David Cropper Running For Fredericksburg City Council: Questionnaire
- David Cropper
- Sep 14
- 5 min read
David Cropper is one of three candidates on the Nov. 4 ballot seeking the Ward One seat on the Fredericksburg City Council.
Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff
Posted Tue, Sep 9, 2025
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — David Cropper, the owner of Real Estate Brokerage Cropper Home Sales, considers workforce housing as the most pressing issue facing the City of Fredericksburg.
Cropper is one of three candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election for the Ward One seat on the Fredericksburg City Council. He faces opponents Matt Rowe and Ken Gantt.
Early voting for the Nov. 4 election begins on Sept 19.
As part of its coverage of the 2025 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in the Fredericksburg City Council race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job for which they're running. The following are Cropper's responses.
David Cropper
Position Sought
City Council, Ward One
Age
51
Family
Spouse Sean Parman 57
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're a candidate in.
Spouse retired from Federal Goverment
Education
Not relevent
Occupation
Owner of Real Estate Brokerage Cropper Home Sales
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office
None
Why are you seeking elective office?
As a Fredericksburg native, small business owner, author, and community advocate. Born at Mary Washington Hospital, I’ve seen our city grow from a quiet, historic town into a vibrant hub filled with diverse cultures. While I’m proud of how far we’ve come, I believe we must manage our growth thoughtfully to ensure every resident thrives.
Having faced both adversity and opportunity in my own life, I know the importance of community support. Loisann’s Hope House helped my family recover from homelessness, and I’m honored to serve on its board today. I also contribute to addressing housing and homelessness through The Central Virginia Housing Coalition and The Realtors Foundation. As a proud member of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, I’ve learned the value of serving others.
The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Work force housing.
Our hardworking residents need a place to call home without breaking the bank. The average cost of a 2-3 bedroom rental in the city is around $2000.-$2500. And the medium home price to purchase a home in the city is in the $450,000 ballpark. These prices do not allow for many who work in the City of Fredericksburg to live here. I will work tirelessly with our other elected officials to bring more affordable workforce housing options, ensuring that teachers, nurses, tradespeople, and others who make this city a bright place to call home.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post
One of the most important differences is that I am the only candidate who was born and raised right here in Fredericksburg. This city isn't just where I live—it's part of who I am. I understand its history, its people, and its unique challenges because I’ve experienced them firsthand, growing up in our neighborhoods, attending our schools, and building lasting relationships across the community.
In addition to my deep local roots, I also bring a practical perspective as a small business owner. I know what it takes to create jobs, manage budgets, and make tough decisions that affect real people. That experience helps me bring a results-driven, accountable approach to leadership.
Finally, my commitment to service runs deep. I actively serve on several local charity boards that focus on supporting families, youth, and underserved members of our community. These roles have kept me grounded in the everyday needs of our residents and have given me the chance to work collaboratively toward meaningful change.
Together, my lifelong connection to Fredericksburg, my business experience, and my community service make me uniquely positioned to represent and advocate for the people of our city with both heart and effectiveness.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
While I respect anyone willing to serve the public, I believe the current board has fallen short in staying truly connected to the everyday experiences and priorities of the people of Fredericksburg. As someone who was born and raised here, runs a local business, and actively serves on community charity boards, I see and hear the concerns of our residents daily—whether it's small businesses struggling to stay afloat, families needing better support services, or neighborhoods feeling unheard in local decision-making.
The current leadership has not done enough to engage directly with the community or to support initiatives that strengthen local economic opportunity and social services. Too often, decisions are made from a distance—as many on the board work outside the City of Fredericksburg which causes a lack of insight that comes from living, working, and serving right here in Fredericksburg.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
Attracting New Businesses and Creating Jobs:
A thriving economy starts with bringing in new businesses and fostering local entrepreneurs. By cutting red tape, supporting small businesses, and creating incentives for growth, we can create more jobs and make our city a place of opportunity.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As the owner and managing broker of Cropper Home Sales, LLC, I’ve built and led a successful local business. This experience has equipped me with a strong sense of fiscal responsibility, the ability to manage budgets effectively, and a clear focus on delivering tangible results for the people I serve.
My service extends beyond business; I’m deeply embedded in civic life through multiple nonprofit roles: Serving on the board of Loisann's Hope House and working with the Central Virginia Housing Coalition addressing homelessness and providing much-needed support to families.
I also serve as Vice President of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, lending service to local causes and fostering community connections
Each of these experiences—local upbringing, business leadership, nonprofit engagement, and focused advocacy—showcases my ability to:
Understand and respond to Fredericksburg’s unique challenges.
Develop practical, inclusive solutions grounded in real-world experience.
Bring people together across sectors to move initiatives forward.
Execute on priorities with purpose, empathy, and effectiveness.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
My mother told me as a child, "In order to be great, you must help others see their greatness.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am truly an independent. I don't believe in party only the policies that will continue to keep Fredericksburg the shining star of our region.