Springfield resident Gloria Crawford recently received recognition from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for nine years of service on the Board of Equalization of Real Estate Assessments. Crawford, an attorney in Washington, D.C. who grew up in Upperville, Va., is a graduate of Howard University and George Washington University. Recently, she sat down and answered some questions about herself.
How long have you lived in the area? I’ve lived here 10 years.
Describe your job: I work with a federal agency.
Education: I went to Howard University and then George Washington University, which is where I got my law degree from.
Activities/interests/hobbies: Right now I like to read a lot. I’m trying to learn how to play the guitar. In terms of learning, it’s something that challenges the mind, and something that’s very relaxing, too. I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar; now I have time and I can do it.
How did you become involved with the board? I was contacted when Kate Hanley was chairman, and informed that the board needed people to serve. I explored it and decided it was something I wanted to do.
Do you have any community concerns or ideas for ways in which to improve the community? I think there’s always room for improvement. I’m working with Northern Virginia Council of Negro Women, and we’re involved with various community activities. One area is education, programs that could serve the youth or get youth involved in certain activities. So I’m on the education committee there and we’re exploring ways to reach out to youth in the community.
What is your favorite place to spend time in the community? Home.
Your first job: My first job, when I was in school, was with the D.C. Public Library. I was in school as a work-study student so I worked at the library.
What was the last book you read or the last movie you watched? The last movie I saw was “Dreamgirls.” I’m in a book club, so I read a lot of books and the book I’m reading now is “The Divide” by Nicholas Evans.
If you could go on a road trip anywhere in the U.S., where would you go? I like nature and I’ve always flown over the Grand Canyon, so probably driving out West to see various nature sites.
What is the Board of Equalization’s role in the community? The Board of Equalization consists of citizens appointed by the Board of Supervisors and it’s to equalize the taxes; in other words, to hear appeals of citizens — that’s residential and commercial — who are appealing their tax assessments. The Board sits and hears the appeals. The Department of Tax Administration sends out their notices somewhere in February, then the individual or commercial can appeal their assessment to the Department of Tax Administration. If they’re not satisfied with that, or they don’t have time to appeal to them, then they can appeal to the Board of Equalization.
What are some of your personal goals? One personal goal is to continue to develop my legal skills and also to continue to learn how to play the guitar. And continue to be involved in community activities.
— Lea Mae Rice