On Tuesday night, Michael Hipple joined the ranks of the James City County Board of Supervisors in his newly elected position as Powhatan Supervisor.
Hipple’s road to the seat on the board did not begin with his candidacy in November’s election, but rather with an application he submitted last year to be appointed to an open seat on the board that required someone to fill it for less than a year before the election.
James City County underwent redistricting in 2011, which drew Jamestown Supervisor John McGlennon into the Roberts District and Powhatan Supervisor Jim Icenhour into the Jamestown District. Both supervisors ran for seats in their new districts and won. When McGlennon vacated the Jamestown seat after the 2011 election, Wilford Kale was appointed to fill it.
Icenhour then ran for the Jamestown seat and won in 2012, which pushed Kale out of the appointed seat. Leaving the Powhatan seat empty, the board sought applications to fill it.
Six applications were received by December 2012, including Hipple’s. At the time, Hipple was interviewed but the board could not come to an agreement on whom to appoint to the seat. Instead, the decision was handed over to the court, which appointed Andy Bradshaw, a former supervisor.
Hipple did not claim alliance with any political party in his application or interview, which was something Stonehouse Supervisor Jim Kennedy said he admired. In a December email, Hipple said he wanted to join the board for some time. He stated in his interview and application he had plans to run for the seat in the next election.
Staying true to his word, Hipple announced his candidacy for the Powhatan seat in April this year.
In May, Democratic candidate Bob Mandala threw his hat in the ring for the Powhatan seat.
Throughout his entire campaign, Hipple led Mandala in fundraising. Hipple raised a total of $34,562 in cash and in kind; he spent $31,063 and has a total $3,497 remaining on hand, according to the Virginia Public Access Project’s data through Oct. 23. Mandala raised $11,841, spent $3,387 and has $7,933 on hand.
On Nov. 5, 4,660 voters turned out for the Powhatan supervisor race. Of those, 2,729 people — 58.56 percent — voted for Hipple and 1,916 people — 41.12 percent — voted for Mandala.
Following Hipple’s first meeting with the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Hipple said he felt good about his role.
“I look forward to working with everybody, with the citizens of James City County,” Hipple said, adding he was thankful for the votes and good wishes he has received.
Offering their support Tuesday, Hipple’s father, two brothers and niece attended the meeting.
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