Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) announced during the Jan. 22, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting, that she would not seek re-election this fall, ending her twenty-year career on the Board. Hudgins, who marks her 73rd birthday this year represents the Hunter Mill district, which includes Reston and the Town of Vienna.
During her retirement announcement, Hudgins said, "As I came in today, I sat in the seat and recognized that this is year 20 coming in and sitting here and serving…I'm sharing the fact that I will not be running, but I intend to have a vigorous 20th year and continue to enjoy the kind of work that we've been able to do with this board."
Referencing that her name is added to the growing list of other Board of Supervisors who are departing, Chairman Sharon Bulova, Braddock District's John Cook and Providence 's Linda Smyth, Hudgins said, "And the good wish is, that we all can come and stay in the community, and continue doing the things that we like to do, but recognizing that they can be done in many different places, as most of us came from. So it's not a board matter, but it is an announcement I think is appropriate to address to the community…It's a hard announcement to make. It is not an easy one."
Chairman Sharon Bulova responded, "It has been a pleasure serving with you over the years and even before you served on the board in different capacities. Thank you for your service to Hunter Mill and to Fairfax County".
The Fairfax County website describes Hudgins as a smart growth advocate. She works to “…obtain mixed use development that integrates the environment, transportation and housing with the goal of creating sustainable communities."
Among Supervisor Hudgins’ many awards during her career, the Virginia Transit Association presented her with their Public Official of the Year Award (2010) for her role as a regional champion and advocate for transit. The Coalition for Mentally Disabled Citizens of Northern Virginia honored Hudgins with its Distinguished Leadership Award for "outstanding dedication and pioneering initiatives to foster and build inclusive, quality communities for all." The Housing Association of Non-Profit Developers recognized her outstanding commitment to affordable housing.
Hudgins serves on several regional and state boards. "She was appointed to the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo)'s Education Steering Committee in 2014. From 2011 to 2013, she served as chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board. In 2012, she was Chairman of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo). She was the 2010 Chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and Vice Chair of WMATA. She served as 2007 Chairman of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) and continues as a current member."
Fairfax Democrats list four candidates running for the Hunter Mill District Board of Supervisors seat: Shyamali Hauth, Parker Messick, Laurie Dodd, and Walter Alcorn. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors primary is scheduled for June 11. The general election is Nov. 5; the new board assumes office Jan. 1, 2020.