August 1, 2002
Since Dranesville District Supervisor Stuart Mendelsohn announced he will not seek a third term, speculation about his successor runs rife. Some potential candidates have already decided whether they’ll run. Others are noncommittal. A few are shy or coy, but all answered the question: Will you run?
YES, PROBABLY:
Joan DuBois, Republican
Her appointment to the Planning Commission 18 months ago is widely seen as a sign of support from Mendelsohn and the Republican Party. DuBois has worked for Bob Dix, former Hunter Mill Supervisor, and Nancy Falck, former Dranesville District Supervisor.
Presently, she works for Travesky and Associates, a consulting firm for land use and transportation, doing public outreach for the Dulles Corridor Rapid Transit Project.
Since Mendelsohn’s announcement that he won’t run, DuBois said, she’s been encouraged to seek the office and has it under active consideration.
“It’s a little too early to declare,” she said.
John Foust, Democrat
Foust ran in 1999 for a different office, the 34th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
“I’ve gotten several phones calls encouraging me to consider it very seriously, which I am doing. That is as far as I’ve gotten at this point,” said Foust, a lawyer who practices commercial litigation in construction and real estate.
“I think it’s a fabulous job with a great opportunity to make the types of contributions I’d like to make.
“The positives have been considered. It’s something I’d like to do,” said Foust.
But he has to consider his family: two teenaged boys who attend private schools and a working wife, Marilyn Jerome, a gynecologist.
Foust would also have to relinquish the presidency of the McLean Citizens Association because it is a nonpartisan group.
He said he and the other candidates will probably make their final decisions after the November elections for Congress this year. The ballot will also include a state sales tax referendum and a local referendum for a $20 million park bond.
MAYBE/NONCOMMITTAL:
Bill Byrnes, Democrat
“I really haven’t made up my mind about that. My wife’s [Cathy] illness is the biggest thing, and I don’t want to make any fundamental decisions during that time.”
Jane Edmondson, Democrat
“It certainly is flattering to have one’s name mentioned as a potential candidate, and I am not ready to rule anything in or out at this time.
“Whatever happens, though, it will be a lively election.
“I’ll bet Stu [Mendelsohn] is chuckling right now, thinking about what his announcement has generated,’” said Edmondson.
Merrily Pierce, Democrat
“I’ve very complimented.”
Adrienne Whyte, Republican
“I don’t know. I’m thinking about it. So, too, are about a hundred other people. It’s just too soon. I would like to watch for a while, see what goes on, and assess.”
NO, NEVER:
Susan Blakely, Independent
“Not in your lifetime, or mine.”
Wade Smith, Independent
“I have no clue how that got started. Someone had been drinking way too much. They were into their fourth beer when they started that rumor,” Smith said. “I have never even thought of it, much less said it. I have no ambitions in that regard, probably ever.”
Alice Starr, Republican
“I have no consideration in running for Dranesville supervisor. I have not considered it,” said Starr.
Jan Auerbach, Independent, president, Safe Community Coalition
“I am in the “Never” club. It’s not in my blood. I have steadfastly remained non-partisan,” said Auerbach.
NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT:
Dan DuVal, Democrat