By Mayor Derrick R. Wood | November 7, 2026

Dumfries, thank you.

You have given me another term. My responsibility is to make sure it means something in your everyday life.

During this campaign, I asked you to protect the progress and let us finish what we started. I am grateful you entrusted me with that responsibility.

My journey into public service began with a barbecue business and being told I could not sell in the Town Hall parking lot. That experience led me to ask how decisions were being made—and how I could help make them better.

In 2012, I won a seat on the Council as a write-in candidate.

I still remember what it felt like to stand outside Town Hall with an idea and a business I believed in. It reminds me to listen when someone comes forward with a concern, a dream or a different way of seeing our town.

We have given ourselves something real to build on.

Dumfries has earned two consecutive clean audits and strong credit ratings. Our competitive bond sale achieved borrowing costs below projections, producing approximately $1.7 million in savings over the financing term. Those accomplishments reflect the work of our Council, Town Manager and staff—and the importance of financial discipline.

We also acquired approximately 161 acres along Quantico Creek for our future Waterfront District. That purchase gives us an extraordinary opportunity to reconnect Dumfries with the water that shaped its history. Much of the property will remain wetlands and open space as we plan for its future.

Now we must turn that stronger foundation into things residents can see, use and benefit from.

A town that works well for the people who live here.

Reliable trash collection. Safe neighborhoods. Responsible spending. Clear answers when you contact Town Hall.

These everyday experiences shape confidence in local government. Working with the entire Council, Town Manager and town employees, I will keep our attention on dependable services and follow-through.

You should be able to understand what we promised, where the work stands and what happens next.

A destination where our residents have a future.

I want families to have more reasons to spend an afternoon here. I want entrepreneurs to see a place to open their doors. I want our Main Street and waterfront to become places people seek out and return to.

That is the promise of Destination Dumfries: a town people drive to, not simply through.

Getting there requires funding, partnerships and achievable phases. It also requires us to ask who benefits.

A resident who gains a better-paying job. A small-business owner who reaches new customers. A young person who discovers a career path. A family able to stay and build a future here.

People who already call Dumfries home should be able to say, “There is a place for me in this future.”

That is the standard I want us to build toward.

A community that helps shape what comes next.

Whether you voted for me or supported someone else, I am your mayor. Your concerns deserve to be heard.

I ask you to take one step: attend a Council meeting, participate in a planning discussion or tell us one practical improvement that would make daily life better for your family, your street or your business.

I congratulate Tyrone Brown, Selonia Miles and Caetrina Peterson on their victories. I look forward to working with the entire Council in service to our town.

To Councilman Russel Young, thank you for your steadfast support. To every volunteer, supporter and neighbor who gave time or opened a door: you helped carry this effort forward.

And to Monique and our family: thank you for the love, patience and strength behind my service.

Years ago, I came to Town Hall hoping to build a future for my business. Today, I have the privilege of helping build a future for our town.

I want more people in Dumfries to experience what opportunity can make possible.

You have trusted me with another term.

Now let’s make that trust count.