Keir A. Whitson
Contact: keirwhitson87@gmail.com, 540-675-3358, or www.whitsonforhampton.com
Background: I live in Harris Hollow with my wife and two young children. We moved to Rappahannock County in 2003 because we wanted to live in a rural area and raise a family here. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, graduated from a Methodist college in Alaska, and earned a Master’s degree from the University of Washington. I work as a senior advisor for White & Case LLP and am fortunate my employer allows me to work from my home in the county. I served for four years on the Rappahannock County Water and Sewer Authority and am an active community volunteer. This is the second time I am seeking a seat on the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors. I ran for the Hampton District seat in 2015 and lost to John Lesinski by twentynine votes out of more than seven-hundred votes cast.
RappNews: What is the most urgent issue facing the county now?
Whitson: We must protect our county vigilantly through careful planning and good government, be smart about adapting to change, and anticipate threats to what we already have. The Board of Supervisors and other county officials must work urgently to: (1) review, update, and strengthen the subdivision and zoning ordinances; (2) set a specific plan for upgrades to critical infrastructure; (3) limit property tax increases while still addressing the critical needs of our fire and rescue companies and schools; and (4) support the school superintendent and School Board in the face of declining student enrollment numbers.
RN: What in your background and experience would help address that?
Whitson: I have worked for more than 20 years in a highly technical area of international trade law. My day-to-day work involves complex financial and legal analysis, high-stakes decisions, client communications, case management, and business development. These are all skills and expertise that will serve me well as a supervisor.
RN: What do you see as the responsibilities of county supervisors?
Whitson: In my view, there are three primary areas of responsibility each member of the Board of Supervisors must fulfill: (1) a thorough grasp of applicable state laws and local ordinances; (2) a detailed understanding of the county’s finances, including tax revenue, operating expenses, cash flow, assets, liabilities, and budgeting; and (3) direct and regular communication with county citizens, a willingness to listen, a commitment to setting aside personal opinions, and resisting special interests to represent the majority-view of constituents.
RN: Why do you want to serve as a supervisor?
Whitson: I care deeply for my neighbors and everyone who calls Rappahannock County home. In this most local form of representative democracy, there is a real opportunity for members of the Board of Supervisors to represent, in the true sense of the word, the people they serve. I am eager to know the name and story of every person in the Hampton District, listen carefully and learn, and make informed decisions to reflect the majority view of my constituents.
RN: What would you like to accomplish as a supervisor?
Whitson: In cooperation with the other members of the Board of Supervisors, I would address five initial priorities: (1) restore calm, order, and civility to the Board; (2) review, update, and strengthen the county’s subdivision and zoning ordinances; (3) set a specific plan for upgrading critical infrastructure; (4) work cooperatively with our fire and rescue companies to respond to declining volunteerism; and (5) support the school superintendent and school board as student enrollment numbers continue to drop.