Art Warren, Dan Gecker likely board leaders in 2008
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Political insiders predict Art Warren and Dan Gecker will serve as chair and vice chair respectively when four new members join the board of supervisors in January.

The two most experienced members of the 2008 Chesterfield Board of Supervisors are likely to take on the roles of chairman and vice chairman. According to sources, Clover Hill Supervisor Art Warren is expected to become chairman while Midlothian Supervisor-elect Dan Gecker is expected to become vice chairman.

"It would make sense the four newcomers would support the elder statesmen," said one county leader.

Warren has been Clover Hill's representative since 1992. Gecker is completing his eighth year on the planning commission and currently serves as its chairman. The other supervisors-in-waiting - Marleen Durfee (Matoaca), Dorothy Jaeckle (Bermuda) and Jim Holland (Dale) - have not served on the board or commission previously.

Warren and Gecker both deflected questions about leadership roles in 2008. Asked about being chairman, Warren was cautious, saying "We haven't been officially elected until we're sworn in." The swearing-in takes place Dec. 20, the day after the current board's final meeting.

A five-hour workshop is scheduled this week so county staff can brief the new board on current matters. "I've requested it so the new board members can hit the ground running," explained Warren. "We have a lot of issues to address quickly including zoning cases, but it won't be an official meeting since we're not sworn in yet."

Revisiting the Upper Swift Creek Plan is high on both Warren and Gecker's priority lists. "The Upper Swift Creek Plan needs review, making sure we protect the future of the reservoir," said Warren. He indicated more review by the commission is in order.

"All methods for preserving water quality should be on the table," added Gecker, "but I wouldn't highlight the deferred growth area because that can be handled in individual zoning cases."

They both endorsed levels of service for schools and roads, meaning zoning cases could be voted down if roads and schools in the vicinity aren't able to handle the impact.

"Not only for the Swift Creek watershed, but levels of service are necessary for the entire county," said Gecker.

Warren agreed, but added "that the devil is in the details." The county attorney's office has cautioned that levels of service need to be applied equally in order to be legally justifi- able.

Another issue facing the new board in January is zoning approval of Cloverleaf Mall. The current board has reservations about 750 homes - mostly multifamily - on the 83-acre site, and Gecker believes the county staff has negotiated a deal that is too favorable to North Carolina developer Crosland. The commission will hear the case on Dec. 18 and pass it on to the board next month.