Two men seek the office of supervisor for the Drewryville District in Southampton County. The Tidewater News asked them the following questions: 1. Full name and district you are running in. 2. What qualities and experience do you possess that make you a good candidate for a seat on the Board of Supervisors? 3. What are the most pressing issues facing the Board of Supervisors, and what would you propose to specifically address those issues? 4. What do you see as the greatest opportunities for economic growth in Southampton County, and what specifically would you propose to take advantage of those opportunities?

1. David Brian Everett for Drewryville Supervisor.

2. I was born and raised in Southampton County and have a great love for it and the people in this county. After graduating from Southampton High in 1975, I joined the Army to serve my country for three years. I went to work for the Virginia Department of Corrections as a correctional officer in 1979, and worked my way up the ladder until I became warden of Deerfield in 2003 and Sussex II in 2006. I retired as Regional Operations chief in 2014, with responsibility for the prisons and probation and parole for the Eastern third of Virginia and managed a yearly budget over $275,000 000 per year. I have over 42 years of public service experience with 35 years with the DOC; three years in Army; over four years as pastor of Drewryville United Methodist Church, where I continue to serve.

I volunteer with the monthly Social Services Food Bank, build handicapped ramps for the needy and other construction needs Social Services has requested. From 1978 until 1986, I worked full time and went to college full time to obtain my Bachelor of Arts. I am also a 2012 graduate of the Virginia Executive Institute for Government leaders.

My many years of management experience at various levels of government, budget development, budget management, working with people from all walks of life and my education has prepared me for this opportunity as I will be representing all the people of my District and will listen to my constituents and their concerns.

3. I believe the most pressing issue facing the Board of Supervisors is the renovation of the courthouse. This must be done in such a manner that we meet all the standards set by the Virginia Supreme Court, meet the county’s current and projected needs and it must be done in a fiscally sound manner. There has been mishandling of the whole courthouse issue by the current members of the Board of Supervisors for the last number of years. This board took no action after the citizens of this county voted a resounding NO to the issue of building a new courthouse outside of Courtland. This changed only a couple of months ago as citizens got involved.

The other big issue facing the board is that it must become fiscally responsible with the taxpayers’ money. The answer to every issue that arises about budget shortfalls is NOT to raise taxes as this board has done the last two years in a row. Our elderly that live on Social Security and other lower income citizens cannot afford this.

4. First, I believe that in order to have the potential for economic growth that we must first be fiscally responsible with our tax dollars. I do not believe the current Board of Supervisors is or has been fiscally responsible. I have seen this first-hand as I attend the monthly meetings which I encourage all citizens to do occasionally. We need citizen involvement in the government. I believe this election will tell the feelings of the citizens of Southampton County, about their dissatisfaction with the current board, its handling or lack thereof with their tax dollars, and about the current board not listening to the people. Second, I believe that we need to support the staff of Franklin/Southampton Economic Development Center as they work to attract more businesses and advise the Board of Supervisors on improvements we can make as a county and then work toward that. We need to be more business- friendly for both small and big businesses to grow our tax base.

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1. Dallas O. Jones — Board of Supervisors for the Drewryville District

2. Qualities/Experiences

• Already served 30-plus years on the Board of Supervisors.

• Twelve years as chairman — currently serving as chairman.

• Independent Masonry contractor for 40 years working with the public.

• Twenty-plus year as a church trustee.

3. Issues facing the Board of Supervisors

• Generating enough funds to meet the needs of the citizens of Southampton County without raising taxes.

• Meeting state mandates.

• Funding public schools.

• Remodeling court house.

3. Addressing the issues.

• Continue trying to attract businesses and industries to keep the tax rates down.

• Provide job opportunities so our young people don’t have to leave the county.

4. Opportunities for economic growth

• Abundance of land

• Existing water and sewage

• Highway 58