Councilwoman Joyce Woodson’s decision not to run for reelection opened the door for one of the four newcomers to have a clear opening. The field of candidates who are not current officeholders includes a cross section of Alexandrians:
JESSE JENNINGS is a native Alexandrian, and a 1951 graduate of Parker-Gray High School. He joined the Air Force in 1952, completing his tour as a staff sergeant in 1956. When he returned to Alexandria, he started his professional life in the Office of the Surgeon General recruiting helicopter pilots for medical evacuation missions in Vietnam. He then took a number of private sector positions, finally retiring in 2002 as a manager of operations for the National Glass Association in Tysons Corner.
He ran an unsuccessful campaign for School Board in 2003. But when the election of Ludwig Gaines created a vacancy on the Planning Commission, Jennings applied.
“And here I am doing the same thing,” Jennings said. “How about that — isn’t it ironic?”
Jennings says that his history in the public and private sectors — as well as his experience with the Planning Commission’s decisions about zoning and land use — qualifies him for a seat on the City Council.
“I try to bring a consideration for smart growth by balancing the use of land to include retail, residential, open space and effective transportation,” Jennings said. “I want to continue to make Alexandria as appealing as it has been — and even more so. Because of my long history of community service, I believe I can lead the community in innovative solutions to problems facing Alexandria in the 21st century.”
SCOTT JOHNSON is a native of Plainfield, N.J. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Chapel Hill in 1994 and a juris doctorate from the George Washington Law School in 1997. He moved to Alexandria six years ago, and he is currently a commercial litigation and government contracts attorney with the firm of Albo & Oblon, L.L.P. in Arlington.
“Six years ago, I chose to live in Alexandria because it was affordable, diverse, safe and provided a reasonable commute,” Johnson said. “Through my civic and community involvement, I have had the wonderful opportunity to converse with residents from all parts of Alexandria, and I have recognized that we share a similar vision for the future of our city.”
Johnson said that he is concerned about the direction that the city government will take in the next few years, in which critical decisions will be made about growth and development. Particularly, he said that he wants to see more affordable housing, a less frustrating transportation system and a fiscally responsible budget.
“Although we share this common vision, we also share many of the same concerns — namely that Alexandria is losing some of the core values and attributes that distinguish it from our neighboring cities,” he said. “Vote for me because I understand your perspective, I share your concerns, and I will represent your interests as a councilman. My pledge of service is not simply to attend meetings and vote, but to engage in communication with all Alexandrians and represent all of Alexandria.”
TIMOTHY LOVAIN is a native of Pennsylvania. He was raised in the Midwest, primarily in Minnesota. He was lived in Alexandria since 1983. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree from Princeton and a juris doctorate from the University of Washington.
He has been a Coast Guard officer, a congressional staffer and a legislative director for New Directions, a citizens’ lobby on global affairs. For the past 21 years, he has worked as a government-relations consultant for Denny Miller Associates, where he is currently vice president and general counsel. He is currently the chairman of the Washington Area Transit Industry Representatives. In the coming budget process, he will play a critical role as chairman of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, which examines the city’s budget procedures and recommends ways of improving the process.
“I am asking for the support of Democrats in the caucus because of my long history of involvement in the civic and political life of Alexandria, my expertise on the city budget, my professional knowledge of transportation issues, my dedication to improving the city’s public schools and my determination to use my experience to help make a great city even better,” he said. “I am the only candidate with children in the Alexandria public schools.”
Lovain enjoys the support of Mayor Bill Euille, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8), state Sen. Patsy Ticer (D-30) and former Mayor Kerry Donley.
LILLIAN WHITE is a native of New York City. She has lived in Alexandria for more than 25 years, and has been active in city politics for most of that time. She has been a member of numerous city boards, commissions, parent-teacher associations and advocacy groups. She has a diploma in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in government.
“I am passionate about good government, good policy, quality of life issues and grassroots participation,” White said, citing her history of activism in the city for public transportation, environmental issues, historic preservation and local businesses. “I have fought hard and will continue the fight for affordable workforce housing.”
She is a former member of the Mount Vernon Community Center School PTA board, where she edited the Caboose Newsletter and started an after-school language program. She served on the Commission on Women and the city’s 2000 Complete Census ad hoc Committee. She was a member of the committee that organized Alexandria’s 250th anniversary and the task force that assessed a profile job description for the search for the city manager.
“I am a dedicated, affable, hard worker, who loves Alexandria and Alexandrians,” she said. “I will always listen, learn and lead fighting shoulder to shoulder with Alexandria's citizens and business owners making Alexandria the best place to live, work, play and visit.”
White served as a co-president, vice president and member of the local action committee for the League of Women Voters of Alexandria. She received an Outstanding Service Award from the League for her services on local City Council monitoring and action. She wrote the Alexandria Gazette Packet’s Del Ray neighborhood column for 20 years.