Shajuan Mason, Matoaca (D) I would balance development by having more data surrounding the needs of the community and how the proposed development will address that need. I would have a separate commission conduct a needs assessment. The needs assessment would address how the proposed development would impact neighborhoods, schools, traffic, transportation, roads, infrastructure, and the impact on public safety. More importantly, the feedback from the citizens would be considered throughout the project. It is also important to look at the development that has already been approved but hasn’t manifested. This way, we are utilizing a more proactive approach versus…

Bob Holsworth, on right, moderated the Oct. 17 candidates forum. (Caleb M. Soptelean photo) All 10 candidates for the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors participated in a candidate forum Oct. 17 at the new Workforce Development Center at John Tyler Community College’s Chester campus. About 100 people attended the event, which featured questions asked by the audience through moderator Bob Holsworth. Candidates were typically given 15 or 30 seconds to answer questions, some of which included imposing a 2-percent meals tax and taking over maintenance of Chesterfield’s public schools. In regard to a meals tax, which county voters turned down by…