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Opinion
We Must Destroy Democracy in Order to Save It!
About fifty years ago the United States was involved in a military conflict in Vietnam which lasted many years and did not end well. There was a phrase from that era – “We had to destroy the village in order to save it” –which encapsulated its own self-defeating logic. We know better than the natives. We must force them to appreciate our values. Fast forward to 2026.
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center Discussions
Residents in Fairfax City have been hearing a lot about the proposed Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center (WSHCC) project discussed at recent meetings, and one number in particular keeps coming up: an estimated $1.7 million annual operating cost to the city once the project is fully implemented. While the proposal’s goals include improving services and responding to community needs, many residents are understandably asking what that figure could mean for their own property tax bills and for the city’s long-term finances. This is especially important because the WSHCC is only one of four projects with the potential to increase real estate taxes substantially.
Affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders
In Fairfax City, affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders. Mayor Catherine Read has repeatedly emphasized its importance to the City’s vitality and long-term growth. She’s championed diversified housing types, supportive projects like Beacon Landing, and even sought legislative changes to help religious institutions build affordable units. Those are worthy goals — but they ring hollow if other City actions make living here increasingly unaffordable.
The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center: A Nice-to-Have Project?
After the Council’s vote to increase the real estate tax rate to $1.055 last spring, many residents are taking a more critical look at which recommended capital improvements are “nice-to-have” projects, such as the extensive recreational component of the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, and which are “must-have” projects, such as replacing the high school roof and renovating the elementary schools.
Opinion
Listening, Reflecting, and Serving Fairfax City: My Vote on the George Snyder Trail Project – Perspective from City of Fairfax Council Member Rachel McQuillen
I know the decision to cancel the George Snyder Trail project has stirred strong feelings, and I want to share why I voted as I did. My decision was guided by a careful review of the project’s full history, extensive public outreach, and consideration of long-term impacts. Throughout the process, concerns from residents, particularly those living closest to the site, remained unresolved. Public feedback was overwhelmingly opposed to the project.
Latest
Our Libraries Need Our Voices and Support
One-time infusions of money are no longer sufficient. To bring FCPL’s collection budget in line with comparable library systems, FCPL is requesting an increase of $8–$11 million over the next five years to permanently raise the base budget. This investment would benefit students, job seekers, families, seniors, and lifelong learners throughout Fairfax County.
Culture
10 Winners and 10 Losers 2025 Virginia Election
Winners Abigail Spanberger - the former congresswoman ran a virtually mistake free campaign. Smart, disciplined, and organized Spanberger ran up the margin of victory through...
Government
Editorial: Why the Pentagon Press Walkout Matters Here at Home
In a dramatic display of principle and protest, dozens of journalists covering the U.S. Department of Defense relinquished their Pentagon press credentials on October 15, rather than comply with newly imposed restrictions on how they may report from within the Defense Department The Pentagon Press Association (PPA), representing more than 100 news organizations, has strongly condemned the new rules and called the day’s events “a dark day for press freedom.”
Council
Council Misled on George Snyder Trail Cancellation Payback Terms
A vote to build the George Snyder Trail (GST) was pushed through last June despite significant community and Council opposition. Whatever your position on the project, you may be interested to learn that the June vote was based on misinformation. Council had been told by the acting city manager and his staff, in no uncertain terms, that the City would have to pay back $3.7 million if the project was canceled. This is simply not true.
Council
Public Hearing on Willard Sherwood Sept 30th – Op-Ed by Katy Johnson (Fairfax City Resident)
Public Hearing on Willard Sherwood Sept 30th. City of Fairfax needs to live within its means. The Willard Sherwood will cause 20 years of big debt! This single project will add at least $8.1M to our operating budget over the next two decades. Each penny on the tax rate generates about $835,000 – this is a 9.7-cent increase for the Willard Sherwood. Our portion for the base building alone is right around $52M, plus an additional $3M for underground parking for a grand total of: $54,930,000. There is also an additional $4M Performing Arts Option.
