Politics

City of Fairfax Council Candidates

The Connection asked all City Council and City of Fairfax mayoral candidates to provide answers to the following questions, and to limit their answers to 100 words or less. The bonus question was optional.

Mayoral Candidates

R. Scott Silverthorne and Gerald T. "Jerry" O’Dell run for office.

First elected in 2002, Robert F. Lederer, the five-term mayor of Fairfax City, announced in December that he will not run for another two-year term, and will retire in June. R. Scott Silverthorne, a current city councilman and Gerald T. "Jerry" O’Dell are vying for the seat. The Connection contacted O’Dell repeatedly, through email and phone, and he did not respond to questions. Here are Silverthorne’s responses:

Super Saturday for County GOP

Convention features former Governor George Allen; FCRC elects new president.

More than 1,000 Republican delegates participated in the 2012 Fairfax County Republican Committee (FCRC) convention, held at West Springfield High School on Saturday, March 24.

Council Notebook

For years, city leaders have thought the surface parking lot at the King Street Metro is just too suburban.

Struggling Nonprofit Fights Against Cuts to At-Risk Children

City Council members consider elimination of Urban League program for troubled youth.

Since 1981, the city of Alexandria has been funding an Urban League program to help at-risk youth.

Fairfax Board of Supervisors Considers Raising Stormwater Management Fee

One-penny hike on property tax could raise $35 million for projects throughout the county.

When it rains, it pours. That’s why Fairfax County taxpayers may have to fork over more money this year for stormwater management.

Census Records Show Alexandria is Getting Older and More Educated

New report shows shifting black population and an increase in African-born residents.

Alexandria is getting older and more educated, and its residents are increasingly likely to take public transportation to work.

Del. Keam Holds Town Meeting

Vienna-area residents voice concerns about issues impacting region.

More than 40 local residents listened to Del. Mark Keam’s overview of the General Assembly session at his March 24 Town Hall Meeting at the Vienna Town Hall, and the questions they posed afterward hit hot-button issues.

The Rise and Fall and Rise of Commercial Property in Arlington

Was instability in property values caused by the Pentagon?

When the market tanked, Arlington’s residential market remained flat when the rest of the country was in freefall.

Cook Presents Transportation Plan

Supervisor’s plan would generate more than $40 million per year without raising taxes.

As the Board of Supervisors moves through its discussions on the FY2013 budget, Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) introduced a plan that begins to address the lack of funding for transportation in Fairfax County.

Adding 4 percent to restaurant meals could raise $80 million for roads and schools.

Supervisor Gerry Hyland has his eye on that burrito.

Arlington County Board Considers New Housing Grants

Expanded program would help increasing number of people in poverty.

For Arlington’s poorest residents, the recession is far from over.

Alexandria School Board Standing By Embattled Superintendent

Members regret what happened, but feel confident superintendent took decisive action.

Members of the Alexandria School Board are standing by embattled school superintendent Morton Sherman, despite calls for him to step down in the wake of a scathing auditor's report.

The Connection