Citizen Questions JCC Supervisor's Residency

Friday, October 01, 2010

James City County resident Bob Richardson, who often takes the board of supervisors to task publicly, questioned Berkeley District Supervisor Mary Jones’ character during the boards’ Tuesday meeting because he claimed her home is currently in foreclosure.

If the Joneses were “unable to meet thelr own financial obligations, and/or keep their own business in order” he questioned how she could be continue “passing judgment on our citizens and businesses.” He also demanded to know where Jones currently lived and whether she could continue in her capacity as supervisor.

Contacted by WYDaily, Jones confirmed that her Jamestown Hundred home is currently in foreclosure proceedings but she and her husband are working to resolve the issues and keep their home. Jones said the home was not sold Tuesday. In a separate interview, Jones' husband Arch said the mortgage was in his name only and the foreclosure sale was canceled Tuesday.

Richardson had not called her to discuss his concerns before the meeting, Mary Jones said.

“We’re not immune to the impact of the economy,” Jones said. Though she is a private person, Jones said she understands that she’s in a public position and some information about her personal life is in the public domain.

“I know I have to deal with this in public,” she said. “It’s an unfortunate position to be in, but we’re human. We’re not the only family that faces these kinds of challenges today… but I was hired to do a job for the citizens of the county, and I’m determined to serve them.”

Jones said if she can’t continue to live in her home in the future, she and her family will continue to live in the Berkeley District so she can continue in her current position.

As for questions on whether she will make unsound judgments on county issues, she said, “No, this won’t affect my decision making.

“A lot of people are hurting right now. I know how they feel. It’s a tough time, and I’m not immune.”