I live in Lee District and enjoyed the 11th Annual Mt Vernon Mardi Gras and Democratic Straw Vote on Saturday, Feb. 23. We had a great time and saw many neighbors from Lee District. We are thankful to have a good selection of people standing as candidates for public office.
With 41.4 percent of the vote, Rodney Lusk won the first 2019 straw vote in Fairfax County by earning 67 of the 162 votes cast.
Rodney Lusk shared his experience working in economic development bringing jobs to Fairfax County; he shared his commitment to public education and creating effective transportation solutions. He spoke about his experience representing Lee District on the Planning Commission; experience leading projects to increase access for persons with disabilities, and addressing significant human service needs including homelessness in Fairfax County.
The Lee District Supervisor represents us and serves over 1,148,000 residents of Fairfax County by working with a board of peers. The significant portfolio of needs they address includes public safety; public education; human services; healthcare; clean, abundant water; affordable housing; economic development; environmental stewardship; libraries, recreation centers and parks; transportation; land use; managing stormwater and preventing soil erosion; safeguarding the interests of government employees and retirees; justice; and tax policy. All these priorities and more must be continuously addressed with a balanced budget.
Experience matters especially when the results of hard work are desirable. While recognizing we still have a lot of work to do, we can see our beloved Fairfax County leads the nation in health and wealth among communities with a population of at least one million persons.
US News & World Report lists Fairfax County as the healthiest community in the nation with a million plus residents and we have the highest median household income among communities with at least one million people. Of 3,142 counties in our nation, Fairfax County is one of only 46 counties earning the highest AAA credit ratings from all three major credit rating agencies.
There is a reason Sharon Bulova, the current chairman of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and her immediate predecessor, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, endorse Rodney Lusk for Lee District Supervisor. They both know and have worked with Rodney for decades.
There is a reason former Lee District Supervisor Dana Kauffman and former Virginia Deputy Secretary of Education David Temple endorse Rodney Lusk for Lee District Supervisor. They both know and have worked with Rodney for decades.
I appreciate all the candidates, especially persons standing for Lee District Supervisor and believe the choice is clear. Vote June 11.
Will Radle
Franconia