The race is on for Midlothian supervisor
By Greg Pearson

Humphrey Candidates must file by August 25

Though the Chesterfield board selected Terri Cofer Beirne last week to serve until the election results for Midlothian supervisor this November are certified, candidates from both parties are eyeing running for Midlothian supervisor this fall. Candidates feel they have a better chance of winning when there is no incumbent.

The Chesterfield Republican Party met last week to determine the format for deciding how to select its candidate. "It's a party process open to any registered voter in the Midlothian district who signs a pledge to support Republican candidates in other races. The party canvass was selected by the executive committee because of the short timeframe [to make a decision]," said Chesterfield Republican Party Chairman Jim Davis.

Candidates will have to pledge not to run against the winner of this canvass. Eligible voters will cast their ballots at the canvass on August 16 from 5-8 p.m. at Midlothian High School. The exact details are in a classified ad paid for by the Chesterfield Republican Party in this issue on page 14.

According to Republican sources present at last week's meeting, three party members were "interested candidates." They are Jack Kotvas, Will Shewmake and Don Sowder.

Robert Hodges was also reportedly interested but travel for work caused him to withdraw. There was also speculation about other possible hopefuls.

"It appears now that Jack Kotvas and Will Shewmake have the organizations established to go through the party nominating process," said Matoaca Supervisor Renny Humphrey. "Will has my support because I think he is highly electable, respected by the business community and Little League parents, has kids currently in the school system and served ably on the planning commission."

Shewmake is a former planning commissioner and co-founded the law firm Shewmake Baronian in 1994. He is a Richmond native, president-elect of the Midlothian Rotary and active in county Little Leagues.

Kotvas, a U.S. Air Force veteran, has served on a number of civic committees, boards and commissions throughout Virginia. In recent years, he has served as the director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Currently, he is an assistant attorney general in the Health, Education and Social Services Section of the Office of Attorney General.

"Historically, the Midlothian district has voted Republican except for supervisor," added Davis. "We may try to showcase our candidates in a public forum at one of the schools between August 9 and 16."

The Chesterfield Democratic Party won't determine how it will select its candidate until it meets today (August 2). Like the Republicans, it will ask for party loyalty.

"It will likely be a Midlothian district activity- not countywide-and probably a caucus or mass meeting," said Democratic Spokesperson Lynne Cooper. "In the past, voters have been asked to pledge to vote Democratic and not against Democratic candidates."

Cooper said two potential candidates have already approached her about representing the party, and she suspects others have approached other party officials.

All candidates will have to file with the Registrar's Office by August 25 to appear on the ballot. The major parties will submit their candidates.

"There are a series of forms for Independents to submit," explained Deputy Registrar Deborah Altice. "There is a declaration of candidacy, a petition with at least 125 qualified, registered voters which is reviewed by us, and other forms."

The Registrar's Office is located at 9848 Lori Road near the county administration building. The phone number is 748-1471.

Interim selection

The night before the Chesterfield board was set to vote on an interim supervisor to represent Midlothian, a consensus had been reached to select Beirne, a 39-year-old attorney and lobbyist who lives with her family in Reeds Landing. But just prior to the board meeting, some supervisors thought there could be a change.

Earlier, the four supervisors, all Republicans, agreed the vote should be unanimous, and they conferred with each other by phone to discuss who was seriously being considered and whom to interview in the span of six days. Chairman Dickie King interviewed the most-nine in person. Vice Chairman Kelly Miller talked directly to eight.

County leaders, including the supervisors, were surprised by the number of applicants. In all, there were 17 applicants - far more than expected. "We were very impressed by the level of their credentials," said Humphrey. "They were all qualified."

After a few days, the short list had been narrowed to five: Beirne plus Gordon Meyers, Robert Hodges, Don Sowder and Patty Carpenter, said Republican sources.

The field had been whittled down, in part, because some candidates had pledged not to seek the office in November, and that became an advantage for three reasons. The supervisors believed that it would be difficult for a new supervisor to become familiar with the issues and zoning cases while also campaigning for the fall elections.

Party leaders were concerned that if a Republican was appointed on July 26, three weeks later the Chesterfield Republican Party might nominate someone else to run in the fall. If the board appointed someone who pledged not to run, the board and the party would not be at odds.

In some quarters, party affiliation as a Republican was becoming a disadvantage. Some insiders believed the party might fare better with Midlothian voters this fall if the person selected was not a Republican.

With a clear majority of registered voters in the district, Chesterfield Republicans feel the party should be able to elect its candidate in November. That was more important than selecting a Republican as interim supervisor.

At the board meeting last week, Humphrey enthusiastically nominated Beirne. An Independent, born and raised in Chesterfield and a graduate of Monacan High School, Beirne had pledged not to seek the Midlothian seat in November. Beirne also interviewed very well, said Republican sources.

Much of Beirne's job for the next three months will be tending to constituent issues, including zoning matters. Zoning is one of her strengths, since she practices law in the land use field and worked for the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission 10 years ago. Neither she nor her employer, the law firm of McCandlish Holton, currently represents business clients before Chesterfield County.