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December 14, 2009
What Say You, Vienna? Comments (5)
Will Falls Church voters move to a fall election?
Questions about timing, newfound budget woes have been raised
By Fredrick Kunkle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Falls Church City Council on Monday will take up the issue of whether to hold municipal elections in November rather than May, a change embraced by a growing number of Virginia municipalities that has ignited sharp debate in the tiny Northern Virginia city.
The council gave preliminary approval to the measure Nov. 23 by a 4 to 3 vote. To change the 2010 election scheduled for May to November, the council would have to adopt the measure by majority vote at the Monday session to meet a deadline imposed by law. The council is also considering a proposal to further study the measure and schedule a referendum.
The proposal to hold autumn elections has sparked a controversy in the city of 11,000 people. Backers say the change would save money and boost voter participation. Opponents say moving the election date could shield the city's political leadership from voters' wrath as officials struggle with a nasty hole in the budget.
City Attorney John Foster estimated that the switch could save $18,000 every two years. Backers also say past election data offer proof that more people go to the polls during state and national elections.
But opponents fear that voters who cast ballots in national or state elections in November will be less familiar with close-to-home matters that could affect them. They also worry that fall elections will inevitably take on a partisan cast.
Sam Mabry, a former council member and vice mayor, said he thinks the interest in moving the elections to November coincides with the recent discovery of an unexpected $4 million gap in the city budget, which could force tax increases and service cuts.
In a Nov. 16 memo, the city's chief financial officer identified an estimated $7.7 million shortfall in the coming fiscal year on revenue of $59.4 million. The city's charter calls for the budget to be settled near the time some council members stand for election.
Mayor Robin S. Gardner rejected criticism that the proposal to change the voting date was motivated by a desire to put some distance between the budget deliberations and elections.
"I find it troubling that some people believe our citizens aren't going to remember how people handled the budget situation six months later," Gardner said.
Gardner said she thinks November elections would attract more voters and expand the base of people involved in city governance. Gardner, a Democrat, also disputed the idea that the November election cycle would heighten partisan emotions. She said opinions on matters of local government, such as zoning and taxes, are seldom shaped by party politics. "I've voted for Republicans in local elections," she said.
But council member Nader Baroukh likened the proposal to a power grab.
"It just doesn't smell good. There's a taint about it that doesn't sit well with me," Baroukh said. "This is something so fundamental for how we vote and when we vote, that this is not something that should be decided by council. It should be decided by referendum."
Mary Jo Fields, research director for the Virginia Municipal League, said that 15 of Virginia's 39 cities and 19 of its 180 towns hold their local elections in November. Several municipalities, including Alexandria, are in the process of changing.
By Fredrick Kunkle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Falls Church City Council on Monday will take up the issue of whether to hold municipal elections in November rather than May, a change embraced by a growing number of Virginia municipalities that has ignited sharp debate in the tiny Northern Virginia city.
The council gave preliminary approval to the measure Nov. 23 by a 4 to 3 vote. To change the 2010 election scheduled for May to November, the council would have to adopt the measure by majority vote at the Monday session to meet a deadline imposed by law. The council is also considering a proposal to further study the measure and schedule a referendum.
The proposal to hold autumn elections has sparked a controversy in the city of 11,000 people. Backers say the change would save money and boost voter participation. Opponents say moving the election date could shield the city's political leadership from voters' wrath as officials struggle with a nasty hole in the budget.
City Attorney John Foster estimated that the switch could save $18,000 every two years. Backers also say past election data offer proof that more people go to the polls during state and national elections.
But opponents fear that voters who cast ballots in national or state elections in November will be less familiar with close-to-home matters that could affect them. They also worry that fall elections will inevitably take on a partisan cast.
Sam Mabry, a former council member and vice mayor, said he thinks the interest in moving the elections to November coincides with the recent discovery of an unexpected $4 million gap in the city budget, which could force tax increases and service cuts.
In a Nov. 16 memo, the city's chief financial officer identified an estimated $7.7 million shortfall in the coming fiscal year on revenue of $59.4 million. The city's charter calls for the budget to be settled near the time some council members stand for election.
Mayor Robin S. Gardner rejected criticism that the proposal to change the voting date was motivated by a desire to put some distance between the budget deliberations and elections.
"I find it troubling that some people believe our citizens aren't going to remember how people handled the budget situation six months later," Gardner said.
Gardner said she thinks November elections would attract more voters and expand the base of people involved in city governance. Gardner, a Democrat, also disputed the idea that the November election cycle would heighten partisan emotions. She said opinions on matters of local government, such as zoning and taxes, are seldom shaped by party politics. "I've voted for Republicans in local elections," she said.
But council member Nader Baroukh likened the proposal to a power grab.
"It just doesn't smell good. There's a taint about it that doesn't sit well with me," Baroukh said. "This is something so fundamental for how we vote and when we vote, that this is not something that should be decided by council. It should be decided by referendum."
Mary Jo Fields, research director for the Virginia Municipal League, said that 15 of Virginia's 39 cities and 19 of its 180 towns hold their local elections in November. Several municipalities, including Alexandria, are in the process of changing.
June 09, 2009
We're Stunned, Too. Everything that Happens in Vienna is Simply Stunning. Comments (20)
Bill for Election Rankles Vienna Officials
by Brian Trompeter, June 9, 2009
Did you put an “I Voted” sticker on your lapel after casting a ballot in the May 5 Vienna Town Council election? If Fairfax County gets its way, that small expression of civic pride will cost the town a penny.
Fairfax County General Registrar Rokey Suleman on May 13 sent Vienna officials an invoice for $2,897.19, which included about $1,500 in fees that had not been charged in previous elections.
“For many years, Fairfax County has absorbed most of the expenses associated with conducting town elections,” read Suleman’s letter to the town. “Due to recent state and county budget cuts, however, the Office of Elections can no longer afford to subsidize the May town elections.”
Vienna officials used to run the town’s annual elections and select, feed and pay the election officers. But that ended after the May 2007 election, when challengers and their supporters cried foul after an election officer instructed some voters to vote for three candidates, when there actually was no such requirement.
Fairfax County last year began choosing the town’s election officers and running the Vienna spring election. After the 2008 Vienna election, the town paid only about $1,400 for the election officers. But those fees more than doubled this year because of straitened budget circumstances.
Charges the town would have covered under the earlier agreement included a $200 fee for a chief election officer, $150 for an assistant chief officer and $100 apiece for 10 election officers. There also was a $17.60 charge for election officer mileage, paid at 55 cents per mile.
But now county officials passed down absentee-voting costs to the town. These included $74.13 for the county print shop to produce 300 paper ballots, $16.52 to cover postage of 28 mailed ballots and $11.20 for certificates of mailing for those ballots.
As for in-person absentee voting on May 2, the county billed the town $183.69 for an absentee-voting supervisor, $238.80 for a pair of registration assistants.
Fairfax County did not charge the town for six hours of the general registrar’s time on election day. But the county billed Vienna $218.58 for the services of the deputy registrar, $214.08 for the election manager and $43.22 for two hours of the absentee supervisor’s time.
The county also billed the town $5.36 for eight paper rolls, $4.20 for 20 numbered security seals, $50 for voting cart/machine delivery, $10.50 for 1,000 “I Voted” stickers, $15.81 for 100 voting permit cards and $10 for manuals, pens, envelopes, labels and other miscellaneous expenses.
In his letter to the town, Suleman suggested that Vienna might save money by holding elections every two years, as do the towns of Clifton and Herndon. Doing so would allow Vienna to share Saturday in-person absentee voting expenses with those towns, the letter stated.
Vienna could obviate all its election expenses by moving the town election to November - a switch that also might result in greater voter participation, Suleman’s letter read.
Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman wrote a letter to Suleman protesting the charges, which “stunned” the Town Council, she said.
Town officials are happy to continue paying for election officers, as they have in years past, but as for the other items, “we feel we’ve already paid for them as Fairfax County residents and taxpayers,” Seeman said.
Council member Michael Polychrones said town officials aren’t going to lie down for many of the new charges.
“This is an opportune time for the mayors of the three towns to sit down with [Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon] Bulova and say, ‘This is how it’s going to be. Work it out,’” Polychrones said.
Even if town officials desired to alter the dates and frequency of Vienna elections, it would require town charter changes that would take years, Seeman said.
More election financial clouds may be on the horizon for local governments.
After July 1, the State Board of Elections will not print poll books or process voting credits. These expenses will be passed on to counties, which will forward them to towns.
by Brian Trompeter, June 9, 2009
Did you put an “I Voted” sticker on your lapel after casting a ballot in the May 5 Vienna Town Council election? If Fairfax County gets its way, that small expression of civic pride will cost the town a penny.
Fairfax County General Registrar Rokey Suleman on May 13 sent Vienna officials an invoice for $2,897.19, which included about $1,500 in fees that had not been charged in previous elections.
“For many years, Fairfax County has absorbed most of the expenses associated with conducting town elections,” read Suleman’s letter to the town. “Due to recent state and county budget cuts, however, the Office of Elections can no longer afford to subsidize the May town elections.”
Vienna officials used to run the town’s annual elections and select, feed and pay the election officers. But that ended after the May 2007 election, when challengers and their supporters cried foul after an election officer instructed some voters to vote for three candidates, when there actually was no such requirement.
Fairfax County last year began choosing the town’s election officers and running the Vienna spring election. After the 2008 Vienna election, the town paid only about $1,400 for the election officers. But those fees more than doubled this year because of straitened budget circumstances.
Charges the town would have covered under the earlier agreement included a $200 fee for a chief election officer, $150 for an assistant chief officer and $100 apiece for 10 election officers. There also was a $17.60 charge for election officer mileage, paid at 55 cents per mile.
But now county officials passed down absentee-voting costs to the town. These included $74.13 for the county print shop to produce 300 paper ballots, $16.52 to cover postage of 28 mailed ballots and $11.20 for certificates of mailing for those ballots.
As for in-person absentee voting on May 2, the county billed the town $183.69 for an absentee-voting supervisor, $238.80 for a pair of registration assistants.
Fairfax County did not charge the town for six hours of the general registrar’s time on election day. But the county billed Vienna $218.58 for the services of the deputy registrar, $214.08 for the election manager and $43.22 for two hours of the absentee supervisor’s time.
The county also billed the town $5.36 for eight paper rolls, $4.20 for 20 numbered security seals, $50 for voting cart/machine delivery, $10.50 for 1,000 “I Voted” stickers, $15.81 for 100 voting permit cards and $10 for manuals, pens, envelopes, labels and other miscellaneous expenses.
In his letter to the town, Suleman suggested that Vienna might save money by holding elections every two years, as do the towns of Clifton and Herndon. Doing so would allow Vienna to share Saturday in-person absentee voting expenses with those towns, the letter stated.
Vienna could obviate all its election expenses by moving the town election to November - a switch that also might result in greater voter participation, Suleman’s letter read.
Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman wrote a letter to Suleman protesting the charges, which “stunned” the Town Council, she said.
Town officials are happy to continue paying for election officers, as they have in years past, but as for the other items, “we feel we’ve already paid for them as Fairfax County residents and taxpayers,” Seeman said.
Council member Michael Polychrones said town officials aren’t going to lie down for many of the new charges.
“This is an opportune time for the mayors of the three towns to sit down with [Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon] Bulova and say, ‘This is how it’s going to be. Work it out,’” Polychrones said.
Even if town officials desired to alter the dates and frequency of Vienna elections, it would require town charter changes that would take years, Seeman said.
More election financial clouds may be on the horizon for local governments.
After July 1, the State Board of Elections will not print poll books or process voting credits. These expenses will be passed on to counties, which will forward them to towns.
May 12, 2009
Dellinger Decides Not to Fight Comments (2)
HV has not heard of any voting improprieties this year but suppose even just one or two "older" folks were swayed, that would make a difference in this year's election.
Incumbent Opts Against Recount in Razor-Close Vienna Race
by Brian Trompeter
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Vienna Town Council candidates Mike Gadell, George Lovelace, Howard Springsteen, Laurie DiRocco and Dan Dellinger pose with their signs outside the Vienna Community Center during the May 5 town election. (Photo by Brian Trompeter)The Vienna Town Council will have two new members this July, thanks to the upcoming retirement of one member and a challenger’s two-vote victory on May 5 that ousted an incumbent.
Five candidates - two incumbents and three challengers - faced off for three available seats in the election. Council member Maud Robinson did not seek re-election this year.
In proving the old adage that every vote indeed does count, challenger Howard Springsteen narrowly beat Council incumbent Dan Dellinger by a score of 794 to 792 votes.
The margin had been just one vote until Fairfax County election officials awarded Springsteen a provisional ballot that had been in question.
The provisional voter had requested and received an absentee ballot, but threw it away and went to the polls in person, said Fairfax County General Registrar Rokey Suleman.
A recount would have occurred automatically if there had been a tie. Dellinger, who was entitled to ask for a recount because of the razor-thin margin, said on Monday he did not plan to do so.
The winning Town Council members will begin their terms on July 1.
Springsteen, a Fairfax County employee who also serves as president of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, said the election results underscore the importance of voter participation.
“I grew up in northern New Jersey, where I saw elections decided by one vote on numerous occasions,” Springsteen said. “It really shows you that your vote does count.”
Candidates conducted a civil, issues-oriented campaign, he said.
“Everybody got along,” Springsteen said. “We all felt really strongly about Vienna.”
Dellinger, a construction project manager who first was elected to the council in 2006, took some flak during the race after saying in a debate that connecting Fairfax County trails through the town would “bring the other undesirables into our neighborhoods.”
Dellinger said that comment probably had less of an impact on the polling results than the damp, cool weather on election day. But he took final responsibility for the outcome.
“I should have worked harder to achieve victory,” he said. “That’s a lesson for people who wish to run for public office.”
There were 1,519 votes cast out of an eligible 11,131 voters in the election, a turnout rate of 13.6 percent. Only 53 of the votes were cast by absentee ballot.
While all eyes remained on the Springsteen-Dellinger race after the election, two other Town Council seats were up for grabs in the election, and these were won by decisive margins.
Laurie DiRocco, chairman of the Vienna Planning Commission, ran away with the contest as she amassed 969 votes. DiRocco said she did much door-to-door campaigning and received positive responses.
“I talked about a plan for Maple Avenue, preserving green space and making Vienna walkable and bike-able,” she said. “I don’t think it was one thing in particular” that made the difference in the election.
Longtime Council member George Lovelace won re-election with 881 votes. He thanked constituents for their continuing support.
“People said, ‘We can’t see Vienna without you. We want you there and we’ll put you in there,’” Lovelace said. “It makes me want to work harder.”
Lovelace said DiRocco will make a fine addition to the council.
“She came across as a pretty level-headed individual, one who thinks things through before saying something or reacting,” Lovelace said. “Her experience on the Planning Commission will serve her well.”
Challenger Mike Gadell, an account executive with Marriott International, received 511 votes. Gadell said he enjoyed his experience as a first-time candidate.
“There were five great candidates, four gentlemen and a lady,” Gadell said. “We had the town’s best interests at heart and the town is better for it. The process works.”
The Vienna Town Council consists of six members and the mayor. All council seats are at-large positions with two-year terms. Vienna voters choose three Town Council members every year and elect the mayor on even-numbered years.
May 06, 2009
Obviously, No Celebrations Will Be In Order Comments (54)
The only *victory* (and, we use this term loosely) would be DiRocco, Gadell and Dellinger on Council.
Challenger Holds Slim Lead for Final Seat on Vienna Council
By Brian Trompeter
May 6, 2009
Two Vienna Town Council candidates will have to wait about a week before a recount determines the final outcome of the May 5 election, while two more - an incumbent and a challenger - nabbed the top spots in the five-candidate field.
In proving the old adage that every vote indeed does count, challenger Howard Springsteen held a narrow two-vote lead over Town Council incumbent Dan Dellinger, after Fairfax County election officials awarded him a provisional ballot that had been in question. Springsteen now has 794 votes and Dellinger 792, leaving Springsteen with a narrow hold on the third council seat that was up for grabs in the town election.
The provisional voter had requested and received an absentee ballot, but threw it away and went to the polls in person, said Fairfax County General Registrar Rokey Suleman.
Election officials had to declare a winner before authorizing a recount, which is automatic when the victory margin is less than one-half of 1 percent.
The recount likely will take place within the next 10 days, Suleman said. The winning Town Council members will begin their two-year terms on July 1.
Springsteen, a Fairfax County employee who also serves as president of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, said the election results underscore the importance of voter participation.
“I grew up in northern New Jersey, where I saw elections decided by one vote on numerous occasions,” Springsteen said. “It really shows you that your vote does count.”
Candidates conducted a civil, issues-oriented campaign, he said.
“Everybody got along,” Springsteen said. “We all felt really strongly about Vienna.”
Dellinger, a construction project manager, was out of town and could not be reached for comment.
There were 1,519 votes cast out of an eligible 11,131 voters in the election, a turnout rate of 13.6 percent. Only 53 of the votes were cast by absentee ballot.
While all eyes are now on the Springsteen-Dellinger battle, two other Town Council seats were up for grabs in the election, and these were won by decisive margins.
Laurie DiRocco, chairman of the Vienna Planning Commission, ran away with the contest as she amassed 969 votes. DiRocco said she did much door-to-door campaigning and received positive responses.
“I talked about a plan for Maple Avenue, preserving green space and making Vienna walkable and bike-able,” she said. “I don’t think it was one thing in particular” that made the difference in the election.
Longtime Council member George Lovelace won re-election with 881 votes. He thanked constituents for their continuing support.
“People said, ‘We can’t see Vienna without you. We want you there and we’ll put you in there,’” Lovelace said. “It makes me want to work harder.”
Lovelace said DiRocco will make a fine addition to the council.
“She came across as a pretty level-headed individual, one who thinks things through before saying something or reacting,” Lovelace said. “Her experience on the Planning Commission will serve her well.”
Challenger Mike Gadell, an account executive with Marriott International, received 511 votes. Gadell said he enjoyed his experience as a first-time candidate.
“There were five great candidates, four gentlemen and a lady,” Gadell said. “We had the town’s best interests at heart and the town is better for it. The process works.”
All six council seats are at-large positions with two-year terms. Vienna voters choose three Town Council members every year.
May 04, 2009
Vienna Elections: Tuesday, May 5th Comments (20)
Remember: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VOTE FOR THREE CANDIDATES! You can bullet vote for just one candidate if you wish (and we strongly encourage).
April 17, 2009
NARFE Debate Comments (14)
No Fireworks as Vienna Council Candidates Debate
by Brian Trompeter
April 16, 2009
Video: http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2009/04/16/fairfax/news/fe879.txt
Given the dearth of disagreement between five candidates running for Vienna Town Council, the May 5 election may be decided based on experience, charisma and the amount of shoe leather expended on the campaign trail.
The candidates touted their credentials and hit their main talking points during an April 14 forum at the Vienna Community Center. The forum was hosted by the Vienna chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).
Council incumbents George Lovelace and Daniel Dellinger and challengers Laurie DiRocco, Mike Gadell and Howard Springsteen are competing for three available Town Council seats. Vienna elections are nonpartisan, and all council members serve at-large.
After being introduced by NARFE chapter president Kathy Arpa, candidates then spoke for five minutes about their backgrounds and goals if they were elected. Candidates did not have the chance to question each other.
Dellinger, a construction-project manager who has served on the council since 2006, said he had valuable professional experience dealing with budgets, architects and business owners.
Dellinger cited the need to maintain the town’s infrastructure and protect Vienna from encroaching developments in Fairfax County. The town also should carefully monitor Fairfax County Park Authority’s plans to include the town in its trail networks, he said.
“Unfortunately, what that’s going to do also is bring the other undesirables into our neighborhoods,” he said. “We need to talk to our supervisors and tell them, ‘No. We don’t want that.’”
DiRocco, a former adjunct finance professor at George Mason University who now chairs the Vienna Planning Commission, pledged to bolster the town’s commercial district and preserve residential neighborhoods and green space.
DiRocco urged the audience to cast their votes based upon the candidates’ accomplishments and engagement with the community.
“What I believe makes me a great candidate is my experience and active service in the town,” she said.
Gadell, an account manager with Marriott International who serves on the advisory board of Stratford University, said he would advocate for strong public-safety funding.
Gadell also favored shuttle-bus service between the Vienna Metrorail station and Tysons Corner to reduce traffic in the town.
“The time to do that is now, with foresight and planning, to be more strategic to ensure we have that plan in place before Phase 1 of this development is complete,” Gadell said.
Lovelace, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and former state delegate, has served on the council off and on since 1982.
Lovelace said he favored transportation improvements, would fight to preserve Vienna’s small-town character and would continue to be approachable and responsive to residents’ concerns.
“I believe I’ve gained the trust of our citizens,” Lovelace said.
Springsteen, a logistics manager with the Fairfax County Department of Vehicle Services, serves on the Vienna Transportation Safety Commission and has been president of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department for nine years.
Springsteen said pledged to revamp the town’s water-and-sewer system and press for water-purchasing agreements that lowered costs for residents. He also supported redevelopment of the Maple Avenue business corridor.
Springsteen said his accomplishments included traffic-calming improvements around town and a renovated fire station.
“I tend to be aggressive and try to get things done,” he said.
The forum, which began behind schedule after a financial-planning presentation and subsequent 10-minute break, left time for only two queries in the question-and-answer session.
Vienna resident Fay Morrison said she supported Dellinger, but thought the field of candidates was impressive.
“I wish we could vote for all of them,” she said. “They’re all well-qualified.”
The candidates will face each other again at a Northeast Vienna Citizens Association debate on Wednesday, April 29 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center.
Vienna Town Council members serve two-year terms that are staggered. The mayor also serves a two-year term; that election will be held next spring.
by Brian Trompeter April 16, 2009
Video: http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2009/04/16/fairfax/news/fe879.txt
Given the dearth of disagreement between five candidates running for Vienna Town Council, the May 5 election may be decided based on experience, charisma and the amount of shoe leather expended on the campaign trail.
The candidates touted their credentials and hit their main talking points during an April 14 forum at the Vienna Community Center. The forum was hosted by the Vienna chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).
Council incumbents George Lovelace and Daniel Dellinger and challengers Laurie DiRocco, Mike Gadell and Howard Springsteen are competing for three available Town Council seats. Vienna elections are nonpartisan, and all council members serve at-large.
After being introduced by NARFE chapter president Kathy Arpa, candidates then spoke for five minutes about their backgrounds and goals if they were elected. Candidates did not have the chance to question each other.
Dellinger, a construction-project manager who has served on the council since 2006, said he had valuable professional experience dealing with budgets, architects and business owners.
Dellinger cited the need to maintain the town’s infrastructure and protect Vienna from encroaching developments in Fairfax County. The town also should carefully monitor Fairfax County Park Authority’s plans to include the town in its trail networks, he said.
“Unfortunately, what that’s going to do also is bring the other undesirables into our neighborhoods,” he said. “We need to talk to our supervisors and tell them, ‘No. We don’t want that.’”
DiRocco, a former adjunct finance professor at George Mason University who now chairs the Vienna Planning Commission, pledged to bolster the town’s commercial district and preserve residential neighborhoods and green space.
DiRocco urged the audience to cast their votes based upon the candidates’ accomplishments and engagement with the community.
“What I believe makes me a great candidate is my experience and active service in the town,” she said.
Gadell, an account manager with Marriott International who serves on the advisory board of Stratford University, said he would advocate for strong public-safety funding.
Gadell also favored shuttle-bus service between the Vienna Metrorail station and Tysons Corner to reduce traffic in the town.
“The time to do that is now, with foresight and planning, to be more strategic to ensure we have that plan in place before Phase 1 of this development is complete,” Gadell said.
Lovelace, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and former state delegate, has served on the council off and on since 1982.
Lovelace said he favored transportation improvements, would fight to preserve Vienna’s small-town character and would continue to be approachable and responsive to residents’ concerns.
“I believe I’ve gained the trust of our citizens,” Lovelace said.
Springsteen, a logistics manager with the Fairfax County Department of Vehicle Services, serves on the Vienna Transportation Safety Commission and has been president of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department for nine years.
Springsteen said pledged to revamp the town’s water-and-sewer system and press for water-purchasing agreements that lowered costs for residents. He also supported redevelopment of the Maple Avenue business corridor.
Springsteen said his accomplishments included traffic-calming improvements around town and a renovated fire station.
“I tend to be aggressive and try to get things done,” he said.
The forum, which began behind schedule after a financial-planning presentation and subsequent 10-minute break, left time for only two queries in the question-and-answer session.
Vienna resident Fay Morrison said she supported Dellinger, but thought the field of candidates was impressive.
“I wish we could vote for all of them,” she said. “They’re all well-qualified.”
The candidates will face each other again at a Northeast Vienna Citizens Association debate on Wednesday, April 29 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center.
Vienna Town Council members serve two-year terms that are staggered. The mayor also serves a two-year term; that election will be held next spring.
March 14, 2009
Spring Elections: More of the Same? Comments (22)
Election: May 5, 2009 Vienna Town Election
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/upcoming.htm
Election Day Information: Only qualified voters in the Town of Vienna are eligible to vote in this election. The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The polling place for the town elections is the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180.
Voter Registration: The final day of voter registration is Monday, April 6, 2009. (If you are already registered at your current address, you do not have to register again.) In-person voter registration forms must be received in the Office of Election by 6 p.m. on April 6, 2009. Mail-in registration applications must be postmarked on or before April 6, 2009.
Candidates:
Town Council (Vote for not more than three)
Dan M. Dellinger
417 Park Street, SE
Vienna, VA 22180
703-255-2918
nautdan@aol.com
Laurie A. DiRocco
316 Moorefield Road, SW
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-7010
robert.dirocco2@verizon.net
Mike J. Gadell
513 Kramer Drive, SE
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-8620
mikegadell@msn.com
George E. Lovelace
425 West Street, NW
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-8729
glov1990@mac.com
Howard J. Springsteen
609 Upham Place, NW
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-0536
hjspringsteen1@verizon.net
Absentee Voting
Location: Fairfax County Government Center only (no off-site satellites)
Absentee Voting Schedule:
Absentee Voting In Person
Weekday:
Friday, April 3 through Friday, May 1, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday:
Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last day to vote absentee in-person)
Absentee Voting By Mail
First mail-out approximately April 3.
Absentee Voting Deadlines:
Applications to vote absentee by mail must be received in the Fairfax County Office of Elections no later than 5 p.m on Tuesday, April 28. The voted ballots must be received in the Office of Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day, May 5, in order to be counted.
If you will be away from Fairfax County on Election Day or are unable to go to the polls because of illness or disability, you may vote by absentee ballot by mail or in-person.
March 10, 2009
Town of Vienna Politicians' Accomplishments Comments (12)
What was the last thing the Town politicos did that deserved kudos? Feel free to discuss (this should not take long).
February 19, 2009
We Would Laugh If We Weren't About To Cry Comments (29)
House Candidates Stepping Up in 35th District Race
by BRIAN TROMPETER
February 18, 2009
A slew of candidates is lining up to succeed Del. Stephen Shannon (D-35th), who has begun raising money in earnest - if not yet officially campaigning - to become Virginia's next attorney general.
Shannon's candidacy has prompted several Democrats to seek his delegate seat. The filing window for candidate forms and petition signatures is March 24 through April 10.
Some 35th District candidates already have filed statements of organization, however, which allows them to raise money for the race. The Democratic nominee will be determined in a June 9 primary.
Vienna Town Council member Edythe Kelleher said she will announce her candidacy as soon as Shannon makes his attorney-general run official.
Kelleher, a former property manager and aide to Supervisor Penelope Gross (D-Mason), has served on the Town Council since 2002.
“I see a job that needs doing and I'm the best one to do it,” she said. “I have a lot of government experience that I think will translate well in Richmond.”
Kelleher said she would like to help Virginia make progress on transportation, education, public-safety, stormwater-management and health-care issues, but for now would focus on the state's budget.
“We have to maintain our quality of life and position ourselves for the future,” she said. “To cut too deeply in education, for example, could be dangerous.”
The General Assembly could benefit from having more members with local-government experience, she said.
“It's very rewarding to work at the local level,” she said. “Our citizens can certainly see their tax dollars at work.”
The faltering economy produced a clarion call for another Democratic candidate, attorney Roy Baldwin.
“We tell ourselves, ‘We're Northern Virginia. This recession isn't going to touch us,'” he said. “But if the recession isn't here in the living room, it's knocking on the back door.”
Baldwin serves on the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce's board of directors. He has not sought public office before, but in 1976 was elected class president at George Washington University Law School.
by BRIAN TROMPETER
February 18, 2009
A slew of candidates is lining up to succeed Del. Stephen Shannon (D-35th), who has begun raising money in earnest - if not yet officially campaigning - to become Virginia's next attorney general.
Shannon's candidacy has prompted several Democrats to seek his delegate seat. The filing window for candidate forms and petition signatures is March 24 through April 10.
Some 35th District candidates already have filed statements of organization, however, which allows them to raise money for the race. The Democratic nominee will be determined in a June 9 primary.
Vienna Town Council member Edythe Kelleher said she will announce her candidacy as soon as Shannon makes his attorney-general run official.
Kelleher, a former property manager and aide to Supervisor Penelope Gross (D-Mason), has served on the Town Council since 2002.
“I see a job that needs doing and I'm the best one to do it,” she said. “I have a lot of government experience that I think will translate well in Richmond.”
Kelleher said she would like to help Virginia make progress on transportation, education, public-safety, stormwater-management and health-care issues, but for now would focus on the state's budget.
“We have to maintain our quality of life and position ourselves for the future,” she said. “To cut too deeply in education, for example, could be dangerous.”
The General Assembly could benefit from having more members with local-government experience, she said.
“It's very rewarding to work at the local level,” she said. “Our citizens can certainly see their tax dollars at work.”
The faltering economy produced a clarion call for another Democratic candidate, attorney Roy Baldwin.
“We tell ourselves, ‘We're Northern Virginia. This recession isn't going to touch us,'” he said. “But if the recession isn't here in the living room, it's knocking on the back door.”
Baldwin serves on the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce's board of directors. He has not sought public office before, but in 1976 was elected class president at George Washington University Law School.
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December 16, 2008
Get What You Pay for in Vienna? Comments (5)
From a reader, Vienna Guy:
Is it true that the Mayor only pulls in $6,000 per year? I was going over the Legislative budget and came across this figure, as well as the $5,000 per year salary for counsel members. Does this suggest that you get what you pay for? I don't understand the motivation for anyone to put any effort into this position for that level of compensation - even if it is for the good of the community. The title of Mayor should be a full-time job.
October 20, 2008
So, You Think You Can Be On Town Council? Comments (5)
From the Town's website:
Elections are held the first Tuesday in May each year for three Council seats, with the office of Mayor appearing on the ballot in even-numbered years. Town elections are held at the Vienna Community Center. Persons interested in running for a seat on the Town Council may pick up forms in the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall. For information on town elections, call 703-255-6303. For information on county, state and national elections, call the General Registrar at 703-222-0776. http://www.viennava.gov/Town_Government/Town_Council.htm
