Transitions

Two Goochland County Supervisors, Manual Alvarez, Jr., District 2; and Bob Minnick, District 4, who did not seek reelection in November, have completed their eight-year stint in office.  

Bob Minnick (r) and Manny Alvarez

On December 3, which was expected to be the last board meeting of 2019, both Alvarez and Minnick were honored for their accomplishments in service to Goochland County. (See December 3 Board packet pages 7-15 for details at http://www.goochlandva.us/

 When they first took office in 2012, the county was in perilous shape. The newly elected supervisors—four of the five seats were filled with new faces— metaphorically linked arms and walked through fire to transform Goochland government from an embarrassment into an exemplar. Even before taking office, this intrepid group took an unheard-of action and worked closely—in most cases campaigning with—candidates for school board thereby forging a cordial collaboration between the two boards that has served the community well and will continue to do so.

Resolutions  presented to Alvarez and Minnick include a list of the major accomplishments of the last eight years— financial excellence, including the refinancing of the Tuckahoe Creek Service District debt; earning triple A bond ratings from two different agencies; repurposing the Central High School property into a cultural and education center; building the first county-owned fire-rescue station in Hadensville; resolving a centuries’ old dispute about a portion of the Goochland Louisa boundary;  breaking ground for the new animal shelter; completion of the state-of-the art emergency communications center; many difficult land use decisions; and seeking  ways to expand broadband to the entire county.

That just scratches the surface. In addition to their basic supervisor duties, Alvarez and Minnick represented the county on boards—Alvarez on the Richmond  Regional Transportation Planning board to plead our case for road improvements; and Minnick on the Capital Workforce Partnership, a consortium of local elected officials that seeks ways to broaden training and employment opportunities in the region. Each spent countless hour listening to their constituents and working closely with members of county staff to solve problems and avoid unintended consequences from their decisions. They did all this, and much more, for the exorbitant salary of $1,000 PER MONTH. The board chair, which is rotated each year, is paid a bit more.

Minnick and Alvarez and members of county staff

Alvarez, who was born in Cuba but came to the United States as soon as he could, is a true American. On December 3, he recalled. “When we came into office (former county administrator) Becki Dickson was the spark that started many things like the renovation of Central High School and the animal shelter. She and (former county attorney) Norman Sales kept us on track and told us what we could and couldn’t do. This (serving as supervisor) is not something I ever thought I’d do. This last eight years have been the most fulfilling parts of my life. I’ve enjoyed my time on the board.  We’ve been able to accomplish a lot but I’m really proud of the little things. Taking a county with a lot of financial problems to two triple A ratings was great. I want to thank my wife, Grace. I could not have done this without her. I appreciate the friendship of people on the board of people working together for the same goal. We did not always agree on everything but worked for the good of the citizens. I leave my District in good hands with Neil (Spoonhower) “.

Minnick echoed Alvarez. “It’s been a tremendous personal experience to have the opportunity to serve on this board and have the residents of District 4 support me. I’m sure that Don Sharpe will step into this role on January 1 and do a great job. The greatest part of the experience has been to work with the staff and Constitutional officers and their teams, this Board and of course when (the late) Ned (Creasey) was with us. Thanks to John and Tara for their support and guidance about how to think about public policy, and friends and neighbors who took time to come out today.  And Cathy, you know how I feel about you and how you were with me from the beginning of this journey.”

Board Vice Chair Susan Lascolette, District 1, said that Minnick is one of the funniest guys she’s ever known.  “We’re going to be calling you and asking for your advice,” she promised. “You’ve been wonderful friends and we’ve accomplished a lot together.”

Ken Peterson, District 5 observed that Alvarez, a first-generation immigrant, is proof positive that the American dream is alive and well. “He escaped a communist regime and rose to a position of prominence in the private sector and later in life devoted his time and talents to make sure that this remains the land of the free and home of the brave and made Goochland the gold standard for local government.”

Peterson said that Minnick, who began his career as an army officer, rising to the rank of Lt. Col. before retirement, swore an oath and pledged his life to defend the Constitution. He went on to create a successful business and devote his time to local governance.

Neil Spoonhower, who will succeed Alvarez on the Board said that Manny’s endorsement was priceless. Spoonhower said his bar of achievement will be that his endorsement for a successor will be as valuable as Manny’s was for him in November. “That will mean that I’ve treated people fairly, listened to all the people, whether they agreed or disagreed with me, and worked tirelessly to serve the citizens”.

D. B. Smith, a friend and neighbor of Minnick’s, said he has never seen such a spirit of working together to solve problems and thanked the entire board for its last eight years of work on behalf of citizens. “I’ve seen the amount of time you put in and want to thank you all for a great job.”

Others expressed gratitude to all board members for paying attention to residents’ concerns and making citizens feel they’ve been listened to when they made tough decisions.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Raley said that when he was sworn in, he was told that public safety and education are a priority here. “That wasn’t just lip service. Their actions day in and day out have supported that. I’ve enjoyed our interactions and serve our community working with you.”

Jonathan Lyle, Monacan Soil and Water Director, thanked Grace Alvarez and Cathy Minnick for sharing their spouses.” It’s a family effort and I appreciate the investment you’ve made in the success of the county.” 

Cathy Minnick (l) and Grace Alvarez

This recognition and celebration mark peaceful transition and ongoing commitment to good governance to serve all the citizens of Goochland.

Hail and farewell to Manny and Bob. Goochland owes you a debt of gratitude for doing the impossible so often that it almost became routine. May you serve as an example for those who follow.