roots citizen organization to reverse that decision.

After successfully challenging that development proposal, I joined the York County Planning Commission to have a greater voice for my District. Retirement of the existing Board of Supervisor prompted me to run for election, following his request to me.

What is the most important challenge currently facing York County, and how do you intend to address it?

I describe transparency of decision-making as the greatest challenge. Citizens should not have been surprised by a large development planned for their neighborhood. Citizens on Springfield Rd, should not have been impacted by 100+ construction trucks per day serving a construction project (Tranquility Village).

Construction of a mega warehouse on Lightfoot Rd (Williamsburg Pottery Property) should have had public review. The County denied this opportunity.

In February, Princess Cruises announced plans to stop in Yorktown beginning in 2024. The York County community is divided on this topic. Some local residents say they support the arrival of the ships, believing that the economic benefits will be worthwhile. Others, however, have spoken out against the plan, going so far as to participate in grassroots meetings and/or sign a petition in hopes of blocking Princess’ arrival. How will you ensure your constituents feel heard when it comes to this controversial issue?

Once again, a transparency issue. The County was first aware of the Princess Cruises concept in June/July 2022. EDA and BOS members briefed in October/ November 2022. First public disclosure was February 2023 despite York County having applied for government grants in December 2022.

We have yet to see financial reconciliation of costs versus benefits to the County, we have yet to see a detailed environmental assessment, and we have not been provided a mechanism that allows the County to establish limits on number and size of vessels.

Until these steps are taken, the answer must remain NO. Provided we receive satisfactory answers to each of these questions, and a public forum is conducted to determine acceptability, only then will there be a path to accept a limited number of ships.

Dalila Johnson, District 2

Website: dalilaforyorkcounty.com

Affiliation: Democrat

Opponent: Sheila S. Noll (incumbent)

What inspired you to run for this office?

Service to my community. When I came to this country, I joined the US Navy, and now, as a
public school teacher, I want to be of service and create opportunities like this country has
afforded me. Our current Board of Supervisors has been operating under the same leadership
for over 30 years, and the incumbent has been on the board for over twenty-eight years. I will
bring a much-needed breath of fresh air and real solutions that can transform our historic
county into a model of the next century.

What is the most important challenge currently facing York County, and how
do you intend to address it?

Overbuilding is happening all over our county with no real oversight. Our county can do both:
increase its revenue and preserve our historic presence. We must be responsible stewards of our
resources. If we continue rezoning and using special permits, we will have failed our children
and grandchildren.

This has truly been a controversial issue from the inception and all comes down to the lack of transparency from our current Board of Supervisors. The board failed their constituents in the most basic of their duties. They neglected to ask and communicate to the residents of York County of their actions. I have spoken against it because contrary to what some people and some members of the current Board of Supervisors believe, Princess cruise will not bring economic windfall to Yorktown but will seriously jeopardize our delicate Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. So, if elected I will ask the Board of Supervisors to sign a CODE of ETHICS that will ensure our constituents that the Board of Supervisors operates with transparency, accountability and free of conflict of interest.

Stephen Roane (incumbent), District 4

(Courtesy photo)

Website: friendsofstephenroane.com

Affiliation: Republican

Opponent: Robert Holloway

What inspired you to run for this office?

I’m running for my first re-election as Supervisor because York County has truly become one of the best places in Virginia to live, work, and raise a family – but there will always be more work that can be done and improvements to be made. Serving as the District 4 representative provides me the opportunity help chart the York County’s course forward. As a husband, a father, youth football coach and IT professional, I have a unique skill set that equips me to add a helpful perspective to problem-solving here in the county. Our community is blessed with a large spectrum of talented individuals with unique experiences and I know that together we can continue to bring York County into a bright future and keep us competitive on both a state and national scale. We can continue to provide high quality education, provide sufficient resources to our first responders and keep taxes low.

What is the most important challenge currently facing York County, and how do you intend to address it?

The number one issue in my district that I hear the most is maintaining the quality of life we have here in York County. York County is a special place with a character unique compared to our neighboring counties and cities. I want to make sure the characteristics that make York County the best place to live, work and raise a family continue to thrive. I remain committed to development options that doesn’t overwhelm our community’s travel infrastructure, and that our growth is managed to against the services we provide like our fire and life safety department, as well as keeping our student-to-teacher ratio low, and that we have enough law enforcement officers to keep our neighborhoods safe. In my next term, I will work consistently to help ensure that my constituent’s needs are met and that we have smart, manageable growth in the County.

In February, Princess Cruises announced plans to stop in Yorktown beginning in 2024. The York County community is divided on this topic. Some residents say they support the arrival of the ships, believing that the economic benefits will be worthwhile. Others, however, have spoken out against the plan, going so far as to participate in grassroots meetings and/or sign a petition in hopes of blocking Princess’ arrival. How will you ensure your constituents feel heard when it comes to this controversial issue?

First, I will continue to do what I’ve done so far: communicate with my constituents via messages, one-on-one conversations and as part of community action groups. I will continue to disseminate information pertaining to Princess’ plans as I receive them via those channels as well as our cruise ship portal. I will also work to create an ongoing community-to-county forum to establish better dialog between my constituents, the Board and county staff. Good communication on this topic is critical. There is a wide array of opinions, thoughts and concerns about the cruise ship coming to our port and I want to understand them all as best as possible With the right communication network in place so that all voices can be heard, we will all be in a better position to assess the impact of Princess’ visits.

Editor’s Note: The York County Cruise Ship Portal referenced by Supervisor Roane can be found here.

Additional Candidates

District 2

Sheila S. Noll

Website: www.yorkcounty.gov/directory.aspx?EID=127

Affiliation: Republican

District 3

George Clark

Website: georgeclarkforsupervisor.com

Affiliation: Republican

Wayne Drewry

Website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092175633309