priorities for our community

We need to ensure our neighborhoods, businesses, parks, paths and downtown areas are welcoming, and residents feel safe at all times.  Whether you are walking your dog, riding your bike, or renting one of the many scooters and bikes in the city, areas should be well-lit and well maintained. Every resident, old, young or anywhere in between, deserves to feel safe. 

 We need to address residents' concerns about rising crime and public safety by providing additional resources to our police and public safety officers, ensuring our police department is fully staffed and capable of protecting the community. 

Both the City of Fairfax and Fairfax County are seeing an increase in homelessness, similar to what is occurring nationally. We must work to help those experiencing homelessness (or close to) with access to resources such as shelters, financial assistance and housing programs, as well as comprehensive support services such as case management,   job training, and mental health services. Cities with robust affordable housing initiatives, rent subsidies, and supportive services tend to have higher success rates in helping individuals secure stable housing.  

  Preserve Green Spaces: We must protect and maintain our beautiful parks and other green spaces for our residents now, and for generations to come.  There are many options to add bike/pedestrian paths both in and around our city, without destroying our forests and trees. We must preserve the few forests we have left. In its current plan, I do not support the George Snyder Trail.  

Curb the use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: Given the loud noise (up to 110 decibels) and air pollution caused by these devices, I propose we restrict their hours of use, as well as a ban on Sundays and federal holidays. We all deserve to enjoy more peace and quiet with our families and friends. Vienna has implemented a ban on contractors from using any gas-powered equipment on Sundays, and Alexandria is also considering similar legislation. Nearby Montgomery County, MD and DC have banned the use of all gas-powered leaf blowers. I also propose rebates on new electric leaf blowers and other lawn equipment, for both city resident owned landscaping companies and residents. 

We need to work together to promote the use of renewable energy, clean energy and green buildings and homes.  

I want all residents to feel seen and heard.  

Each project should consider our existing residents, yet plan for common sense growth. I want greater transparency and more open communication between our city's leaders and residents. Our City Council leaders should represent the voice of our residents. Being elected is the first step, but continuing to engage with the community, especially those directly impacted by a proposed project, is a priority for me. As a Cobbdale resident, I was very involved with keeping our community informed and engaged, and gathering their thoughts/opinions on the Chain Bridge Road/Eaton Place proposed changes. I helped lead our community to many conversations, meetings and further engagement with our city's staff and council members. While the end result was not what much of our community had hoped, this showed me that the current level of engagement with the community needs to be improved. Our City Council needs to consider our residents before we consider the needs of those that may pass through our city.  

City Council is currently considering many projects, including apartments, townhomes, retail space, senior living communities and more. Please make sure you review the plans in the pre-application phase, under review and more by clicking below. 

 Housing costs have increased exponentially in the 13 years since we purchased our home in Cobbdale. With current interest rates and overall price increases, it is increasingly more difficult to find affordable housing in the area, including our city. We need to find ways to provide more affordable options to our residents.

 I believe in supporting independent candidates and elections for our City. Independent candidates must earn the trust of City voters both during their campaign and while in office. In contrast, candidates endorsed by political parties may prioritize the interests of a select few within the local party committee.

Our City Charter requires independent elections, which allows federal employees to run for office. 

I'm so happy we have such a diverse group of independent candidates running this year. Many of us never intended to run for public office, but we are tired of what we're seeing and we decided it's time for a change! Learn more about all the independent candidates at www.independentfairfaxcity.com.