Lavonne Adkins

Background: I've lived in Rappahannock County since I was an infant so this sanctuary has always been my home. I attended the public schools, graduated salutatorian in 1982, and attended Shenandoah University earning a BA in Business with a major in Accounting. I’ve had numerous years of continuing education, and 35-plus years of experience in the field. I've worked for several CPAs at different career intervals and also managed my own practice. I married into a generational farming family, so I've been fully vested for many years in the agriculture of Rappahannock.

RappNews: What is the most urgent issue facing the county now?

Adkins: There are several very important issues that need solutions; however, my top pick is a lack of affordable housing. The local zoning laws are conservative and designed to protect and preserve the rural nature of the county. But, and they can be so exclusive that younger generations have been forced to relocate elsewhere. The younger, productive generation, the heart of any community, cannot afford to live here. My three children, young and very productive citizens, desire to live in Rappahannock and thus face this challenge. Exclusivity to preserve is one thing, but this same exclusivity is also detrimental to the life of a community, so we as citizens should search for a solution to balance the extremes.

RN: What in your background and experience would help address that?

Adkins: Having been involved in different industries such as building, construction, and real estate through client perspectives as well as personal investment, my experience, common sense approach, and utilization of resources could prove helpful in researching alternatives and consideration of possible solutions.

RN: What do you see as the responsibilities of the Commissioner of the Revenue?

Adkins: The duties of the Commissioner of the Revenue include maximizing county revenues received through assessment of real estate tax, personal and business property tax, business license tax, and meals and lodging tax. The Commissioner receives, processes, and assists citizens with preparation and filing of Virginia state tax returns; manages tax relief programs for veterans, spouses of veterans, and the elderly. All pertinent programs would be administered fairly and justly in accordance with the law and as required by the Board of Supervisors.

RN: Why do you want to be elected Commissioner of the Revenue?

Adkins: Serving the public has always been a priority and serving as Commissioner of the Revenue for my county would be a culmination of time invested through work and community. I've given freely of my time to churches, clubs, sports associations and leagues, and nonprofits as a board member, officer, and/or director. Though recently retired after a near 20year stint as Referee Coordinator for the Rappahannock County Soccer Association, I continue to referee on the pitch each weekend. I am a board member of For The Cats Sake, and I've joined a great group of volunteers at the Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue where I've finished training to serve as an Emergency Medical Technician. Your local community can always use help. Thus, serving as your Commissioner is an enhancement of this public service that I feel is very important in the life of a community.

Change is integral to improvement and innovation. There are always ways to improve and update processes and systems while remaining professional and efficient in performance of duties. Bringing a new perspective to the Commissioner's position is the first step, and is in and of itself, an important gauge of community outlook in the present and for the future of this county we all love.