Kerr: The case for an at-large chairman

In Virginia, there are several forms of county government. Stafford elects its seven members of the board from separate districts and the chairman is chosen from the ranks of those seven. Overall, the system has worked well, but from time to time, the county has tinkered with the idea of giving the voters a larger voice in the county’s affairs through an at-large member.

In the early 1980s, the board, and, by the way, they have to go to the legislature for any permission to change their makeup, asked for an at-large member to serve as a tie-breaker. It sounded like a good idea but, in practical application, it didn’t work so well.  That’s why, a few years later, the at-large member was given a vote.   

This system gave the county’s voters two voices in their government. It allowed their local member, individuals whose respective districts usually encompass only three or four precincts, to address highly specific local issues, while it gave the at-large candidates, the scope to talk about far reaching county concerns. However, for reasons that still aren’t clear, the at-large position was eliminated. It shouldn’t have been. But, now, it may be time to not only bring back the at-large member, but while we’re at it, go a step further. 

Both Fairfax and Prince William counties elect an at-large chairman. This approach, in both counties, evolved over time, but it has proven highly popular with the voters.  Stafford, as it has in the past, will soon be considering a similar course. However, in years past, while coming close, the proposal has yet to make it. However, this year, its prospects seem more encouraging. With a population reaching almost 130,000 and a host of issues, transportation, schools and development that effect everyone in the county, maybe the time has come for an at-large chairman. We are a large and dynamic community and rather than having the supervisors choose a chairman from amongst their ranks, leaving the citizens entirely out of that selection process, perhaps its time to let the voters make their own choice.   

There is also another advantage. Becoming chairman of the board, under our current system, usually means, having to please your fellow board members. It’s a high honor to be chosen to lead the board. However, the choice of who leads the board shouldn’t be left to members that most of the county never voted on. What’s more, the current system, doesn’t allow for continuity. A chairman elected from the board membership serves for one year at a time. An elected chairman would be there four years and would accountable, for that entire period, to all of the voters. In a way, it’s a sort of enhanced democracy, giving the voters more of a voice. This year the supervisors should say yes.  

David S. Kerr is a Rock Hill resident and a former member of the Stafford County School Board. Contact him at info@staffordcountysun.com.