Missel defeats Smith in Samuel Miller race for Supervisor

There will be two new members of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors when they meet for the first time in January.

Democrat Fred Missel defeated Republican Scott Smith to win election to represent the Samuel Miller District on the Board of Supervisors. Missel had 65.36 percent of the vote to 33.91 percent for Smith.

“I’m grateful for the faith folks have placed in my leadership and I’m humbled to have the chance to continue to serve this amazing community,” Missel said when asked for a statement.

Missel is the Director of Design and Development for the University of Virginia Foundation. He’s also the current chair of the Albemarle Planning Commission.

In a statement to his supporters, Smith the campaign was more than about winning an election.

“It was about standing up for common sense, accountability, listening to our people, and the belief that one person can still make a difference,” Smith said. “We challenged the status quo, we spoke truth to power, and we did it with integrity. That matters, and it always will.”

Sally Duncan has been elected as the new Supervisor for the Jack Jouett District. She succeeds Diantha McKeel who has served three terms in the position. Duncan had 96.83 percent of the vote.

In a statement, Duncan said she looked forward to working for the people of the Jack Jouett District.

“I think the election results from last night across the country show that people want real solutions to the crisis of affordability that so many of us are in,” Duncan said. “ I am looking forward to the role that local government can play in addressing that.

Duncan also thanked McKeel for her support and said she will follow her example of being an involved Supervisor.

Ned Gallaway won another term to represent the Rio District. He had 96.92 percent of the vote.

“I’d like to say thank you to the voters in the Rio District for allowing me the opportunity to serve a third term,” Gallaway said at the November 6 meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley was not on the ballot in the general election but took the time to note that two members will soon be leaving.

“We also have two newly elected Supervisors although we are going to be very sad to see Diantha and Jim leave,” LaPisto-Kirtley said. “We want to congratulate Sally Duncan and Fred Missel on their win.”

Missel has been serving on the Planning Commission as the Scottsville District representative which means that Supervisor Mike Pruitt will get to make a replacement.

“I am already thinking about this and if anyone knows anyone who would be interested in this, I would love to chat with people because this is probably the most consequential appointment that any Supervisor gets to make,” Pruitt said.

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