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Election
County Involvement In City Elections
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.
Jessica L. Lough: Candidate for City Council
I'm running for City Council because I believe Fairfax deserves Council members who will listen to them, work respectfully with others, and make decisions based on facts. My goal is to protect what makes Fairfax special while preparing us for a strong and sustainable future. I bring a mix of executive leadership, financial discipline, and a pragmatic approach to solving problems. Whether we are discussing development, transportation, housing, or the city budget, my approach is simple: look at the facts, talk with residents and business owners early, and focus on outcomes that benefit our community. Listening is only step one. The valuable work is taking what you hear, pairing it with real data, and integrating it to make win-win solutions. Public input can often feel like a box-checking exercise after a decision is already made- I want residents to know their feedback shapes the final outcome.
Steve S. Chang: Candidate for City Council
Hello City of Fairfax. My name is Steve S. Chang. I am running for Fairfax City Council because my wife Jie and I love this community and want to help ensure that Fairfax remains a welcoming, thriving, and financially responsible city. My campaign has been about building relationships with each City resident. In my eagerness to talk to you, I get so excited when I head out to door knock every day. Because public policy requires people and without people, we don’t have a City. You are important to me. And I can make one true promise to you that my door will open for you when you knock on mine. My background spans business, non-profit leadership, Christian ministry, and community service. After pursuing doctoral studies in theoretical physics, I founded several businesses, including an IT company. I later founded Global Mission Church of Virginia and am one of four owners of The Independent News Press. My commitment to Put Fairfax First focuses on community-driven leadership, fiscal responsibility, support for local businesses, environmental stewardship, and safe neighborhoods. I believe residents deserve meaningful input on decisions, and taxpayer resources must be managed carefully. As Fairfax evolves, we must balance growth with protecting neighborhood identity, green spaces, and public services. Working alongside residents, city staff, the Mayor, and Council, I will seek practical, enduring solutions through respectful partnership. Please visit my website chang4fairfax.com for more information. This City has given much to my family, and I am eager to give back. I would love to grab a cup of coffee or wine so please sign up for my events. Please welcome to my website to sign up for events at chang4fairfax.com. I would be honored and grateful to earn your vote on November 3.
Election
Anthony T. Amos: Candidate for City Council (incumbent)
It is the honor of a lifetime to represent you on City Council. Thank you for your support and I hope to continue to show up for you. I currently co-lead the Move Fairfax Steering Committee, which is focused on addressing traffic circulation in Old Town and pedestrian safety across the city. Additionally, I serve on the Finance Committee, and Water and Air Quality committees with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the Virginia Municipal League. As the son of an Army veteran, the importance of service is core to who I am as a person. As the son of an Eritrean immigrant, my mom opened my perspective to the diverse communities of the world, many of which reside here in the city. And as a husband and new homeowner, moving out of our apartment at Layton Hall, I look forward to raising my family here and hope that the needs of the next generation are represented fairly as we balance that with the needs of our residents. My background in local government makes me well-suited to the more difficult conversations we face and will face in the coming years. Having worked for both political parties and in both the public and private sectors, I am uniquely suited to navigating our challenges as it comes to budgeting, housing and development, and the economy and our small business needs. More importantly, it defines my temperament and allows me to also navigate the complexities of council, working to balance competing interests and to value the often-lost art of compromise while still being decisive. Learn more at www.anthonytamos.org
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Election
Kirsten Sides Lockhart: ...
My name is Kirsten Lockhart and I’m running for mayor of the City of Fairfax. I am currently the Vice Chair of the City’s Planning Commission, on which I have served for more than five years. Professionally, I have worked in management and strategy consulting for more than twenty years, predominately in federal and defense markets in the DC metropolitan area. I have lived in the City of Fairfax with my husband and two children since 2017, although I actually grew up just over the city-county line. Understanding that readers of the Independent obviously care deeply about development and environmental issues in the City, I’d like to take this opportunity to share my Planning Commission voting record on those items, as well as my other policy positions, all of which can be reviewed here: www.lockhartforfairfax.com/blog. Thank you for your consideration – I look forward to earning your vote, and to representing the best interests of all City of Fairfax residents going forward.
Election
Thomas D. “Tom” Peterson: Candidate for Mayor
I am running for Mayor because I love this city and care deeply about its future. Fairfax has tremendous opportunities to remain a great place to live and become even better. But that will depend on important decisions and collaboration over the next few years among our community, the City, the City Council, and our many private and community partners. I believe Fairfax needs a Mayor who is experienced, skilled, patient and trusted to help people with different perspectives work together to achieve what is best for our city. Serving as a City Council member has taught me that there is no substitute for experience as an elected official. The decisions become very real. People depend on you—their safety, finances, neighborhoods, children and future. I have cast more than 200 votes affecting our residents, including many difficult ones, and I understand both the responsibility Council members carry and the support a Mayor can provide through active facilitation and collaboration. I also bring 44 years of experience across government, business, nonprofit leadership and higher education, including work at the White House, U.S. Senate and EPA. Much of my career has involved helping diverse people and organizations work through difficult public decisions. Through my service on eight regional boards and commissions, I also understand that Fairfax is part of a larger regional community requiring strong coordination and collaboration.
Council
Real story behind the City of Fairfax Democratic Committee “recommendation” Op-Ed by Kate Doyle Feingold
This year the Democratic Party of VA told county and city party committees they couldn’t endorse candidates without a primary. The City of Fairfax dem committee decided to “recommend” instead. The practical difference is probably nothing, but there are some key points to note. The city dem committee had a questionnaire on their website for individuals interested in party endorsement or support, and a handful of candidates responded to that questionnaire: Anthony Amos, Sandra Slappey Brown, Maria Padmore, and Kelly O’Brien. They all ended up on the recommendation list - along with Kirsten Lockhart. Everyone who asked for endorsement or recommendation from the city dem committee received it. The endorsement committee for the city dems is tiny (4 people including the chair & chair’s husband).
Constitutional Amendments
Three Constitutional Amendments to Appear on Virginia Ballot This November
Fairfax, VA - When Virginians head to the polls this November, they will vote not only for candidates seeking federal, state, and local office, but also on three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. The measures address reproductive freedom, marriage rights, and voting rights for individuals with felony convictions.
Election
An Open Letter to the People of Fairfax
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