Cameron Williams Talks Schools, Safety, and Smart Growth at GOP Meeting, but Stays Silent on Library Debate

Cameron Williams, candidate for the Warren County Board of Supervisors in the Happy Creek District, presented his platform to members of the Warren County Republican Committee on May 22. Speaking for about 15 minutes before taking audience questions, Williams laid out his vision for local governance centered around tax restraint, public safety, teacher support, and smart economic growth. Notably, he did not address the ongoing controversy surrounding Samuels Public Library—a major local issue—nor was he asked about it by the audience.

Opening with a personal story, Williams described his family’s long-standing commitment to public service. His father served in the fire department, his mother was a dispatcher, and both of his grandparents were ministers. That upbringing, he said, taught him that leadership means stepping forward when a community is in crisis.

“I don’t think I’d be able to sleep at night if I knew our community was hurting this badly and I didn’t do something about it,” Williams said.

A Platform of “Smart Growth” and No to Data Centers

Williams emphasized that his campaign is focused on “lower taxes and less development,” though he clarified he does not oppose growth entirely.

“We need smart growth. We need to support our local builders and make the permitting process easier,” he said.

He drew a clear line when it came to data centers, stating, “I’m a firm no on data centers.” He characterized public opinion on the issue as overwhelmingly opposed, calling it a “90-10 issue” in favor of keeping them out of the community.

However, when later asked by an attendee whether he would vote to ban data centers outright, Williams was more cautious. “I would have to see an ordinance in front of me before I make the decision,” he said. While reaffirming his personal opposition, he declined to commit to a vote on any hypothetical ban without seeing specific language.

Backing Public Schools and Teachers

Williams addressed circulating rumors that he was against public education funding. “I don’t think we need to freeze funding for public schools,” he stated, pushing back against claims that he supports divestment. Instead, he said, “We need to invest in our teachers… We have a major problem of brain drain in our community.”

He cited neighboring counties like Loudoun and Fairfax, where teachers often relocate for better pay and conditions, as a concern. Williams advocated for improving teacher retention, reducing classroom sizes, and focusing on reading and test scores.

“I’ll be the first one to stand up for our schools,” he added.

Support for Law Enforcement and Firefighters

Williams also made a point to express strong support for local emergency services. Praising Sheriff Crystal Cline, he said the Sheriff’s Department shouldn’t have to choose between upgraded dispatch systems and new vehicles. “We need both,” Williams said.

“My father was in the fire department for years. I will be the first to stand up for our firefighters,” he continued. “We need more of them, and they need better equipment.”

Tourism Over Taxes

Rather than raise taxes, Williams suggested the county should do more to develop its tourism industry. “People come here every year for the fall,” he said. “They should be coming every season of the year.”

He pointed to Warren County’s natural beauty and proximity to Skyline Drive as underused assets that could boost local revenue without burdening taxpayers. “The money’s there, the people are there, we just need to be promoting it,” he said.

Questions on Revenue, Investment, and Economic Development

During the Q&A session, Williams was asked about how he would fund his proposed economic strategies, given the county’s tight budget and existing debt.

He praised a plan put forward by current Supervisor Richard Jamieson as a strong approach to economic development, particularly her emphasis on attracting light industrial businesses. He argued that much of the county’s debt is “good debt” tied to capital investment and likened it to a mortgage being paid off on schedule.

Williams also said he believes private investors should be the main engine behind growth—not the government. “The less government, the better,” he said.

When asked how to attract businesses to an area where capital investment is scarce, Williams acknowledged that Warren County has struggled to market itself due to years of political scandal. “People have been scared of the phrase ‘economic development,’” he said. “We need to shine a better light on that.”

He also suggested that simplifying the permitting process would help create a friendlier environment for business.

No Mention of Samuels Public Library

Although the fate of Samuels Public Library has been a flashpoint in local politics—with heated debate over whether the county should end its partnership with the nonprofit institution—Williams did not bring up the issue during his remarks, and no audience members raised it during the question period either.

This silence stood out, especially since several other candidates have faced tough questions or voiced strong opinions on the matter in recent weeks.

Looking Ahead

Williams concluded his remarks by calling for “fresh faces, fresh ideas” and emphasized his desire to bring a new generation into local leadership. “We should not be divided. We should not have a neighbor fighting neighbor,” he said. “It’s horrible for our community.”

While Cameron Williams avoided the library controversy, his positions on schools, safety, growth, and governance suggest a campaign focused on traditional conservative priorities—with a youthful voice calling for renewal.

Whether his message resonates with Happy Creek voters will become clearer as the June 17 Republican primary approaches.