The panel of four community leaders representing business, Opportunity Neighborhoods-Herndon, schools and faith asked pre-selected questions based on community input.
On Monday, Sept. 30, the Town of Herndon Mayoral Forum hosted by Cornerstones and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce focused on critical issues impacting the diverse community in the largest town within Fairfax County, home to 24,000 residents within its 4.2 square miles. Pradip Dhakal and Keven LeBlanc, current councilmembers, are the two mayoral candidates on the ballot this November at the general election on Nov. 5. Early voting is already underway.
Andy Larcher, chair of Cornerstones' board of directors, served as moderator. Each candidate gave a two-minute opening statement and answered questions from a panel of four community leaders representing faith, business, schools, and Opportunity Neighborhoods-Herndon. The Forum Planning Committee preselected questions based on community input.
Larcher said the committee was "overwhelmed " by the number of questions residents submitted, "the most input we've ever received," he said. The turnout at the forum caused organizers to relocate the event from its originally planned use of Trinity Presbyterian Church's fellowship hall to its sanctuary, which offered greater space.
What set the candidates apart from each other at the forum were the expanded and specific plans each candidate outlined. The following is a sampling of those comment topics and words.
Pradip Dhakal
* Specific Affordable Housing Targets: Dhakal proposed that the town aim for 20 percent affordable housing in the Comstock redevelopment area by providing a "density bonus" and suggested 15 percent in the rest of the town's development areas. Also, align 12 percent of affordable housing with the county's requirements. "We have to be intentional. It's not about the words; it's about the action."
* Pursuing a Memorandum of Understanding with Fairfax County: Dhakal suggested working with Fairfax County to create a memorandum of understanding to administer affordable housing programs.
* Creating a Community Safety Task Force: Dhakal proposed establishing a community safety task force as a liaison between the community and the police department.
* Expanding the Neighborhood Watch Program: Dhakal said he would advocate for expanding the Neighborhood Watch program in the town.
Keven LeBlanc
* Comprehensive Plan and Town Manager Selection: LeBlanc emphasized the importance of focusing on a well-structured comprehensive plan for the town's future and the critical role of the next council in selecting the right town manager.
* Leveraging Federal and State Relationships: LeBlanc mentioned his experience working at the federal level and the need to work with state legislators and organizations like the Northern Virginia Regional Commission to secure resources. LeBlanc said the town needs a quick way for residents to get to and from the Herndon Metro. LeBlanc said he would work with the state to fund a transportation pilot within a one-mile radius of the metro. "That will be critical for us to look at a trolley service, or similar service that will circulate."
* Community Outreach and Engagement: LeBlanc proposed holding town council roundtables and "Sunday dinners with the mayor" to engage with residents directly. He also discussed continuing successful community events, including the Holiday Homes Tour.
* Preserving the Arts and Arts Center: LeBlanc highlighted the importance of protecting the town's arts and arts center and emphasized that it had to be part of the negotiations around the Comstock redevelopment rather than being fully preserved as initially desired.
Dhakal and LeBlanc discussed several key issues with similar emphasis and needs. Herndon’s mayor and town council members are non-partisan positions.
Affordable Housing: Candidates emphasized the importance of addressing affordable housing in the town and discussed the need for diverse housing options, not just legally defined "affordable" housing. They mentioned working with the county and developers to create more affordable and workforce housing.
Community Engagement and Diversity: Candidates stressed the importance of inclusive community events and celebrations to welcome and engage the town's diverse population. They discussed the need to support community organizations in their production efforts and cultural festivals to unite people.
Partnerships with County and State: Candidates highlighted the importance of collaborating with Fairfax County and state legislators to secure resources and funding for the town's initiatives. They discussed working with the county on issues like transportation, affordable housing, and community programs.
Balancing Growth and Preservation: Both candidates acknowledged the need to balance the town's growth and development with preserving its historic charm and small-town feel. They recognized the challenge of managing this balance.
Police and Community Safety: The candidates discussed the importance of community policing, building relationships between the police and residents, and ensuring the town's safety.
As CEO of the Reston-based nonprofit Cornerstones and its affiliate, Cornerstones Housing Corporation, Kerrie Wilson thanked everyone who came out that night, the leaders in the community and others who helped them with the questions and "most importantly, show the face of our community."