by AnnGardner Eubank
IRVINGTON—With Election Day coming Tuesday, November 5, less than two weeks remain in the 2024 General Election.
Among local decisions, the only contested race on the ballot is for mayor of Irvington. Two candidates are seeking election, incumbent mayor Julie W. Harris and Samantha C. Van Saun.
They recently responded to the same questions posed by the Rappahannock Record. Their responses are in alphabetical order.
What is your stance on town sewer? Would you consider hooking-up with Kilmarnock, where would funds be sourced from, where would a plant be located?
Harris: This question is not just a yes or no answer. There are many variables to consider. Currently, there is a group of town representatives studying the feasibility of town sewer and the possibility of connecting with Kilmarnock. Meetings with Kilmarnock officials are on-going. The Irvington representatives are doing their due diligence to determine the available capacity of the Kilmarnock sewer system in light of the building of the new high school, possible additional homes in Hills Quarter and possible apartment homes in Kilmarnock along with the costs of connecting with Kilmarnock.
How much of Irvington would be serviced by a possible sewer system and how does that affect the costs? Irvington would receive no revenue and all costs would be controlled by Kilmarnock. Lots of factors, both short-term and long-term, need to be considered and additional information gathered.
Van Saun: I want to see the town council move forward in exploring options for sewer in Irvington. There is already a need and the longer we wait to decide the fewer options we will have. As a realtor in Irvington for the past 10 years, I have witnessed first-hand the financial burden a failing septic can pose to sellers and buyers. Access to sewer will increase property values. In addition, as chair of the IVBA for the past four years, I am aware that the success of restaurants and retail businesses is hampered by failing septic systems. I would like to see a sewer option in which property owners may choose to connect to sewer but are not required to. The sewer committee has done a great job working with Bowman Consultants to present different options to the town. It’s time to take the next step.
Where do you stand on incorporating a public referendum into the Town Charter for incurring public debt? Ideas on thresholds, should it be there at all?
Harris: The people of Irvington are the ones who have elected the mayor and council members and the people’s voice should be heard. “Together: Making a Difference” is my motto and I truly believe that in working together we can continue to have a town that everyone can enjoy. Just as council committees should have checks and balances on the work they do, so should town council have checks and balances. Whether these checks and balances are through a referendum or through an ordinance, the threshold should be percentage based, not a specific dollar amount. The value of the dollar can change from year to year and a percentage would allow for the variation.
Van Saun: The idea for a public referendum on public debt was presented by a group of Irvington residents as a way to resolve concerns about taking on large public debt for which residents, property owners and business owners would be responsible. I think it is important to recognize this concern and address it, however I do not feel that a referendum adequately addresses the concern. A referendum is only voted on by registered voters. Property owners and business owners who do not reside in Irvington full-time would not have any say in the matter but would still be responsible to help shoulder the debt. I feel that would be unfair. Presently, the town council is considering a proposal which would allow all stakeholders to vote for or against any project which is estimated above a certain threshold. I support that proposal.
What is your stance on acquiring public waterfront access to the town?
Harris: From its conception, Irvington has been a town connected to the water. Access is important. Whether that access is private or public is currently in negotiations.
Van Saun: Although it would be a lovely addition to all that Irvington offers, I don’t think that public waterfront is feasible for the town. Irvington waterfront property has become very valuable and I don’t know that the town has the resources to compete with private buyers. I applaud Lancaster County for their public waterfront initiatives in Weems and Windmill Point and I think those waterfront access points will benefit residents and visitors throughout the area.
What are your thoughts on a town office solution? Are you in favor of purchasing land and building a new town hall, purchasing an existing building, continuing to rent?
Harris: The current lease for the town office runs out in the fall of 2025 without the option to renew. The mayor and council members have been visiting a variety of sites with consideration of purchasing or renting. Upon the expiration of the current lease, the town office will continue to be a rental while options are explored.
Van Saun: The town council has been working on creative solutions for a more permanent town office and I support those efforts. I would like to see our town staff and documents housed in a healthy, well-maintained building with at least one conference room area for small meetings. It is preferable for the town to own its office space rather than rent to invest in the town and have an aesthetic welcoming presence for residents and guests.
Why are you running for office?
Harris: I am running for mayor because of my love for Irvington and because I am the incumbent and wish to continue to serve the citizens of this town. I am a fifth generation Irvingtonian with generations six and seven also currently living on family property. My grandfather was a waterman and a builder and built many of the homes in Irvington. I respect the residents of this town and want to see Irvington continue to thrive with citizen input. Together: Making a Difference.
Van Saun: On my signs you will see the words “Reliable Experienced Leader.” I have always felt called to serve others and have done so through business, nonprofit work and community volunteerism and leadership. Through these avenues, I have developed the reputation and skills which are needed to manage the affairs of the Town of Irvington. The mayor’s role in this town is primarily administrative: set the agenda for and chair town council meetings, manage town staff and hired consultants, follow up on decisions made in meetings, communicate with town council and with officials in nearby towns, Lancaster County and the state of Virginia. My parents were greatly invested in the Irvington community and my dad served on the town council. I feel it is now my turn to offer my skills and time to serve the town of Irvington and the community that I love.