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 Pat Dent.
General background about yourself (ex. education, history in politics, community participation)
After a 28-year career with the City of Newport News Fire Department, in July 2009 I was selected to fill the vacant Deputy Fire Chief position for the City of Williamsburg, and just a few months later was appointed Fire Chief. I earned an A.A.S. and B.S Degree in Fire Science and completed numerous leadership courses, which included leadership development courses at the Weldon Cooper Institute at the University of Virginia.
After retirement from the Williamsburg Fire Department in 2019, I quickly realized what I already knew, I am a public servant at heart. It was then, with the support of many community members, I decided to run for City Council in 2020. I had a genuine desire to put my 38-plus years of local government experience to work for Williamsburg. With the support of the community, I was elected to my first term on City Council and was subsequently elected to Vice-Mayor by my council colleagues.
My wife Sandy and I have been married for 42 years and have two adult children and four grandchildren. Our son and daughter-in-law own a small business in the Greater Williamsburg area and their three children attend WJCC schools. Our daughter has been an educator for eight years. She and her husband are the proud parents of a two-month-old daughter.
Why did you decide to run for the Williamsburg City Council?
I felt a commitment to utilize my local government experience, along with my passion for public service, to continue serving the Williamsburg community. I have demonstrated the ability to have open and honest communication with the members of our community, earning their trust and respect. During my first term on City Council, we collectively navigated a pandemic, improved infrastructure, maintained a strong financial position and completed many other projects. There is still work to be done, and I want to put my experience, dedication, and proven record to work for another four years.
What is your current opinion on the possible separation of the Williamsburg James City County school district into two separate districts?
As a current City Council member, it would not be appropriate for me to take a stance on the possibility of a school separation before all of the information has been properly vetted and public input received. I have been engaging with parents, teachers, students, and taxpayers to make certain their voices are heard and are part of my decision-making process. As a result of the discussions on this topic, I believe no matter the ultimate outcome, the school system will be stronger for it. My focus is to ensure all students receive a quality education and have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of whether that is in the current joint system or a separate system. I am the right individual to have on City Council for such a decision because I have a history of bringing people together for a common goal.
How would you like the city to move forward with dealing with the Affordable Housing situation in Williamsburg?
Affordable Housing issues are not unique to the City of Williamsburg, but are a regional issue that requires a broader approach to have a more significant impact. A thorough discussion with our partners to identify regional strategies could help address the affordable housing issue in the Greater Williamsburg Area. With that being said, as a result of the 2021 Affordable Housing Workgroup report, the current City Council approved zoning changes to allow additional hotel to affordable housing conversions as a step to provide additional affordable housing. One hotel applied and received approval to complete the conversion. While this may seem like one small step, we have to take advantage of the small opportunities to realize any success.
What do you envision with the Sports Complex?
The Williamsburg Sports and Event Center is a culmination of many years of hard work and determination by various groups in the Greater Williamsburg area. It is an exciting project that exemplifies how the three Historic Triangle localities can work together towards a common goal. The Williamsburg Sports and Event Center sets the stage for the three localities to tap into the $2.7 billion sports tourism market in Virginia. Additionally, the facility will bridge the gap for highly sought-after indoor recreational space for local sports.
There has been some skepticism concerning the cost of the project, self-sufficiency, potential tax increases and the risk involved when compared to other similar facilities. I truly appreciate these concerns, but recognize that any progress in a community comes with similar concerns and risks. I look forward to the positive impact the Sports and Event Center will have on our tourism economy.
As Williamsburg grows, what do you feel the city government should focus on regarding infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and parking?
City Council was faced with a fire station, police station and library that have reached the end of their useful life span at the same time. Fortunately, the new fire station is complete and the work on the new police station is well underway. The requests for proposals on the new library recently closed and the information is being compiled. These are three projects that are vital to the success of our community.
Improving public transit is another area of focus. Reliable and timely public transit can contribute to economic growth, social equity, environmental benefits and an overall improved quality of life for many residents. As a member of City Council, we recently began an initiative to add shelters to the bus stops in the city to provide public transit users protection from the elements.
Pedestrian safety is paramount to Williamsburg, a walkable and bike-friendly community. The City recently eliminated parking spaces adjacent to pedestrian crosswalks on Richmond Road to improve driver visibility of approaching pedestrians. Pedestrian safety remains a focus as the community continues to grow.
I have heard from many visitors and residents who are uncomfortable using the parking app or the pay station which contributes to the parking issues. The parking study revealed there are sufficient parking spaces available, even during peak times, the issue is the lack of turnover in the premium parking spaces in close proximity to the businesses. Parking solutions can be expensive, so identifying affordable alternatives needs to be considered and shared with the community.
What do you feel Williamsburg’s role is in working with James City County and York County?
It is vital that we continue our collaboration with James City County and York County. There are numerous examples of how our partnership with JCC and YC benefits all three localities. The regional library, schools, fire/EMS mutual aid agreements, regional 911 center, regional jail, sports and event center, and the list goes on. Not only are these partnerships financially beneficial, more importantly, they provide better services to our citizens.
How do you see Williamsburg’s relationship with Colonial Williamsburg?
Colonial Williamsburg is a vital partner of the city. Working together with Colonial Williamsburg contributes to the success of our community. The partnership allows for a collaborative approach on common goals and provides opportunities to coordinate efforts to benefit the entire community. The COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center was an example of these coordinated efforts.
How do you see Williamsburg’s relationship with William & Mary?
Like Colonial Williamsburg, William & Mary is a vital partner of the city. Collaboration with William and Mary has resulted in many positive outcomes for the city. Some examples include student engagement in community service, internships, outreach programs and work with local nonprofits. All of these support local initiatives and strengthen the Williamsburg community.
Anything else you wish to address or discuss?
As the current Vice-Mayor and former fire chief, I have dedicated my life to serving the Williamsburg community, while maintaining the highest ethical standards. I have worked tirelessly to earn the trust and respect of all citizens. I approach my position on city council with a genuine passion for doing the right thing for Williamsburg. I want to continue my work for the community for another term.
To read more about candidates running for City Council, check out their questions: Fraser Hudgins, Barbara Ramsey, Lindsay Barna
