Van Carney, who served one term as the Stonewall-Hawthorne supervisor, did not seek reelection to the board. (Photo/Ireland Hayes)

After representing the Stonewall-Hawthorne District for one four-year term, Woodville resident Van Carney will step down from the Rappahannock Board of Supervisors (BOS) at the end of the year. 

Carney, 45, now a third-year law student at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School in Arlington, said he’s leaving the BOS to focus on his family, finish law school and begin a clerkship next spring with Stuart Raphael, a judge on the Court of Appeals of Virginia, whose chambers are in Arlington. 

“It all came down to a matter of timing,” Carney said in an interview. “Spending more time with my family, law school and a clerkship at the appeals court all figured into my decision. The county sometimes may have business before the courts — I didn’t want there to be any kind of conflict.” 

Challenges

Carney said the high points of his service as a supervisor came during “clutch” times when he had to cast difficult votes.

“Having never served in public office, I found making tough decisions rewarding, even though sometimes it meant few were thrilled with the result. But compromise is important,” he said. “You really have to do your homework, understand the issues and not be distracted by political noise.”

One of the biggest challenges, he said, was putting together the county’s annual budget. 

“The board is tasked with zoning, permits and legislative acts, but adopting the county’s budget is a huge responsibility,” said Carney. “Essentially we are collecting property taxes from people and redistributing those funds to different programs. It’s not always easy.”

The majority of the county’s budget goes to the public schools, often sparking spirited debate about funding needs for other county programs.   

“I believe the schools are the heart of our community,” he said. “We shouldn’t reduce or choke the schools’ funding. Costs are skyrocketing, but providing competitive salaries and health care for teachers is just a basic responsibility.”

Disappointments

A strong advocate for protecting dark skies, Carney was disappointed the board did not  adopt a countywide lighting ordinance. 

Carney emphasized a lighting policy wouldn’t ban outdoor lights. “It actually can help you focus the light where it’s really needed and not create glare,” he said. “An unshielded light can blind you. Appropriate shielding and light wavelength can make things safer.

“I hope we can figure out a way to move the ball down the field,” he said. “I understand there are concerns about the county’s authority under state law, but I think we have the authority to provide for health, safety and welfare and zoning. A dark skies ordinance could be justified under those authorities.”

Another regret, Carney said, was not garnering the votes for a policy to protect the “free speech rights” of speakers during BOS public comment periods. He said the board’s practice of allowing five minutes for speakers has been inconsistent. 

“If you let someone talk for 12 minutes and someone else talk for 18 minutes, or you cut one person off, there’s a pretty good argument there’s viewpoint discrimination,” he said.

His proposal, which some opponents portrayed as censorship, would have guaranteed speakers “equal time” with the board adjusting time limits based on an agenda’s complexity. 

Carney at his last Board of Supervisors meeting on Dec. 1. (Photo/Luke Christopher)

‘Not red or blue’

Having grown up in the county, Carney said most of his constituents take a common sense approach to everyday challenges.

“I feel that most of my constituents are hardworking, everyday people that are just trying to live their lives,” he said. “They want sensible solutions to complex problems.”

His approach has been to stay “grounded” locally. 

“It’s easy to watch the national news and think that the sky is falling, but just talk to your neighbor,” he said. “Local politics is about connecting with people and respecting their viewpoints. For the most part, it’s not red or blue and I love that,” he said.

‘Relentlessly curious’

John Genho of Woodville, who has been elected to fill Carney’s seat, said he has been impressed with Carney’s way of addressing issues “head on” without creating “drama.” “To be able to address something directly without emotion, Van’s very good at that,” he said. 

In an email, County Administrator Garrey Curry said, “I’ve found Van to be relentlessly curious about everything, taking time to research and understand topics before the Board.” 

BOS Chair Debbie Donehey, added: “Van’s lifelong knowledge of the county was an invaluable asset, often providing meaningful insight. His calm demeanor and thoughtful approach consistently contributed to productive and respectful discussions.”

Looking ahead

After graduation from law school in May, Carney plans to remain in Rappahannock and commute to his clerkship as needed. 

“Rappahannock is my home and I have no plans to leave,” he said. 

While keeping his long-term career options open, he said, “I wouldn’t rule out becoming a prosecuting attorney down the road, but that’s a while off.”

Whatever his future holds, Carney said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the county.

“It’s been an honor and the privilege of my life to serve my community,” he said. “I deeply appreciate my fellow board members and applaud their service, willingness to show up, have debates, take action and move forward, even if we may have disagreed on issues.”