BY JONAS BEALS
Paul Ortiz owns a house in the Hills of Aquia subdivision off U.S. 1 in North Stafford.
When a property owner wanted to rezone a nearby lot for commercial use, Ortiz and his neighbors came together to oppose it. He felt that current Aquia District Supervisor Paul Milde did not support their cause.
The rezoning was defeated, and Ortiz saw an opportunity to become a leader in his community. He decided to run for supervisor.
"I think we need an appropriate representative for our district that works with people and makes decisions based on what constituents want to do," he said. "I believe our current supervisor does not do that."
Ortiz, 56, has two children. His 25-year-old son is a graduate of the Naval Academy. His daughter recently graduated from VMI and is a ranger for the National Park Service. Both are Brooke Point High School graduates.
Ortiz retired from the Marine Corps as a colonel in 2005. That job first brought him to Stafford in 1975. He moved back in 1987 and bought a house, making the county his sometime home when work didn't take him elsewhere. After retirement he spent a two-year stint with the Department of Homeland Security before becoming a civilian employee at Quantico.
He feels that his experience in the military gives him an essential understanding of finances and budgets.
"I'm trying to get Stafford on the right track," he said. "The fiscal planning cycle is not long enough. We should be looking three to five years out."
Ortiz also feels that once elected, he can be an honest and open representative, but he realizes he has a tough road ahead of him. He will face Milde, a Republican, as well as independent Irene Egan.
"It's going to take every ounce of effort I have to be successful," he said.
Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com