Tracey Strassner is a candidate for an open seat within Bedford County Commission for District 5. This area consists of Flat Creek, Normandy and the Raus communities.  

Although not a lifelong resident of the County, Strassner is quick to comment on how much she “loves this area.” For Strassner, it is the people of Bedford County that make this place “home.”  

“I have lived in several states, and I have found that it is the incredible sense of community here which makes this place so special. When I left my strategic planning and operations role at Asurion, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do next. I was asked to chair the feasibility committee and then the viability committee for what was one of the first county development projects, the Main Street Market.”  

She said through that 15-month process, she learned a lot about local government, Bedford County’s vision, and the process of how Commissioners do their elected jobs.  

“I’ve attended and presented at most of the County committee meetings as well as County Commissioner meetings over the past 2 years. If elected, I am committed to engage and do the work to continue to improve the voice that our communities have in the direction and plan for this district and the County.”  

Strassner said she had a mentor who once told her “We live our lives in thirds: you learn a third, earn a third, and serve a third.”  

She added, “I believe now is my time to serve. My 30+ years’ experience of creating business plans and the teams that successfully execute them is needed right now. I’ve managed large scale technical and infrastructure projects and understand that you have to create a vision as well as options.”  

She’s seen the hard work and dedication that it takes to run small business these days.  

“As one of the owners of Sunchaser Market in Flat Creek, I know how small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. All our local businesses need support right now to make sure they can keep their doors open and grow with the all the change happening right now.”  

Strassner said she plans to serve the community by placing her focus on “managing the now while preparing for the future.”  

This strategy includes:  

• preparing for growth and enabling new infrastructure
• developing strategies for community engagement and communication
• continually improving public safety and support for students, educators, and 1st responders.

“As I travel the district during this campaign, I continue to be amazed by the people I meet here. It would be an honor to serve as District 5 County Commissioner.”