The York County District 5 supervisor has announced his plans to run for a fifth term in office.
Chairman Thomas Shepperd Jr., who has been on the board representing the Tabb and Bethel areas of the county as a Republican since 2002, told WYDaily he is excited at the chance to serve the people of York County again.
He stressed a focus on the quality of education, communication between government officials and citizens, balanced growth in the county and low taxes.
Shepperd pointed to the population growth in the county, which has been under one percent for several years, as an example of balanced growth.
“It’s very, very manageable,” he said, adding it “allows [the supervisors] to be rational” when deciding to build schools, grow the public safety department and more.
“It’s all a balancing act,” he said, remarking on the county’s traditionally conservative fiscal view.
“One of the things that is fundamental to me in all this is the quality of education,” he said, citing the York County School Division’s higher-than-average graduation rates and its full accreditation.“We have a focus on education, and from that we end up with property values staying up, crime rates being low and people caring about the quality of education.”
Shepperd also stressed actively sharing information with citizens. He holds District 5 town meetings annually, emails updates about actions from the board and issues a crime watch report to constituents every few months.
When Shepperd was elected chairman for the fourth time in January, he told WYDaily he wanted to keep an eye on tourism, transportation and housing developments this year.
If another Republican challenges Shepperd in District 4, citizens will select who they wish to represent the party during a primary June 9. If Shepperd wins the primary or no Republican opposes him, he will be the candidate representing District 5 in the general election Nov. 3.
He serves on the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization, the Virginia Planning District Commission and the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facility Alliance.
District 2 Supervisor Sheila Noll, who represents the Kiln Creek and Coventry areas of the county, also recently announced her re-election bid.
Related Coverage:
- York County’s Sheila Noll Announces Re-Election Bid for Supervisor Seat
- Shepperd, Hrichak Voted Chairman, Vice Chairman of York Board of Supervisors
- York District 5 Supervisors Highlights Education, Quality of Life During Town Meeting
Correction: Shepperd is seeking to represent District 5 in the election. A previous version of this article listed the incorrect district on one reference.
