} Mathews County supervisor Charles Ingram received accolades for his 28 years of service on the board of supervisors during his last board meeting on Dec. 17. He did not seek re-election this year, instead announcing his retirement.
In accepting a certificate recognizing his service, Ingram thanked the residents of Mathews County. Being a supervisor “was sometimes a rough road” and “it gets bumpy at times,” said Ingram, adding, “It’s a little emotional for me.”
He spoke of the accomplishments of the board during his tenure, including closure of the landfill, construction of the waste transfer station, extensive renovations to the schools and library, and construction of a new courts complex, expressing pride in the current financial status of the county.
“I’m leaving here when we pretty well don’t owe anything,” he said. “A lot of counties are in debt, but we can move ahead with other projects now.”
Friends and members of Ingram’s family were there for his final board meeting, and a number of them spoke during public comment period, praising his service and dedication to Mathews County.
Mathews native Scott Sadler, who now lives in Arlington, told of attending board meetings while still a senior in high school and developing a friendship with Ingram. He described Ingram as “the point person for the older generation in the community,” and told of a widow Ingram comforted, and when he asked her what she needed, she wanted to be assured that he was going to run again.
Sadler presented Ingram with a flag that Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Montross) had flown over the U.S. Capitol in Ingram’s honor, and he told him that Del. Keith Hodges (R-Urbanna) would introduce a resolution honoring him during the upcoming session of the Virginia General Assembly.
Ingram’s daughter, Jeannie Elliott, gave a tearful tribute to her father, telling him his family was proud of him when he was first elected “and today we are still proud of you.” She spoke of his unfailing dedication, hard work, sympathy, compassion, and honesty.
“Over the years, you made many friends and some enemies, but through it all you had the people of Mathews at heart and tried to do what’s right and fair in all issues,” said Elliott. “Know that you’ve given your all to Mathews County … You are leaving with your head held high.”
Supervisor-elect Melissa Mason said that Ingram had “always given me a kind word and advice,” that he’s leaving “big shoes to fill,” and that she admired his integrity, strength, dedication, commitment, and the sacrifices he’s made while supervisor.