By Ruthann Carr, correspondent
In the hallowed hall of Fluvanna’s historic courthouse, the commonwealth’s attorney, sheriff and commissioner of the revenue announced they are asking for another term.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Jeff Haislip, who has held the job for 19 years, said when he first started practicing law he did it in the building he stood in.
“My cousins, friends and I used to play football on the lawn behind here,” said Haislip, a Fluvanna native. “Once I became an attorney I was searching case law and found they’d enacted an ordinance to prohibit playing ball on the lawn while court was in session. I’ve been affecting the law in Fluvanna one way or the other for a long time.”
Commissioner of the Revenue Mel Sheridan is also a Fluvanna native. He ran for the office in 2003 and has been serving ever since. He praised his staff.
“We manage all the property – real estate and personal property,” Sheridan said. “We had a huge transition from paper to a database environment. We enjoy helping our fellow citizens and I’m grateful for a staff that is caring and competent.”
Sheridan said he loves his job, county and the people he works with and for. “I ask for the community’s support and vote in November,” he said.
Sheriff Eric Hess was named sheriff in the spring of 2014 when then-Sheriff Ryant Washington went to work for the governor as an ABC advisor.
Hess then ran for the office and won in the fall of 2014 and has been serving ever since.
“I’m not a native of Fluvanna but when I moved here 20 years ago I didn’t realize I’d found a new home,” Hess said.
The sheriff is asking to serve one more term. “I’m asking to do four more years with you. It will likely be my last. There comes a time for everyone,” he said.
Hess said everyone works together seamlessly. That and the volume and quality of volunteers in Fluvanna make his job a pleasure.
“It’s been a joy and it’s what makes Fluvanna so special,” he said.
Treasurer Linda Lenherr has not publicly announced whether she will seek reelection. The fifth constitutional officer, Clerk of the Circuit Court Tristana Treadway, has an eight-year term that does not expire until 2023.
The election is Nov. 5.
