HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that lets readers know local business leaders, volunteers, and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet David Hux.
What is your job title and description?
I am the mayor of the City of Poquoson. I am the “leader of equals” for Poquoson City Council and an ambassador for the City. The City Council is the policy making body of the City. Its responsibilities include:
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- Adoption of the City budget
- Approval of all tax levies
- Adoption of ordinances
- Approval of amendments, supplements or repeals to ordinances and the City Code
- Appointment of the City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney and various local boards, commissions and committees
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Who do you interact/work with regularly?
On the administrative side, my fellow Council members, our City Manager and the Manager’s Staff, our City Attorney, our School Board Chairman who is my counterpart within Poquoson City Public Schools, as well as my fellow elected pubic servants from around the Hampton Roads region.
On the public side, my constituents, who are also my fellow citizens of Poquoson.
How do you/your organization interact with the local community?
I, along with my fellow Council members, are readily accessible, approachable and available for in-person meetings, phone calls, emails and the like. We are typical examples of ordinary people who desire to serve the greater good of our community.
In addition to elected public office, we are actively engaged in our churches and many other Civic and Charitable organizations.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
For all intents and purposes, Poquoson City Council members serve on a largely volunteer basis. Although we are eligible to receive a very small monthly stipend, our personal expenses can exceed that amount. As elected public servant leaders, we are motivated by service to others, not personal gain.
How do you define success?
From the perspective of public service, success can be defined in many ways. One definition is to leverage our position as an elected member of local government to contribute positively to the greater good of all and to complete our terms in office leaving our community in better condition.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
As a member of City Council, I don’t consider any accomplishment to be individual in nature. Accomplishments are the result of collaborative efforts by the Council, Staff and members of our community, and especially, by the Grace of God.
Highlights include the Poquoson Middle School modernization project, our new Public Safety Building, the establishment and expansion of our School Resource Officer Program and the city’s “AAA” bond rating.
How long have you lived/worked in the Historic Triangle?
My entire life of 58 years.
What is your favorite part of being in the Historic Triangle?
The lessons it provides. Those who don’t learn the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them in the future. In order to understand where we are, we must understand where we came from and how we arrived at this point.
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
As a fully engaged and devoted public servant, there is little downtime. When opportunities do arise, I love to be on the water, in the woods and in the marsh.
What is the next step in your journey?
I am a product of my community and its people. I intend to continue my public service to repay the debt of gratitude I owe to all those who served and sacrificed on my behalf and invested of themselves into me throughout my life.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people that live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
