10-27-2025 12:49pm

David Goosman Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors Berkeley District

John L Williams Editor

1. Why are you running?

I’m running for the Berkeley District seat because I believe Spotsylvania needs a voice for the people — not for developers or special interests. As a retired Air Force officer and lifelong public servant, I’ve always stepped up when something needed fixing. I see a county that’s growing too fast without the infrastructure to support it. I’m running to bring transparency, accountability, and common-sense leadership back to the Board of Supervisors and to ensure citizens, not special interests, have a seat at the table.

2. What are the top three issues you want to address in office?

Responsible Growth: We must balance development with the infrastructure, schools, and public safety services to support it. I will support a Special Use Permit (SUP) process for all data centers to ensure public input and transparency.
Transportation & Infrastructure: I will push for better proffers from developers to improve roads, schools, and services and expand our county’s in-house transportation capability so we’re not fully dependent on VDOT timelines.
Fiscal Accountability: As a taxpayer myself, I want to ensure county spending is prioritized — focusing on needs, not wants — while keeping taxes low and attracting responsible businesses that grow our revenue base.

3. What is the number one issue on the minds of voters in Spotsylvania County?

Growth and how it’s being managed. Citizens are frustrated by overcrowded schools, congested roads, and decisions being made without adequate public input. People want to see smarter, more responsible planning that protects the rural and historic character of Spotsylvania while still encouraging thoughtful economic growth.

4. What problems are you noticing in the county due to the Federal Government Shutdown?

The immediate impact is uncertainty — especially for the many Spotsylvania families and retirees connected to federal employment, the military, and contracting. Local spending slows down, small businesses feel the pinch, and county services may experience delays in federal funding support. It underscores why fiscal discipline and diversification of our local economy are critical to buffer against these national disruptions.

5. How should we improve education in the County?

Education should always be a top priority. We need to strengthen collaboration between the Board of Supervisors and the School Board to ensure adequate, sustainable funding. I’ll advocate for using new revenue streams — like those from data centers and Kalahari — to help keep teacher pay competitive, reduce classroom overcrowding, and invest in modern facilities and vocational programs that prepare our students for real-world careers.

6. How can the County and/or the State improve Mental Health Services?

Mental health must be treated as a community priority. We should strengthen partnerships with regional service providers, expand school-based counseling resources, and improve crisis response training for law enforcement and first responders. The County can also better coordinate with nonprofits and the private sector to expand access to care for those in rural and underserved areas.

7. How can we improve funding for Special Education and English Language Learners?

These programs require consistent funding and community support. I would work to ensure new commercial revenues — such as from data centers and tourism projects — are allocated in part to support these programs. We also need to leverage state and federal grants more effectively and ensure every dollar is used to directly benefit the students and teachers who rely on these essential services.

8. What can we as a County do to create affordable housing for Teachers, Police, Firefighters, First Responders, and Health Care Workers?

We can encourage developers to include workforce housing options in new projects and offer incentives for developments that serve our essential workers. Partnering with the private sector and local lenders can help create attainable housing without sacrificing the county’s fiscal integrity or overburdening infrastructure.

9. Is there anything else the voters should know about you?

I’m not a politician — I’m your neighbor. I don’t have land to sell or special interests to represent. My only goal is to serve the people of Spotsylvania with honesty, transparency, and integrity. Barbara and I have raised our family here, and I want to ensure Spotsylvania remains a great place to live, raise children, and retire. With your vote, I’ll bring a citizen’s voice back to county government and make sure every decision puts people over politics.