Last week, Sterling-resident Jeanne West announced her intent to run for the Sterling seat on the Board of Supervisors. West hopes to gain the Democratic nomination and run against incumbent Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling).
"I bring to this job my experience as a long-time resident of Sterling, a volunteer to the schools, a Sterling business woman with financial experience, lots of energy and a real desire to serve the needs of all of our diverse community," West said. She has spent the last 15 years as a board member of the Dulles Tech Center commercial property owners association.
From 1979 to 1995, West founded, owned and operated J West Tax Service in Sterling Park and, in 1983, she and her husband founded West Sheet Metal Co., a commercial HVAC company in Sterling.
"Sterling really is my home," she said.
West said she decided to run after becoming frustrated with the current Sterling representation, especially regarding the lack of upkeep in the district.
"During the last election for supervisor, the issues were the revitalization of Sterling, controlling growth and development and education. Today, the issues are the same," she said. "It is pretty obvious that nothing has been done under Mr. Delgaudio's watch to improve or rectify these issues. I intend to change that."
West said the number of properties in Sterling that are becoming rundown troubles her and she believes the maintenance ordinances already in place need to be strengthened and supported.
"People need to let the county be aware of the situation," West said.
One area West hopes to begin the revitalization is the Sterling Library, a place she said is a haven for local children and families.
"We just need some sprucing up," she said. "Sometimes you just need a catalyst to get things going and I think the Sterling Library would be a good place to start."
West acknowledged that immigration is likely to be a "hot-button issue" during the Sterling race and she said she intends to face it.
"I believe the immigration laws should be enforced," she said, "but that enforcement needs to come at a federal level. And unfortunately, they don't seem very willing to do something about it."
While she believes in the immigration laws, West said she wants to get away from the idea that every immigrant is here illegally or is taking advantage of the system.
"I take issue with the notion that just because someone looks different, they are illegal immigrants," she said. "There is a distinction. We can't just lump everyone together."
West said she hopes to encourage the immigration population in Sterling to increase their involvement in the community through events, projects and schools.
"I think the more active they are in the community, the more it will work to dispel that myth," she said.
— Erika Jacobson