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Rosser starts 13th term
By HEATHER RORER/ALTAVISTA JOURNAL
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 6:51 PM EST
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HEATHER RORER/ALTAVISTA JOURNAL
Rosser sells trucks at High View Motors in Altavista.
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Once a simple country boy growing up on a tobacco farm in Gladys, Hugh Rosser has made his mark in history by serving the county and his constituents.
He loves both and has poured countless hours of dedication into his work.
The opening of the Campbell County Board of Supervisors' first meeting of 2008 on Monday night marked the Seneca supervisor's 13th term, breaking the state record for years served.
First elected in November 1959 at the age of 32, Rosser has served 48 consecutive years as a county supervisor. He was elected to his 13th term in November 2007.
Prior to taking his seat on the board, Rosser served on a regional planning commission, learning the ropes of the political arena. This turned out to be a blessing that would show itself later in his career.
At 81, Rosser has made many friends in the community through decisions made over the years, which have positively impacted the county.
"You would be surprised how many friends you make in politics. You make enemies too, but I have made a lot of friends," said Rosser.
Rosser was honored at Monday night's meeting by those friends, fellow supervisors and county administration.
Rep. Virgil Goode sent a flag, which had flown over the Capitol, along with a letter of recognition for Rosser being honored as the longest-serving supervisor in the history of the state.
During his time on the board, Rosser has certainly seen some milestones surpassed.
One of the biggest was his role in forming the type of local government that exists in the county today. That involved hiring the first administrator in 1965.
"After the second or third meeting I attended as supervisor, we started to get aggressive and really look into the future of making Campbell County a better place," added Rosser.
"We decided we needed to change the form of government we had to better serve the people, and it was one of the best things we ever did."
Although Rosser was instrumental in implementing the county's zoning as well, he is best known for his ability to keep the county's tax base the lowest in the region. He has been the centerpoint of many decisions to keep tax rates low.
"I want to continue to keep taxes down, especially for senior citizens," said Rosser. "I want to continue this effort to keep taxes in line so that the citizens can enjoy their life here in Campbell County."
Rosser was also on board when the county lost nearly 18 square miles to the city of Lynchburg through annexation. Some 12,000 citizens were also taken into the city.
Rosser has been and will remain a mainstay in the county. He is that familiar face and trusted friend that the citizens of Campbell County want leading them.
"My individual service to the people is to provide them with the things they need," said Rosser.
Some of these disciplined ways may be a product of the two-year tour he spent with the U.S. Army in World War II in the early '40s.
Rosser has also been a small businessman in the county since 1961 when he opened High View Motors in Altavista. In 1974, he expanded the business to include a modular home office on U.S. 29.
"The home business has been really good for us. It has given so many a good home, and I think it has a good future," said Rosser.
After four and a half decades of serving as a county official, Rosser has nothing but good things to say, but he does admit that this will be his final term with the county.
"I don't plan to pursue the seat any further than this term. I need to be home with my wife, as she is in bad health, and I am still helping a lot with High View Motors," said Rosser.
"After the first couple of years I did not intend on running again, but I could not turn it a loose," said Rosser.
His constituents did not want to let Rosser go either. Many begged him to continue to run.
"When you are honest with your taxpayers and try to get them what they need, you don't have any trouble," said Rosser. "People have been really good to me."
"I have given more than I probably should have. I am a workaholic," added Rosser with a smile.
"I have not done this for any specific purpose other than to represent the people who elected me," said Rosser."
"I just thank God for the strength and health He has given me to perform my duties."
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