Augusta County: Seaton, Higgs running for Wayne District Board of Supervisors

VERONA — Scott Seaton is seeking a second term as the Wayne District representative on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. He is being challenged by John Higgs, who owns Barren Ridge Vineyards in Fishersville.

Seaton has made news this year after it came to light that he secretly recorded closed sessions of the board's meetings, leading to a censure by the rest of the supervisors. He's also butted heads with the other supervisors on what he said were illegal fees being charged by Augusta County at the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center in Lyndhurst.

It certainly has been an eventful last year of Seaton's first term, which he won by beating incumbent Wendell Coleman in 2019. Seaton is the only incumbent of the four up for reelection being challenged.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7 but early voting is already underway at the Government Center.

The News Leader sent questions to both Seaton and Higgs. We did give Seaton the opportunity to highlight his accomplishments on the board, while we offered Higgs the chance to write about his qualifications for the office. Responses to our questions are below.

What have been your accomplishments on the board of supervisors?

SEATON

a. My record supports the men and women in law enforcement, fire & rescue, and the emergency communication (911) center.  I voted for pay parity with local jurisdictions which stabilized the workforce, and for upgrading first responder equipment, vehicles, and our countywide digital radio system.

b. I supported changes to the procedures at the Shenandoah Valley Animal Service Center to expedite reuniting owners with their lost pets and thereby reducing overcrowding at the shelter.

c. I voted for the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative grant that will help complete our county’s broadband infrastructure.

d. After being the first member of this board to propose adding school resource officers to improve school safety, the board finally funded school resource officers.

e. I have voted to promote our county’s growing agritourism businesses.

f. Projects started or completed in my district include paving Sanger’s Lane, improving the railroad crossing at Doom’s Crossing, pursuing a turning lane on route 250 to relieve the congestion at Woodrow Wilson Rehab Center, adding Patrick Mill Lane to the county’s VDOT six-year plan for paving, funding projects at Wilson Memorial High School, Stump Elementary, and the Augusta Regional Dental Clinic, and opening access to the South River at Doom’s Crossing.

g. I have addressed community issues such as proposed development, road repair and modifications, and stormwater drainage across my entire district.

h. My budget amendment increased funding of Valley Children Advocacy Center.

What are your qualifications for serving on the board of supervisors?

HIGGS

I spent my career with Philip Morris USA/INTERNATIONAL. I have a master’s degree in chemical engineering from UVA and was hired by PM as a startup engineer. I ended up in several high-level management positions with PM USA and then moved to PM International. I served several engineering and management roles in the Middle East and Europe. Along with my career I became president of the Chemical Engineering Association of Richmond.

In retirement I have served on the board of the Frontier Culture Museum for four years and was president of the Staunton Performing Arts Council before it became the Arcadia Project. I was raised on a farm in Augusta County and presently manage a farm winery. That background and having lived and worked overseas allows me to bring a different perspective to the job of a supervisor.

What are your priorities if elected?

SEATON

I will continue to advocate for and respect the rights of the people I represent. I will listen to my constituents to discern a healthy future for Augusta County which advocates for families and promotes improved housing and employment availability.

HIGGS

My priority is to use my position to regain trust within the board, which at present is broken. Augusta County is a large and diverse community with deep roots in the history of America. The board has an ambitious agenda that requires and deserves a cohesive board.

The Augusta County Comprehensive plan is to be revised next year. This process establishes the vision for the county and develops plans that lead to its realization. I will work closely with the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro to integrate priorities.

The project for the building of a new court facility is a priority. Having a background in engineering of large construction projects I can be of value in reviewing the plans. Identifying and reacting to potential pitfalls (which inevitably will happen) could be helpful.

Working cohesively with the rest of the board members on the numerous other projects which include:

• Countywide Fire and Rescue strategic plan

• Relocation and management of the Animal Services Center

• Implementation of Universal Broadband Countywide

What are the three main issues facing Augusta County in the coming years and how would you best position the county to meet these issues in the most productive way?

SEATON

a. To recruit, retain and promote small, medium and large employers which improves employment and wage growth, the county will need to examine its ordinances.

b. To avoid worsening traffic congestion, the county should promote smart development that balances road expansion with business and housing construction.

HIGGS

1. How to manage in the most effective and progressive way the continuing growth of our region. The Wayne district is destined to experience increased housing pressure. I will encourage development that reflects the unique character of the area and enhances quality of life. The increase in population is both a benefit and a source of concern as we continue to build infostructure to support it. The Augusta County Comprehensive Plan anticipated this and planned for it. The refreshing of the plan that is planned for next year is critical to the future of the immediate region.

2. Revise the Augusta County Comprehensive plan & Economic Development Strategic plan. The state code requires a complete revision of these plans every 20 years. Next year is our year to do this. It is a perfect time for this to be done. We are in a period of great changes in our social and economic structures. This will give us an opportunity to look into the future and lay the groundwork for accommodating to these changes.

3. Establish clear communications between the board and the community. The Board of Supervisors for Augusta County has faithfully led the county through many eventful and difficult times. It is to be congratulated for its performance. Seven Supervisors from different walks of life and backgrounds have worked together to forge a sometimes contentious but cordial relationship that works for the good of the community. That collegial quality needs to be reestablished so the board can do its job and communicate to the public without prejudice.

What are your views on solar facilities in Augusta County?

SEATON

Solar energy production should avoid high quality farmland and woodlands and minimize disruption of view sheds of surrounding property owners while balancing the rights of the farmer or landowner to use the land. Distributed solar is a cheaper source of electricity than fossil fuels and can provide tax revenue to the county without added expenses.

HIGGS

The development of solar farms in the county is here and will be increasingly a part of our landscape. Landowners have a right to use their property for their benefit. The county will have a say in these projects to ensure that they are consistent with our Comprehensive plan. For example, the Wayne District has been designated as a high growth area. Infrastructure has been developed to accommodate this growth. Roads, water supply, electricity etc. have been built. A solar farm may not be suitable in all areas of the district.

Are you in favor of funding body and dash cameras for the Augusta County Sheriff's Office? Why or why not?

SEATON

I have supported body and dash cameras for our deputies to protect them from unfounded accusations which have made their job harder.  After speaking to police officers across local jurisdictions, they love their cameras. Cameras provide training opportunities and evidence that assists with prosecution or exoneration. I proposed adding the questions to our county’s survey which revealed 90% of survey respondents in the county were in favor of body and dash cameras compared with only 2% that were against cameras.

HIGGS

I am in favor of cameras for the sheriff’s dept. However, there needs to be a clear understanding of the cost of a system. The initial cost of the cameras and the ongoing cost of supporting the system needs to be understood and funded.

How should the board of supervisors address what many see as a lack of affordable housing in Augusta County?

SEATON

The comprehensive plan has designated real estate around the county for future land use that includes higher density affordable housing.  They are often located on public transportation routes or near shopping centers.  I have recommended approval of letters of support from the board to have various affordable housing projects approved in Augusta County.

HIGGS

This is an area that needs to be addressed in a comprehensive way by the county and the cities we surround. It should be a part of the review we are in the process of undergoing. Perhaps a committee should be set up that includes delegates from the county, Staunton and Waynesboro. This committee would study this problem and advise the communities affected.

How do you balance residential and industrial development in Augusta County?

SEATON

Augusta County is blessed with eleven interstate exits combined on I-81 and I-64.  Each of these exits is a valuable resource for businesses that want to locate here and have easy access to transportation arteries. Modifying the roads around these exits will draw businesses to these areas while improving traffic congestion.

HIGGS

This question has been addressed in the comprehensive plan. As stated already this plan is being updated within the year. As it stands now the Wayne District is designated as a growth area for housing and light industry. The district is uniquely beautiful and interesting. We should encourage development that reflects the character of the area and enhances quality of life.

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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Seaton, Higgs running for Augusta County Board of Supervisors