On January 3, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors held its first meeting of 2017 by ringing out the old and in the new in different ways.
Continuing its custom, reinstated in 2012, the chairmanship rotated during the Board’s annual organizational meeting. Bob Minnick, District 4, passed the gavel to Ned Creasey, District 3, who was elected by the other supervisors. Ken Peterson, District 5, was serve as vice chair for 2017.
The board then adopted its Rules of Procedure; Code of Ethics; and Standards of Conduct. This annual recommitment to the highest levels of ethical and moral conduct reminds the Board that it serves the citizens, and must earn the public trust by careful stewardship of local government in every action.
A bittersweet moment followed as County Attorney Norman Sales, who will retire at the end of January, was presented with a resolution of thanks for his seven years of service to Goochland.
During his tenure, Sales’ wise counsel helped the county negotiate some very troubled waters. When the current board took office in 2012, he made sure it adhered to the law while making sweeping changes.
Sales shepherded Goochland through a complicated redistricting process after the 2010 census. He successfully represented the county in the Benedictine litigation and drafted many economic development agreements during his tenure.
Sales worked with citizens and interest groups to craft ordinances that address delicate issues including: companion animals, large crowd permits; and new zoning districts. He also served as interim county administrator last year enabling a seamless transition in county administration. His common sense and legal skill, combined with gracious good humor and respect for everyone he encountered, was vital to the success of county government.
In a special session, Tara A. McGee was sworn in to succeed Sales. McGee, who left a position as senior assistant county attorney in Chesterfield, has considerable experience in litigation and land use. She will begin work on February 1.
McGee holds a B.A. from James Madison, where her son and daughter are currently students; a Juris Doctor from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary; and a Masters of Public Administration from VCU.
After she took the oath of office, Creasey welcomed McGee to the Goochland government family.
In brief remarks, McGee explained that her appreciation for the value of public service came from her father, a career army officer. She is one of six children, especially close to her sister Colleen, ten months her senior, who traveled from Baltimore for the occasion. Friends and colleagues joined other members of McGee’s family, including husband B. J., and son Brian, to witness the oath taking. Daughter Katie was on a previously scheduled ski trip.
McGee thanked her mentors and former assistant Susan Wilson for their help in shaping her legal career. Honored to succeed Sales, for whom she has the utmost respect, McGee cautioned that she has a penchant for puns.
In addition to a keen legal mind and a wealth of experience relevant to Goochland’s challenges, McGee brings a bright smile and engaging temperament that fits well with staff. Once again, the supervisors filled an important positon with an excellent candidate who will continue and expand upon the work of her predecessor. Welcome to Goochland Tara McGee!
1 comment:
Tara McGee is a wonderful choice and addition to the Goochland family. I worked with her years ago at Williams, Mullen. Best wishes to Norman Sales. Thank you for your faithful service to Goochland County.
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