Kris Springer is the lone challenger on the ballot in this year’s Town Council election. He first moved to Glasgow five years ago, and told The News-Gazette that he has lived in several different parts of Virginia before moving to the area and has seen “different approaches to local government and community development.”
“I love the character of our small town and want to help preserve it while moving Glasgow forward,” Springer said. “I want to help preserve what makes Glasgow special while working together to make it an even better place to call home.”
Like many town residents, Springer feels that there is at least a perceived lack of transparency from Town Council and the town manager. He told The News-Gazette that he will “work for greater transparency, better cooperation on Town Council, and clearer communication about our parks, playgrounds, town buildings, the Glasgow Town Square, and other community initiatives” if he is elected to Town Council.
While Springer doesn’t have much experience in serving in local government, he does have more than 20 years of experience as a principal support engineer in the software industry which has provided him with skills that he feels will serve him well if elected.
“Much of my career has been about solving complex problems, improving procedures, documenting clear policies, training others and communicating effectively during difficult situations,” he said. “These skills can help Town Council establish clearer priorities, improve communication with residents and bring more structure and accountability to town initiatives.”
Beyond that, Springer also serves as the junior warden at St. John’s Episcopal Church and has served on the board of Pet Harbor Rescue, a nonprofit based in Caroline County, which focuses on rescuing and finding homes for huskies. He is currently the secretary of the nonprofit’s board of directors as well as its director of fundraising. He also runs a successful 3D-printing business.
“Each of these has taught me something different about leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and serving a community,” he said.
