LOVE all the nonsense (and gridlock) on Capitol Hill? Then you'll definitely want to interject more partisanship into local elections. If not, you might consider voting for someone who thinks outside the "R vs. D" box. In Spotsylvania's Chancellor District supervisor's race, that would be Hap Connors.

Mr. Connors, whose full-time job is vice president of the Center for Innovative Technologies, has served his district on the Spotsy board since 2003. Bright and forward-thinking, he has been one of the most effective leaders in any Fredericksburg-area jurisdiction.

Despite the economic downturn, Mr. Connors has helped keep taxes low (the county's real estate tax rate is 22 cents below Stafford's) and yet has promoted investment in schools, transportation, and jobs. While most localities nationwide struggle financially, Spotsylvania's good fiscal position yielded a higher bond rating last year, saving the county treasury $3 million in interest payments.

Mr. Connors is a good steward of Spotsylvania's historical resources. He fought for federal money to widen State Route 3, pushed for Spotsylvania's participation in VRE, and advocated a purchase-of-development-rights program to help preserve green space. His efforts (and thinking) transcend Spotsylvania: He's been a major advocate of regional cooperation and has served on the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and supported Fredericksburg's river-easement plan.

Mr. Connors' vision for the future also argues for his re-election. Hoping to attract federal and high-tech jobs to the county, he has a plan for economic development that includes a creative marketing strategy, designated technology zones, and an innovation park. Promoting heritage tourism, restoring kids' faith in politics, and improving childhood health are also on his list.

Although both Mr. Connors and his opponent are running as independents, the Spotsylvania County Republican Party has employed coals-of-fire rhetoric against the incumbent. But Mr. Connors' record speaks for itself; any local government would be fortunate to have an elected leader of his caliber.

"Local government should be nonpartisan and focused on finding solutions," he writes on his website. We agree, and recommend that Chancellorsville District voters return him to his seat on the Spotsylvania board.