Longtime Bedford supervisor files for bankruptcy

Bedford County’s current longest-serving supervisor has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy due to a weak economy’s toll on his business.

Dale Wheeler, 56, filed papers last week in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Lynchburg in a move to keep a bank from auctioning his Vinton home on Monday.

“It could happen to anybody,” Wheeler said when reached for comment Tuesday. “Bankruptcy is everywhere. I’ve joined Donald Trump and Chrysler and General Motors … I’m trying to reorganize.”

Wheeler holds the District 1 seat on the Board of Supervisors, representing the Stewartsville and Hardy areas. He first was elected in 1990, and most recently re-elected in 2007.

He said he has spoken with the county attorney and other board members about his financial troubles, and plans to remain a supervisor at least until his term expires in 2011.

A county native, he is owner of Wheeler Medical Specialties, an internment and medical supplies business. He said hospitals are not buying anything he’s selling because of the poor state of the economy.

“This great recession is something I’ve never witnessed before,” he said. “Right now I feel more representative of a lot of people in this state and country than I did before. I don’t see it as reason to roll over and play dead.”

In court documents, Wheeler lists more than $343,000 in liabilities. Real estate and personal property total about $277,500, including a home valued at $263,000.

He indicated in his filing that roughly $10,000 of assets should be exempt, which includes two vehicles — a 1998 Chevrolet van and a 2003 Cadillac GTS — and a checking account.

Wheeler’s business income so far this year, according to documents filed, is nearly $7,000. He earns $6,600 annually as a county supervisor, which he said amounts to about $500 a month after taxes. He also receives rent payments from his son, he said.

“I’m not on unemployment; I don’t earn food stamps,” Wheeler said. “I’m going to work in the morning.”

His income in 2008 was just more than $25,000; it was nearly $41,000 in 2007, according to court documents.

Wheeler said his fiscal outlook would not negatively affect his performance as a county official.

An outspoken supervisor, he is usually vocal at meetings and often draws laughter while speaking his thoughts on issues before the board.

“He brings a different perspective that I can appreciate,” said Chairman John Sharp.

Sharp said he and other supervisors felt Wheeler’s financial situation is not a reflection of his character and he should stay a member.

Supervisor Steve Arrington, who also is self-employed and operates a construction business, called Wheeler the most experienced member of the board. He said he could understand Wheeler’s situation.

“I don’t think that has any impact at all on the way he bases his decisions,” Arrington said. “As far as fiscal matters, I believe he looks at issues and governs accordingly. The fact of the matter is it happens to a lot of people. I’m not in the position to judge his economic situation in any shape at all.”

Wheeler said the county has tough years ahead and could learn from his personal experience in aiming for cost-saving measures.

His family has been in Bedford County since 1730 “when kings ran everything,” he said. It survived many wars and the Great Depression and he also expects to survive, he said.

The county’s rural makeup made politics in Washington D.C. and Richmond seem far away, he said, spurring his decision to become a local political figure at age 37.

“You grew up talking about local government,” he said. “That was sort of the goal, to be active in the community.”

A creditors’ meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Lynchburg.