Notice of Town Council Vacancy and Appointment Process

UPDATE: FRIDAY, MAY 30TH, 2025

Last evening, the New Market Town Council appointed Jon Henry, proprietor of Jon Henry General Store, to serve on and fill the current vacancy on the board. Join us in welcoming Jon Henry as our newest Town Council member!

Jon is a very active and involved business owner and resident of New Market. His in-depth understanding of our community, as well as his relationships with local and regional resources, will certainly benefit the town. He has been involved in key committees such as our Merchants’ Committee, Tis the Season, and the Community Center, and has always been willing to jump in to help. He already works with the town staff on ideas for the downtown and always brings up creative ideas.

The Town Council is excited to welcome him as a member and looks forward to collaborating alongside him.

Monday, May 19th, 2025:

The candidates who submitted a Letter of Interest were announced at the Town Council meeting tonight.

Buzz Menhardt-9861 Woodbine Way
Jon Henry-9383 N. Congress St. 
Jeannie Braithwaite-112 Tyler Drive

Per State Code, the Town Council must wait 7 days after the announcement of the candidates to make an appointment.

The Town of New Market is accepting applications for a Town Council member appointment. The term for this position expires on December 31st, 2025.
A special election will occur in November 2025, with the new term beginning January 1st, 2026.

Interested candidates should provide a Letter of Interest for the position and describe why they would like to serve on the Town Council. The candidate's home address must be listed. The deadline to submit is May 19th, 2025, at 12:00pm. All Letters of Interest should be submitted to Nathan Garrison, Town Manager at 9418 John Sevier Road or via email at n.garrison@newmarketvirginia.com.

At the regular May 19th, 2025, Town Council meeting, candidates that applied will be read aloud, and submitted documentation will be available for public review per state law. The Town Council will then engage in the selection process with the appointment at a later date.
Minimum qualifications for candidacy:
1. Be a U.S. citizen and registered to vote in the Commonwealth of Virginia
2. Must not be convicted of any felony with the exception of if your voting rights were restored.
3. Must reside within the incorporated jurisdiction of the town of New Market
4. Must have been a resident of Virginia for at least one year prior to taking oath of office
5. Must be at least 18 years of age