8-25-2026 4:03pm

News Update: The List of Applicants For The Vacant Chancellor District Supervisor Seat

John Williams Editor

Photo Courtesy Of Fredericksburg.com

by John Williams, Editor The Spotsylvania Gazette
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY — Thirteen residents have applied for the vacant Chancellor District seat on the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors, giving the board a broad field of candidates to consider as it prepares to fill the vacancy.

The applicant list released to the public includes residents with a variety of professional and community backgrounds.

The 13 applicants are:

Brooke Cunningham
Dawn Shelley
John Charles
Scott P. Foster
Jeff Shattuck
Charles L. Washington Jr.
Justin Bernier
Janet Gardon
Amanda Blalock
Laura Catalono
Tim McLaughlin
Steven Cronberry
William McCuen

The vacancy has drawn significant attention because the person selected will temporarily represent residents of the Chancellor District on the county’s governing board.

The application process gives the six sitting supervisors an opportunity to review the candidates’ qualifications, professional experience, community involvement and positions on issues facing Spotsylvania County.

The release of the applicant list and accompanying résumés provides the public with its first opportunity to examine the backgrounds of the individuals seeking the appointment.

Among the issues likely to face whoever takes the seat are county growth and development, transportation, schools, public safety, the county budget, property taxes and the continued debate over how Spotsylvania should manage residential and commercial growth.

A decision now rests with the Board

The Board of Supervisors will ultimately determine who fills the vacant Chancellor District position. The appointment process is particularly significant because the new supervisor will join a board that has faced contentious debates over growth, development, spending and other major county policies.

For Chancellor District residents, the appointment will determine who speaks for the district on those issues until the seat is permanently filled through the applicable electoral process.

The 13 applicants now become the focus of public scrutiny as supervisors review their qualifications and determine which candidate has the experience and approach they believe best represents the district.

The release of the résumés also allows residents to compare the candidates’ professional backgrounds, civic involvement and political experience before the board makes its decision.

The Spotsylvania Gazette will continue to follow the appointment process and provide a candidate-by-candidate review of the 13 applicants as additional information becomes available.