WILLIAMSBURG − Questions with a candidate is a mini-series to give candidates running for Williamsburg City Council the chance to introduce themselves to the public as well as talk about policies regarding the community.
Each candidate will have the opportunity to answer the same questions. The following answers were submitted by candidate Fraser Hudgins.
General background about yourself (ex. education, history in politics, community participation)
After graduating from W&M with an English degree in 1984, I attended law school at George Mason and worked as a general trial attorney for many years until I decided to pursue a career teaching high school English and coaching track and cross-country. After working as an attorney, educator, and coach for 37 years, my wife and I decided to return to our beloved town of Williamsburg. As a founding member of Citizens for Responsible Spotswood Development (now Citizens for Responsible & Sustainable Development), I have been actively engaged in the community working as a champion for balanced growth and transparent city government. My wife Christie and I have four adult children. I am retired while Christie continues to work as an IP attorney. We make our home in Walnut Hills with our two dogs, Bodhi and Sunshine.
Why did you decide to run for the Williamsburg City Council?
As a community activist, I’ve been able to bring people together to address issues effectively and transparently. I have made sure that citizens’ needs and concerns are voiced. I want to bring those talents to City Council to help Williamsburg remain a truly special place to visit, live, and learn.
What is your current opinion on the possible separation of the Williamsburg James City County school district into two separate districts?
I believe we should maintain the combined WJCC school system. For over 70 years, Williamsburg and James City County have partnered to deliver excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics. Acting alone, the city simply does not have the economies of scale needed to create a first-rate school system, and city students will suffer. In my discussions with teachers, parents, students, and residents, I find that the majority are in favor of maintaining and improving the combined system rather than separating. In my opinion, an independent school system will increase our tax burdens and drive out families with younger children.
How would you like the city to move forward with dealing with the Affordable Housing situation in Williamsburg?
There is no question that the lack of affordable housing seriously impacts our low- and middle-income earners. Whether trying to buy a home or locate an affordable rental, people are struggling as housing and rental costs have skyrocketed and earnings have not kept pace. Given our small size and the scarcity of developable land, however, the City of Williamsburg cannot successfully tackle this situation alone. The problem of affordable housing is a regional issue that should be fairly shared with our regional partners. As a first step, I believe the housing affordability analysis that was conducted in 2021 should be updated to provide more meaningful data for the Greater Williamsburg Area and help us shape successful regional goals and deliver results for our entire community in the Historic Triangle area.
What do you envision with the Sports Complex?
The Sports Complex is an exciting project, but it is not without risk. It will cost $80 million to build, and the city alone will guarantee the bonds to construct the project. The HTRFA anticipates that the Sports Complex will never operate in the black, and that operating expenses and capital improvement bonds will be covered by “Tommy Tax” revenues collected by the city, James City County, and York County. As a member of City Council, I will hold the line against any increase in taxes to pay for the Sports Complex. It must succeed on its currently planned revenue stream.
My hope is that the Sports Complex will reinvigorate tourism and our economy by tapping into the multi-billion dollar sports tourism market, bringing families to the area for a promised 40,000 additional overnight stays. At the same time, the Sports Complex will provide residents with much-needed indoor recreational facilities during the week. Ultimately, the long-term success of the Sports Complex will depend on a highly effective marketing campaign to ensure that it is constantly booked for events and not underutilized.
As Williamsburg grows, what do you feel the city government should focus on regarding infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and parking?
In talking with residents, I’ve found that preserving the character and charm of Williamsburg is at the top of their list of concerns. Most people want slow, responsible growth that is in keeping with our existing neighborhoods and the historical area. The proposed Spotswood residential development is an example of a plan that did not meet citizen concerns over preservation, traffic, and environmental issues. A proposed townhome development on Strawberry Plains Road adjacent to Berkeley Middle School and the College Woods also failed to adequately consider traffic and environmental concerns; fortunately, both of these projects were withdrawn when citizens voiced their opposition.
As Williamsburg grows and we see our population and tourism increase, we need to take steps to improve pedestrian safety, particularly around William & Mary’s campus and Merchants Square. My hope is that the City Council will take action to improve pedestrian safety soon. Parking also continues to be a problem, particularly for residents who want to support downtown businesses but don’t have access to hotel shuttle buses as many visitors do.
We also must address our limited water supply soon. Currently, Waller Mill Reservoir and a single well provide access to about 4 million gallons per day, but we will need to secure reliable, safe, and cost-effective alternative sources of water if we are to keep pace with our current growth rate.
What do you feel Williamsburg’s role is in working with James City County and York County?
It is critical that we maintain excellent working relations with our neighboring counties. In addition to the combined WJCC school system, we share libraries, a courthouse, recreational fields, and facilities with James City County, and soon we will be sharing a Sports Complex with James City and York Counties. As a JCC citizen recently told me, “I think of myself as being from Williamsburg. We are all one community.” I think that quote sums up how I view our role in working with James City and York Counties.
How do you see Williamsburg’s relationship with Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary?
William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg are important partners of the city. Our working relationships with them should be collaborative and transparent.
Anything else you wish to address or discuss?
I talk to many residents who feel like their voices are not being heard and that decisions have already been made before they have a chance to weigh in. People are tired of feeling left out of the process and tired of having to fight their own small-town government to get pragmatic and responsible results. People want more transparency, more integrity, and more accountability. Based on my work in the community, people know I will roll up my sleeves and deliver in these areas.
To read more about candidates running for City Council, check out their questions: Pat Dent, Barbara Ramsey, Lindsay Barna
