Michelle Marino Brings Fresh Perspective to Clarke County Supervisor Race

Michelle Marino, a Democrat candidate for the Clarke County Board of Supervisors, sat down with Mike McCool at the Royal Examiner’s studio to discuss her campaign, her passion for the area, and her vision for the county’s future. Marino hopes to bring new ideas and energy to the board, building on her experience in local government and community development.

When asked why she decided to run, Marino shared that her interest in politics began at a young age, inspired by her grandfather, a politician. Before moving to Berryville, she worked on Capitol Hill as a federal lobbyist, specializing in nonprofits and advocating for cities, towns, and counties. After relocating to Berryville, this background laid the groundwork for her involvement in local politics. Marino joined the Town Planning Commission in 2016 and served as the president of Berryville Main Street, where she focused on economic development, supporting small businesses, and attracting tourists.

A Focus on Smart Growth

Marino emphasizes “smart growth” as a cornerstone of her campaign. “We don’t want to get big. We don’t want to become the next Purcellville,” she explained. Instead, Marino advocates for sustainable growth that preserves the county’s small-town charm while providing essential services and opportunities for local businesses and residents. She highlights the recent development on the Friant property as an example of balancing growth with maintaining the community’s character.

She also plans to champion small businesses, suggesting incentives to help them thrive amid economic challenges. “We’ve had a few businesses close and a few new ones open. It’s about making things more affordable and incentivizing them to stay in business,” she said.

A Fresh Perspective for the Board

If elected, Marino would be the fourth woman and the first female Democrat to serve on the Clarke County Board of Supervisors. “I think it’s important right now,” Marino said, “We’re riding that wave of, you know, let’s get a woman into office.”

Marino believes her experience as a lobbyist, working with both sides of the aisle, positions her well to bring people together and find common ground on important issues. “You’re not going to get anything accomplished if you’re going to be a diehard, stand on the issue, stand on the party, and refuse to compromise,” she noted.

Encouraging Tourism and Community Involvement

One of Marino’s key priorities is to boost tourism in Clarke County. “Let’s have our tourists come over, spend their money in our town, give them the small-town experience, and then go home,” she said. With her background in economic development, she aims to capitalize on the county’s unique charm to attract visitors, which she believes will bring more revenue and benefits to the local community.

Looking Ahead to Election Day

As the election approaches, Marino is focused on connecting with residents, understanding their concerns, and sharing her vision for a prosperous and sustainable future for Clarke County. With early voting starting on September 20th, she hopes to encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.

For more information about Michelle Marino and upcoming events, visit her website.