9-19-2025 2:14pm

The three candidates for Berkeley District Supervisor participated in a public forum sponsored by the Fredericksburg Advance

John L Williams Editor

Courtesy of John Williams. Left to Right current supervisor Kevin Marshall, Nilofer Garza, David Goosman, and moderator Martin Davis.

On Thursday night Berkeley District candidates squared off at the Snow Library. The Moderator Martin Davis welcomed the public in attendance and explained the ground rules.

He told the audience and the three candidates that each of one of them had time to make a three minute introduction. During the debate 3 questions would be asked. Each question would be asked separately and after each one they would have 3 minutes to respond. Finally each candidate would have 4 minutes to make a closing statement.

Kevin Marshall in his introduction explained why he should be reelected to the Board. First, he told the story of his being born and raised in Berkeley District. Being a Baseball coach, Fireman, working for the county office of Economic Development, and serving on the Board he knows the people and problems of the Berkeley District.

Second , he was proud of the work the board has done since he joined. He is extremely proud of the triple AAA bond rating the county has received in the last few years, keeping taxes down, and the number of projects approved by the county. Finally, he wants to return to the Board to continue the work they have accomplished with the triple a bond prating and use it to pave the roads, development, and work on the traffic situation in the county.

David Goosman began his introduction by talking about how he came here more than 20 years ago after a distinguished career in the Air Force which he is now retired from. How he is a devoted family man, a father, and Grandfather. He explained his service on various Spotsylvania County appointed boards and commissions. These include serving as Vice Chairman of the Spotsylvania Economic Development Authority and the Berkeley representative on the Regional Transportation Committee.

He emphasized his experience as an Airforce officer, his serving his county, and service to his church make him the right choice on the board.

Nilofer Garza started talking about how her decade living here and her work experience would benefit the county. Through her experiences she would bring to the country a more proactive style than what is currently being used.

Her reasons why she was running included full funding for our schools. She said she is the pro education candidate in this race. She is a project of very good public schools and wants that in our county. Second, she wants to bring a more proactive approach to our problems, more support to our small businesses, and a balanced approach to development.

The first question dealt with funding our schools, second one the Data Centers, and the third one dealt with transportation issues.

On the question of funding of the schools Kevin supported continuing funding for the schools. He was happy with the increased cooperation between the board and Superintendent Dr Mitchell regarding the Budget.

David just agreed with Kevin but not talk about what he would do.

Nilofer once again emphasized her support of full funding for the schools. Students deserve the opportunity to have good schools and support for the construction of new schools.

The second Question dealt with the growth of the Data Centers. Ken spoke mostly about his work on the board concerning this issue. He knows some homeowners are concerned they are so close to their own homes and communities. He understands and is listening.

David comments agreed with the position already expressed by Kevin.

Nilofer agreed that the Data Centers needed to be dealt with on a case by case basis.

The last question dealt with transportation issues in the county. It became an interesting discussion about whether the county should be part of the regional transportation authority or not.

Nilofer gave support to returning the county to the Regional Transportation authority. Her support is based on how our citizens are sitting in traffic regionally not just in the county.

Kevin defended the Board’s removing the county from the regional transportation authority. He supported the increase in the number of employees working with the county‘s transportation department. He mentioned we are still paving dirt roads here in Berkeley district.

After the forum the public was allowed time to walk around and ask questions of the candidates.

If you want more information about the candidates here are the links to their campaign website sites.

David Goosman https://www.goosmangop.org/

Nilofer Garza

https://www.nilofergarzasupervisor.com

Kevin Marshall
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jv4SP2dxe/?mibextid=wwXIfr