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August 13, 2014

Former legislator appointed Warrenton council member

Photo/Lawrence Emerson

“I’m gonna do what the people want me to do,” Jerry Wood said of his approach to serving on the town council.

He’s had an all-round career, in my opinion. He ran his own business a long, long time. I like having people in business on the council . . . . Obviously, he has legislative experience. And, I think Jerry’s a consensus-builder who can work with everybody.

— Councilwoman Sunny Reynolds

Jerry M. Ward

• Age: 77

• Home: 758 Cherry Tree Lane, Warrenton

• Work: Pharmacist in Fredericksburg, Culpeper and Warrenton, 1963-2005.

• Government: Appointed to Warrenton Town Council (Ward 1), 2014-16; Virginia House of Delegates (31st District), 1991-93; served on the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and Virginia Board of Health Professions.

• Community: Boys & Girls Club of Fauquier, Literacy Volunteers of Fauquier, Mental Health Association of Fauquier, Fauquier/Warrenton Optimist Club, Warrenton Rotary Club, Fauquier Free Clinic, Fauquier County Democratic Committee, St. James’ Episcopal Church, Fauquier Cancer Society and others.

• Education: Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy, 1962; Salem High School.

• Family: Wife Coleen; six children, and 12 grandchildren.

By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor

Retired pharmacist and former state legislator Jerry Wood will serve the next two years on the Warrenton Town Council.

The council Tuesday night voted, 6-0, to appoint Mr. Wood to fill the Ward 1 seat. He succeeds Powell Duggan, who resigned last month to begin a four-year term as mayor.

Ward 1 — the largest of five in Warrenton — covers the town’s northeastern quadrant. The ward includes Warrenton’s largest shopping centers, the east side of Winchester Street, North Rock, townhouses along Oak Springs Drive and some of the neighborhoods north and east of Walker Drive.

Mr. Wood, 77, called “getting people more closely related to their government” a top priority. That will include some meetings for constituents.

He said Mr. Duggan, who won the uncontested election May 6 to succeed George Fitch as mayor, already has set a more inclusive tone.

“I’m gonna do what the people want me to do,” said Mr. Wood, who served 1991-93 as a Democrat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Republican Jay Katzen defeated him in the 31t District in the November 1993 election.

Mr. Wood owned and operated the Fauquier Pharmacy on Warrenton’s Main Street from 1972 to ’92 and retired 13 years later.

He helped found the Boys & Girls Club of Fauquier in 1997. Mr. Wood and fellow club leaders butted heads with some town officials but after almost two years finally won approval of a special use permit — with lots of restrictive conditions — in 2009 to open in the former Old Town Athletic Club building on Keith Street.

The new councilman said that experience gives him some insight and empathy for applicants who will come before the seven-member body.

Mr. Wood’s work in the community and state government made him a good choice for the appointment, according to Councilwoman Sunny Reynolds (At-large).

“He’s had an all-round career, in my opinion,” Ms. Reynolds said. “He ran his own business a long, long time. I like having people in business on the council . . . . Obviously, he has legislative experience. Even though it was a while ago, he understands parliamentary procedure.

“And, I think Jerry’s a consensus-builder who can work with everybody.”

She nominated him Tuesday night, and the council voted unanimously with virtually no discussion.

Mike Forsten, Chris Myers and Ali Zarabi also applied for the appointment, which runs through June 30, 2016.

In May 2016, town voters will elect the five ward council members.

Ms. Reynolds and Sean Polster won the at-large seats this May.

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fauquierflash · August 13, 2014 at 6:47 pm

Jerry is a good man who really cares about his Community, Children and Fauquier County. He will bring experience and conviction for what Warrenton needs to move forward and include everyone in the process if they choose.

Success

Fauquier2you · August 13, 2014 at 6:00 pm

It appears that Sunny Reynolds has again convinced town council members to support her campaign favor payback. Unfortunately, at the cost of Ward One residence.
Ms. Reynolds, your right about one thing you said, it will be an ELECTION May of 2016 for the Ward One seat, difference being the people of Ward One will have a voice.

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