Sue Sadler has been asked to speak to the importance of the down ticket elections, including the school board and County Supervisors. With control of the county's monies and the education of @ 11,000 children, these are very important decisions. Sue will explain more about this, and while it seems the state elections are getting all of the media coverage, how critical it is to elect conservatives to these positions.

Art Garrison has been closely working with the local Republican Committee and a number of its members to track and understand the importance of Republicans being elected in this election cycle. He will explain this importance, and what some of the very key decisions that have to be made in the next 2-3 years, that will be importance for all JCC and City residents.

The August 17th CARMA Luncheon Speakers Were:

JCC Board Of Supervisors Candidate - Trevor Topping & American Majority Organizer - Josh Clark

Trevor spoke to the large group about his campaign and how he will use his financial experience to insure that the monies collected and spent are within the correct priorities for the county. He believes that insuring that essential services and the people who provide them (especially police, fire, EMS, teachers) be paid a salary commensurate with their importance to the health and well being of the county. He specifically spoke of the need to stop the outflow of talented staff from the essential service categories.

He sad he will advocate for strengthening the Workforce Development opportunities. Better paying jobs in the county to lift up the general well being and encourage our graduates to stay in the county. This includes the clean commercial jobs and industry which is lacking in growth.

Trevor Topping's Short Bio:

After graduating from East Carolina University with a degree in business management, Trevor moved back home to James City County to pursue his dream of starting a local financial business. A true Peninsula native, Trevor, his wife Jessie and their three dogs are excited about growing their family in James City County. Trevor is looking forward to the opportunity to introduce a new generation of leadership to our community.

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Josh Clark spoke about the extensive work his organization id doing in seven states, but more specifically in Virginia. He spoke of the recruitment efforts for campaign workers to reach out to those targeted areas where identified to "get the conservative vote out." Josh's work with specific campaigns in Virginia is not associated with any of the other PACs or fund raising organizations, but rather through assistance to specific campaigns. They do significant data analysis and work with candidate to understand the voting profiles of districts right down to the lowest level of voting blocs. His talk was to let the audience know that where they work with a candidate it is from knocking on doors al the way to analyzing the areas accessability and determining where resources are spent, intelligently.

Josh Spoke of much of his career which was in both analysis and campaign management, either involving political races or for industry associations. He answered a number of questions and provided the CARMA members with contact information for both jobs and assistance.

Josh Clark's Bio:

Joshua Clark has been a lifelong resident of the Virginia Peninsula, where his family established themselves nearly 100 years ago when his great grandfather Lauchlin McDonald, a scottish carpenter, moved to Williamsburg to build homes in and around Colonial Williamsburg and William and Mary in the late 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Josh’s grandfather grew up and lived in the house that his father built and still stands today, right behind the old torn down Tioga Motor Court on Richmond Rd. He attended and graduated from Matthew Whaley when it was a K-12 school, before joining the military and serving a tour of duty as a Marine in Korea.

Joshua however grew up outside of Williamsburg in Hampton, where he lived with his parents who both worked in local law enforcement. He attended Kecoughtan and Phoebus high schools, and went to TNCC and Old Dominion University, studying economics and political science. While at ODU, Clark was awarded an internship working for two Republican legislators in Richmond, leading him to run his first paid political campaign in Virginia Beach in 2008. Before this first paid opportunity, he volunteered for campaigns on the Peninsula, not knowing this path would drive him to work in advocacy throughout the country, many years down the road.

Joshua has managed over 35 campaigns in Hampton Roads and throughout Virginia, and he's worked as regional director for organizations like Americans for Prosperity, the 60 Plus Association and as state director for the Virginia Tea Party Alliance. Joshua eventually left campaigns to serve as the Vice President of Government Affairs to the Tidewater Builders Association in Chesapeake, where he worked with policy makers to develop local, state and national housing policy. He would ultimately be hired to serve as the CEO to the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, one of the largest of its kind in the country. In Kansas City he established the Home Builders Foundation Fund, and built a nationally/regionally recognized workforce development initiative that raises awareness about the paramount importance skilled tradesmen provide to local economies. Here he also defeated costly legislation and restrictive regulations that increased the price of housing, which had the unfortunate effect of forcing thousands of homeowners out of the already expensive Kansas City housing market.

After serving in KC, Joshua would briefly return home to help his long time friend Shannon Kane run against democrat Kelly Fowler in Virginia Beach, and then traveled to Florida to serve as EO to the Brevard County Builders Association, all before permanently returning home to Hampton Roads in 2021. Clark and a partner recently founded the Hampton Roads Association of Micro Business last March. HRMBA has the ability to provide valuable resources to members of the area's microbusiness community who are unfamiliar with navigating the complicated nuances of local government. Josh is currently serving as the regional coordinator for AMA on the peninsula and is looking forward to getting re-established with the community that helped build his career nearly 20 years ago

American Majority Action is a conservative 501(c)4 organization that encourages freedom-minded  voters to support candidates who put America first. They deploy local issue activism to strengthen the conservative movement around the country, and believe that through these efforts to advocate for candidates who identify with this ideology, preserving the American dream for future generations is within reach. AMA is currently working to elect conservatives running for offce in the 24th Senate District.

The July 20th CARMA Luncheon Speakers Were:

John Curran - Berkeley District & Barbara Null - Stonehouse District

The June 15th Luncheon Speaker was:

Senator Ryan McDougle

Senator McDougle's district covers Eastern Hanover, New Kent, a part of JCC, Gloucester, and a few other small sections of adjacent counties. To review the most recent legislative session he basically said that there was little progress because the two parties were rejecting each others bills because of the party conflicts, while in his mind many bills made sense, there were rejected without consideration.

He stated he thought that there were some very important bills proposed to keep drugs out of the hands of children, keep them from killing minors from overdoses. More children were killed from drug overdoses than from guns and automobile accidents combined. He believes that crimes must be punished, but the Dems would not agree to any further laws that would punish drug dealers, even when it involved children. The GOP members tried to rescind the California copied rules regarding electric car mandates, but they were voted down by the Dems in the Senate. Some of the rules regarding this begin next year. Proposed legislation to allow parents a voice in determining what their children are taught was also voted down. Other items the dems killed were: photo ID to vote, limits on early voting time period, and curtailing biological males in biological girl's restrooms, and participation in female sports.

He said that this years election is critical if any reform to the above matters and many more "far-left" bills the dems passed is possible, then the House must remain republican controlled and the Senate must see a switch. There is apparently no possibility of working together as the two parties simply do not agree on anything.

He recommended the usage of the permanent enrollment in the absentee program. It is a tactic that the dems use to there benefit. It's legal and gives voters the chance to do it from home at their leisure. He believes that the Dems, because of donors like George Soros, will probably have 50-100% more money to spend on the election that the GOP. Remember Senator Monty Mason's quote about parents input to the schools "...parent's input is garbage, only the professionals know what should be taught." He said that personal interactions work, such as door knocking and small group meetings. He said the Republican members of both houses believe that a portion of the current state surplus should be returned to the taxpayers, however, the dems will not consider it.

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As a lifelong resident of Hanover County, Ryan understands the interests of the local community while seeking to maximize individual freedoms and conservative principles.

Ryan's commitment to public service is influenced by a grounded and humble upbringing. He quickly learned the value of hard work through his mother's small business, Sandy's Plants, at a young age. He went on to attend James Madison University before attaining his Juris Doctor degree at the Marshall-Wythe School of Law and The College of William and Mary.

Upon graduation, Ryan worked as a prosecutor for the Hanover County Commonwealth Attorney's Office, where he specialized in prosecuting domestic violence and family abuse offenders. His professional work on behalf of children grew into a personal commitment that resulted in the creation of the Hanover County Child Advocate Response Team.

Ryan began his legislative service in the House of Delegates in 2002 and went on to win a special election in 2006 for a vacant 4th Senate District Seat, where he currently serves. Ryan is Chairman of the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus. He is honored to be a member of the Judiciary, Privilege and Elections, Rehabilitation and Social Services and Rules Committee.

Ryan currently operates his own law practice, McDougle Law Firm, P.C. in Hanover. When he is not practicing law, working downtown at the Capitol, or visiting with constituents in the 26th District, Ryan spends his time with his wife Dr. Robyn McDougle and their daughter, Reagan.

The May 18, 2023 Luncheon Guest Speaker was:

CHAD GREEN, Candidate for Delegate

Chad Green was born in Newport News and has lived nearly his entire life on the peninsula. He is a graduate of the Hampton Roads Academy and is a graduate of the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) Chad earned his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and is admitted to practice in Alabama, Virginia, and the United States Supreme Court.

Chad is also a licensed commercial waterman, boat captain and a published author.

Since 2015 Chad has served on the York County Board of Supervisors, where he has held the line on taxes, ensured our police have the resources they need to keep our community safe, and supported an end to unscientific mandates in our schools. During his time on the Board, he served as Chairman for two years and Vice Chairman for one year.

On the Board, Chad has been Vice Chair of the Yorktown Fourth of July Committee, served on the Colonial Criminal Justice Board, Transportation Safety Commission, the York County Chamber of Commerce, York County Youth Commission, and the Williamsburg Tourism Council.
Outside of his service as an elected official and electing conservative candidates to office, Chad is active in his community. He is a founding member of the peninsula chapter of Ducks Unlimited, which supports wetland and duck habitat conservation. Chad is also the past President of the Grafton Kiwanis Club, Board of Directors of the Victory YMCA, conducted fundraising for the Boy Scouts of America Colonial Council, volunteered for the Virginia Living Museum, and served on the Board of Directors for the York County Waterways Alliance. He is also a lifetime member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Chad resides in Seaford with his wife, Ashley, and his two children, across the lane from where his grandfather once lived. He attends Zion United Methodist Church.

The March 16, 2023 Guest Speaker was:

Michael Lavin - Director of Collections and Conservation at Jamestown Rediscovery

The February 16th Speakers were WJCC Board of Education Candidates for
the Stonehouse & Roberts Districts

and Cameron Boone, Candidate for Commissioner of the Revenue for JCC

Mike Hosang - Candidate for BOE - Stonehouse District

In Mike Hosang's discussion with the luncheon group he said that parent should have input into the teaching of their children and that includes what text books are chosen, when that occurs, and that the BOE should be willing to listen to the voices of the parents and voters. Merely listening and not responding to parents and voters he does not believe is responsible management of the school district. He discussed the issues surrounding the CRT and SEL (social emotional learning) in WJCC. He gave some personal examples of issues he has faced with the BOE and administration. He has been active for a few years and has many ideas for ways to better manage community input.

BIO INFO - Mike Hosang is running for the WJCC School Board, Stonehouse District.  He is a transplant from Northern Ohio having settled down in Williamsburg in 2000 to start his family after leaving active duty.  Mike stayed in the reserves and retired in August, 2020 as a Lieutenant Colonel after 27 years in the Army.  He served for a year in Afghanistan as the Deputy Commander, Legal Command/Officer in Charge, Detainee Review Boards, CJIATF 435 and three years as a prosecutor with the Military Commissions prosecuting detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  He is currently an Associate General Counsel with the DOJ, US Marshals Service, mainly representing the Agency in labor disputes in administrative and federal courts, after spending over 17 years with the Department of Defense in the same capacity.  

Mike started attending school board meetings over two years ago when schools were forcing the students into virtual learning and wearing masks.  He has spoken on various topics at the school board meetings including the school board duty to make their own determination regarding masks and in-person learning and not blindly following the governor or health commissioner, the school system's teaching/use of CRT/SEL in the classrooms, inappropriate purchasing of textbooks, pornographic materials in the school libraries, and the inappropriate display of a gay pride flag in a high school history classroom.   Mike wants to bring power back to the parents (ie, having parents opt-in and not have to opt-out of certain activities/assignments); value back to the voter (giving a voice to the voter, even if they do not have a child in the school system anymore, contrary to recent school board comments), and accountability of the school board itself for its actions/inactions (removal of superintendent for lying to school board regarding CRT/SEL; removal of books from school libraries.)  

Mike is married and has two daughters who have both gone through/are still going through the WJCC school system.  His oldest daughter is a sophomore at W&M and was recently elected as the President of the College Republicans on campus.  His youngest daughter is a junior at Warhill High School.  Both daughters compete in Irish dancing and play the harp.  Mike's wife is a stay-at- home mom and works hard at keeping everything moving along peacefully.

Daniel R Cavazos, M.D. - Lt. Col. (Ret.) USAF - Roberts District

In Dr. Cavazos discussion with the CARMA luncheon group he explained that he wants to be a part of the BOE, so he may participate in the process that educates future American leaders. He believes that students should have a moral compass, be taught honesty, be taught civics, be taught the rule of law, and what it means to become a responsible citizen. He believes that students should be taught about critical thinking. That it is necessary to be literate by the 4th grade, and to be mathematically competant by the 8th grade. He believes that students have a right to be safe, and to have the tools necessary for learning. He believes that students should be treated as individuals and respected for their individual talents.

BIO INFO - I was born and raised in San Antonio TX. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1971, I attended the University of Texas, Austin for one year when I was drafted into the US Army. I completed my obligated tour of duty which included graduating from the Officer Candidate School and serving in the US Army Reserves while I completed my Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Texas.

I earned my Doctorate of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD and completed my Medical Internship at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

I completed my Orthopedic Surgery Residency Training Program at the University of Connecticut Health Sciences and began an obligated tour of duty with the United States Air Force. Our tours to Madrid, Spain and Bitburg, Germany were the highlights of our military service. A six-week Military Medical Mission to Nagier, Africa truly was a humbling experience.

My wife, Diane of 37 years and six children have extended our family with 12 grandchildren. I have been in private practice with Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine for the past 25 years.  

Cameron Boone - Commissioner of the Revenue - JCC

In his discussion with the luncheon group, Cameron Boone explained his role as Chief deputy Treasurer and the importance that the various departments in JCC work together as efficiently as possible. He mentioned how updates to processes and software are pretty common as state laws change and how local entities are required to collect and identify funds. He said he understands the importance of being citizen facing for customer service and would work to improve those services while making them more efficient for the county. He takes very seriously the stewardship of all the monies and funds. He said that JCC has over 100M invested at this time.

BIO INFO - I was born and raised in Suffolk, VA and moved to Williamsburg in 2008 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Government at the College of William and Mary. After completing my education, my professional career began at a local community bank, quickly working my way up from Teller to Branch Manager. While I enjoyed my work, pride in my community and a desire to put my talents to work for the betterment of my hometown, led me to pursue a career in public service. When the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens in a public setting as the Chief Deputy Treasurer for James City County was presented, I jumped at the chance. 

I met my wife Lauren, a lifelong resident of James City County shortly after graduating from W&M. Lauren’s passion for public service led her to become a mathematics teacher at Warhill High School until the birth of our first child, Stephen. Lauren and I both enjoy serving and investing in our local community through our vocations and volunteerism to ensure James City County will continue to be an excellent place to live and work for all residents. We are active in our local church, and I am currently leading a weekly Bible study at Merrimac Juvenile Detention Center.

I am seeking the office of Commissioner of the Revenue to affect an increase in office efficiency and cohesiveness with all James City County departments and the citizens they serve, to modernize the office to match realities of the 21st century, and to ensure that customer service is the paramount mission of the office. My blended experience of private sector management and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Treasurer’s Office (the office that works most closely with the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office) will be a beneficial change for James City County. 
   

The January 19, 2023 Speaker Was:

David Hardin, Sheriff - Williamsburg, James City County

David Hardin was elected sheriff just before the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020. He now has over 28 years working in the sheriff's office for W-JCC. He spoke about how 2020 and 2021 were unique years because of the pandemic, and how the department had to re-invent almost everything they did on a daily basis. While separate, they have tried to align themselves with the salary ranges associated with the competition: competition which is now paying over $18 per hour for clerical staff and fast food workers. His department is still below local police salaries. When fully staffed he would have 17 officers. Currently, he is one full time and two part time staff short. The full time position has been vacant for a year. They handle all of the courthouse administration regarding prisoners and security. They also are responsible for transportation of the prisoners.

He provided a small personal bio of himself, and what many of his officers have as their bios. His officers see a steady court schedule, almost everyday of the week, and arrests for a very wide variety of misdemeanors and felonies. He also went into some significant discussion about the high number of scams which are being reported, even including scam calls that are coming directly into the Sheriff's office telephones and computers. A popular one which he discussed is the "family member in trouble, in jail, and needs bail money." Typically this is targeted at father's and grandfathers. We also discussed the online dating scam where the person only met online needs money. We then discussed the Netflix scam which is coming by way of Text messages, and requesting eventually your credit card information. These are all bad, and very few are resolved since calling numbers and emails are nearly impossible to trace, as they are shut down very quickly.

David is running for re-election this November, and thanked all the CARMA members for their support in the past, and for any help they can give this year.

07/20/23