By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
Horace Scruggs III has announced that he is running for the Fork Union Board of Supervisor’s seat in the Fork Union District in the upcoming election. The seat will be vacated by Mozell
Booker who is not seeking re-election after holding the seat for the past 16 years.
Mike Goad, who currently serves as the Fork Union District representative on the Fluvanna Planning Commission, announced last month that he plans to seek election to the Board of Supervisors this November. He has filed to run as an Independent in the Fork Union District.
Scruggs is a well-known music educator, documentary film producer, composer, and choral conductor, who recently retired from teaching after 35 years with 29 of those years spent in the Fluvanna County Public School System. He is a lifelong resident of the county.
“I have learned a lot from those years in the classroom and that is to be a leader you must gain consensus from a large and varying group of people. I think this translates well to the Board of Supervisors as one of my goals is to bring people together in the process of self-governance. I am not doing this alone, and I solicit the ideas and work of all of the people in the Fork Union voting district,” said Scruggs.
Scruggs says that he recognizes the challenges of trying to balance economic growth and maintaining Fluvanna’s rural character.
“Let’s face the fact that there are parts of our county that are no longer rural in character as they have become more suburban,” Scruggs said. “These areas have been designated as high-growth areas and the county has benefited in many ways from their presence. But the southern part of the county has suffered greatly from job and business losses over the past few years, and I think it’s time we address this change.” Scruggs suggests that promoting small and agri-business in the area will be key to revitalizing the small town and surrounding communities.
Scruggs also promotes the need to fully fund our schools, fire and rescue, public safety, and public services to maintain a county that is full of promise and opportunity. “
“These core services are important to us all and we should always be looking for ways to make sure they are supported and well-equipped.”
When asked why he is seeking to move into elected office Scruggs answered, “I see this as a natural progression of who I am. My parents were greatly involved in the service of others, and I’ve learned from them that if you see a need then find a way to meet that need. I’ve always been a public servant and I hope to continue that role as I run to be the supervisor for the Fork Union District.”
