Williamsburg Planning Commission chairman Douglas Pons announced his campaign for Williamsburg City Council Friday. Pons is the fifth candidate to announce candidacy for City Council.
Incumbent councilman Bobby Braxton, Planning Commission member Sean Driscoll, College of William and Mary student Scott Foster ’10 and College student health center physician Dr. David Dafashy have also entered the race. One other candidate has begun filing paperwork but has yet to announce his or her candidacy. Today is the final day for candidates to enter the race to fill Williamsburg Mayor Jeanne Zeidler M.A. ’76 and Braxton’s positions.
He had earlier ruled out running prior to Zeidler’s decision last month not to seek re-election, according to the Virginia Gazette. Pons said that he wanted to run for city council, and the chance to run without having to unseat an incumbent made this year a good opportunity.
He has disagreed with Zeidler and the current majority on city council over issues such as tourism funding and altering the city’s three-person housing rule.
He has created a Facebook fan since his announcement in hopes of garnering support.
He currently operates the Quarterpath Inn, located on Route 60, and is a former president of the Williamsburg Hotel-Motel Association. He has served on the Planning Commission since its establishment in February 2009.
The election for city council will take place in May.
Pons could not be reached for comment.