A native of Pasadena, Calif., Candace Lightner has lived in Alexandria for 15 years. In 1980, she founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Currently, she is a Realtor with Caldwell Banker.
Why did you start Mothers Against Drunk Driving?
My daughter Cari was killed on May 3, 1980 by a multiple repeat offender drunk driver who was out on bail from another drunk driving arrest. Her death was a hit and run, and when he was caught I found out he was driving on a valid California drivers license. As a result about what I learned about him, I decided that both the laws and attitudes about drunk driving needed to be changed. I was incredibly angry at the time, and I wanted to do something positive. I had this need to get something positive out of this needless tragedy. MADD was my way of doing that.
What happened after the founding of MADD?
We passed more than 500 laws at the federal and state level, and President Ronald Reagan formed a presidential commission to solve the drunk driving problem — and that was at my request. We changed the drinking age to 21, we had chapters in every state and some foreign counties and we advocated for victim’s rights. My daughter Serena started Students Against Drunk Driving around the same time I started MADD. I think the most dramatic change has been is that we changed America’s attitude about drunk driving. It’s no longer socially acceptable to drink and drive as it was then.
You recently had an energy audit of your house. What did you learn?
It was very worthwhile, and I would encourage anybody to get one. You can learn about how to save money and be more energy efficient — all of which are very important in today’s market. When you can save money and energy at the same time, you’ve accomplished two goals in the same stroke.
How would you describe Alexandria’s real-estate market?
A year ago, it was a sellers’ market. We now have a buyers’ market so sellers need to be much more realistic and more competitive about their pricing because buyers have more to choose from.
What is your favorite movie?
“Auntie Mame" with Roslyn Russell. It’s fabulous, and I watch it every Christmas. It’s a very uplifting movie, and I thought she should have won an Oscar for it.
What is the best book you read in the last year?
“Knitting Circle” by Ann Hood — although I’m a little biased because she’s a friend of mine. It’s a fictionalized account about how she survived her daughter’s death by taking up knitting. So I could relate to the book, and I love to knit.
What are your achievements?
I have three honorary doctorates and a number of awards, and I’m a multi-million dollar producer and top producer as a Realtor. But I think my greatest achievement is that I’ve inspired so many people to start movements and change attitudes after their own personal tragedies
What are your interests and hobbies?
Gardening, decorating, reading, volunteering and working with cause-related organizations — and, of course, my grandchildren.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Landini Brothers, which I can rarely afford. But I like the food and the service.
What concerns do you have about the community?
We have too much growth and not enough open space. The city is not clean enough as it should be, and there aren’t enough gardens. And there’s way too much traffic.
What are your personal goals?
To be as healthy as I can be, exercise more, finish renovating my house and go to Lebanon.