Mike ‘Spike’ Williams, 39, a lifelong Fairfax County resident, has filed for candidacy as an independent for the Hunter Mill District seat on the county’s Board of Supervisors. Williams, a resident of the Moneys Corner neighborhood on the border between Reston and Herndon, became interested in the position during the debate over the possible housing development at the South Reston Park and Ride lot.
"That made me realize how vulnerable our community is to over development," said Williams, whose campaign slogan reads ‘Controlled growth for a balanced future.’
Although Williams is not a politician — he has no political background — he said Hunter Mill residents have in him a person who is able to listen to people. "What you’re backing is a person that is going to hear you," he said. Williams earned his high school GED at the age of 16, when he began working full time. He has held a number of different jobs over the years, and has been in project management for the past six years. Williams currently works as a project manager with Orange Business Services, a telecommunications company. "I have experience in managing multifaceted projects and creating comprehensive solutions," he said.
While development is one of the main issues Williams hopes to tackle as a supervisor, he has other concerns, including transportation and education issues. He said there is need for more oversight in the school redistricting process, and his campaign Web site describes the area’s public transportation as "sorry." Williams is also concerned there is not enough communication between current supervisors and their constituents. "I will be the voice of common sense on the board, and an avenue for [Hunter Mill residents] to be heard," he said.
There are now three candidates for the Hunter Mill District seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Williams will face incumbent Catherine Hudgins (D) and Marie Huhtala (I) in the November election.