see REDD

Continued from pg. 1

“As a result, we had more nominees step up for this seat than I think we’ve ever had. I’m very happy with that,” Peterson said.

Peterson cited Redd’s experience and specifically mentioned his previous service on the school board from 1980 to 1984 and a background in business as reasons for his selection of the retired Certified Public Accountant.

Peterson described his process of choosing one candidate from such a qualified field as “difficult.”

“I’ve looked at it. I’ve looked at it from different angles,” he said.

The Mechanicsville supervisor said he based his decision on basic principles like the school system organizational chart that places the citizens of Hanover County in the top position followed by the school board and the superintendent.

After receiving hundreds of emails and other communication, Peterson said the decision hinged on who could best represent the citizens of the Mechanicsville District.

“I looked at this and it came down to someone who had concerns for the schools, had been in the schools and had kids in the schools…. and also has the business acumen to realize that they are part of a group who is running a multi-million dollar business, which is our schools,” Peterson said before announcing Redd’s appointment. “It’s about education and it’s about running a business.”

Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard said she would be departing from her longstanding practice of supporting the nominees of her fellow supervisors.

“On my six years on this board, I’ve prided myself on not voting party but in fact, voting my conscience,” she said. “I

Photos by Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Johnny Redd and his wife, Terry Oatman, attended last week’s meeting that announced his appointment for the Mechanicsville seat on the Hanover School Board.

Hanover parent Jennifer Womble expresses concerns with some of Johnny Redd’s previous comments.

have great respect for my fellow board members and this is the first time I’ve ever chosen not to support a board member in his nomination of a candidate.”

Prichard referenced remarks Redd provided to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “In his interview in the T-D, he made it very clear that he cannot equally support all the children in our schools, and our job is a simple but very difficult one. We have to educate every child in this county, and in order to do that, we have to provide them with support and respect. If I don’t believe a board member can do that, I cannot support him,” she added.

Board chair Angela KellyWiecek said she also has a history of supporting her fellow board members’ nominations but could not do so on the candidate being considered. She noted the importance of personal involvement with the schools and pointed out that current board member Daniel is the only member who actually has children in Hanover schools.

“We had several candidates… who had children in the school system and who would be there for some time. I think that is a valuable voice,” Kelly-Wiecek said.

The chair also cited the need for collaboration for anyone willing to work on the school board. “It is essential that you collaborate with people, and Im deeply concerned that we may not be choosing the best and the most collaborative individual,” she said.

Kelly-Wiecek said Redd had personally assured her that he could meet those expectations.

And Redd expressed similar sentiments when he took the podium to accept the nomination.

“I am very honored that Mr. Peterson appointed me and that you guys have voted to have confidence in me to serve on this board,” Redd said.

Regarding collaboration, Redd said he had already begun the process by interacting with audience members, some of whom had expressed displeasure with his nomina-

see REDD, pg. 10

Ashland Museum off ers trivia night to test participants’ knowledge

The Ashland Museum

MC Woody Tucker (left) and Origin Beer Lab Manager Jeremy Wilson congratulate the team from Randolph-Macon College that won May’s Trivia Night.

Do you know which U.S. President spoke English as a second language? The winning team at the May 19 Trivia Night did.

Teams, many made up on the spot as participants arrived, answered 20 questions posed by the Ashland Museum Trivia QuizMakers. The evening’s questions were general in nature. A team of students from Randolph-Macon College won and more senior folks wondered how they knew the answers to some of those questions!

All in attendance had a jolly time, searching their brain for the correct answer although there were many answers in search of the correct question. But no matter, all responses are fun, especially at the conclusion when scores are tallied and correct answers shared. Quite often you hear “we said that” (but didn’t write it down) or “I should have known that one”! Whatever, it is always a joyous, enlightening experience. And an added bonus is the expanse of good music shared by DJ Brent Chambers. While you are pondering your answer, you can enjoy the music or jive to the tunes. The atmosphere is full of positive vibes.

Ashland Museum Trivia Nights are held on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Origin Beer Lab, 106 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland, in the beer garden. Mark your calendar and join others in the community as they reprise tidbits of history, culture, geography and sports. The topics are endless. Winning team receives an Origin Beer Lab gift card and Ashland Museum poster. No reservations needed. For information, email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net.

By the way, the answer to the question posed at the beginning of this article is former President Martin Van Buren.

Submitted by the Ashland Museum.