Windsor Town Council candidate Q&A: David Adams
Published 7:22 am Saturday, November 5, 2022
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Name: David Adams
Age: 43
Education: Some college, no degree.
Occupation: IT project manager
Years living in Windsor: 11
Prior elected offices held: none
- Can you briefly summarize why you decided to run for office?
I’ve lived in Windsor for 11 years and have always been a believer that the government closest to the citizenry should be the most significant. During the COVID-19 period, I watched as government of all levels (county, state, national) infringed on God-given rights under the false banner of public safety. I became very involved at the Isle of Wight County School Board meetings in the fight to restore choice of masking to parents. That was the moment I decided to run for Town Council. I believe that the principles of freedom and liberty must stand in the face of governmental overreach.
- What would you list as your primary qualifications for this office?
From my time as an active-duty military member to my current role as an IT project manager, I understand how to listen to disparate points of view and ensure individuals know that their voice has been heard. If elected, I recognize that we may disagree on certain issues, but I will always be willing to listen to and consider your point of view.
- What should Windsor’s top priority be right now?
Performing a comprehensive look at the services the town and community organizations provide to our citizens. There were ongoing discussions with Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia that ended without agreement at the September 2022 Town Council meeting. I’d like to see the town plan more community events at the Windsor Town Center. I think we should explore expanding our sidewalk network to serve more residents of the town. There are sidewalks in certain areas, but there are also large portions of Windsor Boulevard where people could walk that don’t have any sidewalks. If you wanted to walk from the Windsor Boulevard- Roberts Avenue intersection to the Food Lion Plaza, you wouldn’t touch an inch of sidewalk.
- What’s one thing you’d like to see change in terms of Windsor’s town government?
I’ll admit that I didn’t really start attending Town Council meetings until 2022. Like most parents, I didn’t prioritize local government meetings and focused on my familial obligations. At the time of writing these responses, I don’t have any specific items to change. I will increase my understanding of the following: Why do we have two water bills? Why do we pay two personal property tax bills? And what are the services that we receive for these additional costs?
- What can Windsor do to deter vandalism of its parks and facilities?
There have been technological advances that would allow for us to easily identify vandals of publicly funded spaces. Anyone caught defacing or destroying the taxpayer funded property should be punished according to the fullest extent of the law.
- Does Windsor need more growth and development? If so, how can the town help achieve this?
There are significant opportunities for growth and development in Windsor. There are quite a few vacant business structures along Windsor Boulevard. I know that the Economic Development Board is working with prospective businesses to lure them into Windsor, and I support this approach. The eastern end of Isle of Wight County is rapidly growing, and I don’t want that for Windsor. Eleven years ago, I moved to Windsor to get away from the hustle and bustle of a crowded area. I believe there is a way to grow without changing the small-town feel of Windsor.
- What can be done to improve community-police relations in Windsor in the wake of ongoing litigation pertaining to a 2020 traffic stop where two WPD officers held Army Lt. Caron Nazario at gunpoint and pepper-sprayed him?
I watched the body cam video of the traffic stop with 2nd Lt. Nazario and was disappointed with the lack of de-escalation from the officers involved. As after-the-fact observers, we have the advantage of hindsight. Our law enforcement officers are required to make split second decisions based on their observations in each situation. Only through open and ongoing conversations can we heal and continue to foster healthy relationships between citizens and law enforcement. I encourage all citizens to come to the Town Council meetings. Chief Riddle provides his report to the council each month and is very approachable.