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Vienna Viewpoints: What were the most important issues for you in this year’s election?
Vienna residents cast their ballots at Vienna Elementary School on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Public Safety Facilities Bonds and Public School Bonds were both presented on the referendum. If voted in favor, the Public Safety Facilities Bonds would allow the Fairfax County Government to issue bonds in the maximum amount of $151,000,000 to fund construction, reconstruction, improvement and acquisition of public safety facilities. The Public Schools Bonds, if voted in favor, would allow the County government to issue bonds in the maximum amount of $310,000,000 for planned improvements to the County’s public schools. These plans would include constructing new schools, new plan and design projects, renovations and other needs.
“Some think no bonds mean lower taxes, but that’s not true,” said Dan Press, who was a volunteer at the polls on Tuesday. “But the bigger issue is control of the Virginia senate and school board. Better schools mean better property values.”
The state of public schools in the County was a topic of concern among several voters.
“Funding for schools needs to increase, especially teacher pay,” said Vienna resident Heidi Thomas. “If schools are not funded, they are not going to improve and property values are going to go down.” Another voter cited information being taught in the classroom as an issue of concern.
“Some Republicans are against teaching evolution in schools. I have no kids of my own, but it’s important for children to receive a well-rounded education,” said Vienna resident Stephen Sickels.
This election drew a smaller crowd, with no anticipation of long lines.
“The overall county voter turnout for this election is projected to be around 30 percent,” said Karen Akers, chief election officer at the Vienna Elementary School polls.