The results are in

Yesterday, November 5, 2019, the voters of Goochland chose Steven Ned Creasey to be their next sheriff by a margin of 7,962 (73.64 percent) to 2,817 (26.05 percent) with 33 write in votes. (See https://results.elections.virginia.gov/vaelections/2019%20November%20General/Site/Locality/GOOCHLAND%20COUNTY/Index.html for complete election information.) Election results will be certified by the Goochland Electoral Board, comprised of two democrats and one republican, in the next few days. Congratulations to all winning candidates.

Retiring Goochland Sheriff James L. Agnew shares election returns at Creasey victory celebration.

The sheriff’s election was the outpouring of widespread community support for a man of impeccable integrity who has worked in, with, and for Goochland County for most of his adult life. Steven engaged with people in all walks of life, even those who did not support him, in a courteous manner. The barrels of mud thrown in this campaign came at, not from, the Creasey campaign, which accentuated the positive.

Though it seemed at times that the sheriff’s campaign was dividing the community, it instead brought together folks who had not previously known each other in a good way.

After the votes were tallied, Steven thanked his wife Grace, daughter Ellie, mother Diana, and everyone in the room for their support and help—his victory truly was a community-wide effort. Money cannot buy the overwhelming grass roots support that swept Creasey into office, it must be earned, one voter at a time. The signs, placed with permission on private property, appeared so early in the election cycle because people wanted to show their support for Steven. As you are able, please take them down.

On election day in his pocket Steven carried the badge worn by his father, the late Ned Creasey, when he served as a police officer in Macomb, Illinois many years ago.  “There is no doubt in my mind that he was with all of us today,” said Steven.

Sheriff James L. Agnew, who retires at the end of 2019 and was delighted with the outcome, cautioned that there are a lot of challenges coming at the county and the citizens who just elected Sheriff Steven Ned Creasey must “have his back” going forward to ensure that he has the resources necessary to serve and protect all of Goochland as the county grows. “We have the right guy to deal with this,” Agnew declared patting Creasey on the back. “We have a nucleus of top-notch solid people working for the sheriff’s office.”  

The nucleus of top-notch people in the Goochland Sheriff's Office.

In other contested races: Susan Lascolette was reelected District 1 supervisors; Neil Spoonhower was elected District 2 Supervisor to succeed Manuel Alvarez, Jr., who did not seek reelection; Sandra Barefoot-Reid was elected to the District 1 School Board seat vacated by Mike Payne. Jonathan Lyle received the most votes for Monacan Soil and Water District Director, followed by Ronnie Nuckols. Senator Mark Peake and Delegates John McGuire and Lee Ware were reelected to represent Goochland in the Virginia General Assembly.

There is much work to be done going forward. It’s too soon to tell what the change in control of the state legislature will have on Goochland. As the county grapples with the consequences of growth, many “difficult conversations” will be necessary to ensure that the interests of all citizens are addressed.

Judging by the crowds at the polls yesterday, Goochland may yet again lead the state in percentage voter turnout. Thanks to General Registrar Ryan Mulligan; electoral board: Keith Flannagan, Robin Lind and Wanda Taylor and all the poll workers who put in a vey long day to ensure well-run local elections.

The election is over. It’s time to put aside our differences and work together for the good of all.