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Russell Jones: Candidate for City Council

By TINP Newsroom Editor

Opening Statement – under 300 words
(All opening statements will appear in print in the October edition of The Fairfax Independent)

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.

2. Development & Quality of Life (under 200 words)
The City is experiencing redevelopment in areas such as Northfax, Kamp Washington, Old Town, and along the Route 50 corridor. What level and type of development do you believe the City can realistically accommodate without negatively affecting residents’ quality of life? In addition, if an existing unresolved development was sold to a data center developer, would you approve this application?

Since I live in Kamp Washington, and it’s a main reason why I got involved. I think, from examples of past development projects in the city, that not enough thought of the overall effects of any of these projects and the effect on local residents. The Kamp Washington small area plan to me seems will negatively affect the local adjacent residents along with being unrealistic and not feasible. The large number (4700) of dwelling units being proposed brings too many major issues that are not even discussed. And why would anyone consider selling to a data center developer?

3. Budget & Priorities (under 200 words)
The City has limited resources and cannot fund every worthwhile project. What is one program, project, or spending priority you would be willing to delay, reduce, or reject——and why? In addition, please add your thoughts about the general retail sales tax not to exceed 1% to provide revenue solely for eligible capital projects involving the construction or renovation of schools, public transportation purposes, or both that will appear on the November 3 ballot.

At this point I think all projects should be at least delayed, I can’t overspend then go ask my employer to pay me more, what makes the city think we should spend like this and then just raise taxes (again) to cover it? This is not sustainable. I’m against any tax increase now, after 6 years of constant new taxes every 6 months and 100% increase in property taxes? Not including all the taxes coming in from housing recently?

4. Taxes & City Spending (under 200 words)
Fairfax City has a relatively high level of services for a small municipality, but residents are also facing rising costs. How would you balance maintaining the services residents expect with keeping property taxes and other local costs affordable?

One of the reasons I moved to the city over 30 years ago was because of what the city offered, so if the city made it work then without a doubt the city can make it work now.

5. Regional Cooperation & Development (under 200 words)
Projects in neighboring jurisdictions can significantly impact the City (e.g., the AT&T redevelopment). How would you collaborate with regional partners to manage these impacts, and how would you resolve situations where the City’s interests differ from theirs? In addition, please add your thoughts about FCPS and City partnership review.

On regional cooperation & development, I honestly know little about this, but would do my due diligence on such things and make common sense decisions.

6. Major Projects & Infrastructure (under 200 words)
The City is making significant investments in infrastructure and facilities, including the Willard-Sherwood Health & Community Center. What criteria should City Council use to determine which major projects receive funding when resources are limited?

On the Sherwood project, I think the council did an excellent job of reducing the cost to the city and that exactly the same kind of scrutiny needs to be applied to all future projects.

7. Virginia Constitutional Amendments (under 200 words)
The November 3 ballot will include three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution concerning reproductive freedom, marriage rights, and voting rights after felony incarceration. Do you support or oppose these amendments, and why? As a Fairfax City Council member, how would your views on these constitutional questions influence the way you lead and represent residents who may strongly disagree with you?

Personally I feel we have no need to mess with the Virginia Constitution, I’m a firm believer of “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it”‘. My view of this will not affect or influence how I would represent residents whether or not they agree or disagree. Just as I speak to anyone now, it doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with what I’m saying.

8. Civility & Governance (under 200 words)
City Council decisions can generate strong disagreements among residents and elected officials. What specific steps will you take to maintain a civil, respectful, and productive Council—even when you strongly disagree with another Council member?

I have strongly disagreed with some of the sitting council & mayor, but I still chat with them without any distain or malice, as should everyone.

9. Accountability & Ethics (under 200 words)
How can Fairfax City residents, rather than any political party or special interest group, hold you accountable, and what will you do to ensure transparency in your decisions and follow-through on your commitments?

Now that there is an accountability & ethics code, I’m sure that now and even before, that this is a simple thing to implement. I’m always straight forward and say what’s exactly on my mind.

10. What do you love about the City and your final thoughts? (under 200 words)

I listened to council members say they love the city, but I am not sure what they mean since they haven’t been here long enough to really know. My father moved here in the 80’s and I never left. My love affair with the city started before I bought my house 31 years ago this month. I loved the small town look (back then) and the fall festivals, live music on the courthouse lawn, and the history. I still love this city and want to be able to help make it something my kid will want to live in!

[Editor’s note: Mr. Jones did not provide a signatured pdf and consented to our publishing as is.]

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