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BY FRANK DELANO
Robert D. Fink, Westmoreland County's new director of planning and community development, sees similarities between his new county and his old one in the state of Washington.
"Both are rural and growing. Somewhat large populations of both commute outside the counties to work. People in both counties are concerned about the loss of agricultural land and preserving the character of their communities," he said.
Fink started work in Montross April 6 after 22 years as a planner in Florida and Washington. From 2000 to 2008, he was a planning manager for Mason County, Wash. The county (population 56,384) is on the Olympic Peninsula between Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean.
He said his move to Virginia is a homecoming of sorts. Fink grew up in Arlington, where his parents still live. He holds degrees from both the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.
He said his wife, Sondra, will join him as soon as she rents or sells their home in Shelton, Wash.
Fink will manage the six employees of Westmoreland's Land Use Department. He said he has spent his first two weeks on the job learning about Westmoreland policies and projects.
His job, he said, will be to find ways "to accommodate growth and preserve the character of the county."
Frank Delano: 804/761-4300
Email: fpdelano@gmail.com
