Three new members to join planning commission
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Waller

Three of the four new members of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors have named new representatives to serve on the planning commission for four years starting in January. The new commissioners will be Reuben Waller (Midlothian District), Sam Hassen (Bermuda District) and Bill Brown (Dale District). Clover Hill Commissioner Russ Gulley and Matoaca Commissioner Wayne Bass will be reappointed.

Reuben Waller

Waller, 60, is a licensed real estate broker and appraiser with a MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in history. Waller has been a fixture at county board and planning commission meetings for years.

"There's room for improvement on how we are doing things," Waller said. "There's merit to the discussion about one [countywide] comprehensive plan with more detail, including a level of service as one consideration."

Sam Hassen

Hassen retired as a financial executive from Phillip Morris about nine years ago. "He has good judgment and looks at things fairly," said Supervisor-elect Dorothy Jaeckle of the Bermuda District.

Hassen

Hassen lives in Rivers Bend and owns a parcel of land zoned agriculture near where Branner Station will be built. During his 30-year career with Phillip Morris, part of his job included overseeing construction.

"We need good planning that benefits the residents and the developers," explained Hassen. "Growth is going to occur and should occur, and we should look at it from both sides."

Bill Brown

Brown is an associate professor of accounting and department chair at Longwood University. A graduate of North Carolina State, he has an MBA from Old Dominion University and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina. Brown is also a CPA and serves as the treasurer of the Chesterfield County Democratic Committee.

"Bill doesn't have a zoning background, but he also doesn't bring any special interest group connection," said Supervisor-elect Jim Holland of the Dale District. "He will listen, learn and advocate for citizens. He is very analytical and dissects issues quickly."

Brown