Click on each question to expand and see each candidate's responses.
Jesse Dominguez:
I strongly believe in using alternative transportation whenever possible. If I am able to walk, I do. I often walk from my apartment near the train station to various shops and restaurants downtown. I also frequent parks all by walking.
I do not currently own a bike and have limited experience riding one, but I absolutely see the value of improved bike infrastructure. If we had safer, more connected routes designed for practical use—not just leisure—I could see myself using a bike much more often.
As for public transit, I rarely use the bus at the moment, mainly because the existing transit app does not function well. I would like to explore implementing a more reliable, user-friendly app to make our system easier to navigate. I also make a point to tell people, especially young adults who don’t own cars, that our bus system is free.
We need to explore alternative ways to fund and improve our bus system so it works for everyone. While the FRED Bus is currently subsidized by multiple organizations, this funding has not provided essential safety features at bus stops, nor has it resulted in efficient routes.
It’s time to re-evaluate the current system and transition toward a model that better serves our community. This includes working collaboratively with surrounding counties to create a more regional approach—ensuring buses are filled with residents and visitors, not running empty. By maximizing resources and prioritizing safety and route efficiency, we can make public transit a truly viable option for Fredericksburg.
Charlie “Chuck” Frye:
Car, bicycle, walk. Traveling around the City is only a challenge when drivers aren’t respectful of pedestrians and cyclists. The most challenging part of some of my personal traveling is the Landsdowne road area…Often an area in the City that many people don’t think about.
GoaIs achieved: I have worked on the Fall Hill crosswalk improvements near Riverside Manor area and Celebrate Virginia as well. I also accomplished changing the speed near Old Mill park to 25 mph so that that area is safer for everyone. It used to be 35 mph. I also added the crosswalk at Charles & Dixon Street near Downtown Greens area. Also I have worked to install the bump-outs downtown and also the speed tables on Airport Avenue to help control traffic to make it safer for everyone. Advocated for removal of parking spots in Darbytown/Crowfoot Bottom near the train station to eliminate blind spots to prevent possible accidents. All are in Ward 4.
Jesse Dominguez:
I’ve seen firsthand how other countries prioritize city mobility, and I’ve studied many examples of successful strategies. I believe Fredericksburg can adopt similar ideas to make our streets safer, more efficient, and more pedestrian-friendly.
One of my top priorities is reducing unnecessary vehicle traffic in neighborhoods. One option is to use empty lots to create resident-only parking areas for neighborhoods and limit cut-through traffic in certain residential areas to prevent speeding in spaces where children and families should feel safe to play.
Traffic-calming measures are also essential. Many of our crosswalks lack adequate protection, for example, there are no speed tables at entrances or inside of city parks—areas where cars should be moving slowly. I work for the City Parks Department, and I see firsthand how dangerous it is when cars speed past while we work along roads near our parks.
Fall Hill Avenue is another example of a major issue: high-speed traffic right next to a major walking path. To address this, we should widen sidewalks, add bus-only lanes, and improve pedestrian infrastructure so people are encouraged to choose alternative transportation for trips that don’t require a personal vehicle.
Charlie “Chuck” Frye:
I will continuously approach balancing pedestrian safety and vehicular access like I have been as the Ward 4 representative by implementing roadway safety features (for example) the newly installed traffic grids at the Blue & Gray Parkway/ Dixon street ramp that is a highly dangerous crosswalk area that I was able to improve.
I also introduced the City to the Digital traffic signs that we all see around the City today. I brought that idea to a council meeting and requested that we start using these type of devices to help with traffic control.
Jesse Dominguez:
I’ve heard many different opinions on this, but I believe the $50 million should be strategically allocated to benefit entire communities. A portion should go toward paying down existing debt, while the rest should be invested in maintaining and improving critical infrastructure—such as walkways, roads, and neighborhood enhancements. Additionally, we must address the environmental impact with the funds of projects like the Technology Overlay District to ensure development does not come at the expense of our natural resources or quality of life. A great example of the tax revenue cities can get from DC’s is the Jeff Rouse Sport Center in Stafford.
Charlie “Chuck” Frye:
The City should use the future Data Center revenues to improve all aspects of the City without putting the burden on the City taxpayers. The goal of such a huge economic development like this was to make things better for ALL residents of the City and keep future costs down. That’s why I approved the Data Center which is also in Ward 4.
Jesse Dominguez:
The City should take a more active role in addressing housing availability by forming a dedicated committee to identify vacant homes in neighborhoods. This committee would work directly with property owners to create agreements allowing city workers and first responders to rent these homes under secure contracts. These individuals have stable incomes and can be counted on as reliable tenants. Agreements could include fixed rental terms with an option to purchase after a set period.
To support this initiative, the City could subsidize a portion of the housing as an employment benefit, while also ensuring homes are well maintained via residents.
Additionally, we need to better utilize existing unused spaces—such as the square footage above downtown stores—which many currently sit empty. Converting these spaces into affordable starter homes and apartments would provide much-needed housing without expanding the city footprint, creating vibrant, mixed-use areas that benefit both residents and businesses.
Charlie “Chuck” Frye:
I would address the lack of affordable housing by keeping the future real estate tax rate as low as possible. Economic development projects like the most recent data center approval will help the City operate on a high level without constantly increasing taxes.
Also there has to be constant monitoring of our existing affordable housing and making sure that the citizens that live in our existing affordable housing complexes are treated fairly. This is often overlooked in the City & I constantly fight for the residents that are treated unfairly. Also there are CDBG grants that are available to help with home ownership assistance in the City.
Jesse Dominguez:
Neighborhoods should have a voice in shaping their local environment. Community boards or neighborhood coalitions should work together to invest in property and rent it to businesses that provide services residents value. If a community expresses a strong desire for nearby shops, I would support amending zoning regulations to make that possible.
The City should also establish Community Land Trusts (CLTs) to keep housing affordable and neighborhoods stable. CLTs are nonprofit organizations that own land and lease it to homeowners, reducing costs and preventing displacement. This model helps low-income families build equity while ensuring long-term affordability in our community.
What’s most important is ensuring that the businesses introduced enhance, rather than harm, neighborhood value. Residents need access to essentials like fresh food and home goods—not unnecessary services that don’t align with community priorities. Thoughtful, resident-driven planning can create walkable neighborhoods that truly serve the people who live there.
Charlie “Chuck” Frye:
Yes, I would amend zoning that would help City residents Live, Work & Play in areas of the City that could be built out or revitalized to accomplish this goal of walkability in every neighborhood of the City. For example the route 2/Dixon Street area is one of the most underserved areas of the city with no walkable amenities.
I will continue to advocate for improvements but we have to have the right development that can see the potential… Our neighboring county has invested in the same area with a fast food & coffee shop and the City only gains traffic from those projects with no revenue or traffic improvements.
The route 3 area is prime for revitalization but any new approval's have to meet the needs today & most importantly for the future.