With his first term as Ashland District representative on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors wrapping up at the end of the year, G. Ed Via III is announcing his candidacy to seek re-election to the office.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to represent the Ashland District over the past three years,” Via, a Republican, said.

“We have had to face the realities created by tough economic times over these past few years. I am seeking re-election to work for all our citizens to continue to move Hanover forward as a member of the board to meet these economic challenges until prosperity returns.”

Via has held two leadership positions during his first term. He was elected vice chair during his second year and presided as chair during his third year in 2010.

He also serves on regional committees in the Richmond Metro area as Hanover County’s representative.

While serving in a leadership capacity, Via has represented the county at ribbon cuttings, parades, the Strawberry Faire, Tomato Festival and other community celebrations, in addition to speaking engagements at several events.

He is now rehearsing for the 2011 edition of the Ashland Musical Variety Show.

Via said the board and county administration have worked to secure the maximum bond rating for the county. Hanover received recognition by becoming the smallest county in the United States to earn its third Triple A bond rating. That designation, he added, “will continue to save the county taxpayers money in the years ahead.”

“Hanover also became only the second county in Virginia to receive the SPQA (Senate Productivity and Quality Award ) award, which recognizes the county’s outstanding leadership and services for citizens,” Via said.

Other county recognitions he noted include Hanover being recognized as one of the Best Communities for Young People and the Town of Ashland being named the “Best Place to Raise Kids in Virginia,” with Mechanicsville following as runner-up.

“Our public schools continue to receive recognition for their excellence,” he added. “Clearly, we have much to be proud of and thankful for here in Hanover.”

“In the Ashland District,” he said, “redistricting will add voters to our magisterial district. This process will soon be completed and the town will remain in one district. We’ve also experienced growth in the town with an award-winning partnership with Dominion Resources to create the GreenTech incubator program. Hanover Foils also opened in town.”

He continued, “The town and the county will be working cooperatively to draft a long-range water plan that is required by the government. Shop Hanover and Shop Ashland have been two initiatives to encourage our citizens to support local business.”

“In the future,” Via said, “we hope to finalize the long-awaited opening of the Trolley Line Park. This recreational area will add green space and bike paths. This effort has been nearly a decade in the making.”

As examples of accomplishments and initiatives he has been involved with the past three years, Via said the Ashland District has three precincts and one is the Town of Ashland.

He also said cooperation between the town and the county is a focus of his efforts. The standing Liaison Committee between the town and the county explores areas of mutual concern and interest.

Via said he and Mayor Faye Prichard traveled last year to view examples of what he termed “new urbanism” to gain a first-hand perspective at a trend in land development.

“I will continue to work on behalf of the citizens of the Ashland District and all of Hanover if re-elected,” Via said.

He has been his home in the same house for 37 years and has two grown children who were raised in Hanover County.

“The plain and simple truth is that Hanover is just a great place to call home,” he said.

Via had been a member of the Planning Commission for four years when he decided to seek the supervisor’s office in 2007. He also had served for 16 years on the Parks and Recreation Commission.