Five candidates are on the 2024 ballot for seats on Appomattox Town Council. Voters may cast a vote for no more than three candidates. The 2024 general election will be held Nov. 5.

The Times Virginian emailed questionnaires to each of the five candidates, as well as follow-up emails. As of the press deadline, four candidates have responded.

The four candidates who are included in today’s Question-and-Answer format are incumbents Jane T. Allen and James J. “Jim” Boyce Sr., and challengers McKinley D. Cardwell and Stephanie A. Pawelczyk. The other challenger is Diamond E. Lawing.

(NOTE: All questions and answers are in the newspaper and e-edition.)

Jane T. Allen

How long have you resided in Appomattox County?

Thirty-eight years or so. My senior year of high school, we moved to the Red House side of Brookneal for a few years. I've been a town resident for 12 years.

What is your professional experience and educational background?

I am a 2001 graduate of Appomattox County High School, Go Raiders! I am a 2009 graduate of Lynchburg College with a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a focus on health services. In 2012, I obtained my Masters in Human Services-Health and Wellness at Liberty University.

James J. “Jim” Boyce Sr.

How long have you resided in Appomattox County?

I have lived in Appomattox County approximately 45 years, with the last 37 years being in the Town of Appomattox.

What is your professional experience and educational background?

I am a U. S. Navy veteran. After serving, I went to work in the private sector, enjoying over 40 years of work in the maritime industry; the last 17 as a seagoing tugboat captain. After my maritime career, I was employed by Webb’s Tire Company until May 31 of this year. I have a high school diploma with a year of college and additional years of continuing education training in the maritime field.

McKinley D. Cardwell

How long have you resided in Appomattox County?

As a newborn, I went directly from Virginia Baptist Hospital to Appomattox in mid-January 1997. I have lived on North Avenue all my life. I drove my four-wheeler in the field at the end of North Avenue before the road was developed and became connected to Plant Drive. I rode my bike to Liberty Baptist Church on Sundays; I walked to the men's prayer breakfast at 6 a.m. at Granny Bee’s. I also volunteered and acted at the Appomattox Courthouse Theater. My dentist, primary care physician, and optometrist have all been in town.

When I got married, my wife and I purchased a home on Sunnydale Avenue, and I reside just over the railroad tracks from where it all began.

What is your professional experience and educational background?

In 2015, I graduated from Appomattox County High School and subsequently earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Liberty University. Currently, I am involved in music therapy across the Commonwealth of Virginia, specifically in senior living facilities.

Stephanie A. Pawelczyk

How long have you resided in Appomattox County?

Three-and-a-half years. I moved here in May of 2021.

What is your professional experience and educational background?

I have a PhD in Criminal Psychology and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). Currently, I serve as both a Salesforce Revenue Cloud Principal Architect and Director of Architecture, where I design and oversee systems that streamline revenue processes for organizations. Before transitioning into these roles, I worked with inmates, applying my expertise in psychology to rehabilitation efforts. My diverse background in leadership, problem-solving, and system design has equipped me to contribute effectively to both individuals and large-scale operations.

There’s more to this in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.

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