The town of Appomattox has two new council members: Jonathan Garrett and James Boyce.

Garrett is chief of the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department and an Automotive Technology instructor at Appomattox County High School, while Boyce is a Navy veteran who works for Webb’s Tire Company.

Both were write-in candidates elected after the retirement of C. Lewis McDearmon, who has served on the council for about 20 years, and Erin Finch, who has served for three years. They started as council members on July 1.

Garrett said that due to the circumstances of their retirement, the deadline had passed for being on the ballot, so they had to do write-in campaigns.

“It’s always been a lifelong goal of mine to try to get involved with the community on the government level,” Garrett said, “so I saw the opportunity and did write-in campaign, and got enough votes to get on it.”

Garrett was born and raised in Appomattox and attends Evergreen Baptist Church.

He has been with the fire department for 11 years, having served as the chief since January of this year. He had succeeded his father, Timothy Garrett, as the fire chief and also joins him on the town council.

Jonathan Garrett said that his platform is focused on town infrastructure, attracting new businesses to the town, and growing the community. He said that the council is going in the right direction, so he wants to maintain what they are doing and make improvements along the way.

“I appreciated those that voted for me to get me elected,” Jonathan Garrett said. “And if I can do anything for them, I’d be glad to help.”

He serves on the Finance and Planning Committee, while Boyce will be on the Physical Development Committee.

Boyce has lived in Appomattox since the mid to late ’70s. He retired from being a vessel master for a major petroleum shipper before working for Webb’s Tire Company.

His platform revolves around a concern for the safety of the citizens of Appomattox and fiscal responsibility with the taxes that are levied against the citizens of Appomattox.

He believes that smaller government is better government and wants to do the right thing for citizens.

“I want to continue to serve the citizens of Appomattox in whatever way I can,” Boyce wrote.

He stated that, personally, he is a Christian who fully supports the Second Amendment and is pro-life. He considers himself as an Independent in the political arena and votes based on his conscience instead of any particular party loyalty, he wrote.

“I am but one person, I have but one vote,” Boyce stated. “It is my sincere desire to make that vote count for the good of the citizens of the Town of Appomattox.”

He noted that he is open to citizen comments or concerns at captjboyce@aol.com.