WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Three out of five city council seats in Williamsburg are up for grabs. Vice Mayor Pat Dent and Councilwoman Barbara Ramsey are seeking re-election, while Councilman Caleb Rogers is not.
Pat Dent, who served as the city's fire chief and retired in 2019, is seeking re-election to the city council.
Dent also hopes to earn votes and see a resolution within the school division after James City County supervisors discussed plans to separate the school system.
"I'm concerned that an independent school system is going to cost us much more money than remaining in a joint system," said Dent.
"Now I'm hoping that we can work towards a resolution on contract to keep us in a joint school system. On the other hand, James City County voted to terminate the contract, but I think they're open to us working out an agreement," said Dent.
Current councilwoman Barbara Ramsey is also seeking re-election. She hopes to continue improving transportation, providing quality education, and strengthening the local economy.
"Without a strong economy primarily from tourists but also our biggest employers and economic drivers. Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary said that we need to all work together collaboratively to position the city again for the future that benefits visitors, residents, and students," said Ramsey.
Meanwhile, newcomers Alexander "Fraser" Hudgins, Ayanna Williams, and Lindsay Barna are also running for Williamsburg City Council. First-time candidate Hudgins is a trial attorney and educator who desires to bring more transparency between the city council and residents.
"I care that our government is the most transparent it can be. So I'm looking out for Williamsburg to be a better place tomorrow than it is today," said Fraser Hudgins.
Lindsay Barna moved her family to Williamsburg ten years ago. She is a mom and professor at William & Mary Law School and the government department. Her platform focuses on pedestrian safety, public transportation for students, affordable housing, and education.
"At this point in time, we have some big decisions coming up. In terms of our school system, we know that we should probably do more with our public transit and affordable housing, so I just want to be a representative for the community as we make these decisions moving forward," said Barna.
Another first-time candidate is Ayanna Williams. She's a junior at William and Mary studying government. Williams told 13News Now that her priorities include more affordable housing, environmental protections, and investing in K through 12 education. "I'm running for city council because I believe in a Williamsburg where every voice is heard, where we lift each other up, and where the full potential as a community is realized," said Williams.
Although their top priorities may differ, each Williamsburg city council candidate shares a common vision: the desire to make the community a better place to live and work.