OUR VIEW: Council had a strong set of choices for vacant seat

» The selection of Laurel Care Gravatte brings a woman to the board and should be a positive addition for the town.

Culpeper Town Council got its newest member Tuesday night when the all-male board appointed Laurel Care Gravatte to fill the seat vacated last month by Steve Jenkins.

Gravatte, a registered nurse from California, has lived in Culpeper for about eight years and has been active in several civic causes. She had run for council last year, and her selection is one that signals the council saw a need for new blood.

Sometimes any governing body needs a fresh face, with new ideas to come aboard. Gravatte will be the kind to ask questions and look out for the best interest of the residents of Culpeper, just as she has in her other endeavors.

Councilman Chris Snider said the nine-member board would benefit from “Laurel’s incredible energy level and intellect.”

One encouraging thing about the process was that eight people put their names up for consideration — eight candidates who were qualified, experienced and interested in helping make this town a better place.

Look at the names and qualifications of those who had thrown their names in the hat:

- Dan Boring, former police chief and interim town manager

- former councilman R.E. Deane

- Kellie Doyle, director of Windmore Foundation for the Arts

- businessman Tom Letts

- Culpeper Department of Social Services Director Lisa Peacock

- Culpeper County Deputy Sheriff and council candidate Frank Reaves Jr.

- lifelong Culpeper resident and activist W.B. “Ford” Thomson.

That’s an impressive list. The council couldn’t have made a bad selection from that group.

The entire process was refreshing. We thank all of those who showed an interest — that sense of public service is what makes Culpeper a great place.

We are confident that Gravatte will contribute in a positive fashion to town politics.