King George's former county administrator retired a little more than a month ago but is now prepared to accept a part-time job with the county.

Date published: 12/8/2005

By JEFF BRANSCOME

King George's former County Administrator Dennis Kerns says he left some business unfinished when he retired in October.

That's why he's prepared to sign on as the county's first-ever economic development consultant, a part-time job he'll assume from his home in Culpeper County.

The county advertised the position in October and Kerns, 68, was the only one to apply.

Supervisors approved the scope of the new job at their Tuesday meeting and authorized County Administrator Bryan David to sign Kerns' one-year contract after it's approved by the county attorney.

If nothing changes between then and now, the retiree will earn $100 an hour and work no more than 10 hours a week.

"When I left, I had been working on several projects," he said. "I've had a lot of contacts and built up working relationships. It's hard to bring someone new into the picture."

Kerns said he couldn't discuss the specifics of these endeavors, but confirmed that he's been in contact with several businesses interested in locating to King George.

"If a couple of these things materialize, it will be absolutely wonderful for the county," he said.

David said Kerns' continued involvement in the area will be valuable during what he calls a transition period.

"He'll continue [his] relationships until, essentially, there is a hand off to me and the soon-to-be hired deputy county administrator," he said. "That's very helpful to me because economic development is all about timing and relationships."

Kerns is widely credited by supervisors for his role in creating the county's industrial park and selling all of the land's parcels. The road that runs through the 124-acre park bears the former administrator's name.

Eventually, Kerns said he hopes to help the county acquire even more land for the site.

He also plans to continue working with officials from the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

"I've built up rapport with these people," he said.

But most importantly, he said, "I felt that my familiarity with [county] projects would be beneficial."

To reach JEFF BRANSCOME:540/374-5402
Email: jbranscome@freelancestar.com

Date published: 12/8/2005