Work is being done to refill the vacant Dan River District seat on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors.
Brandon Simmons, who was sworn into the position in 2022, resigned on April 25, effective immediately. The term is set to end December 31, 2025.
County Administrator Beth Simms said the board will accept applications from qualified voters of the district to fill the newly vacated seat.
“Applications will be available on Patrick County’s website beginning May 3 and will close on May 17. The Board of Supervisors plans to review applications and make an appointment in late May/early June to fill the seat until the special election in November 2024,” she said.
Doug Perry, acting chairman, said if an interim member is not chosen and sworn in 45 days after Simmons’ resignation, the court will appoint an interim member.
Perry, of the Smith River District, was elected to serve as vice-chairman of the board in January. He will serve as the new chairman for the remainder of the year.
The board rotates the chairman and vice-chairman positions. Steve Marshall, of the Blue Ridge District, would be the new vice-chairman.
“Then come January, it would be the board’s decision. Do I finish out Dan River’s term and then, I do another year as Smith River’s term, or do we just consider this my term and then pass it on to Blue Ridge District which would be next,” Perry pondered. “We will have that decision to make I guess come January.”
Regarding Simmons’ decision, Perry said he will miss him.
“I certainly think very highly of Brandon, he will be missed. I hate it, but I truly understand. I know he’s got a lot going on and it’s always so much, so I understand,” he said.
Clayton Kendrick, of the Mayo River District, said he hates the fact that Simmons left the board.
“I talked to him, I guess last week or the week before, but he explained to me that he had the kids that he needed to spend time with, and they were active in sports and all that. I told him that family had to come first before anything else,” Kendrick said.
Marshall said he supports Simmons’ decision.
“I think it’s right for him to do that if that’s what he feels he needs to do,” Marshall said. “He has young children, and he’s taking time away from them to volunteer to help the community here.”
Jonathan Wood, of the Peters Creek District, said it’s been good working with Simmons over the last few months.
“I wish him only the best,” he said.
Those who want to be considered for the seat may find the application online at https://www.co.patrick.va.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=45.
