Frequently Asked Questions
Are you sure you want this job?
This really is the second-most asked question!
This job is hard, there’s no doubt. With uncertain fiscal times ahead at both the State and Federal levels, the County is likely to have difficult times with budgets. (A July 2025 article from the National Association of Counties starkly lays this out.)
Managing a government is harder today than it was 50 or even 15 years ago. (I, of course, blame technology.) I have a clear-eyed view of what this is like.
But I also know that I can make a difference. That’s why I can’t just sit at home and watch other people go through this without offering help; it’s who I am.
Why are you running?
I have the chance to use my career skills in the service of a community that I love. How can I not seize that opportunity? I’m a government consultant – here is a chance to apply what I know and make a difference.
What does the County Executive do?
That one is answered here: About the County Executive
Will you try to change the salary of the County Executive?
Short answer: No - not for myself.
Long Answer: There’s some history here to cover first:
In 2017 (before the first person was elected to the new office), the salary was $117,269. The source is behind a paywall.
In 2021 (before the second election for the office), the salary was lowered to $70,000. Here are the minutes from that Board meeting.
In 2025 the salary is $72,828. Go to page 427 of this budget document.
Should I be elected, I make these promises:
1) I will not seek to increase the base salary for myself.
2) However, I support moving back to a County Administrator position - and that position will require a higher salary to attract candidates.
3) If I am elected to multiple terms, it’s the same answer: I will not seek an increase until I’m done.
Are you the Art Theater guy?
Yes! Besides being known as Elizabeth Hess’s husband, I’m best known for running the Art Theater from 2010-2012 and hosting the Virginia Theatre’s Arthouse Experience series from 2021 – 2024.
How does the Campaign use AI?
OK, no one really asks this but just to put it out there:
1) All of the text on this website was written by 100% pure humans.
2) All of the pictures on this site and logos used were taken/created by 100% pure humans.
3) Sanford does use AI-generated images on his blog and in presentations - see this post about it.
4) The campaign does use AI tools for research and to summarize text for humans to better understand lengthy documents.
Using AI is part of being a modern organization - and is the kind of change that causes government to adapt. This is why an IT background is great training to lead a 21st century government.