Martha Mugler for Council Campaign Press Release

Martha Mugler announces bid for Hampton City Council.

August 9, 2022

June 21st marked the deadline for filing for the upcoming November 8,2022 Election. Martha Mugler filed to run in the upcoming election amongst five candidates vying for three available seats on the Hampton City Council. Mugler offers extensive public service experience, having served on the Hampton School Board and in the Virginia General Assembly, as Representative of the 91st District.

“After encouragement from friends and community members, I have decided to run for a seat on our City Council. I have developed a unique blend of public service experience and skills over the years and believe I can add value. I am excited at the prospect of serving our city in an instrumental and impactful capacity on City Council, Mugler said.”

Mugler’s campaign will focus on the issues citizens are concerned about, with particular emphasis on public education, addressing violent crime and gun violence, economic growth, and coastal resiliency, with continued citizen engagement. Her vision for Hampton includes capitalizing on our natural coastal assets, a safe community with a vibrant economy that benefits all citizens.

A native of Hampton, Martha attended public schools in Hampton and Poquoson before earning a Bachelor’s in Communications from Radford University in Southwest Virginia.

Martha’s professional experience includes work in higher education, community & public relations, and banking. Mugler was elected to the Hampton School Board in 2008. The cornerstone of her work sought to provide the best possible education to the children of Hampton resulting in 100% accreditation rankings. Martha served on the school board for twelve years and was Chair of the Board for four years. A progressive high school redesign with Ford Next Generation Wall to Wall Career Academies, launching a 1:1 student technology initiative, and the hiring of Superintendent Jeffrey O. Smith (2019 Virginia Superintendent of the Year) highlight her many School Board accomplishments.

During her time on the school board, Martha was active at both the state and local levels, serving on boards and committees including:

• Virginia School Board Association’s Legislative Positions Committee

• WHRO Hampton Roads Telecommunications Association Educational Advisory Committee

• Council for Urban Education

• National School Board Association

• Governor’s Apointee to the Virginia 529/AbleNow Board (Virginia College Savings Plan).

Martha is deeply committed to our community. She has been recognized by the Barrett-Peake Foundation for her contributions to the Peninsula, bestowed the Hampton Arts Foundation Coastal Virginia Renaissance Award for contributions to the local arts community, and honored by the Coalition of Justice for Civil Rights for outstanding service to the community.

Martha has been active in local organizations including:

• Hampton Arts Foundation Board

• The Woman’s Club of Hampton, Inc.

• Downtown Hampton Child Development Center Board

• Star Achievers Academy Board

• Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens Board

• PTA

• First Presbyterian Church

• Sunday School Teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Hampton

• No Kid Hungry

• Junior Woman’s Club of Hampton, Inc

• Junior League of Hampton Roads

Martha was elected to represent the 91st District in the Virginia House of Delegates in 2019. While serving, Mugler carried legislation that resulted in a 5% pay increase for Virginia teachers. She also served as patron to legislation for student driver safety, designated outdoor refreshment area licenses, and the development of the Virginia Division of Offshore Wind. In 2020, Mugler was recognized by the Virginia Education Association as Rookie Legislator of the Year.

During her legislative tenure in the Virginia House of Delegates, Mugler was assigned to the Education Committee, Finance Committee, and the Counties Cities and Towns Committee. Martha was appointed to and served on the following boards and commissions:

· Fort Monroe Authority Trustee

· Go Virginia (Virginia Initiative for Growth & Opportunity)

· The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Advisory Committee

· The Virginia Coal and Energy Commission

· Southern States Energy Board

· Chairman of the Virginia Arts Caucus

· The Commonwealth Caucus

· The SLC Education Committee

Martha is married to Ross A. Mugler. She is the proud mother of three children, Chandler, Will, and Anne-Logan, and Granmommie to 7-year-old Devon and 4-year-old Will.

Mugler says,” she will continue to connect with citizens and focus on the needs and concerns of our community, striving for increased levels of safety by working with and supporting our fire and police, placing emphasis on continued economic development and growth, providing support for outstanding public education, and supporting resiliency efforts that will enhance the vitality of our beautiful city by the sea”.