About David Cropper
My name is David Cropper and I am running for Fredericksburg City Council Ward One.
I came into this world at Mary Washington Hospital, back when it was located on Fall Hill Avenue. Most of my life has been spent in Fredericksburg, and I have witnessed numerous changes since that day. This town has transformed from a quiet, small community to a hub of urban redevelopment. With its array of fantastic eateries, coffee shops, art galleries, and historic homes and museums, tourists from around the globe flock to visit us. We are no longer a mere little town; we have blossomed into something much more. During my younger years, I attended Walker Grant Middle School and had the privilege of being one of the first students to set foot in the new campus on Emancipation Highway.
Now, as I stroll through my neighborhood, I witness the construction of an even bigger and better version of Walker Grant in the Village of Idlewild. I've also observed James Monroe High School grow exponentially since my time there as a student. As with any city, growth is necessary for survival and progress. The challenge lies in managing it wisely and appropriately.
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As the owner of a small business in Fredericksburg, my spouse and I have the luxury of spending a lot of time exploring our city's dining and shopping options. Our home is adorned with beautiful artwork from talented local artists who showcase their pieces in the downtown galleries. This is a far cry from my childhood, where my family lived paycheck to paycheck and I had to start working at Carl's Ice Cream at just 15 years old to make ends meet. Despite my contributions, it was not enough to prevent us from falling into homelessness.​
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During that difficult time, Loisann's Hope House provided us with shelter and support to help us get back on our feet. The compassionate individuals there helped my mother and me regain our independence with dignity. That experience is why I now support and serve on the board of Loisann's Hope House, dedicated to ending homelessness in the Fredericksburg area. Along with my work with The Central Virginia Housing Coalition and The Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation.
Ever since I can remember, my life has been blessed by the presence of compassionate organizations dedicated to making Fredericksburg a brighter place to live. One such non-profit is The Fredericksburg Host Lions club, of which I am proud to be a member.
A sense of duty and purpose permeates the club's mission statement: "We Serve." This guiding principle has become ingrained in me, whether through my business or volunteering endeavors. For me, it means constantly seeking opportunities to serve and make a positive impact on those around me.
Whether it's lending a helping hand or simply spreading kindness, I strive to leave everyone I encounter feeling better for having crossed paths with me.
