Pennefather Enters Fork District Race with Focus on Family, Fiscal Responsibility, and Rural Preservation

Patrick Pennefather, a father of three, is officially running for the Fork District seat on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. He brings a clear message to voters ahead of the Republican Primary on June 17: protect Warren County’s rural way of life, manage taxpayer dollars with transparency, and make decisions that put families first.

Pennefather visited the Royal Examiner studio to share his reasons for running and the top issues driving his campaign. “Everything I do is for my family—my wife and my kids,” he said. “I want them to grow up in the same kind of community I’ve been lucky to enjoy here in Warren County.”

Originally from Prince William County, Pennefather saw firsthand how fast development—including massive data centers—can change a community. “Where I grew up, it was rural too. But now, it’s overrun with high-density housing and giant data centers. It’s not the place I remember. I don’t want to see that happen to Warren County.”

No to Data Centers, Yes to Rural Values

Stopping data centers is one of Pennefather’s key campaign promises. He argues that these facilities bring more harm than good—stressing local water and power resources, raising taxes due to infrastructure demands, and threatening the peaceful, rural atmosphere that attracts families to Warren County in the first place.

“These centers can use up to 300,000 gallons of water a day. We’ve been dealing with a drought for years. That water is needed for our people, farms, and the Shenandoah River,” he said. “Once we lose our farmland and open space, we won’t get it back.”

Fair Assessments and Fiscal Oversight

Another top concern for Pennefather is property assessments, which have been a major issue in the community. After a recent reassessment, many property owners were surprised—and frustrated—by sharp increases in their home values and tax bills.

“My home value went up by $70,000, and I know it’s not worth that,” Pennefather said. “We need a process run by people who actually understand the local market—not consultants from Richmond comparing us to Loudoun or Fairfax.”

He supports local control over assessments to keep taxes fair and manageable for working families and seniors on fixed incomes.

Pennefather also called for strong financial oversight, citing the lingering effects of the EDA (Economic Development Authority) scandal that cost the county millions of dollars. “We can’t change the past, but we can make sure it never happens again,” he said. “People need to know where their tax money is going, and that it’s being used wisely.”

As a roofing estimator, Pennefather manages multimillion-dollar contracts on a daily basis and says he’s more than ready to handle county finances. “I’ve worked on jobs from $2 million to $8 million. Every line item has to be explained and justified. That’s how I’ll treat the county budget too.”

A Fresh Face for a New Generation

Though he’s a first-time candidate, Pennefather says his youth is an advantage. “I may be young, but I have energy, ideas, and a lot at stake—my kids are going to grow up here,” he said. “You can’t just keep electing the same people and expect different results.”

He also stressed the importance of encouraging younger voices to get involved in local government. “If we leave everything to the same generation, we’re not going to bring in new ideas,” he said. “This isn’t about age—it’s about passion and commitment.”

Support for Smart Economic Development

While Pennefather opposes data centers, he supports economic development that fits Warren County’s values and needs. He praised recent ideas shared by fellow board members, including sports and recreation complexes, a winter ice rink, and a rural-style conference center to attract business visitors.

“These are great ideas because they help families and bring people here to experience what makes this county special,” he said. “We have hard-working people in this community—blue-collar workers who are skilled and dedicated. Let’s create opportunities that let them build a future here, not in Northern Virginia.”

Getting Involved

Pennefather is currently introducing himself to voters and building momentum for the primary. His campaign website, pat4fork.com, includes more information and a way to reach out directly. He encourages residents to connect with him for a conversation—whether by email, phone, or in person.

“This job is about serving the people,” he said. “If elected, I’ll be a public servant first—always listening, always answering, and always working for the good of Warren County.”