In the past it was out of the ordinary for a politician to not be engaged with the community; today the engaged politician is the exception outside of the election cycle. Since 2007, I’ve served my Country and my community through deeds not words. Here is my story.
After graduating from the University of Delaware in 2007, I enlisted in the United States Army during a time of war when the stop-loss policy was increasingly keeping service members in uniform past their separation date. I enlisted with the uncertainty of whether I would encounter a similar fate. During my four years of service, I deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the 10th Mountain Division. After separating from the U.S. Army, my wife Sarah and I chose to settle in Spotsylvania in 2012. As I continued my support of the Department of Defense, I volunteered to deploy two additional times to Afghanistan over a 17-month period between 2013 at 2014.
It was not until early 2015 that I had an opportunity to transition from serving my country to serving my local community. Since 2015, I have been active with numerous non-profits that give back to the community.
Spotsylvania Lions Club – a service organization that primarily provides eye exams, glasses, and hearing aids to those in need. I served in various leadership positions including being elected president twice.
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg Senior Visitors Program – where I provide weekly visits to a local senior.
Rappahannock CASA – where I advocated for 12 children – ranging from infant to 17 years old who found themselves in the foster care system. General duties require meeting with the children once per month, working with service providers, foster parents, biological parents, care givers, social services staff, and attorneys to gather information to draft reports to the judge.
Germanna Community College Great Expectations Mentoring Program – Provided mentorship to a student for one year.
Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Citizens Transportation Advisory Group (CTAG) – Served as Chair from June 2015-May 2017. Duties included administering the monthly meetings and attending the FAMPO Policy Committee meetings. CTAG reviews transportation planning documents and makes recommendations to the Policy Committee.
Lee’s Hill Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Board of Directors and Committee Member - I’ve represented 2,000 homes in the Lee Hill District, during my three year term on the HOA Board serving as treasurer and president. I currently serve on the Recreation and Activities committee.
Spotsylvania Department of Social Services (DSS) Advisory Board – In 2019, when Spotsylvania DSS was being publicly criticized, I contacted my supervisor to inquire about serving on the Advisory Board. Since 2019, I’ve served on this Board – declining to receive the allotted stipend – saving Spotsylvania County over $6,500. I’ve served as the Chair since January 2020.
When I fell short of winning the Lee Hill seat in 2017, I could have done what most failed candidates do, disappear until the next political opportunity presents itself. I decided to take a different path. From January 2018 to February 2021, I built a following of 2,500 individuals on my Spotsylvania News and Information Facebook page and website. During this time, I dedicated time and resources to keep you informed of community issues that often weren’t covered by local news outlets in a nonpartisan manner. This page was one of the only local news pages that offered transparency by disclosing who was administering it, even going as far as providing contact information.
My views about specific issues are important and many of mine are well documented on my webpage (www.toddrump.com) dating back to 2017 when I first ran for Lee Hill Supervisor. I encourage everyone to take the time to review what informing the community really looks like. My participation and involvement in the community during the last six years allows me to be in a better position to make decisions in a way that best serves the whole community.
As you think about your vote, I hope you will take the time to evaluate the community involvement of each candidate and place emphasis on our deeds not our words.