The Connection

Incumbent Providence Supervisor, unopposed

Town of residence: Fairfax County

Age: 66

Family: Nigel Smyth, husband; Sefton Smyth, son

Education: B.A., Washington University; M.A. and PhD, History, University of Virginia

Offices held, dates: Providence District Supervisor, 2004 to present

Occupation and relevant experience: Current, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Virginia Association of Counties Board of Directors; Metropolitan Washington Transportation Planning Board, Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee; past, Fairfax County Planning Commission

Community involvement: President, Briarwood Citizens’ Association; Merrifield Suburban Center Citizens’ Task Force; Providence District Area Plan Review Task Force; Vice Chair, Providence District Council; Chair, Vienna Metro Area Citizens’ Task Force

Website: Linda.Smyth.com

Email address: Linda.Smyth@gmail.com

Name three favorite endorsements: Service Employees International Union, Sierra Club, Fairfax League of Conservation Voters

QUESTIONS:

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

The most significant issue to face Providence in the next four years will be the state’s I-66 project. The scope of widening I-66 outside the Beltway, including replacement of bridges, will affect homes, businesses, and daily lives throughout the corridor. I have begun already to work with residents, county staff, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify potential problems, ways to mitigate impacts, and improvements in communications. This process will continue from design through actual construction.

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

I don’t have an opponent. But if I did have one, I would hope that my work with constituents over the past 12 years would persuade them to vote for me again.

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.

Next year the Board of Supervisors will undertake an extensive Lines of Business review to evaluate all county programs with a focus on metrics to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the programs. We will look at mandated and core functions as well as quality of life services. Through this process the Board will be able to set priorities, allocate funding, and make reductions where necessary. The state limits the type of revenue sources that localities can use. We need to maximize some existing sources of revenue (for example, more stringent enforcement of vehicle registration in Fairfax) while lobbying the state to fulfill its funding obligations, particularly in the fields of education and mental health.

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

None. My job as Providence Supervisor is full time for me.