July 25, 2002
The Board of Supervisors was startled to hear on Monday that Supervisor Stuart Mendelsohn (R-Dranesville) would not seek reelection in November 2003. Mendelsohn said he will retire from politics after two terms as supervisor and two years as School Board member in order to spend more time with his family.
"I think 10 years is enough sacrifice for my family," he told the board. "I will continue to serve this community as I have done my entire life."
Mendelsohn, who will turn 50 in two weeks, said he had discussed his decision with his family and his staff but had not told the McLean Citizens Association nor any other citizen group in Dranesville District.
He added that he will work full time at the law firm of Piper Rednick, where he currently works part time.
Mendelsohn said he is satisfied with his accomplishments as a supervisor.
"I've played a major role in dealing with the school budget," he said. "I've been a leader in dealing with the school issues."
He also mentioned the three-year-old library in Great Falls, the revitalization of downtown McLean and the construction of Harbor House in Herndon, a center for low-income seniors operated by the county, among his accomplishments.
"In 1995 when I ran I said I was going to get Harbor House built. It's done," he said. "Almost everything I've set out to do we've done," he said.
Mendelsohn was reelected in 1999 with 60 percent of the vote.
Although there had been speculation as to Mendelsohn's plans for the future, his colleagues on the board expressed surprise at his announcement.
"All of us are somewhat stunned at such a board matter," said Supervisor Gerald Connolly (D-Providence). "Your presence at this dais will be surely missed," he told his colleague.
Connolly mentioned Mendelsohn's environmental record and his role in education funding as his two most lasting contributions.
"He's been very committed to the environment and showed enormous leadership on the tree commission," he said.
On the question of school funding, Connolly added: "He's been able to ask some of the critical questions that all too often don't get asked."
During the last budget deliberations, Mendelsohn questioned School Superintendent Daniel Domenech's student increase projections.
Despite his decision to retire, Mendelsohn said he was looking forward to serving out the final 18 months of his term.
"There are 18 months for me to tick all of you off," he told his colleagues on the board.