In Virginia, Boards of Supervisors govern counties, and members are elected to four-year terms. Among other duties, they oversee the county budget, set tax rates and approve zoning regulations that determine how land can be used. Greene County’s Board of Supervisors has five members, four for each district and one member at-large. 

This year, Greene County is holding a special election for its at-large member, a seat currently held by interim Supervisor Marie Durrer following the resignation of Francis McGuigan in January this year. 

McGuigan reconsidered two days after submitting his resignation letter, but Virginia law does not allow resignations to be withdrawn. McGuigan filed a lawsuit against Greene County Board of Supervisors to return, but voluntarily withdrew the lawsuit in June, according to reporting from The Piedmont Journal Recorder. 

Three candidates are vying for the position: Jennifer Ziros, John “Jay” Hunter and Alex Salle.

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for the candidates based on responses we received from our voter survey. One candidate, Alex Salle, responded. You can read his answers below.

Growth and development

Greene County’s population is growing fast, and it’s expected to keep growing for decades. That growth is affecting almost everything in the county. Folks who responded to our voter survey raised concerns about the increased traffic on rural roads, farmland sold off to developers and that Greene is turning into a “bedroom community” for Charlottesville. The county is now rewriting its Comprehensive Plan, the document that will shape how, and where, it grows for years to come. What’s your philosophy on growth in Greene, and what would you push for as the county rewrites this plan?

Alex J. Salle: My philosophy is that Greene should grow in a way that preserves the rural character and natural beauty that make people want to live here in the first place. Growth is inevitable, but poorly planned growth is not. As we rewrite the Comprehensive Plan, I would push for directing our growth towards areas where roads, utilities, schools, and public safety services can realistically support it, while protecting farmland and rural areas from unnecessary development. New development, however, should not continually outpace our infrastructure or leave existing taxpayers carrying the entire burden of needed improvements. The Comprehensive Plan should give residents and property owners greater predictability about where growth is appropriate and ensure that development decisions are based on long-term planning, infrastructure capacity, and meaningful public input.

Jennifer Ziros: No response.

John “Jay” Hunter: No response.

Water supply

In order to adapt to the growing population and help protect against droughts, the county broke ground this past December on the White Run Reservoir, meant to secure the water supply through 2050. The project is being paid for with tens of millions of dollars in bonds, and the plan is for water rates to cover that debt. But some residents have raised concerns that if rates fall short, the county’s general fund, and real estate taxes, could end up covering the difference. Do you think the county should raise water rates further, or should the county draw on other funding if needed?

Salle: I do not support continuing to raise water rates to place the cost of this project primarily on utility customers. The White Run Reservoir is a long-term public infrastructure investment that will benefit Greene County for decades, and I believe the County should shoulder some of that responsibility. I would push aggressively for additional state and federal funding, grants, and other responsible funding sources while examining where the County can reprioritize spending. Greene has already secured significant grant funding for this project,* and we should continue pursuing every opportunity to reduce the burden locally. If additional funding is needed, I believe the Board should have an open discussion about the options rather than automatically increasing water rates. Residents deserve both reliable water infrastructure and a serious effort to make it affordable.

Ziros: No response.

Hunter: No response.

Funding for schools

Greene County’s population growth has also put strain on its school facilities. This November, voters will decide whether to approve a 1% sales tax dedicated to school construction. Do you support this tax, and if this money becomes available, what school building needs would you push to address first?

Salle: I absolutely support the 1% sales tax. What residents of the County need to understand is that this sales tax is solely for school construction and capital improvements.* Greene County’s schools have significant facility needs, and continuing to delay those investments will only make them more expensive in the future. Based on a facilities study and information recently presented to the School Board, my first priority would be moving forward with a new elementary school.** Our population is growing, and we need to make sure our school facilities can accommodate that growth without overcrowding existing buildings or continually relying on temporary solutions. This funding allows Greene County to plan, address a clearly identified need, and make a long-term investment in our students, teachers, and families.

Ziros: No response.

Hunter: No response.

Immigration enforcement

Greene County’s Sheriff’s Office has partnered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since 2025, including joint operations this year that led to dozens of arrests. Residents have raised concerns about the partnership directly with the Board of Supervisors. In Virginia, the sheriff is elected independently and doesn’t answer to the Board of Supervisors — the Board’s only real connection is approving the sheriff’s office budget each year. Given that limited role, is there anything you think the county should do in response, and if so, what?

Salle: I respect that the Board of Supervisors does not direct law enforcement operations. But that does not mean that the Board has no responsibility when county resources and taxpayer dollars are involved. I believe the Board should require transparency about what county resources are being used through the ICE partnership, what costs are being incurred, and how those activities affect the community. I also believe local law enforcement resources should remain focused on public safety in Greene County. There is an important distinction between cooperating with federal authorities regarding individuals who have committed serious crimes versus using local resources to pursue otherwise law-abiding residents solely because of their immigration status. I support the former; I do not support the latter.

Ziros: No response.

Hunter: No response.

Are there any other pressing issues facing Greene County that you would like voters to know about?

Salle: One issue that deserves more attention is whether Greene County’s core services and infrastructure are keeping pace with its growth. We need a long-term plan for fire and rescue that addresses facilities, equipment, staffing, and support for our volunteers so that emergency services can meet the needs of a growing population. We also need to continue addressing road safety and congestion as development puts additional pressure on our transportation network. Underlying all of this is fiscal responsibility. Greene has significant capital needs ahead of us, and I believe the Board must plan for them years in advance, aggressively pursue outside funding, prioritize spending, and provide residents with clear information about where their tax dollars are going.

Ziros: No response.

Hunter: No response.