John's pillars
Small Business
Small business is the economic backbone of our community. I want to work to attract business and help Frederick County grow through smart growth. What do I mean about smart growth? The county needs a balance in residential and business growth! We need to be working with community leaders, the Economic Development Authority, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, and our local cities to support our current businesses and attract businesses that are going to sustain and prosper.
Agriculture
We truly are blessed with all the agriculture in Frederick County. During the season on any given day you can visit a market or orchard to get the best local produce. We need to continue supporting these families as they try to maintain our rural areas. The key is helping them as they try to grow and diversify in today’s economy, whether it is through a market, event center, or protection through the Agricultural & Forestal Districts.
Our Children
When we are not working together, nothing is accomplished except a decrease in staff morale and our children suffer in the end. The job of the schools is to teach reading, writing and arithmetic. The different boards should be working together on a comprehensive plan that should be multi-year and will meet the needs of this county. We are going to continue to grow, and we are going to need a fourth high school. We need to stop the fighting and do project management on how to accomplish these large expenses.
Transportation
Based on different articles you read, our county is one of the fastest growing counties in Virginia. With this continuing growth, we have different areas in the county feeling the pressure of the increased traffic. We are starting to make some progress with the help of our representatives like our local delegate Bill Wiley, our congressman Ben Cline and our representatives of the Staunton District. The area will have additional representation with a new Senate 1 seat and a new delegate seat representing the southern end of Frederick County. Our county leaders need to continue to work with these representatives while we look at opportunities to partner locally on how we can improve transportation. We need a smart balance in our growth which goes right back to the first pillar of supporting Small Business!
First Responders
First responders and EMS are the backbone of our entire community. It's important that our elected officials support our law enforcement and fire companies all around our incredible county. I am and always will be a champion for our amazing first responders and EMS personnel. I will work with the county to address critical budgetary needs for our fire and law enforcement departments. We need leaders who care and support our first responders!