The Haymarket Town Council unanimously voted on Monday to appoint Sterling Brinson to fill the seat vacated by the sudden resignation of Susan Edwards.

Brinson competed against three others for the interim spot. He is set to serve until a special election next year determines who will complete the final months of the term. All six town council seats are up for election next in May 2012.

A married father of three originally, the information technology program manager represents Greenhill Crossing on the Tyler Elementary School Advisory Council. He said his goal on council is to provide a voice for single-parent families and families with parents who are both working exceptionally long hours. In his application letter dated Nov. 24, he cited his experience managing budgets and contracts as "a skill I believe will come in handy if I am selected..."

On the issues, Brinson favors expanding the Street Scape program.

"I'd like to see some more sidewalks" on each side of Washington Street, he said, adding that "flashing" crossing markers would be a welcomed improvement too.

The political novice said he needs to study the issue more to figure out how to properly fund any expansion of the program designed to make Haymarket more pedestrian friendly. However, he added, "I'm going to be able to add that to the wish list."

One of the main drivers of income for the Street Scape is the meals tax, which exceeded budgeted expectations during the last fiscal year. According to a draft auditor's report conducted by the certified public accountants firm Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates, the amended FY 2010 budget projected $393,805 would be brought in by the 4 percent tax on prepared food. It turns out the town actually received over $15,000 more than that.

"So what do I think about it?" Brinson said of the meals tax. "I think it sucks because the same sandwich I bought here, I could buy for less in Fairfax."

As for changing the actual rate, he said he still needs to study its affect on the town. The same could be said for any proposals to demolish the historic but dilapidated Red Rooster building near the Town Center. He does favor demolition of the Gray House only if a plan is put forth for what to do after the property is taken down. Brinson mentioned that the town is short on parking, so adding a lot there could be a potential outcome of such a move.

Like much of Haymarket's expanding population, Brinson is not originally from the town but from Queens, New York instead. He said he is driven to public service by watching his father volunteer time to help others, even as he's gotten older.

"I hope to one day follow in his footsteps by helping those who need help – representing the interests of those who are overlooked or simply cannot afford to invest the time needed to make a difference in their life or the life of others," Brinson wrote in a follow-up e-mail.

Demographically, the appointment of Brinson brings two changes to the council. While Brinson is the only person of color serving, his appointment leaves council member Mary Lou Scarbrough and mayor Pamela Stutz as the only women left on the council featuring five men. Men also play a role in most other non-elected roles at town council meetings with the exception of clerk (Jennifer Preli) or, in the clerk's absence, deputy clerk (Sherrie Wilson).

That includes the positions of town attorney (John Bennett), manager (Gene Swearingen), treasurer (James Naradzay), police chief (James Roop), building official (Jim Lowery) and part-time planner (Marchant Schneider).

Women do hold two other leadership positions, however: Rebecca Bare is chairman of the planning commission and Ellie Ivancic is the director of research and interpretation for the Haymarket Museum. Women make up three out of four spots on the planning commission and two out of four spots on the architectural review board

Two and a half years ago, women held four council seats along with the mayor's office.

As for himself, Brinson said, "I just generally want to get involved and provide hopefully a different perspective that's required to sustain growth and a good quality of life."