Community

A proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy drew residents, elected officials, business representatives and energy advocates to the Fairfax County Government Center on October 9, as Virginia regulators gathered public testimony on a transaction that could reshape the state's electricity industry.  At a rally before the hearing, the Stop NextEra Coalition argued that the merger is driven by control over AI data center connections. With 70,000 megawatts in data center requests pending with Dominion, the coalition warned that an out-of-state entity like NextEra could dictate grid access and dismantle Virginia's ratepayer protections.

At this time when the county Democratic party is actively engaging in our election it's time to  look at what being an independent city really means   During the early 50 and 60s Northern Virginia was involved in a scramble for territory.  Alexandria and Falls Church were attempting to take land from Fairfax County. Fairfax county’s  plan was to turn the entire county into a massive city. This would have frozen the counties  borders and stopped any attempt by other jurisdictions too claim county territory.  John C Wood had grave concerns about the future of the Town of Fairfax.

Our community survey clearly showed that residents continue to want trails. I agree with that. I took the survey myself and indicated that trails are a high priority for me as well. I strongly support trails, walkability, and safe options for biking and transportation.

I'm running for Fairfax City Council because experience, collaboration, and a real commitment to this community matter. I bring all three. Fairfax has been my home for 15 years. What I love is that it's still a place where people show up for each other, local businesses know their customers by name, and one person can actually make a difference. If you care about your community, you should be willing to roll up your sleeves and help. That's led me to serve on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, work with the Old Town Fairfax Business Association, volunteer at community events, support local businesses, and create Fairfax 411 to help residents understand what's happening in their local government. That involvement has also made me a familiar face. People stop me around the City to ask questions or share what's on their mind, whether I'm at a festival, the grocery store, or the gym. I don't always have the answer on the spot, but I know how to find it and who to ask. That's the kind of conduit I want to be on Council: approachable, responsive, and honest when I don't know something yet. I'm running because I want to put my experience to work for this community and help it move forward. I bring nearly 20 years of professional local government and planning experience, and I know this community. I understand how local government actually works, and I know good ideas don't mean much without follow-through. Fairfax is my home. I've spent years finding ways to contribute, and I'd be honored to continue that as a member of City Council. But I'll keep finding ways to serve this community either way.

Hello, my name is Russell Jones, currently a member on the BZA board, I feel that over the last few city councils the direction the city is going is not in the best interests of the city residents. I felt compelled to run to see if I can do anything to change this. I'm the dark horse in this race. With no real political experience, no money and no backing, I'll find out if a long time resident can have a voice.

I’m running for City Council because the character and quality of life in the City of Fairfax matter to me. Our shared future belongs to the people who live here now and those who are to come. For that reason, our city is best served by thoughtful, inclusive debate on how we can address the needs of residents and businesses now and into the future. We need to return to more collaborative governance and commit to transparent decision-making. I want to hear all voices and different points of view – homeowners, renters, neighborhoods, businesses, old, young, new to the city, long-timers – and not just the voices of a select few – and I am ready to do the hard work of building consensus on council and in the community at large to deliver practical, fiscally responsible solutions that keep our city beautiful, livable, and safe for all of us. I will bring a business perspective to governance, as well as that of a resident and taxpayer. Fairfax City once enjoyed a healthy revenue ratio of 60% business and 40% residential taxes and fees. Today it is reversed: Residents provide 65% and businesses provide 35% of the city’s revenue. I believe we can grow our economy and address residential housing needs while preserving our natural resources and the unique character and quality of life that makes Fairfax City home. Fairfax works best when we work together. Our city belongs to all of us, and the best decisions come from listening to one another, respecting different points of view, and finding common ground. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to City Hall. I’m excited about what we can accomplish when we focus on what unites us—and I’m asking for your vote on Nov. 3 to help make that vision a reality.