In Virginia, town councils are elected leaders charged with overseeing town government. They have the power to set tax rates, make zoning decisions that determine how land can be used, oversee local emergency services, and much more.

The Town of Louisa has five council members and a mayor elected to staggered four-year terms.

Louisa has had a rocky path to its mayoral election. Former mayor Garland Nuckols resigned for health reasons last year, and interim mayor Arthur “Danny” Carter resigned this May. The town appointed Matthew Kersey as interim mayor in July. He is running for election this November against Ashley Michael. 

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for the candidates based on more than 160 responses we received to a voter survey. They provided answers below.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and fact checked by a Charlottesville Tomorrow reporter.

The Town of Louisa is at a crossroads: able to cover basic services but relying on reserves, carrying debt and struggling to fund new staff or projects. Leaders have said the choice is to stay small and lean, or pursue growth and new revenue — which could mean annexation, new industries, higher taxes or other controversial development. As mayor, how would you lead the town through this decision?

Matthew L. Kersey Jr.: The town is currently in the process of hiring a highly knowledgeable and professional town manager to analyze all revenue sources and potential new sources of revenue. The Buckingham branch railroad is currently renovating a facility to offer railway excursions leaving from the town of Louisa. This is an opportunity for increased revenue and will spotlight Louisa in a positive way drawing additional investment and traffic on our Main Street. Any revenue sources must minimize increases on real estate tax, which places an undue burden on our citizens. Our Economic Development Authority, which has been underutilized, is available to to coordinate efforts between the town and potential businesses who choose to locate here.   

Ashley B. Michael: I do not believe annexation is the right path forward for our town. Instead of expanding boundaries and stretching our resources thin, I will focus on strengthening the revenue we already have through smart, sustainable growth. That means supporting our local businesses, encouraging responsible new development, and promoting Louisa as a destination for tourism. By highlighting our historic charm, community events, and small town hospitality, we can attract visitors who contribute to our economy without overburdening our infrastructure. I am also committed to being selective about the types of industries we invite — choosing growth that aligns with our values and supports long-term stability, not unsustainable commercial projects that threaten our character. This approach allows us to protect the quality of life for residents while still expanding opportunities and revenue. Growth should benefit our community, not compromise it.

Getting into more specifics now, what is your position on allowing, or even encouraging, more housing developments in the town?

Kersey: Prior to considering any future development, we must make sure adequate infrastructure is in place to supply needed services such as water, sewer and traffic mitigation.  The comprehensive plan should guide our conversations on development. It is important to ensure this document adequately expresses our desires for the future.

Michael: My position on development is that it must be responsible, thoughtful, and guided by the needs of our community. Growth can bring opportunity, but it also brings challenges including increased reliance on aging and fragile infrastructure. That must be carefully addressed. Before moving forward with any project, we need to ask the right questions: Do we have the water capacity to support it? What will the impact be on traffic, schools, and public safety? How will our infrastructure hold up, and what investments will be required? We must engage our partners in service within the county, water authority and others to fully understand the impacts before moving forward. We should engage these developers to support our community, not detract from it. Development should never come at the expense of the quality of life for current residents. Instead, it should strengthen our community while preserving what makes our town unique. 

Do you feel the town has adequate parking? If not, what do you think can be done to improve the situation?

Kersey: There is parking in the Main Street corridor, which needs improved signage and presentation. This will guide visitors and residents to what is available when they come into town. All of this requires a collaborative effort for improvement.

Michael: Parking is an issue that affects both residents and visitors, and it’s important we address it in a way that supports our businesses and maintains the flow of our town. First, we can improve signage to make existing parking areas easier to find and reduce unnecessary congestion. Clear, visible markings and directional signs can help maximize the spaces we already have. Second, I believe in working cooperatively with local businesses to explore shared parking solutions—such as allowing overnight or weekend parking in lots that may otherwise sit empty during certain hours. This type of partnership benefits both businesses and the community by expanding options without requiring major new construction. By taking a practical, collaborative approach, we can ease parking challenges, make our town more accessible, and create a more welcoming experience for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.

Several Town of Louisa residents who responded to our voter survey said that Main Street has seen businesses come and go. What role should the town play in supporting downtown vitality and helping local shops succeed?

Kersey: Available parking, advertising and sponsored events all would provide opportunities to highlight our businesses. An ongoing dialogue between town business owners and town council is necessary for success. I have appointed, and the town council approved, Patricia Thompson as a new member to the EDA (Economic Development Authority) to function as a liaison between business owners  and the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, whose office is located on Main Street. 

Michael: To increase the vitality of our town and its businesses, I will focus on creating an environment where both residents and entrepreneurs can thrive. That means supporting local businesses through community partnerships, events, and marketing efforts that encourage residents and visitors to shop and dine locally. It also means streamlining processes for new businesses, making it easier to open and grow while maintaining our town’s character. Investing in infrastructure—such as walkable streets, reliable utilities, and accessible parking—will help businesses succeed and attract more foot traffic. I will promote events, festivals, and family-friendly activities that will bring people together and showcase what makes our town unique. I will engage and partner with the Economic Development Authority, County Tourism, Parks and Recreation and others to combine efforts to ensure Louisa is not just a place to live, but a destination to visit, invest in, and be proud of.

The Town of Louisa has had multiple resignations and staffing shortages in recent years. As mayor, how would you create a work environment that helps retain qualified staff?

Kersey: The town must provide adequate training and ongoing education to employees in their official position with the town. Active and positive communication between employees and leadership is essential. Since being appointed interim mayor on July 15, I have had conversations with personnel about their role in town government and the importance of their input in providing necessary services for our citizens. 

Michael: I will use my years of proven leadership to create an environment where qualified staff want to stay because they feel respected, supported, and proud of their work. Building trust starts with transparency and open communication — listening to concerns, being honest about challenges, and involving staff in solutions. I believe accountability is a two-way street: Leadership must set clear expectations and provide the tools to succeed, while also recognizing and celebrating the hard work of employees. By fostering professional growth and offering opportunities for staff to contribute ideas, we create a culture of shared responsibility. Instilling pride that comes from knowing that your work matters and contributes to the success of the community. When staff feel trusted, valued, and part of something bigger, they are more likely to remain committed. My goal is to lead in a way that builds trust, encourages accountability, and inspires pride in serving our town.

Are there any other pressing issues facing the Town of Louisa that you would like voters to know about?

Kersey: Establishing a vision is a collaborative effort between council and informed citizenry who will embrace the future and the promise it beholds. Adequate water, sewer and safe streets are non-negotiable items for our town. Police protection is necessary for speed enforcement and to maintain our low crime statistics. When I served on Council previously, we had a major retailer, Peebles, and a second grocery store. These have closed with little effort for replacement. My vision is not limited to what I have laid before you. I am desirous of citizen input to yield significant results. 

Michael: One of the most pressing needs for our town is strong leadership that plans ahead, rather than constantly reacting to problems as they arise. Too often, communities fall behind because decisions are made in the moment without considering long-term impact. My focus will be on smart financial planning and responsible decision-making that positions Louisa for stability and success well into the future. That means carefully evaluating spending, setting priorities that align with community needs, investing in infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth with foresight. By building reserves, leveraging partnerships, and making researched and supported choices, we can avoid unnecessary crises and ensure our resources are used wisely. Planning for the future is not about saying “no” to progress — it’s about making sure progress is sustainable and benefits both current and future generations. With thoughtful leadership, Louisa can thrive without compromising its future.

More about the candidate and issues

Here are key dates and deadlines in the 2025 elections

Friday, May 2, 2025Early voting for primaries begins weekdays at local registrar’s offices.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025Deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration for the primary election. You can still vote in the primary if you miss this deadline by registering at the polling place and casting a provisional ballot.

You do not have to be a member of a political party to vote in that party’s primary election. However, you can only vote in one party’s primary election each year.
Friday, June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m.Deadline to apply for your ballot to be mailed to you. Requests must be received by your local registrar’s offices by 5 p.m.
Friday, June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m.Deadline to apply online for an absentee ballot using the Citizen Portal.
Saturday, June 7, 2025Local voter registration offices open on Saturdays for early voting for primaries.
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m.Early voting for primaries ends at local registrar’s offices.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025Primary Election Day!
Friday, Sept. 19 to Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 5:00 p.m.Check with your local registrar’s office for early in-person voting.
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, 5:00 p.m.Deadline to apply with your local registrar’s office for a ballot to be mailed to you.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025Election Day!

We will update this list periodically as deadlines approach or we receive new information.

Register to vote, check your registration, find your polling places and apply to vote absentee at the Virginia Department of Elections here. Remember, even if you miss registration deadlines, you can register through Election Day and vote using a provisional ballot.

Need to know if you’re eligible to vote? Here are resources from the Virginia Department of Elections.

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