Five candidates are running for three spots on Williamsburg City Council: Incumbents Pat Dent, who is currently the vice mayor, and Barbara Ramsey are facing a challenge from educator Lindsay Barna, community activist Fraser Hudgins and William & Mary student Ayanna Williams.
Candidates run without party designation for at-large seats. The newly made up council decides who will be mayor and vice mayor.
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Lindsay Barna
Age: 44
Occupation: Adjunct professor at the William & Mary Law School and in the Department of Government at William & Mary
Political experience: First run for office
Education: B.A., University of Virginia; J.D., American University Washington College of Law; M.A., International Politics, American University School of International Service
Website: www.votebarna.com
Why do you want to be on Williamsburg City Council?
I want to represent the people of Williamsburg to ensure that as the city changes and grows, we are thoughtful about the potential impacts those changes have on the fabric of the community, including our schools, natural resources and our daily lives.
What is the biggest priority facing Williamsburg?
There are many priorities facing Williamsburg at this time, including the school system, housing, pedestrian safety and the protection of our resources. The schools are at the heart of the community. We must work together to ensure that we have schools that provide a range of opportunities and meet the needs of all the city’s children. We also need to focus on careful development and affordable housing for students and residents.
The issue of a possible split of the Williamsburg-James City County school division is still up in the air. What are your thoughts about the direction the city should take?
I want to support the children and teachers of Williamsburg and ensure that we have not just a passable school system but an excellent school system that provides opportunities for academics as well as growth through sports and the arts. Our schools should serve the needs of all our students. The feasibility studies show advantages to staying in our current joint school system; ultimately I want to hear from parents, students and the community about this pivotal decision. The children of Williamsburg are not just statistics to me. They are my children, their friends and the many children that I have met through working with the schools as a parent or through community activities. I want to ensure that they have the best education that the community can provide.
What do you love about Williamsburg?
Williamsburg is a wonderful place to live. We love raising our children here and experiencing all that this area has to offer. My children attend Williamsburg-James City County schools, and we take part in many aspects of life here, including daily walks in Colonial Williamsburg, working with students at William & Mary, and participating in youth sports. I have found that this is a city where people know each other and work together to solve problems and build a community. I am committed to being a representative of the community as we navigate important decisions impacting areas like the school system, housing and development.
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W. Pat Dent
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired Williamsburg fire chief
Political experience: Williamsburg vice mayor, 2020-present
Education: A.A.S., Virginia Peninsula Community College and B.S., Columbia Southern University, in Fire Science
Website/contact info: www.dentforcouncil.com, Pdent2424@gmail.com
Why do you want to be on Williamsburg City Council?
I felt a commitment to utilize my local government experience along with my passion for public service to continue serving the Williamsburg community. I have demonstrated the ability to have open and honest communication with the members of our community, earning their trust and respect. During my first term on City Council, we collectively navigated a pandemic, improved infrastructure, maintained a strong financial position and completed many other projects. There is still work to be done and I want to put my experience, dedication and proven record to work for another four years.
What is the biggest priority facing Williamsburg?
My first priority is to make certain we manage the city’s finances effectively, ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely and effectively. The current state of the economy can create uncertainty when faced with large infrastructure needs such as the fire station, police station and library. As a current member of City Council, I feel we have maintained the city’s strong financial position, but I remain cautious until the economy recovers. Other emerging issues in the community I feel require attention are managing growth, affordable housing, informing and engaging the community, transparent leadership, pedestrian safety, and improving public transit.
The issue of a possible split of the Williamsburg-James City County school division is still up in the air. What are your thoughts about the direction the city should take?
As a current City Council member, it would not be appropriate for me to take a stance on the possibility of a school separation before all of the information has been properly vetted and public input received. I have been engaging with parents, teachers, students and taxpayers to make certain their voices are heard and are part of my decision making process. As a result of the discussions on this topic, I believe no matter the ultimate outcome, the school system will be stronger for it. My focus is to ensure all students receive a quality education and have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of whether that is in the current joint system or a separate system. I am the right individual to have on City Council for such a decision because I have a history of bringing people together for a common goal.
What else would you like people to know?
As the current vice mayor and former fire chief, I have dedicated my life to serving the Williamsburg community, while maintaining the highest ethical standards. I have worked tirelessly to earn the trust and respect of all citizens. I approach my position on City Council with a genuine passion for doing the right thing for Williamsburg. I want to continue my work for the community for another term.
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Alexander Fraser “Fraser” Hudgins III
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired trial attorney, high school English teacher and cross-country and track coach
Political experience: Community activist and founder of Citizens for Responsible Spotswood Development, now Citizen for Responsible and Sustainable Development
Education: William & Mary, English, 1984; George Mason University School of Law, J.D., 1987
Website/contact info: www.fraser4council.com, fraser@fraser4council.com
Why do you want to be on Williamsburg City Council?
As a community activist, I’ve been able to bring people together to address issues effectively and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard. I want to bring those talents to City Council to help Williamsburg remain a truly special place to visit, live and learn. Folks want our government to be more transparent, and I will work hard to deliver results in that area.
What is the biggest priority facing Williamsburg?
In talking with residents, I’ve found that preserving the character and charm of Williamsburg is at the top of their list of concerns. Most people want slow, responsible growth consistent with our existing neighborhoods and the historical area. For example, city residents overwhelmingly opposed the proposed residential development on Colonial Williamsburg’s former Spotswood golf course due to concerns over preservation, traffic and environmental issues. A proposal to build townhomes on Strawberry Plains Road also failed to adequately consider traffic and environmental concerns; fortunately, both of these projects were withdrawn when citizens voiced their opposition. The need for student housing, and the pressure that puts on downtown neighborhoods, must also be addressed. I believe City Council promised such a study years ago when it placed a moratorium on the four-person rule. We must carefully listen to all voices and shape reasonable policies, keeping in mind that there may not be a “one size fits all” solution.
The issue of a possible split of the Williamsburg-James City County school division is still up in the air. What are your thoughts about the direction the city should take?
The potential school split is another major issue the city is facing, and I strongly support keeping the combined WJCC school system in place. For over 70 years, Williamsburg and James City County have partnered to deliver excellence in academics, the arts and athletics. Acting alone, the city simply does not have the economies of scale needed to create a first-rate school system, and city students will suffer. In my opinion, an independent school system is likely to increase taxes while reducing city students’ educational and extracurricular opportunities, and ultimately drive out families with younger children. In my discussions with teachers, parents, students and residents, I find that the majority are in favor of maintaining and improving the combined system rather than separating.
What do you love about Williamsburg?
I love the strong sense of community and small-town charm of our historic city. I love that there is always something to do — be it fireworks in CW, a lecture at William & Mary or the Hennage Auditorium, a concert at Lake Matoaka, or any one of a myriad of other activities and events. And I love that I see familiar faces almost every time I leave my house. Living in one of the first planned communities in North America, I would be proud to carry on a tradition of excellence in future planning and land use in Williamsburg.
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Barbara Ramsey
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired
Political experience: Eight years on City Council
Education: B.S. William & Mary, 1975
Website/contact info: www.barbfortheburg.com, barbfortheburg@gmail.com
Why did you decide to run for the Williamsburg City Council?
I have a proven track record of getting the job done for Williamsburg residents. While on City Council, I’ve enhanced economic development initiatives to support existing businesses and to attract and grow new businesses in Williamsburg, overseen new fire and police stations, and supported the addition of safe, modern housing for W&M students, like Midtown Row with over 600 beds, and High Street. I’m actively involved in improving the community and currently serve as the City Council liaison to several key organizations, including the Economic Development Authority, Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Council and the Williamsburg Public Art Council. I’m firmly committed to representing our needs, engaging in over 250 events and meetings annually to drive results for our community. I’m dedicated to keeping our property tax rate the lowest in Virginia, ensuring K-12 students have access to the best education, and using my expertise as a business leader to create local jobs. I want to continue positioning Williamsburg for the future.
What is the biggest priority facing Williamsburg?
With an economy dependent on visitors, diversifying our enterprises and businesses is key. This is necessary to maintain our low property tax rate. We must continue to protect the unique character of our neighborhoods, ensure all students reach their educational potential and continue critical partnering with the two largest economic drivers of the city — Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary.
The issue of a possible split of the Williamsburg-James City County school division is still up in the air. What are your thoughts about the direction the city should take?
The recent study on separating the Williamsburg and James City County school district found that city students are at a learning disadvantage compared to county students. A top priority for me is to address these achievement gaps and improve education for all students. I plan on working closely with our partners to review all options available to make the best decision possible for Williamsburg students. It is not prudent to speculate on a resolution at this time.
What do you love about Williamsburg?
The fact that Williamsburg is unique and a city without peers — no other city has a world class institution and world-renowned living museum within a 9 sq. mile boundary. We are incredibly fortunate to have citizens and a community dedicated to learning, growing and helping each other move our city forward.
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Ayanna Williams
Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Political experience: First run for office
Education: Government major at William & Mary, Class of 2026
Website/contact info: www.ayannaforwilliamsburg.com, www.facebook.com/people/Ayanna-Williams/61561895192431, ayanna@ayannaforwilliamsburg.com
Why do you want to be on Williamsburg City Council?
As a candidate for City Council, my goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has a voice in the decisions that affect their families, well-being and everyday lives. I’m running because I believe that true leadership begins with listening — hearing the concerns, hopes and ideas of all residents. I want to make sure every resident has a seat at the table to be heard and knowledgeable about important decisions. By creating environments and opportunities for open discussion and community input, we can address the concerns that matter most to the city’s residents. Ultimately I am seeking the honor of partnering with the city to offer plans, ideas and recommendations and to be a listening ear to engage in several opportunities such as investing in K-12 education, protecting our environment and engaging with Williamsburg’s partners in a way that advocates for community-driven solutions that will assist everyone.
What is the biggest priority facing Williamsburg?
From a young age, my parents instilled in me the notion that “Neighborhood Still Exists.” I believe that one of the many strengths of our region is that we are a multigenerational community. In Williamsburg, we need to maintain our strong sense of community as we continue to grow and evolve. As new challenges arise — whether it’s affordable housing, maintaining low taxes or protecting our historic neighborhoods — we need to prioritize policies that preserve that spirit of unity. I believe that by fostering an environment where inclusive dialogue and engaging all residents in decision-making is the standard, we can make sure that no one feels forgotten or unheard. Whether it’s supporting our community’s civil servants, creating spaces for neighbors to come together, or ensuring that development reflects the character of our city, my focus will always be on strengthening the bonds that make Williamsburg a place we all love and are proud to call home.
The issue of a possible split of the Williamsburg-James City County school division is still up in the air. What are your thoughts about the direction the city should take?
As we consider the future of the Williamsburg-James City County school division, it is necessary that we prioritize the well-being of our students, teachers and their families. Any decision must be made carefully and thoughtfully, ensuring that we have all the necessary information before taking action. I believe that through education, all people can possess great intellectual aptitude, innovative ideas and creative imaginations. Education is at the core of our community’s success, and it’s crucial that we approach changes with a full understanding of their possible ramifications for the future. While there are many perspectives on how to move forward, I believe it’s important to listen to educators, school board members, parents and students themselves to understand their needs. We must keep the people directly affected by these decisions at the forefront of the conversation. I’m committed to advocating for collaborative processes that ensure our public schools provide a supportive, high-quality learning environment for every child in our community.
What do you love about Williamsburg?
I believe that Williamsburg is more than city — it’s a community that thrives on tradition, culture and shared values. Living here, I’ve experienced firsthand the warmth, charm and hospitality that make Williamsburg such a special place. Whether it’s neighbors helping neighbors, families building secure futures, or community events that bring everyone together, there’s a deep sense of belonging. From our rich history to our beautiful parks and neighborhoods, it is a city where harmony and shared vision meet. Williamsburg is a place where multigenerational families, students and newcomers alike can feel welcomed. That’s why I’m committed to ensuring as we move forward we hold onto the values that make Williamsburg the place we are all proud to call home.
