Moving on

The last year or so has seen many changes in Goochland leadership. A new treasurer, fire-rescue chief, sheriff, two new supervisors, three new school board members, and soon, a new county administrator.

John Budesky, who became county administrator in the summer of 2016, will leave Goochland government on June 30, to become chief executive officer of Hanover County.

John Budesky sworn in by the Hon. Dale Agnew

At the start of their June 2 meeting—held virtually to comply with Covid 19 quarantine guidelines—Goochland supervisors recognized Budesky for a job well done.

Budesky reflected on his time in Goochland. He said that he valued seeing the staff grow and develop as it tackled many challenges during the past four years. He is perhaps proudest of the little things, especially citizen engagement.

One of many town hall meetings.

“Everything we do starts and ends with the citizens,” Budesky said. “We joke that we are a transparent organization but it’s not a joke, it’s a fundamental belief that guides everything we do, and we are better for it.” Budesky reflected on this interesting time with Covid and incidents that cause differences of opinion. “Goochland is not immune. As a community we can recognize areas in which we need to improve and grow. We can do it with civility and trust and respect and respect to bring diverse opinions to the table. There hasn’t been a single day that I have not learned from the team and our citizens, that’s what drives me.”

Budesky and some members of the county's talented staff

Budesky quipped that he has not been shy about expressing his views on many matters to the supervisors and thanked them for allowing him to be frank with them “It allows us to make better decisions.” He said that he will miss entire leadership and administrative team, especially Deputy Clerk Lisa Beczkiewicz. “I’ve made a lot of friends in Goochland, will be a neighbor, and continue to be a friend. There are a lot of things I will never forget. I’m proud of the work we’ve done with the business and agricultural community.  I honor the opportunity you gave me to serve.

There were lots of ribbon cuttings and ground breakings

 “I had big high heels to fill, they will never be filled the way they deserved to be,” Budesky said referencing his predecessor, the late Rebecca T. Dickson. “You can’t plan your life, but there is a time and place for people, the past four years was my time and place to work with this board and very talented team to serve the citizens of Goochland.”

Working together for the good of all

Since taking the reins of county government—the supervisors set policy, the county administrator is responsible for implementing those policies—Budesky built on inherited successes and put his own stamp on Goochland’s trajectory toward excellence.

During his tenure, Budesky participated in ground breakings for the new animal shelter and rehabilitation hospital in West Creek; ribbon cuttings for the Emergency Communications and Operations center; expanded community development space; new Hadensville Company 6 fire-rescue station, Central High School Educational and Cultural Center;  and Agriculture Center.

Budesky continued the cordial and collaborative relationships with constitutional officers, and especially the school division, a phenomenon rare and beautiful in local government. Goochland Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Raley said “it has truly been a pleasure serving beside John.  I trust his judgment and could always go in (to his office) and shut the door and just talk.”

Budesky and Raley

Administratively Budesky continued Goochland’s excellent reputation for financial matters as the county secure a second AAA bond rating from Moody’s, the smallest county in the nation to secure two such ratings.  He also oversaw completion of a 25-year capital improvement plan, to make sound fiscal decisions for the county’s future.

Thank you, John for keeping Goochland on track. Best of all good things in your new position.

Board Chair Susan Lascolette presents proclamation to  John Budesky on June 2 (photo courtesy of Goochland County).

The supervisors met in closed session to discuss appointment of an interim county administrator during the search for Budesky’s successor. Go to the county website goochlandva.us to read the recruitment brochure and go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z66WCKC  by June 8 to participate in a survey about qualities needed in our next county administrator.