Otto Wachsmann, a pharmacist and small business owner, announced his candidacy for the 75th House District, which encompasses all of Sussex, Southampton, Greensville, and Brunswick Counties, all of Franklin and Emporia City, and parts of Lunenburg County.

“Having lived most of my life in Sussex County, I have watched businesses close and jobs leave our region, our healthcare system fail our neighbors, with leaders in Richmond more interested in partisan politics than helping rebuild our community. As a small business owner and pharmacist, I have dedicated my career to serving my patients and our community. I am running for the House of Delegates because we need a new prescription for Southside that will make our community the best place to work and live for future generations,” Wachsmann said.

“My family has owned a locally operated pharmacy in Stony Creek for more than 50 years. I see on a daily basis the struggle those in our community have with paying for prescriptions and navigating the complex health insurance maze of requirements that even health care providers often do not understand.

“As a small business owner, I also understand how important it is to promote policies that bring back and keep jobs in Southside. That starts with lowering taxes, eliminating burdensome regulations, and investing in our students to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. We must make it a priority to keep great teachers in the classroom and that means our teachers need to be fairly compensated.

“As your delegate, I would be committed to working with you to solve these problems and more. I will work with anyone, regardless of party, to find creative solutions for the unique problems facing our region. We deserve a leader that will put our community ahead of politics. It is time for a new prescription for Southside.”

Otto Wachsmann is a pharmacist and owner of Stony Creek Pharmacy in Stony Creek. The Pharmacy has been family owned and operated for more than 50 years, with his father Howard Wachsmann owning the store from 1966- 2003. Otto is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia, VCU School of Pharmacy where he earned his degree in Pharmacy in 1986. After graduation he worked in chain pharmacy as well as a number of independent pharmacies throughout Virginia. Otto has also spent time working for the A H Robins Company in Richmond where he gained a keen awareness with how prescription medications are marketed, priced and the relationship between the drug manufacturer and the insurance industry.

In 1996, Otto served as the Director of Experiential Education at Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy at Shenandoah University in Winchester for six years. It was during this time that he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Shenandoah University and served as President of the Virginia Pharmacists Association from 1997-1998.

Otto and his wife Judy live in Sussex County and have two daughters, Katherine (Kate) and Kirsten. Born and raised in Sussex County, Otto has always had a passion for service. For 16 years he was a member of the Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Department and is currently a member of the Joyner Gray Yale Ruritan Club.