10-28-2025 7:44pm

Baron Braswell Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors Battlefield District

John L Williams Editor

1. Why am I running?

I’ve dedicated my life to serving the citizens of Spotsylvania County as a former school board member, a community leader and youth mentor. I helped to resolve tough matters with professionalism and dignity and I'm motivated to continue these efforts on the Board of Supervisors.

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

Increased and sustained educational funding. Access to a equitable and high quality education is the greatest civil right issue of our day. Great schools make a great economy and community for our county. 2) Smart economic growth and development.

3. What is the number 1 issue on the minds of voters in Spotsylvania County?

Quality Education for all the students of Spotsylvania County.

The issue of the Data Centers are also a big concern for the Voters County Wide.

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

I haven't noticed any significant changes in county services; however, the impact of SNAP benefits will impact our Social Services as well as the large number of "ALICE" families in Spotsylvania County. The impact will be felt throughout our schools to include Title I schools.

5. How should we improve education in County?

I have been a staunch supporter of schools, raising more than $170,000 for the division through the race against teen violence, which I launched after his son was murdered in the county in 2006. I have also raised $178,000 in scholarships through the event. I have decried the county’s categorical funding of schools, saying the board providing guidelines on how the schools’ money is used shows a lack of trust in division officials.

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

The county can improve mental health services through funding of our social services department and school budgets.

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

We must increase funding for special needs and English language learners. We must continue to advocate for funding at the state and federal level.

8. What can we as a do to create affordable housing for our Teachers, Police, Firefighters, first responders, and health care workers?

Affordable housing will primarily be a "Supply and Demand" issue; however, we can incentives townhomes, single family homes that are less expensive and apartments for younger families.

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

I served three terms as School Board Chairman and one term as Vice Chair. Consensus Builder—I worked with other Board Members to tackle tough issues such as School Redistricting, School Budgets and Emergency Preparedness (COVID-19). Strategic Planning—Renovation of Courtland High School and Spotsylvania Middle School, to include other school-related infrastructure projects.