Hank Speckhardt

A Slow Growth Candidate for Purcellville Town Council

Protecting Purcellville’s Future

I am running for Purcellville Town Council because I want to help preserve our town’s small-town character, practice fiscal responsibility, and ensure that residents remain at the center of the decisions shaping our community’s future.

I grew up in a small town in upstate New York and spent more than two decades in the insurance industry before owning and operating my own agency. After selling that business and another company I founded, I became a semi-retired entrepreneur looking for an opportunity to give back to the community I now proudly call home.

I moved to Purcellville to be closer to my mother, a longtime resident, following the passing of my father. It didn’t take long for me to appreciate the close-knit atmosphere, rich history, and quality of life that make this town so special.

I came to Purcellville because it feels like a real community. It has a character and quality of life that is increasingly rare, and I believe it is something worth protecting, not replacing.

One of the most pressing issues facing our town is the continued pressure for annexation and large-scale development proposals that could significantly alter Purcellville’s character while moving us away from the vision so many residents value.

Some of the proposals being discussed would fundamentally change the nature of this town and the reasons people chose to live here. These decisions need to reflect the long-term interests of the residents who live here and who will live with the consequences.

These are not abstract policy discussions. They affect traffic, water supply, public safety, taxes, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life in our community.

Throughout my career as a business owner and entrepreneur, I have learned the importance of evaluating risk, managing resources wisely, and making decisions based on long-term consequences rather than short-term promises. I am not a career politician. I bring a practical, common-sense approach to solving problems and making responsible financial decisions.

I support policies that respect the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, protect taxpayers, preserve existing neighborhoods, and safeguard the qualities that define Purcellville’s character and quality of life.

I will work to ensure that residents remain at the center of every major decision. This town belongs to the people who live here, and its future should reflect their voice and their vision—not someone else’s.

Purcellville has given me a wonderful place to call home. I would be honored to earn your trust, your vote, and the opportunity to serve on the Town Council as we work together to protect Purcellville’s future.