The Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce asked the community to submit questions to those running for Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisor seats in the 2025 election. Below are the unedited responses from each candidate.

Consolidated Candidate Responses for Media Distribution Board of Supervisors

1. Why are you running for a position on the Board of Supervisors, and what makes you the most qualified candidate?

Robert Tucker - I am running for re-election so as to continue the work I have initiated. To name a few I want to make sure we have an up to date comprehensive plan in place as a road map for the county. I would like to continue to work on the Finance Committee so as to maintain our excellent bond rating and conservative approach in balancing our budget. I would continue to work with the city of Danville on the RIFA (Regional Industrial Facility Authority) Board to advance the ball in economic development. I have the experience and business acumen to lead the board and county as Chair.

Kathy Ramsey –  With over 40 years of experience as an educator in Pittsylvania County Schools. My leadership extends far beyond the classroom. I remain active across numerous boards and community organizations, where I continue to advocate for equity, opportunity, and the well-being of all residents. My lifelong commitment to service, my local roots, and my relentless drive to uplift the voices of the people make me a candidate with the experience and heart to lead the Banister District. I will listen, act with purpose, and build lasting change through community collaboration.

I can offer the citizens of Pittsylvania County the skill set of a proven leader who will build a professional working relationship among the Board members and staff, along with all local, regional, and state partners. I assure you that I will be an advocate for all citizens of the county.

Listed below are some areas I support, and I will be Your Voice, Your Vision, Your Vote

• I will be a strong advocate for targeted economic development funding, increased intergovernmental collaboration and regional cooperation to keep and attract jobs to our county.
• I will support law enforcement, public safety, farmers, clean water, safe roads, and environmental agencies.
• I will promote and support our vast agricultural base and preservation of open space.
• I will promote and support responsible stewardship of our natural resources.
• I will hold Community Meetings keeping citizens fully informed and ask for your input on governmental matters affecting your life and well-being.
• I will work diligently to safeguard your hard-earned tax dollars, work to avoid wasteful spending and seek ways in which local government can operate more efficiently.
• I will offer you integrity, an unobstructed vision for the future, and inspired leadership without reliance upon empty platitudes, demeaning statements, or patronizing approach to governance.

I am running for a position on the Board of Supervisors because I believe in initiative-taking leadership that anticipates challenges and seeks out opportunities for growth throughout our county. I am committed to addressing challenges with integrity and working tirelessly to promote policies that enhance our community’s quality of life. I strive to be a leader who is both approachable and accountable, and ensuring transparency. I appreciate the relationships I have been able to establish throughout the entire county.

I have experience through volunteering, education, community service, and training to meet the vast challenges coming before the Board of Supervisors over the next four years.

Justin Brown - I’m running for the Board of Supervisors because I care deeply about the future of our community. The same community that has supported me, my family, and my small business for decades. Having lived here my entire life, I’ve seen firsthand what makes this county special, and I want to make sure we preserve those values while preparing for smart, sustainable growth.

My experience as a small business owner has taught me how to manage budgets, solve problems, and make tough decisions with accountability. Serving on the County Planning Commission has given me a strong understanding of land use, infrastructure needs, and the importance of balancing progress with preservation. I believe this combination of real-world business experience and public service makes me uniquely qualified to serve effectively on the Board.

2. What is your position on the development of data centers in the County, and how do you see them impacting economic growth, infrastructure, and quality of life?

Robert Tucker - I would be supportive of a data center in Pittsylvania County under the right conditions. With the explosion in AI generated technologies around the world, Virginia has become the data capitol of the world. The revenue as a result of having a data center would be transformative for the county. This would provide much needed additional revenue to better fund our schools and public safety. We would take a lot pressure off our tax payers and have more than enough revenue to create additional growth. The additional funds would allow us to aggressively build new infrastructure and address some known issues with our current infrastructure. All of the aforementioned things will have a positive effect on the quality of life for our citizens.

Kathy Ramsey – As we consider the development of data centers in our county, it is important to weigh both the opportunities and challenges they present. I support a strategic approach to their placement and regulation, ensuring that they not only bring economic benefits but also align with our environmental and community goals. Through proactive engagement with residents and continuous assessment of infrastructure needs, we can maximize positive outcomes while minimizing potential drawbacks.

It is vital that we prioritize collaboration between stakeholders to ensure that any data center development is thoughtfully integrated into our counties landscape. By maintaining open lines of communication with local businesses, environmental groups, and residents, we can address concerns early and encourage transparency throughout the planning process. Additionally, I will advocate for comprehensive studies on environmental impacts and infrastructure capacity to help inform responsible decision-making and promote long-term sustainability.

To ensure that data center development aligns with our county’s long-term vision, I will advocate for robust zoning policies and transparent approval processes. These measures will help protect residential neighborhoods and environmentally sensitive areas, while encouraging data center projects to incorporate advanced sustainability features such as energy-efficient design and water conservation. Developing trust in the community involved is especially important.

Justin Brown - Data centers can offer real economic benefits, from job creation during construction to long-term tax revenue that can help fund schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. However, they must be developed responsibly. I believe each proposal should be carefully reviewed to ensure it aligns with our land use plans, doesn’t strain our infrastructure or power grid, and protects the character of nearby communities.

We have an opportunity to benefit from this growing industry, but only if we do it with careful planning, community input, and a focus on sustainability. My goal is to strike that balance, encouraging growth that strengthens our economy without sacrificing our quality of life.

3. How would you work to balance the needs of existing small businesses with efforts to attract larger industries and new investments to the County?

Robert Tucker - I will continue to use diplomacy, honesty, and open dialog to communicate the need for smart growth. There has to be an emphasis on our ability to co-exist and work together for the best interest of the county. Our number one small business owners are our farmers, we must do everything possible to help make them successful. I want to protect the land use program for the farmers and when industry wants to come to the community I want to make sure that our farmers and farm land is protected. We can have both.

Kathy Ramsey – Balancing the needs of existing small businesses with efforts to attract larger industries and new investments requires a thoughtful approach that values both tradition and progress. The county should prioritize policies that offer support and resources to small businesses, such as access to financing, technical assistance, and networking opportunities, while also developing targeted strategies to attract larger employers. Fostering collaboration between local entrepreneurs and incoming companies, the county can create synergies that benefit the entire business community. Open communication channels and regular stakeholder engagement will be essential to ensure that all voices are heard and that growth initiatives do not inadvertently disadvantage smaller enterprises.

Increase marketing efforts, adjust pricing, or offer promotions to attract more customers with the existing market. This strategy is low-risk and ideal for strengthening market position.

To further support this balanced approach, the county can establish mentorship programs that connect experienced local entrepreneurs with new entrants, fostering knowledge transfer and collaborative growth. Implementing flexible regulatory frameworks and providing technical training can empower both small businesses and larger industries to adapt to technological advancements and shifting market conditions. By cultivating a culture of innovation and inclusiveness, the county can create an environment where businesses of all sizes.

Justin Brown - Small businesses are the backbone of our community. They provide jobs, support local families, and reinvest in the county every day. As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges of staying competitive and keeping up with regulations, workforce needs, and rising costs.

While attracting larger industries can help diversify our economy and expand our tax base, it’s critical that we don’t overlook the businesses that are already here. I’ll advocate for policies that support both, streamlining permitting processes, improving infrastructure, and creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive alongside new investment. Growth shouldn’t come at the expense of those who built the foundation of this county.

4. What role do you believe the Board of Supervisors should play in workforce development to ensure residents are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow?

Robert Tucker - Workforce development is foundational to our success as a county. We currently have an excellent program at the Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center to prepare our young people to be in a position to take advantage of the new industries coming to our region. We partner with Danville Community College (DCC) and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, (IALR), in providing the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, which is supported by our US Navy. Our roles as supervisors are to support these programs and build on them. I want to fund and support a pilot program of this type in elementary schools. Let’s put them on a path sooner rather than later.

Kathy Ramsey – The Board of Supervisors should also play a proactive role in identifying emerging workforce trends and collaborating with educational institutions to develop relevant training programs. By investing in vocational education, internships, and continuous learning opportunities, the Board can help equip residents with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. Furthermore, supporting initiatives that promote lifelong learning, and adaptability will ensure that the local workforce remains competitive and resilient in the face of future challenges.

In addition, establishing public-private partnerships can enhance workforce development initiatives by leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors. Such collaborations can lead to the creation of apprenticeship programs, industry-specific training, and job placement services that directly connect residents with local employment opportunities.

Continuously assessing workforce needs and aligning them with evolving industry demands, the Board can help ensure that the county remains an attractive destination for both businesses and job seekers.

Additionally, the Board should actively seek input from local employers to ensure that workforce development programs are tailored to the real needs of the community. Fostering relationships with industry leaders and regularly reviewing job market data, the Board can anticipate skills gaps and promote training initiatives that directly address those areas.

Justin Brown - The Board of Supervisors plays a key role in connecting education, business, and community resources. We need to work closely with our schools, community colleges, and local industries to align training programs with the jobs that are actually in demand, whether that’s in technology, skilled trades, healthcare, or public safety.

By supporting partnerships between schools and local employers, we can ensure our young people have opportunities to learn, train, and stay in the community instead of having to move elsewhere for good-paying jobs. Investing in workforce development is investing in our future. It keeps our talent local and strengthens our economy from within.

5. What would be your immediate primary initiative while serving on the Board and how does that help fulfill your long-term goals for the County?

Robert Tucker - As I see it, the most important initiative is to get the comprehensive plan in place. This plan will be our road map and guide us as we develop our county in the future. My vision for this county is for it to be a great place to work, retire, raise a family, and worship in. The possibilities are endless.

Kathy Ramsey – My immediate primary initiative while serving on the Board would be to launch a comprehensive workforce development strategy that integrates input from local employers, educational institutions, and community stakeholders.

This initiative would prioritize the alignment of training programs with in-demand skills, ensuring that residents are not only prepared for existing job opportunities but are also adaptable to future economic shifts. By laying this foundation early on, the County can build a resilient economy and foster long-term prosperity for all its residents.

This strategy would also include regular evaluation of program effectiveness and flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. By fostering partnerships between businesses and schools, the Board can further enhance job readiness and create sustainable pathways for career advancement. These efforts will help build a solid foundation for economic growth and community well-being countrywide.

I would advocate for the implementation of mentorship programs that connect experienced professionals with individuals entering the workforce. This not only helps bridge the skills gap but also encourages the transfer of valuable industry knowledge and fosters a culture of continuous learning. Building these support systems is essential for nurturing talent, promoting upward mobility throughout the county, and leveraging technology and data-driven solutions.

Justin Brown - My immediate priority would be improving infrastructure, from roads and broadband to utilities, in a way that supports responsible growth and enhances quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

In the long term, my goal is to create a county that our children will be proud to call home. A place with strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and good job opportunities, while still keeping the small-town values and sense of community that define who we are. Thoughtful infrastructure planning is the foundation that makes all of that possible.