Interview with Charles Burkett; Aims for Washington County Commissioner Seat with Focus on Fiscal Prudence and Manufacturing Revival

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Charles Burkett, a lifelong resident of Washington County and current member of the Board of Education, has announced his candidacy for Washington County Commissioner in 2026. His campaign is built upon his prior experience as a county commissioner and a commitment to fiscal conservatism and the revitalization of local manufacturing. Burkett, who has resided in the Washington County area for his entire life and raised four children and several foster children there, aims to leverage his diverse background, which includes roles as an Assistant Pastor and over 25 years of experience operating local businesses, to guide county policy.

A central tenet of Burkett’s platform is a strong emphasis on fiscal accountability, viewing taxpayer money with a high degree of respect. He pointed to his previous tenure as a County Commissioner from 2021 to 2022, during which he was appointed to fill a vacancy. In that period, he supported three separate tax cuts, underscoring his dedication to reducing the tax burden on residents. His current role on the Board of Education, to which he was elected in 2024 and serves through 2028, provides him with a unique perspective on the interplay between educational needs and the county’s budgetary realities. Burkett advocates for a more effective approach to securing educational funding by bridging the gap between the school system’s requirements and the county’s financial limitations.

“When a Republican runs, a lot of times… in their platform they say lower taxes,” said Burkett. “For me, that is not just a Republican slogan; I helped push for two of three tax cuts when I was a commissioner the last time.”

Beyond fiscal matters, Burkett is a strong proponent of economic diversification within Washington County. While acknowledging the current contributions of the warehouse sector, which he notes provides starting wages in the range of $20 to $25 per hour, he believes the county should aim for higher-value employment opportunities. His vision includes bringing back heavy manufacturing and attracting “white-collar” jobs to the region. A key element of this economic strategy is his championing of the Hitachi rail manufacturing project, which currently produces subway cars for the DC metro, and he believes has the potential to deliver significant regional economic benefits, drawing a parallel to the impact of Mack Truck, a local employer for decades.

“I said this is this generation’s Mack Truck… I know a lot of people that work in Mack Truck and retired from there because they pay good money,” stated Burkett.

Public safety is identified by Burkett as a paramount responsibility of government. He has a particular focus on strengthening the volunteer firefighter system, recognizing it as a critical component of the county’s emergency response capabilities. His aim is to develop new recruitment strategies to ensure the continued viability of volunteer services, thereby avoiding a potentially costly transition to a fully paid county fire department. Furthermore, Burkett has expressed a commitment to advocating for senior citizens, specifically by exploring new property tax relief mechanisms. This initiative is intended to assist seniors in managing rising living costs and maintaining their homes within the community.

“I think public safety is actually the government’s number one priority… where it should have its main focus,” said Burkett.

Regarding current regional issues, Burkett approaches the proposed ICE facility with a pragmatic outlook. He acknowledges that the matter is currently under federal court jurisdiction but emphasizes that if the facility proceeds, his priority would be to ensure humane treatment of individuals and to maximize any potential economic benefits for the local area. In the broader political landscape, Burkett is part of the Republican field for the 2026 commissioner elections, competing for one of the five available seats alongside other candidates. He consistently encourages voters to thoroughly research candidates, examining their actual voting records and stated platforms rather than relying on hearsay.

“I’m a lifelong Washington County resident… love this county,” concluded Burkett.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from interview with Burkett and his official website.

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