From Tedd Povar
Virginia Institute of Government
tep3e@virginia.edu
According to a press clip from January 7, Charlie Burgess, who has enjoyed a 12 year tenure as the city manager of Poquoson is retiring April 1. He was quoted as saying he was going to pursue other career possibilities. Rumors had been circulating that he was retiring to run against Delegate Tom Gear, a former Hampton City Councilmember and friend. However, Charlie Burgess denied those rumors, saying he was taking advantage of the opportunity to explore some new career options. At 55 years old, he has 32 plus years in Virginia local government. While in the post in Poquoson, he had the helm during the devastation of 2003's Hurricane Isabel. Two fire stations and a huge elementary school were built on his watch. He was quoted as saying he was most proud of getting improvements passed for employee compensation and benefits, as well as implementing a digital mapping project for the city.
