By Aila Boyd aboyd@ourvalley.org
Michael Griffin announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for Botetourt County Commissioner of the Revenue last week.
Submitted Photo
The Republican primary election will be held on June 11.
Griffin cites the fact that he’s a lifelong resident of the county as the primary motivating factor for his candidacy.
“I have a vested interest in Botetourt County,” Griffin said. “The county has given me a lot. I would like to give back to the community.”
A resident of Fincastle, Griffin graduated from Lord Botetourt High School in 1992.
Griffin explained that he hasn’t always had his sights set on the Commissioner of Revenue office, but rather saw the opportunity to serve the community once the current commissioner, Rodney Spickard, announced his intention not to seek a third term. In the days that followed Spickard’s announcement, Griffin said, several people reached out to him and suggested that he would do well in the position.
“I would not consider running for this job if Rodney was going to run again,” Griffin said.
If elected, he said that he will be answerable to the citizens of the county.
When thinking about the position that he’s vying for, Griffin said that it’s a “service job” and that whoever holds the position is there to serve the citizens.
“Part of the job is to listen to the people of the county and address their concerns in a way that is fair and equitable,” he said.
Griffin explained that he grew up watching his father serve the community by being on the Planning Commission.
“I feel that it’s my turn to step up and help out,” he said.
Griffin noted the fact that he’s “very open and approachable” for reasons why he feels that he’s the right person to assume the position.
Quoting Spickard, Griffin said that he doesn’t “want to be the Commissioner of Revenue— I want to be your Commissioner of Revenue.”
Griffin said that he believes he can provide a valued service for Botetourt County by taking advantage of his experience, skills, and perspectives gained from his 20 years of being self-employed and community activism.
Griffin is the owner of JMG Homes LLC and an operator of the Brookfield and Sommersby Water Companies. For these companies, Griffin performs all the business and financial functions including accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, and tax matters.
He explained that if elected, he will slowly phase out his involvement in the two businesses. He added that his family has committed to assuming the responsibilities associated with the businesses so that his primary focus will be the effective running of the office of the Commissioner of Revenue.
Griffin has also volunteered in the community for many years including at Fincastle Baptist Church. Both of Griffin’s daughters are active in local sports.
Griffin graduated from The College of William Mary in 1996 with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
“If elected, my goal is to continue to provide the efficient, accessible and proficient services that the citizens of Botetourt County have grown accustomed to under the leadership of outgoing Commissioner of the Revenue Rodney Spickard,” Griffin said.
