Four candidates are vying for two seats on the James City County Board of Supervisors in the November election. In the Jamestown District, newcomer John Slokowitz is looking to unseat longtime supervisor Jim Icenhour, while in the Powhatan District, Ti’Juana Gholson and Tracy Wainwright are hoping to fill the seat being vacated by Michael Hipple.
Jamestown District
Jim Icenhour
Age: 80
Family: Wife, Linda; two daughters
Occupation: Retired Air Force pilot and retired Delta Air Lines captain
Political experience: Served on the Board of Supervisors 2006-2013 and 2018 to present
Party affiliation: Democrat
Education: Bachelor’s, U.S. Air Force Academy; Master of Business Administration, University of Utah
Website: JimIcenhour.com
Why do you want to be on the Board of Supervisors?
James City County is known for its high quality of life. We have great parks and libraries, rural and historic resources, and an excellent school system. We are also one of the fastest growing communities in the state. Out-of-control growth jeopardizes the community we are now and want to be in the future. As someone who has fought to manage growth in the past, I want to continue to help manage this issue so that future generations can have just as wonderful a community as we now enjoy.
What is the biggest challenge facing James City County?
Excessive growth is the biggest challenge we face. In addition to impacting our quality of life as outlined above, residential growth doesn’t bring enough revenue to cover the cost of services for the homes we build. I believe any new development must be appropriate for our environment and the resources we want to preserve, in addition to fully paying for itself and not placing any additional tax burden on existing residents.
What would be your top priority if elected?
We need to finish negotiating a contract to keep the joint Williamsburg-James City County school district together. The joint school system has served the families of the two localities well, and it is in the best interests of the taxpayers and the children of both jurisdictions. A full examination of the contract has been an opportunity to plan for a better education for all of our children. It’s now time to move forward with needed changes together.
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John Slokovitz
Age: 45
Family: Wife, Mary; four children
Occupation: Owner of JCR Plumbing and More
Political experience: None
Party affiliation: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Muhlenberg College
Website: SlokovitzForJCC.com
Why do you want to be on the Board of Supervisors?
Although I never planned to join the James City County Board of Supervisors, I see the need for someone who will listen to underrepresented voices and be a strong advocate for their interests. Many citizens are just learning about decisions made years ago that will affect their ability to thrive in JCC in the future. My reasons for running to represent the Jamestown District are threefold: improve communication between the board and community, improve citizen awareness of ongoing and planned board actions, and make sure the fiscal management of the county aligns with public wishes.
What is the biggest challenge facing James City County?
The biggest challenge currently facing James City County is the government overreach that will result in the borrowing one-quarter billion dollars to build a government mega center. By controlling population growth models, it justifies expansion projects that inevitably lead to increased construction, further development and the destruction of valuable green spaces. This sequence of decisions places the administration firmly at the center of county growth, allowing them to advance large-scale projects with limited visibility to the public. The community now recognizes the need for greater accountability in how decisions impacting the county’s future are made and implemented.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is halting the construction of the proposed government mega center that threatens over 10 acres of untouched forest at the intersection of Longhill Road and DePue Drive. When the cost of this office complex tripled, the current board did not choose to consider alternative solutions. Despite public opposition to both the process and the decisions, the board proceeded with a budget that will burden residents through increasing property taxes for years to come. Returning James City County to accountability and fiscal responsibility will encourage families and businesses to settle here and allow them to thrive.
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Powhatan District
Ti’Juana Gholson
Age: 54
Family: Husband, Lawrence; five adult children; dog mom
Occupation: Business owner, including FamMat Services and nonprofit Inner Peace Coalition
Political experience: None
Party affiliation: Democrat
Education: Master’s in human service counseling, Liberty University
Website: VoteTijuanaGholson.com
Why do you want to be on the Board of Supervisors?
I am running to be a voice in my community, be a connector of resources, inspire and improve the lives of others.
What is the biggest challenge facing James City County?
Communicating with and educating the public on countywide decisions such as “why build a building.”
What would be your top priority if elected?
Generating economic growth; protecting/preserving natural and historic resources, which includes maintaining the character of the county and safeguarding valuable sites; and expanding community resources such as elder care, transportation, public safety support, mental health and disabilities support, medical access, food and other resource access. I want to help develop a workforce that will not only encourage young people to stay, but entice companies to want to become a part of the county. I also want to be a voice for those who are negatively impacted by lack of attainable housing.
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Tracy Wainwright
Age: 49
Family: Husband, Gary; four children ages 16-22
Occupation: Author, speaker and editor
Political experience: None
Party affiliation: Republican
Education: Associate in business administration, Thomas Nelson Community College; bachelor’s in psychology, University of Virginia; master’s in school counseling, William & Mary
Website: VoteTracyWainwright.com
Why do you want to be on the Board of Supervisors?
I’m passionate about our county and helping it thrive. As a longtime citizen having built two homes in James City County and been an active part of the community, I’ve heard many concerns I’d like to see addressed through a common-sense, people-centered approach.
What is the biggest challenge facing James City County?
Balancing growth with maintaining the unique semi-rural character of James City County.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Ensuring fiscal responsibility. As I’ve talked to more and more citizens while on the campaign trail, the concerns raised the most are cost of living and large increases in tax bills.