Local Republicans defied the rain on Tuesday night to nominate two candidates for the county Board of Supervisors.
After eating a potluck dinner under a shelter in McIntire Park, more than 70 county residents picked Duane Snow to run in the Samuel Miller District and Rodney Thomas in the Rio District.
The latter promised to reduce spending if he is elected—he would have to beat incumbent David Slutzky—by lowering taxes. “The taxpayers of Albemarle County should not be solely responsible for making up the shortfalls of the budget,” he said.
Thomas ran unopposed for the nomination but Snow beat out fellow candidate Phil Melita to try to replace longtime Supervisor Sally Thomas who is retiring after 15 years on the board.
“We have county leaders that have no idea of how to run a business,” he said, calling on his 35 years of experience as the owner of Snow’s Garden Center.
Democrat Madison Cummings and independent John Lowry will challenge him for the seat.