Windsor Town Council candidate Q&A: Jake Redd

Name: Jake Redd

Age: 28

Family: Coming soonish.

Education: Nansemond-Suffolk Academy; West Virginia University.

Career: Entrepreneur and realtor.

1.) Why do you want to be reelected as a member of the Windsor Town Council?

I believe that local government is very important, as many communities around the country learned during the overreaching COVID-19 lockdowns. I believe Windsor has had responsible overall leadership in past years, and I hope to help preserve that in the future.

2.) What would you list as your primary qualifications for being a council member?

I have started and led businesses, which have taught me countless lessons, including budgeting, targeting growth opportunities, managing projects and building relationships. I have also served in volunteer roles, including president of the Windsor Lions Club and the Windsor Ruritan Club, where I have built strong connections as we served the community through many different philanthropic and hands-on projects. In addition to serving on the Town Council, I have been a member of the Windsor Economic Development Authority for over six years and serve on the Drainage Committee.

3.) What do you think are the town of Windsor’s greatest strengths?

The residents and families of the town have supported and led this community to where we are today. We are blessed to have had many years of responsible leadership, which have left us in a strong financial position. The town also sits in a great location and has the potential for positive long-term growth. I would like Windsor to stay a family oriented place that leaves a positive impression on the minds of those who pass through and live here. Windsor really is the heart of Isle of Wight.

4.) What do you think are the greatest challenges facing the town of Windsor?

I believe bringing the right type of growth that will benefit the citizens is extremely important. Residents would greatly benefit from additional government services as well as private medical facilities, senior housing, and shopping and dining options. Targeted planning for the right types of development is crucial to funding the additional government services that will be needed in the future.

5.) If reelected as a councilman, what will be your leading priorities for your next term?

I would like to target infrastructure projects, including water and sewer upgrades, as well as making the town more walkable. The town should support small business growth, including additional places to shop and dine. The meals tax is one of the largest sources of funding for the town, and I believe the existing residents and through traffic are already enough to support additional options.

6.) The town’s real property tax rate remained unchanged at 10 cents per $100 of assessed value from 2005-21. It went up to 14 cents in 2022, down to 13 cents in 2023 and now stands at 15 cents in 2024. What do you think is the best pathway forward with regard to this rate across the next four years, and why?

Town residents should not have to see taxes increase year over year. Although adjustments may occasionally be needed, it is important for the town to take a hard look at the budget and see where cuts can be made. I also believe a more targeted economic growth plan should be established before further discussing future tax increases.

7.) The Tidewater Logistics Center that had been proposed for placement just outside the town stoked discussion on preferred visions for economic development in Windsor. How would you like to see the town’s economy develop across the next four years?

As mentioned before, I have served on the Windsor Economic Development Authority for over six years. I urge any other residents or business owners who are interested in serving or have ideas to attend the EDA meetings. I would like to see the Town Council develop a responsible and targeted plan to identify where additional housing could be developed, including more options for seniors as well as young people who are not yet able to purchase their own homes. I would also like the council to develop a similar plan for dining, shopping and medical spaces.

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