I am pleased to announce that I am a Democratic candidate for the Alexandria City Council. I was deeply honored to serve one prior term as an Alexandria Councilmember. I am proud of the contributions I made to our community’s accomplishments during those years, and I look forward to the opportunity to be of further assistance to our great city.
During the past 2½ years, I have been able to spend more time with my wife, Beth, and my school-age daughters, Isabella, Kathleen and Ava. I have devoted a lot of energy to my work as a transportation policy specialist. Continuing my commitment to the Alexandria community, I have joined the boards of Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia, At Home in Alexandria (AHA) (which helps our seniors “age in place”) the North Ridge Citizens Association Board of Directors, and the Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition (which I chair). I believe these experiences will help me be a better Member of Council.
I have become a very strong believer in the principles of “smart growth” and “transit-oriented development”, principles that have proven to improve the quality of life in communities while reducing car traffic. Our neighbors in Arlington, Washington, DC and Maryland are committed to these principles and it’s time for Alexandria to match their commitment. Because of my expertise in federal transportation policy, I can help bring federal resources to bear in this effort.
I am proud to have three daughters in the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). I think it’s very important to have the perspective of an ACPS parent on Council. I have seen first hand how vital it is to provide a quality education and resource support to all students to ensure a successful future for Alexandria. Council’s most important duty is approval of the annual budget and I am committed to being a thoughtful financial steward of your taxes. As a former Chair of the City’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, I look forward to getting back to going over that budget line-by-line with a sharp pencil and a fine-tooth comb!
I am also eager to continue my efforts to protect our environment, for example, by reducing the use of plastic bags and increasing efforts to clean up the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. I would deeply appreciate the assistance of Alexandrians for my campaign and their support in the June 12 Democratic primary. Working together, we can make our great city even better!”