WORK HONORED
SPRING FOWARD
Local author wins writing award PAGE
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Don’t forget to set your clocks one hour ahead Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time means we lose an hour, but the good news is the evenings won’t get dark so soon.
Vol. 3 No. 30 | Richmond Suburban News | March 7, 2018
Candidates announce plans to seek council seats Hodges pursues office he was appointed to in August Cook: sense of community, active citizens inspire run Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – John Hodges, who was appointed to Ashland Town Council on Aug. 1, 2017, is seeking election to one of two open seats in the May 1 General Election. He is said he is fiscally committed to: Being fiscally conservative in meeting the town’s financial responsibilities. Practicing good planning that is environmentally sensitive and supportive of businesses with the goal of maintaining the town’s diversity, historic character and high quality of life. Being a good partner with Randolph Macon College, Hanover County and all those organizations whose success is integral to the success of the town. Supporting continued excellence by the
town in the provision of the public safety, staffing and facilities that serve its residents and businesses. Hodges said major challenges facing the town include: Maintaining a stable tax rate through HODGES the encouragement of appropriate economic development and new investment by existing businesses. Addressing the need to upgrade or replace substandard public facilities like Ashland Town Hall and Carter Pool. Supporting community groups such as see HODGES, pg. 7
Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND —Terry L. “Les” Cook Jr., a candidate for Ashland Town Council, has been a resident of the town for 18 years. He is seeking one of two open seats that are up for grabs in the May 1 General Election. He is married to Dr. Patricia Cook, and together they raised their three sons in the Center of the Universe. He holds a BA in Biology and a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia. He currently works as an educator and has served the last 21 years working as a teacher, assistant principal, and program coordinator. “Ashland’s sense of community and the activeness of its citizens is what inspired me to run for Ashland Town Council,” Cook said. “In Ashland, people are always willing to help when
Hanover Idols 2018 Photo courtesy of Chris Whitley, above, and Nick Liberante for The Hanover Local
The Hanover Idol 2018 competitions were held Sunday at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center in Ashland. In the photo at left, Jason Call received his crown, sash and gift from RaeLyn McMillion, the 2016 Hanover Idol. Call sang the John Waite song “Missing You,” and accompanied himself on guitar. In the photo at right, Call is shown with Madison Cox, who won the Junior event. For more information about the event, turn to page 10.
needed.” As an Ashlander, Cook has served as a coach for multiple recreational youth sports teams, co-commissioner of the Ashland Youth Association Basketball League, board member of the Hanover Arts and COOK Activities Center, and a Sunday School teacher at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. Now, he said, at this stage of his life, he has decided to seek a new town leadership role as a member of Ashland Town Council. Cook recently became more involved in town business by attending the meetings in see COOK, pg. 7