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. Orange County’s Board of Supervisors has five members, one for each district. 

Chris Herndon, Andrew Fossen and Jason Capelle are running in District One. Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for the candidates based on more than 160 responses we received to a voter survey. Only Capelle, who is running as an Independent, responded.

The questions we sent the candidates are listed below, and here are candidates’ contact information as provided to the Virginia State Department of Elections, searchable by last name. You can use this contact information if you would like to reach out to the candidates yourself.

The approval of the Wilderness Crossing Development, and the creation of subdivisions on formerly agricultural lands, has raised significant debate about the future of development. As the county revisits its zoning ordinance, what is your position on development in Orange County? And how would you go about deciding where and what to develop?

J. Jason Capelle: Orange County’s future depends on balancing growth with fiscal responsibility. Our zoning makes it too easy to turn farmland into subdivisions that raise taxes, strain schools, and overload services — and is hard on businesses that create jobs and ease the burden on taxpayers. We need a plan and approach that reflects the realities of our county. District 1 isn’t just farmland; it includes the Town of Gordonsville and industrial park. District 5 is largely Lake of the Woods — a dense residential community. They are two ends of the County with very different needs. Our policies must reflect those differences: protect farmland, focus housing where services already exist, attract business to strengthen the tax base, and build infrastructure where it makes sense. District 1 also deserves its fair share of services. As Supervisor, I’ll curb sprawl, strengthen our economy, and make growth pay its way — including funding for schools and core services.

Chris Herndon: Did not respond.

Andrew Fossen: Did not respond.

What is your opinion on data centers in Orange County?

Capelle: I approach data centers with healthy skepticism as they can pose issues for Orange County. First, they can use large amounts of water, which could strain local supplies. Second, they can have heavy power demands that can raise electricity costs for families. Third, they can create noise and visual impacts that can overwhelm nearby neighborhoods. At the same time they can provide much needed income for the County that can be used for schools, deputies, parks and recreation and other services. That’s why I believe data centers should be carefully weighed and considered only through a special use permit or a rezoning. This process allows the county to weigh the specifics of each proposal — its site, infrastructure, and impacts — and attach enforceable conditions. Any project must include limits on water usage, strong setbacks and screening, management of energy usage, and revenue that directly support our schools, deputies, Fire/EMS, and/or parks and recreation.

Herndon: Did not respond.

Fossen: Did not respond.

What is your opinion on solar farms in Orange County?

Capelle: Since launching my campaign, I’ve spoken with many farmers who told me that income from small solar installations could be the difference between keeping their land and losing it. That perspective matters. I’ve voted in favor of small projects where they made sense, and against large-scale solar where the impacts were too great. In fact, I’ve even voted against small projects when they weren’t in the right place. Like data centers, it comes down to standards and balance. Solar should only be considered on rooftops, barns, parking lots, and marginal lands, not on prime farmland or in scenic gateways. Projects must include strong setbacks and screening, real decommissioning bonds, and safeguards for water and neighbors. Done right, solar could help some farmers and local landowners. Done wrong, it threatens farmland, viewsheds, and community character.

Herndon: Did not respond.

Fossen: Did not respond.

Like many places in Virginia, the assessed real estate values in Orange County are increasing. Do you support keeping the tax rate steady to collect more income for needed government projects? Or would you support lowering the tax rate to keep residents’ tax bills consistent?

Capelle: When property assessments rise, families rightly worry about their tax bills. I believe the rate should be lowered after reassessments so that bills remain consistent. But it cannot be written in stone — there may be times when circumstances call for a different approach. The key is honesty and transparency: taxpayers should always know what is driving a rate change, and why. Property values usually rise when the economy is moving in the right direction. That’s good news, but it also means assessments must be managed carefully. My policies are designed to break the cycle many counties fall into where they allow too much residential growth, strain schools and services, and then raise taxes to catch up. Instead, Orange County must balance growth with fiscal discipline so that homeowners aren’t left paying more simply because their property value increased. Fairness and transparency will guide every decision I make.

Herndon: Did not respond.

Fossen: Did not respond.

Orange County residents experienced a water crisis last year when a pump at Rapidan Service Authority’s treatment malfunctioned, dumping oil into the water supply. The incident highlighted several problems with the water authority, one of which, the agency said, was that the treatment plant needs major upgrades. As a county supervisor, would you support taking action to address this issue? If so, how?

J. Jason Capelle: Yes, I support action on that specific water issue that occurred on the eastern end of the County, but the challenges with the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) and Orange County water are much broader. RSA also provides service to the Town of Gordonsville and nearby communities – with a different system that has overlapping but also unique problems. Several months ago, I dug into Gordonsville’s water issues and proposed a short-, mid-, and long-term plan to improve quality and lower costs. That kind of practical, phased approach is what we need countywide. And RSA is only part of the picture. The state-mandated regional water planning initiative will require Orange to coordinate with neighboring counties to secure reliable water for the future. I will make sure Orange’s voice is strong in that process, applying my construction and public utilities experience to ensure our water is safe, affordable, and dependable for decades.

Herndon: Did not respond.

Fossen: Did not respond.

Like many surrounding counties, Orange County might face challenges from severe weather events including heavy rainstorms and prolonged droughts that climate scientists predict will become more frequent in the future. What do you think the county’s Board of Supervisors should do to prepare?

Capelle: Orange County has always faced its share of heavy rain, flooding, ice storms, and droughts — and these events do seem to be more frequent and more severe. The Board of Supervisors must take a practical approach to make sure our communities are ready. That starts with protecting critical infrastructure — roads, bridges, and water systems — so storms don’t leave families stranded or towns without reliable service. It also means ensuring fire, EMS, and law enforcement have the resources they need when emergencies strike. Planning is just as important as response. Our zoning and land-use policies must account for floodplains, stormwater runoff, and the role of farmland and forests in reducing flooding. Just as importantly, they must be adjusted so growth helps fund the emergency services that protect us during disasters. At the same time, Orange must actively participate in the state-mandated regional water planning process to prepare for both drought and flooding.

Herndon: Did not respond.

Fossen: Did not respond.

As the BOS overhauls its zoning ordinance, what factors do you think are important when considering housing development in Orange?

Capelle: Housing policy must protect taxpayers while also addressing real needs. Unchecked by-right subdivisions across farmland drives up service costs without creating affordable housing. The most practical way to provide affordable housing is through a rezoning process. That allows the county to attach conditions, require infrastructure, and ensure projects fit the community. By-right development does none of that. At the same time, we must recognize farming families sometimes divide land so their children can build a house and continue the tradition of working the farm. That kind of housing strengthens agriculture and should remain possible. As we overhaul the zoning ordinance, three principles should guide decisions: location (direct housing near towns and service districts), balance (protect farmland while providing housing), and fairness (growth must pay its own way). Done right, housing policy supports families, farms, and businesses together.

Herndon: Did not respond.

Fossen: Did not respond.

What do you think about local law enforcement working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement?

Capelle: I believe the Sheriff’s office should follow the law and be mindful of their jurisdictional responsibilities. Their  job is to enforce law and ensure safety and security in our community and not engage in politics.

Herndon: Did not respond.

Fossen: Did not respond.

Are there any other pressing issues facing Orange County that you would like voters to be aware of?

Capelle: Beyond land use, taxes, and water, Orange County depends on several critical institutions. Dogwood Village, our regional nursing and rehabilitation center, serves hundreds of families and faces rising costs as our population ages. FiberLync, the County’s broadband authority, is vital to connecting homes, farms, and businesses. And the Rapidan Service Authority provides water and sewer service across large parts of the county, with systems that are both vital and in need of serious attention. Together, these institutions, along with a $158 million county budget and more than 300 employees, show how much responsibility rests with the Board of Supervisors. A supervisor’s job is about successfully managing complex services that affect families, seniors, students, farmers, and businesses every day. It is not about political party labels or popularity contests. Orange County needs a supervisor with the skills, experience, and vision to protect taxpayers and strengthen the services our community relies on.

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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