PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Page Valley News will be publishing profiles of seven local candidates in three contested races in this fall’s general election from Aug. 11 through Sept. 1. These Q&As will be published around midday on Mondays and Thursdays.
In September, PVN will be broadcasting pre-recorded candidate forums among the candidates in these three contested races through our YouTube channel. Click on the link here or the YouTube icon in the upper right on our Home page to subscribe to our channel ahead of time.
Michael Montgomery
- Age: 50
- Education: Luray High School, 1992.
- Work: Axalta Coating Systems, 2023; Present Manufacturing Area Manager-Shift Resource/Supervisor, 1997-2003; Shenandoah National Park Assistant Trail Boss and Wildland Firefighter, 1993-1997; United States Air Force, Security Police.
- Elected office: None.
- Family: Wife, Brittany; three sons, Blake, Kaden and Cole; daughter, Brooklyn.
• Why are you running for public office?
I’ve been a lifelong resident of Page County. I was raised here and my family is here. This community has given me a great deal over the years, and I believe it is my turn to give something back. I care deeply about the future of Page County. I believe we need leaders who are willing to donate their time, their energy, and their full attention to the needs of the people of Page County. That’s why I’ve decided to run-because I want to be part of the solution. I want to serve, and I want to help make sure Page County continues to be a place we are proud to call home.
• What makes you the best candidate for District 1 supervisor?
What sets me apart is not just the fact that I was raised in this county and have always been proud of where I am from, but the experience I obtained through my service in the United States Air Force and gained over the decades managing people, solving problems, and making tough decisions with fairness and integrity. My background in leadership positions has taught me to look at the big picture, how to listen, delegate effectively, and how to act in the best interest of the whole — never just a few.
• What is the most pressing issue facing Page County and how would you address it?
There are many issues the people I have spoken with over the past few months have expressed with great concern. I agree with a lot of what I have heard and want to work to find actual solutions to those issues. If I had to pick one, I would say the lack of affordable housing is a concern to me and many in our community. The county needs to look at ways to work with the towns to alleviate zoning and building concerns to attract builders that will meet the needs of the individuals who cannot afford houses in higher price ranges. People are moving away with their families due to the lack of affordable housing.
• What is the best thing about Page County and how would you maintain or improve it?
I believe our sense of community is the greatest asset of Page County. There is always someone there to lend a helping hand, whether it is for a simple project at your home or a natural disaster with many answering the call for help. We need to harness that sense of community and foster partnerships throughout the county. This can be done by providing opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved in making decisions and positive change. I work with many from other areas in Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland and am always so proud to speak of the way Page County comes together to help those in need.
• Briefly describe a decision you have made in a leadership role and tell why you made that decision.
In my current employment I make decisions daily, which affect not only the business I work for but the individuals that work for me. A lot of them are from right here in Page County. Whether it is an operational decision to improve the business or a personnel decision which could potentially affect someone’s employment — I put myself on the other side of those decisions so I can see the positive and negative consequences. Those types of decisions not only affect the individuals you are dealing with, but also their families.
Early voting starts Friday, Sept. 19
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For election information visit the Page County Voter Registrar.
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Do you and/or your wife? own short term rental property? https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/766488
No we do not.
After the fire, according to this news report, your wife was quoted as saying that you lost the family cabin, the first airBandB in the county. Very sorry for your loss https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/structures-destroyed-in-page-county-as-multiple-fires-continue-to-spread/65-845445f8-0be2-46eb-bdb3-6bba4b82e54c
Yes, it belonged to my step-childrens cousin and was totally destroyed. Thank you
Do you and/or your wife? own short term rental property? This online listing suggests you so.
There are a lot of candidates with ties to lodging industry https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/766488
My wife cleans and is a host for some short term rentals. We do not own any rentals.
What percentage of your household income is based on managing/cleaning short term rental properties?
We do not.
Thank you for your responses. Another question and concern. Your wife serves on the tourism council, which often has business before the BOS. As a member of the TC, she voted to earmark $200k for the proposed visitors center/tourist center proposed for the intersection of 340 and 211.
Additionally, the council objected to raising the TOT tax, approved by the BOS. This increase benefited full time residents because it prevented raising the personal property tax.
The tourism department also advocated for the expansion of the former Outlanders into what we have now
The tourism council has specific goals that may not be in alignment with the needs of county residents
Could you explain how you will address potential conflicts of interest, given your wife’s role in the county?
I appreciate all of the inquiries and have enjoyed the tremendous positive response i have received since this article was published. Unfortunately I am reluctant to answer anymore questions without knowing who is asking through this platform. Feel free to contact me through FB messenger or email, or if you are willing to identify yourself I can get in touch with you. Thanks!
I am also concerned about potential conflicts of interest regarding your wife’s role on the tourism council, which answers to the BOS and often has business before the BOS
As an example of possible issues, I am sure you remember the controversy regarding the visitors center. Initially, the TC allocated $200k to the project without fully considering what they were supporting. I know this because I FOIAed for a copy of the initial proposal as discussed at the meeting where funds were set aside. I learned there was just one copy and Ms Fox verbally highlighted portions. That was the basis for the vote. I was told that it would cost me $25 for time involved in separating pages in the original document when I complained, I learned that members of the TC had not been provided with copies. Subsequently Regina Miller located the original document prepared several years ago by VT. Later, the BOS chose not to go forward with this and with the take over and relocation of the existing visitors center
How would you handle such items as a member of the BOS?
Thank you
Ms. Herbert I appreciate your question and the fact that you are willing to identify yourself. Before I made my final decision to run for this office my wife and I discussed in length what that would mean for our family to include her appointment, and reappointment to the Tourism Council by the current District 1 representative. We are well aware of the potential conflict created by my running for BOS. My wife would selflessly resign her position with my election. I have already created a list of suitable candidates to replace her on the TC.
As far as her role in the approval money you are speaking, she was not a member of the TC at the time that was approved for a potential VC. With that said, Im sure you are well aware the TC only makes recommendations to the BOS and the BOS ultimately make the decisions for the county. The TC is only an advisory council.
In closing I want to thank you and anyone who is willing to ask questions of the candidates. I appreciate open dialogue even from individuals who support the other candidates.
Thank you!
Thank you for your comments
Another question. I found the earlier question about the percentage of your family income that is centered on the short term rental industry interesting. So I asked the county for the bio your wife submitted when she applied to be a member of the tourism council. Most members are what I would call “heavy hitters “ in the short term rental market and I wanted more info beyond the brief comment you provided.
She stated that she handled all aspects of cleaning and management from initial booking throughout the visit for 31 properties and manages all marketing for 19 of them
It would seem that your family is financially very dependent on the short term rental market
Will you be able to separate your personal finances from the needs of the county?
How will you handle potential conflicts of interest?
For instance, the tourism council and the tourism industry opposed the increase of the TOT tax.
It was enacted with the idea that tax increases were necessary and the options were to either 1) increase the personal property tax or 2) increase tax on short term rentals, etc
How would you have weighed the pros and cons in this issue?