SEEKING 60TH HOUSE SEAT - Halifax farmer/businessman James E. Edmunds II announced his candidacy Friday for the House of Delegates seat being vacated by Clarke Hogan. Edmunds will run under the Republican banner. (G-V Photo/Beth Robertson)
GOP’s James Edmunds Seeks 60th House Seat
Farmer/businessman James Edmunds II called for fiscal responsibility and efficiency of government operations as well as ‘common sense’ lawmaking in announcing his bid for the 60th District House seat being vacated by Delegate Clarke Hogan. Surrounded by family, friends and GOP supporters, Edmunds announced his candidacy Friday morning at the Halifax Courthouse.
“I believe that government should serve the people; not ‘run’ the people. I believe in giving the small business-man or woman a fighting chance, not bogging them down in complicated regulations and burdensome taxes.”
Edmunds also pledged to work to bring industry into rural areas and to fight for education and opportunity for jobs.
“I believe that my history of conservation proves that I am dedicated to doing all that I can to maintain our clean water, clean air, abundant wildlife, and open spaces; all things necessary for us to preserve the quality of life that we hold so dear.”
Edmunds told the crowd he would be a voice for “sustainable agriculture,” and that he never wanted the U.S. to be dependent on other countries for food.
“Virginia has made great strides in eliminating the ‘death’ tax on passing farmland from generation to generation, and I will work to keep it and other obstacles from putting family farms out of business,” he said.
He also said he would work to help localities reduce the tax burdens on senior citizens on fixed incomes, noting some seniors must decide between food and medication.
At the courthouse, family friend and South Boston Mayor Carroll Thackston introduced Edmunds, noting eight years ago he had introduced Clarke Hogan as a candidate for the House of Delegates seat.
“Now, it is my equal privilege and pleasure to introduce a respected, well-known and successful businessman as the Republican candidate for Clark’s seat, the right person for the job,” said Thackston.
Noting Edmunds’ “broad experience in local government, business and community affairs,” Thackston said the candidate would be invaluable in Richmond.
Edmunds, who is currently serving his 10th year on the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, has served as finance, and buildings and grounds chairman, and recently chaired the committee for the first county-sponsored fair.
“What are you looking for in a representative?” asked Del. Hogan. It all boils down to one thing, he explained: “Do you trust them to do what is right for the community?” In Edmunds, Hogan said he knew “we had someone we could trust.”
Edmunds and his wife, Jennifer, are the parents of two children, Paul and Caroline. He is a graduate of Averett University where he earned a BS in Business Administration.
The candidate has served on the Virginia Board of Forestry and participated in the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation in St. Louis during the Bush administration. He also served on the founding board of the Halifax Higher Education Foundation and dedicated a room to his family at the site, according to Thackston.
Edmunds has also hosted a number of hunts for Wounded Warriors, a national program to honor service members who fought and were wounded in the Iraq and Afghan wars.
A conservationist, Edmunds has received several national, state and local awards, including the Va. Chapter of Wildlife Organization. He is the recipient of the Willis Robertson Award for outstanding wildlife management and conservation. He also received the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Woodlands Award and an award from the Remington Firearms Company for his efforts as well, as an award from the Halifax County Soil and Water Board, Thackston said.
Edmunds is a member of First Presbyterian Church.
Also vying for the 60th District seat are Democrats W.W. “Ted” Bennett and David Guill, who will compete in the Democratic primary.
A Halifax attorney, Bennett is a former delegate and the retired executive director of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.
Guill, a Randolph resident and member of the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors, is employed as transportation director for the Halifax County Public School System.
Democratic Party Chairman Evelyn Allocco confirmed she recently submitted papers to the State Board of Elections regarding the party’s intention to hold a June primary.
The filing deadline for candidates running in primaries is 5 p.m. on April 15, according to Halifax County Registrar Judy Meeler.
All 100 House seats are up for election in the fall.
Hogan, who announced his decision not to seek reelection last month, cited family business responsibilities. Hogan has served in the House since 2002.
The winner of the fall election for the 60th District House seat will take office January 2010.