Charles Brewer is running to keep his seat on the Dumfries Town Council.
He is one of five candidates seeking a seat on the Town Council. Voters will head to the polls May 3, 2016 to cast their votes.
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We sent a questionnaire to the incumbent and he responded with the following statements:
PL: Why should Dumfries residents be excited to vote for you?
Brewer: When I ran for office in 2002, I told our residents that I will not promise you anything since there are six other opinions that can oppose your views. But I will promise you this; I will work hard for you, and I will tell you the truth good or bad, right or wrong and my constituents have respected me for that and if elected I will continue to do so. You see, common sense and sensibility have left modern day politics and instead politicians are looking for fellow back scratchers. That doesn’t set well with me.
PL: In your own words, what is the job description of a Town Council member? What expertise will you bring to the position?
Brewer: The official duty of a council member is to review and pass a balanced budget, set a corresponding tax rate and set policy. There is really is more to the job. It is our responsibility to SERVE our citizens. What I mean by that is that we must fight on their behalf with other elected officials to be fair with their tax dollars and hold them accountable i.e.; unfunded mandates at the federal and state levels. If you require it, fund it! I bring 12 years of experience on the Dumfries Town Council. I understand the issues at hand and have the experience to create a solution.
PL: What are the biggest issues and needs residents of the Town of Dumfries? What will you do to address those needs?
Brewer: Issues and needs are two different questions. The number one issue that effects the Town is unfunded mandates brought forth from the state. This is a budget killer and with a town the size of Dumfries could, in fact, bankrupt a town. This is a slick way for our elected officials in Richmond to pass the “tax” buck to local government and claim “they” didn’t raise taxes. As I stated before, if you mandate it, fund it. The needs of this town are finish infrastructure projects, stimulate tax relief for new and existing businesses so that we can bring fresh new businesses in the town, create conducive zoning throughout the town and enforcement of existing ordinances.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Brewer: Against my best judgement, campaigning for Willie Toney and Helen Reynolds. These two have been decisive towards council members and the Mayor…
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of town government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?
Brewer: Yes. More so than you think. We have social medial sites such as Facebook, Twitter, the Town website, our meetings are televised and our doors are open for them to attend. With a town the size of Dumfries, the citizens are fully aware of what’s going on in Dumfries.
