Great expectations

New leadership in Goochland

Rebecca T. Dickson took the oath of office as county administrator from Lee Grubbs Turner, Clerk of the Goochland Circuit Court on Monday, July 20. It is the first time in 23 years that the county has changed administrators.

The board meeting room was filled to overflowing with dignitaries from neighboring jurisdictions, Dickson’s friends, colleagues from Chesterfield, family, county staff and citizens. An atmosphere of hope, good will and optimism prevailed.

Dr. John Thomas, director of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Policy spoke of his love for local government and its role in our culture.

He pointed out that the devastating consequences of failed institutions, shown during the financial meltdown, illustrate the importance of effective management in a functioning society.

He contended that effective professional government management needs strong political leadership to produce sound policy decisions, transparent operation and a relentless focus on positive outcomes to succeed.

The task of local government, said Thomas, is to deliver scores of public services, often in partnership with other groups. It is government’s role to bring all of the players to the table in a mutually beneficial collaboration. This cannot succeed under a command and control model.

Government managers must be team players to implement a shared vision.

Virginia, said Thomas, is blessed with outstanding local governments run by people who represent the best of their profession.

Board of supervisors’ chairman Andrew Pryor welcomed Dickson and thanked interim county administrator Lane Ramsey for bringing new ideas and a professional way of doing things to Goochland.

Pryor said that Dickson made a strong and positive initial impression on the supervisors. It was soon apparent that she was the best candidate to help move Goochland forward.

Choosing a woman as Goochland’s sixth county administrator signals a change of heart by a board that all too often expressed virulent misogyny. Dickson’s impeccable credentials and track record happily trumped all other considerations.

Dickson expressed eagerness and excitement about becoming a part of the Goochland team, itself a new term in the county government lexicon. She said that she was humbled by her selection and pledged to use her passion for excellence in public service to the benefit of all. She is eager to build on the county’s successes and deal with its challenges.

Dickson said that it was clear from the first meeting how much the supervisors care about Goochland and its future.
She thanked the county staff for her warm welcome and commended Goochland employees for their dedication to serving the citizens.

Dickson spoke about her journey in life to the Goochland administration building.

“You end up where you should be in spite of yourself, but it all comes down to grace,” she said. “The grace of others that provided me with opportunities, the grace that provided safety nets, the grace to forgive and to continue to work with me when I was clearly out of line. We all need grace and should grant and receive it when we can.”

Dickson acknowledged that Goochland has some sticky situations to work through, but is optimistic that positive open collaboration coupled with mutual respect will find sound solutions.

Ramsey recalled first meeting Dickson about 20 years ago and how impressed he was with her passion and dedication to public service.

“I have never seen anyone fall in love with local government like she did and apply her passion to achieve goals,” said Ramsey.

Dickson’s selection by a board wracked by internecine strife is a signal that the supervisors can work together for the greater good of Goochland. It’s time for them all to stop sniping at each other, roll up their sleeves and get down to business. Going forward, all county business must be open and transparent, a word that formerly was code for “let’s do this in secret.”

From now on, things should be done right the first time so everyone can take pride in the result.

Dickson has her work cut out for her.

One of her first and most important tasks is to dispel the malignant mistrust and resulting dysfunction that nearly crippled the county staff. Confidence of Goochland’s citizens and employees must be earned, not claimed by fiat.

Dickson has been exploring Goochland since her appointment was announced in May. She needs to see for herself how the land lies and gather input from all quarters, including her predecessor. She must evaluate all of the advice she receives and make her own judgment about its soundness.

Her people and fiscal skills will be put to good use getting the county’s finances organized and facilitating a cohesive and collaborative county staff.

As Goochland and its government grew, functions were expanded or created in a reactive manner. Like an old house whose wiring cannot quite keep up with modern power demands, the county blew a fuse earlier this year. Now it’s up to Dickson to not only rewire the government, but upgrade to the equivalent of a high capacity circuit breaker. The mechanisms to accomplish that are in the works.

Hopefully, Dickson’s experience in Chesterfield will help Goochland to copy its success and avoid its failures.

The future is bright.