The Connection

Independent Green

Town of residence: Alexandria, Fairfax County

Age: 68

Family: Three grown children, four Grand­children

Education: MBA with a certificate in Software Engineering Administration

Offices held, dates: Elected to Vice­ Chair, Independent Greens of Virginia (2007 to Present); elected to COG TPB CAC (2007­2010)

Occupation and relevant experience: Governmental Budget Analyst, Businesswoman

Community involvement: Fairfax Federation Civic Association Committee, Public Safety Chair (approximately 2009­2010)

Website: www.GailParker.US

Email address: ggailparker@cox.net

Twitter handle: @ggailparker

Name three favorite endorsements: Independent Greens of Virginia

QUESTIONS:

What is one issue that defines your call to serve, why does it matter, and how will you tackle it?

The Independent Green Party Green New Deal will get us on the right track. The Green New Deal means double­ digit job growth in Eco jobs for the economy. Solar jobs. Wind jobs. Geothermal jobs. Rail jobs. The Green New Deal means Bike share for Fairfax County. Bikes, like rail, increase the value of our homes, businesses, and communities. The Green New Deal will bring Electronic VRE signs for commuters. The Green New Deal means New Tracks, More Trains, More often to More Places. The Green New Deal is solar panels, and geothermal heating and cooling for every public building. Renewable energy makes money for taxpayers.

What distinguishes you from your opponent(s) and why should voters choose you?

My advocacy for Rail and renewable energy. Investments in Green Energy make money. The solar age is here and we want on­board! It is past time to bring the Green Revolution to Fairfax County.

More than half of the county budget is devoted to the local school system. A significant budget gap looms for the next budget cycle, both for FCPS and Fairfax County. What are the top county priorities and how will you assure funding and manage the budget? What ideas do you have for increasing revenue? Name two areas/items you would cut or reduce.

The infrastructure budget has too many subsidies to big oil, big asphalt, big auto, fossil fuels. Giving a half a trillion dollars in taxpayer subsidies annually worldwide to big oil is fiscal lunacy. Cut and reprioritize the infrastructure budget to invest in free solar energy and geothermal energy. Work harmoniously with the School Board to place money where it will do the most good, fund education costs and teacher salaries rather than administration costs. Build Rail: Rail will grow revenues by growing the economy. Rail increases the value of our homes, businesses and communities. Every $1 invested in Rail returns $20 to the community!

How many hours a week of outside employment do you anticipate while serving on the Board of Supervisors?

The new salary voted by the Board will allow me to devote full time to BOS duties.