Thank you for this great reporting. As someone new to Herndon, this is valuable information in my decision on wgo to vote for.

The Dranesville Dem's picture of cash going into a "tip" jar is my personal favorite!

I am starting to think that over and above the usual Herndon battles, this is about a big Republican-Democratic fight for control of the 'swing' power of the 10th Congresional District in Virginia, with the ultimate objective being the 2012 presidential elections. This area is critical, and tiny little Herndon is important as a figurehead.

Hence the outside interest in the Herndon election now, and hence the big money earlier in the Fairfax County BOS election, to support Foust over Husch, and especially to re-elect Bulova.

I think that the Herndon election is seen as being important for status, and to influence that game. So the big interest in Herndon is really the November election, not the Town.

All people have a First Amendment right to speak out, organize and work for whichever candidate they choose. This question seems to be made an issue every cycle, at risk of overlooking the most the important point all voters should be focusing on: Which candidates represent views you support and wish to see on the Town Council? There are stark differences among the goals of the various candidates. Every voter should focus on the issues to learn how each person differs, then vote for the one you feel best represents your views.

"Wolf said there are a wide variety of political beliefs represented among the town council candidates"

If that were true, then why would you want to run as a slate? You are running as a slate because you have great differences with the other members of the slate? C'mon Grace.

When it comes to relevent Town issues Bill, I have fewer differences with this group of candidates. There are differences of opinion and healthy debate that occurs BUT this is also a group that is willing to work collectively with the common goal of achieving success for the Town and all of our residents.

This group is committed to focusing on finding common ground and solutions that work, ways to move forward instead of focusing on what doesn't work, why something can't get done and and finding reasons and excuses to stop progress.

I also formally declined the request for endorsement by the Progressive Majority. My endorsements are from real people who live in the Town, serve the Town or own businesses in the Town and are bi-partisan.

My endorsements speak to my ability to work across many interests to focus on Town issues and concerns, as well as my leadership and dedication to making Herndon the wonderful community that it is. I am willing to work hard for those things that make our community one that our residents value and cherish and wish to continue to enjoy.

I see this so-called "slate" as a group of candidates who share a vision for moving the town forward, in contrast to other candidates whose histories include opposition to every proposal for downtown development; changes and delays in the approval processes so that developers walk away rather than deal with the town council's approval process; failure to make positive plans for the impending construction of the Silver Line station in Herndon; antagonistic relations with county officials, instead of working with the county for support of activities/projects that are of benefit to the town; classifying amenities that would improve the quality of life as "special interests" or "hobbies", instead of seeing these as opportunities to attract new residents and new businesses; and responding to any proposal for change with a litany of rationalizations about why it can't work. None of the "slate" candidates is likely to be a rubber stamp for anybody, as each has a history of doing their homework on town issues, asking critical questions, and forming their own independent opinions. It is time for a positive and forward-looking council, and that is what these candidates are offering.

Disclaimer: I am not, nor have I ever claimed to be, a resident of the Town of Herndon. However, as Mr. Del Aguila pointed out above, as someone who can hit a golf ball into the Town of Herndon to the south and Loudoun County to the west, I have great interest in the elections. The affairs of the town have a direct impact on matters that are very important to me that goes way beyond my property value. The choices the Town Council makes effects my commute - as I have to drive through Herndon to get to work; where I choose to buy my groceries - say hello new local sales taxes; or where I choose to dine - 2.5% food tax, I'll take my business elsewhere; or choose to go for a stay-cation - we'll stay in Reston to avoid the additonal 6% local hotel tax.

Grace, you did not reply to Mr. Genkinger's question
.
Why are you and your slate, backed by the various entities of the Democrat Party in a non-partisan election, always speaking in generalities and feel-good commentary? Please explain what it means to "work across many interests" when you are a monolithic slate. Does "dedication to making Herndon the wonderful community that it is" mean your evil opponents are out to destroy Herndon?

When you state "This group is committed to focusing on finding common ground and solutions that work, ways to move forward instead of focusing on what doesn't work, why something can't get done and and finding reasons and excuses to stop progress.", as a member of the Council majority for the last two years does that mean it was you yourself who was responsible ". . . finding reasons and excuses to stop progress"

Maybe we can start believing you and your slate when you stop hiding behind slogans like "making Herndon a wonderful community". It seems te entire "slate" has gone into hiding now that the real hard questions are starting to be asked. The Virginia New Majority, the group you caved in for when they demanded that you neuter the street solicitation ordinance, is back in town demanding a new day labor site. Where stand you?

And where's that one-stop, one-person point-of-contact for new businesses you promised two years ago?

This was just brought to my attention: The Dulles Area Democrats are hosting a breakfast Monday, April 16 that will feature Merkel, Jonas, Wolf, Olem and Boll.
http://dullesareademocrats.com/site/

I try to make as many events as I am invited to attend to speak, on behalf of the Town. Lisa and I are both trying to make AAUW events to speak to those interested area residents, as we did last election. Several folks have been invited to speak at area HOAs and have done so. I am hoping to get an invite to speak at the Western Fairfax Republican Womens Club, Democratic Asian Americans of Northern Virginia and other interested community groups. If the Fairfax County Republican Committee invited us to attend and speak, I'm sure we'd try to make that happen as well. There are many important issues affecting our Town and residents and I, along with others, are happy to discuss them.

In this debate over slate versus non-slate candidates there are two things which stand out to me.

First, no one who is against the "slate" has had anything good or positive to say about the candidates who are not part of the "slate". No one has commented on the merits of the other candidates. Not. One. Person.

Second, if these candidates are in fact a slate wouldn't that make the remaining candidates a de facto slate and rubber stamp as well?

I know some of the candidates personally, and others I have not had the opportunity to meet. What I can tell you is that all these candidates mean well and are working hard to improve Herndon. You may not agree with their proposals or their vision, but you cannot question their sincerity in believing that they can improve our town at this juncture. (Although I suppose you could question their sanity for subjecting themselves to constant attacks!) It is very easy to sit behind a keyboard and type venom into this blog and call names and make accusations. It is apparently much harder to go out and actually support a candidate, knock on doors and get a message out. Particularly those who hide behind a moniker and talk trash. I question people who cannot attach their name to their beliefs in a public forum. In fact, you are awfully lucky Leslie allows you to post anonymously despite the fact that practice is prohibited.

Best of luck to each and every candidate who put themselves and their ideas out there.

Just wanted to let everyone know real quick—we have a new moderation system for the comments in place.

It seems this article keeps defaulting to a setting where I have to individually approve every comment before it'll show up, causing some delay before the comment appears on the article. I've changed it back to auto-approve comments twice now so hopefully it won't happen again. I don't want your comments to sit in moderation for an hour or more if I'm in a meeting or otherwise occupied. I'll keep an eye out for it, but know that if your comments aren't showing up right away, that's what's happened. If it seems it's been an extended period of time (two to three hours or more) and your comment isn't showing up, feel free to send me an email to let me know at leslie@patch.com

What is this “slate of candidates” promoting? What is it that they can’t, or haven’t been able to do without resorting to a voting bloc? I’m not seeing anything in the article, or answers that suggests what the real agenda is?

Regarding the comment that "We have watched over the past two years the voting block that consisted of you, Ms. Merkel, Ms. Olem and Mr. Singh consistently vote to block initiatives proposed by the current mayor." I think Coucilmember Singh (and the Mayor) would disagree with this as it has in fact been Councilmember Tirrell who has sided with the Merkel/Olem/Wolf slate on issues such as the Metro Area Plan. Singh feels that he has been "shut out" by the slate just as I, as a constituent, feel, when they didn't agree on an issue.

I know that 100% concensus isn't always feasible, but the Council should always have concensus as a goal. Otherwise you have 4-3 votes on issues like the Metro Area Plan, the largest development the town has ever considered undertaking, which just leads to more divisiveness. I hope that the next Council strives to unify, not divide.

Here is a statement straight from the Chairman's mouth from an interview with the Blue Virginia blog......

"I guarantee we will have someone running against Tom Rust in 2013. We need to have a commitment from the state level. Also, we need to find people in the community. Every time I go speak, I tell people they should identify folks in their community to potentially run. In Herndon, I've recruited 4 diverse new people to run for council in May 2012. We're helping them with media training."

http://www.bluevirginia.us/diary/5758/blue-virginia-interview-new-fairfax-democratic-chief-cesar-del-aguila

"I had gotten involved in Herndon, with a group attempting to change the town council's anti-immigrant stance. (Note: For more on that, click here.) Although I lost my race for Town Council by a few votes, my side captured the majority and made needed changes to the policy. This experience convinced me that acting locally could be effective, and also demonstrated the extent to which local politics affected our lives"

Just so there is no confusion.....in the Blue Virginia interview, Chairman Del Agulia stated in this article "..... he is also aware that the town’s election is nonpartisan. “The FCDC is in no way, shape or form endorsing any candidate in any town election,” he said. “That includes all towns within Fairfax County.” So the Democratic Chairman can form slates, assist in marketing and training and hold almost daily evening meetings at his home for the slate?

I give Ms. Wolf and Ms. Olem a little credit for actually showing up to post - selectively as that may be. Many thanks to Leslie for making this very transparent to all of your Patch readers!

How about them telling the truth? FCDC clearly lied about recruiting Merkel, Olem, Wolf, Singh( last year), Davidson, Boll, & Jonas.

SEIU volunteers handed out their literature last year. I'm voting for the Shadow Mayor Cesar del Agulia !

They partisan Chamber of Commerce had one on the 18th of April at 6:30PM. Hopefully Leaslie P can continue her excellent coverage of this seedy behavior by political hopefuls endebted to the Fairfax County Chairman for Democratic Party. He had also vowed, with the slates help to go after Delegate Tom Rust! Chairman Del Agulia is a Reston transplant who moved to Herndon like a Hillary Clinton. Bring big bucks and steal a local election from a bunch of supposedly non immigrant friendly officials.

Time to put this thread to bed, with this twitter quote from the otherwise silent Ms. Merkel:

"Much ado about nothing. As mayor I'll work to put the divisive past decade behind us."

And the way to do that is to turn the officially non-partisan election into one where her slate is endorsed, and hand-picked by the Democrat county chairman? (del Aguila: "I've recruited 4 diverse new people to run for council in May 2012. We're helping them with media training." http://www.bluevirginia.us/diary/5758/blue-virginia-interview-new-fairfax-democratic-chief-cesar-del-aguila )?

Where the re-emergent Virginia New Majority is back in town after saying it got Ms. Merkel elected in 2010 using the divisive illegal immigration issue?

Let's all become politicians. We would never be held accountable for our actions.

"Much ado about nothing. As mayor I'll work to put the divisive past decade behind us."

Ms. Merkel, this is not a response that a serious mayoral candidate should be making. A serious candidate should be answering the questions that have been asked by responders to this article here on the Patch, and not on Twitter with platitudes.

Once again, how will you implement your vision for Herndon without raising our taxes?

PART ONE: In the article: “Campenni said the flier and video show a new disregard for the town’s traditionally non-partisan election. He said he believes there is no doubt the group of candidates is running with support from FCDC…”
NEW? NO!
However, to refresh memories and for the benefit of new Herndon residents, THE MAY 2006 TOWN ELECTION was the actual beginning of “a new disregard of non-partisan Town elections”.
The Town’s 2006 elections were hijacked by extremist Republicans and “anti-immigration” (or more precisely “anti-illegal immigration”) interests in neighboring Loudoun County and by national groups such as Judicial Watch and “ForTheCause”.

Sadly, these outside interests were invited to participate by a few Town residents, who put narrow ideologies over Town loyalties and gave away our precious Town sovereignty.

An excerpt from a “Right Wing Watch” blog: “Judicial Watch also sued the city [sic] of Herndon, Virginia over its day-laborer center, created to alleviate the ‘chaos in a 7-Eleven parking lot’—a parking lot…manned by members of the local Minutemen vigilante group seeking to expose hiring of labors they believe to be undocumented.”

Republican Loudoun County Supervisors Delgaudio, Snow, and Staton were involved in helping the small “Help Save Herndon” group, which also spawned “Help Save Loudoun”.
Sterling Supv. Delgaudio and his Town operatives were tireless.

Ann, it started before that - back in the 2005 public hearing debates about the Day Labor Center. I believe people from both sides of that debate come in from the outside.

Of course, as you know, that was because Herndon was the center of that national debate at the time. But the die was cast.

And then in January 2006, when the Day Labor Center opened, I seem to recall you talking about some pro-Center muscle that was brought in from DC - and because they didn't know who was who, they went so far as to menace you and your friends who were in FAVOR of the Center! Something tells me that they were NOT right-wing Republicans.

PART 2: A Connection newspaper article reported about this no-longer-non-partisan local election, as did the Times, Observer, and Washington Post. Some of this is referenced at: http://www.loudoundemocrats.org/?p=39

The conservative NoVaTownHall 20 June 2006 meeting featured “illegal immigration” and the Town election that they hoped would close the interfaith day labor center. The meeting’s top speaker was Nathan Muller. Mr. Muller and his wife Linda, Loudoun County, founded the national group “ForTheCause” and led other fear- and hate-mongering efforts on a national level.

This is a lesson in local Republican operations in a purportedly non-partisan race. The Mullers are political pros who worked for Pat Buchanan’s presidential campaign and have close ties with former Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo.

A nearby out-of-town resident stated on a national newscast that the outcome of our local non-partisan election was "in part due to outrage over…a rally of immigrants at a supermarket parking lot in Herndon, where Salvadoran flags were displayed.” I agree about that rally—that demonstration was stupid and “added fuel to the fire”.

BUT THE LONGTERM OUTSIDE PUPPETEERING WAS KEY.
And it was wrong. For example: http://www.novatownhall.com/blog/2006/05/: “If you appreciate the revolution Help Save Herndon has started, click the ‘Make a Donation button’ on their Web site to support them financially. Also, please support the Minutemen.”

I recommend that someone write a piece on the role of the town council - not what they want it to be, but rather what its role is on context of the policy, regulation and law. All too often people lack a grasp of what the role of government is and isn't.

The role of the Town Council is clearly laid out in the Town's charter, with a brief description on the Town's website. This information is also in Virginia State Code at http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=10218. It is a legislative body with limited and specific powers that relate to setting policy for the "public health, safety and welfare of its citizens." It's already clearly spelled out.

Or, if you don’t like reading the legal-speak in the town's charter, the Town’s website explains: “The Town is organized under the Council/Manager form of government. The Town Council is the governing body, which formulates policies for the administration of the Town. The Mayor and six members of the Town Council are elected simultaneously for two-year terms. The Town Manager is appointed by the Town Council and works with the Town's professional staff to direct Town operations. The Town Manager facilitates completion of Town Council priorities and encourages the entire workforce to provide superior service to all constituents - residents, visitors, and businesses.”

We are residents of Fairfax County as well as the Town of Herndon. Fairfax provides us with certain services such as fire & rescue, schools, library & judicial. But the Town Council makes decisions about land use (e.g., development and zoning), town budget (e.g., capital improvements, local taxes and fees) and other services such as Department of Public Works functions (snow removal, street paving, water and sewer) and police.

I just want to point out that antagonist in chief around here, Mr. Campenni, is the ultimate partisan and he was part of the Swiftboat attack group. He has perfected the art of attacking others for their strengths. I think it's almost artful the way he is identifying people he disagrees with, attaching a label to them, and then attacking them for having a label that he applied. Masterful to watch him work. So devious. So manipulative. So perfectly time-consuming to have to keep up with his diversions. Really sir, hats off to you and your tricky little ways.

OK, You got me. I guess it's time for me to 'fess up. I also pull the wings off flies. I split infinitives. I wasn't a Swiftboater, but I was in McHale's Navy and played pranks on Capt. Binghamton. When no one is looking, I rip offf the tags on mattresses and pillows. I tease cats with a laser beam. In the old days I used to fold, spindle, and mutilate those IBM cards.

There's more. I think soccer is a communist plot. I don't wait until 2 AM to adjust my clocks for daylight saving time. I don't do the "repeat" that shampoos tell you to do. I use ablative absolutes indiscriminately in my sentences. I never close the cover before striking matches. I even use my real name on these postings!

And topping my list of peccadilloes, I take politicians words, right from their own videos, and hold them accountable. How dare I. Me bad.

You forgot that you use voodoo dolls as visual aids.
Google: swiftboat and campenni: 1,470 results.
Guilt by association -- right? I thought that was the standard. That's how you do it, right?

I'm glad you're enjoying it!
So far, I've run most of your searches too. I hope everyone does.
The first several links for campenni and brilliant aren't about you, but the fifth one is this: http://www.ronaldreagan.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3194
Appears to be other Republicans praising the brilliance of swiftboaters.
Deceptive and Herndon slate and Corrupt and Herndon Slate bring up references to the minutemen / Republican influence on previous elections.

Uh oh. Not good for you.
Honest and Merkel: 2,340,000
You only got 8,360.
Brilliant and Merkel: 13,800,000 results
You only got 1,550.
It also appears to take Google much longer to find your name in association with those words.

But that's not really relevant. I mean, you're not running for Mayor.
Honest and Tirrell: 92,500 results
Brilliant and Tirrell: 58,100 results

Honest and Singh: 10,400,000 results
Brilliant and Singh: 9,030,000 results

So it looks like Singh is the most honest, but Merkel is the smartest. Poor Tirrell came in last on both.

But I think we've both successfully proven that anyone can take two things, put them together, and claim something. It doesn't make it true.

@ William Campennie 12:50pm April 12: “It is illogical and mutually contradictory to be part of a slate and then claim to be independent. It's one for all and all for one with a slate.”

People get used to “habits and patterns” of political parties that they know. Remember when Tom Rust was Mayor–and our non-partisan town enabled so much accomplishment? As others have found, when they have moved from a place like a small non-partisan town, it just ain’t like that at State level–if you are a Republican. The rules in Richmond are LOCKSTEP for Republicans, or they are not accepted in future runs.

The rules are different for Democrats in Richmond–their caucus doesn’t give them short shrift or cut them off if they “defect” on a few issues of special importance to their District’s constituents. I mention this because it represents a “party mindset”.

Coming from a politically active family, I’ve known people in both parties (+ many independents) my whole life—and have even voted for exceptional Republicans now and then…and I have observed this difference.

Grace was a Republican for many years, but has drifted toward the Democrats and apparently found this difference in “party mindset”. She recognizes that it really IS NOT entirely “one for all and all for one with a slate”, as you believe according to your experience and operating sphere. These folks have minds of their own, independent thoughts and recognize the freedom to differ.

Hey Valerie, do you even have the guts to ask the candidates themselves or take them at face value or can anyone who posts any thing in whole or in part, automatically carry more weight? Rumor, hearsay, hate mongering, anti-minority and anti-women poster can say what they like, and you believe it hook, line an sinker. Wow. That's the stupidest logic I've seen yet.

Valerie M 7:54 am April 16: "If elected as a slate, and a Democratic slate is exactly what we have running in Herndon for the first time ever, there will be no debate, no discussion, no listening to the people of Herndon."
In fact, most of the "Merkel-slate" have served FOR THE TOWN in plain view, in non-partisan listening-and-discussion-mode on town issues, for 2 years.

C'mon -- a Republican slate was elected in 2006 and 6 of 7 were re-elected in 2008. Not Republican? That town slate was backed both times by Republican conservatives from local-to-national, as stated previously. (9:05 & 9:29 pm April 14)

Outside Republicans who blatantly manipulated our non-partisan Town elections:
> NATIONAL Rs Nathan & Linda Muller, Cong. Tom Tancredo, ForTheCause, FAIR, Judicial Watch;
> LOCAL-STATE-REGIONAL: Right Wing Watch, novatownhall, The Compass publisher, Loudoun Supervisor Delgaudio & his Loudoun lackeys (dispatched to drop literature, knockon doors) (plus other radical bloggers politicized the town election);
> AND Minutemen from all levels.
Plus there was the TEA PARTY protest demonstration in Sept 2009, in which Council members Husch & WADDELL waved flags, Mayor Steve and Delegate Rust - R, stopped by but didn't wave flags or signs. These Town leaders insulted visitors to Town who were not only Dems but duly elected State & County leaders that non-partisan Town leaders should've welcomed to town instead of mocking.

Ann -did you forgot your friend at the day labor site sticking her middle finger up during the closing of the site? Perhaps you forgot the anarchists and communist parade your slate orchestrated to protest the closing of the day labor center or the anarchists with signs made of axe handles? If anyone has shown little restraint it has been those who want to use our tax dollars for social agenda and subsiding funding for hobby centers while making a play for Town land for the specific purpose and use of a minority group many of them non Herndon residents.

While legal citizens exercised there constitutional right you characterize it as "insult" while you protect a bunch of illegal aliens seeking work as less insulting and they are only exercising their constitutional right?

Their ..... Stupid Android

Oh yeah it's an operating system in case someone mistakes this as name calling

I have been reading these posts with interest. I wish more people would post comments because I am afraid the politicians running for Mayor and Council are ignoring these posts because they are made by a very few people, and as some may say, just "the usual suspects".

I would also like to set the record straight: The Minutemen were NEVER involved in any campaign in Herndon in any way. They never donated a dime to any candidate, they never knocked on any doors for any candidate, and they never made any phone calls for or against any candidate. The Minutemen were very narrowly involved in simply trying to get the erstwhile day laborer's site closed. So please leave the Minutemen out of this discussion.

Thanks for the correction, George. You are absolutely right. The Minutemen here have singular focus on monitoring people at various day labor sites -- on the street or at organized locations. Perhaps that mistake on my part illustrates how many folks are inclined to connect human dots when people are involved in various groups and efforts (hey, see, I'm "normal") :-)

As someone who has lived in Northern Virginia for over a decade but only moved to Herndon 2 1/2 years ago, I'm curious as to why the town of Herndon elections are supposed to be non-partisan. Is it mainly so federal employees can be more involved re: the Hatch Act?

A good place to start winnowing is the Town of Herndon Streaming Media Archive
on the Herndon Town website. This is a fabulous service!
http://www.herndon-va.gov/Content/Government/Council_Public_Hearings_Webcast/default.aspx

Also, the Herndon Town Council meeting minutes, and other Council information, are available here:
http://www.herndon-va.gov/Content/Government/Town_Council/default.aspx

Information about other Herndon Boards and Meetings is available here:
http://www.herndon-va.gov/Content/Zoning/Public_Meetings/default.aspx

The main Town web page is here:
http://www.herndon-va.gov

And oldie but goodie - sure, Herndon elections were never influenced by outside groups before now....oh but wait, what do I read on an old Novatownhall blog:
(http://novatownhall.com/tag/herndon/)

"Help Save Loudoun PAC has endorsed the following candidates in today’s town of Herndon, Virginia elections: (Herndon Election: May 6, 2008)

Help Save Loudoun PAC endorses the following “Rule of Law” candidates who are committed to continuing the town’s role as the standard-setters for local immigration enforcement in the U.S.

MAYOR: Steve DeBenedittis
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Dennis Husch, Connie Hutchinson, David Kirby, William Tirrell, James Vickery, and Charlie Waddell.

Why is the election significant to Help Save Loudoun? Because the vast majority of eastern Loudoun County’s residents are as affected by Herndon’s policies as are Herndon’s residents. Sterling backs up to Herndon, and I, like many Sterling residents, live closer to the former day labor center than most Herndon residents.

More on why you should vote for these candidates: Info from BVBL blog; info from NVTH blog."

Right, never any outside PAC support............

And here is an outside PAC raising money to purchase campaign ads for Herndon Town Council candidates Connie Hutchinson, Bill Tirell, Charlie Waddell, Dave Kirby in 2008. Looks like outside PACS have been spending a lot of money in recent Herndon Town Council elections.

"If you are inclined to support the current Herndon mayor and town council members who have taken a stand for the legal residents of our area, please consider giving a donation to the Help Save Loudoun PAC in the next few days. We will be buying newspaper ads in the local press to promote the public officials who are supporters of immigration enforcement here, for the May 6 Herndon town elections."

"If you want to help ensure that Mayor Steve DeBenedittis and Council Members Dennis Husch, Connie Hutchinson, David Kirby, William Tirrell and Charlie Waddell are reelected, please give some money to the Help Save Loudoun PAC."

http://novatownhall.com/2008/04/24/please-donate-to-hsl-pac-to-support-the-herndon-mayor-and-council/

In 2005 and 2006, Herndon was the center of the national struggle on illegal labor and illegal presence. It is hardly surprising that outside forces had interest in that issue and the election in Herndon then, especially groups close enough to be directly affected by the outcome.

But my question remains: what is the outside interest in Herndon's election now? I see some evidence that it has to do with partisan politics - perhaps there is concern that Herndon could swing the 11th congressional district, and/or inflluence the 10th, resulting in a swing in Virginia and therefore the entire nation in the November 2012 presidential elections. And there is interest in Herndon's perceived ability to borrow and spend large sums for redevelopment.

In Herndon, we hear tell that a municipal parking garage would cost $10,000 to $15,000 per space - maybe somebody hopes to balloon that to $26,394 per space, like it is in Dulles Rail Phase II. People need to stop and think.

Well I guess Loudoun folks were directly affected by the liberal left group who built a day labor site on their land and ignored their request to vacate. Loudoun booted Herndon off their property and placed a barrier on their property line. Placing a day labor site on their property directly affected them unlike Chairman Cesar del Agulia.

PACs are not in the Charter. Section 3a is specifically designed to prohibit partisan candidates who are simply like minded and will vote in a block. We have already seen this in the Merkel, Singh, Wolf, and Olem although I give a lot of credit to Singh for thinking on his own and coming up with real answers based on facts and data. While I find his personality odd it would not prevent me from throwing my vote his way.

When I read in earlier comments that Obama's SEIU communist zombies are playing a role in this Herndon election, I knew I'd better pay close attention to who to vote for, and not to vote for...

And you believe everything you read on the internet? Wow, you are a gullible voter.

Critical voter, are you trying to suggest that SEIU thugs are actually humans?

Not by any stretch - I am simply suggesting that you should be careful of believing what comes out of SEIU mouths - they are about as trustworthy as snakes. Find the facts yourself, see who they endorsed in 2010. See who Help Save Loudoun endorsed and supported in 2008 and 2010. There's what's being bandied about as truth, and then there are the facts. See exactly which candidate has received PAC money, endorsement or support in the past elections. So far, I see that Connie Hutchinson, Dave Kirby, Charlie Waddell, Bill Tirrell, Lisa Merkel, Sheila Olem, and Jasbinder Singh have accepted outside group endorsements and funding. From the 2012 campaign finance reports so far, no one's reporting nothing. Fingerpointing seems to be the name of the game, shadow and innuendo. I'll take a pass on that line of bull and stick with the facts.

2010 was about the end of the worries about another Day Labor Center in Herndon. That, I think, is a large part of the reason why the Council underwent so much change in 2010 - mistakes such as shooshing the woman who was droning on about who knows what at a Council hearing, were starting to be more important than the work that was pretty much already done. Maybe the fact that two Council members protested against a candidate for some Virginia state office during a Tea Party protest did not go over well with voters.

The Observer newspaper was very much against Mayor Steve and the Council of 2006 to 2008 and 2008 to 2010, which is surely why the Compass was created in the first place. But the Observer is gone now, and we found that a mixed Council still did not want a Day Labor center or unbridled street solicitation in Herndon.

A PAC is not the same as a party. But a bigtime party guy who was visible on CNN sitting behind President Obama recently, is behind the 'team', and he is clearly influential there. However, he LIVES in Herndon. Maybe it's not a massive conspiracy. But after the disaster we almost made of the Metro Area Plan, I worry about a team of people pushing like locomotives to 'get things done'. My support goes to individuals.

I remember a group last election that was a PAC headed by The O'Reillys right? Collected monies and paid advertising right? Peggy and Mike I believe? You can find Mikey in Cesar's skit on how to say his name.

Critical Voter, Until this came up I NEVER knew there was such an ad or such an endorsement. Since I never knew, I never ACCEPTED that endorsement (and couldn't have done anything about the ad anyway). As to what others choose to say, that's up to them; unlike some others that perhaps control what supporters say, I don't. Hope you're still a fan and will vote for me on May first!

Then why do you allow your supporters to lie on your behalf? I'm disappointed. Okay, you didn't knowingly accept an endorsement or PAC funds. Is it possible that candidates in this election are also in the same boat? Or is that little truth just inconvenient to your platform? Please, make sure your supporters tell the truth, it reflects poorly on you and the Town.

Critical Voter & Non-partisan Voter. We get it, Its getting very repetitive. Your constant harping at each other is annoying. Everyone should go to the candidates web sites. Send candidates emails that prove you are actually a resident of Herndon. if you don't like the response or don't get one, don't vote for them.. Having had worked in constituent services myself for many years,you are too busy to respond on blogs/emails where voters refuse to identify themselves. Nobody in a Democracy ever won with 100% of the vote. On May 1, the citizens of Herndon will have their say. I for one would like to see all the naysayers actually thank the folks who threw their hat in the ring to run. The anonymous flamethrowers should have thrown their own hats in the ring.

Why on earth would you group me with Critical Voter? Just because she/it/they name call b/c facts are hard to dispute. Slate candidate web sites are really is not the answer. If memory serves me your former boss was exposed just like Merkel - Republican In Name Only right? She was booted for being fake and hopefully follows the same path as the former Dransville Suprrviosr

I can't say that I greatly object to PACs, per se. I did take action once because one head of a PAC was using a ... :) ... pen name, to attack a target of the PAC. What really galled me, was to see that same person in real name mode in the letters column, accusing another candidate (in another contest) of mudslinging, while being guiltier than sin of the very same thing. If people only knew. The hypocrisy of that individual is beyond remarkable - it is incredible.

The worst thing about politics, to me, is that disgusting behavior of many types is considered just fine and dandy if it comes from a person in the same party or group. But anything less than perfection from the 'other' side, of course, is supposedly despicable. Every pretense of shock, displeasure and dismay must of course be exhibited. It's supposed to win friends and influence people.

Bob - who is "disgusting" ? Perhaps blogs and folks like you who facilitate conversation for ratings than judge are "disgusting". You facilitated the now defunct Reston Web so stop judging! You ain't the moderator so sit down !

Censorship is the patch

Keep deleting the truth

Cesar is a liar

Don't worry Leslie keeps deleting comments. You are unemployed b/c of a dishonest politician much like Merkel, Olem and Wilf

WOW

Point made. This is the most stupid thing to do.

No different than you and your friends giving folks the middle finger when they closed the day labor site. No "free press" here . Looks line and smells like Herndon Obaervet- Enjoy your your biased reporter. Lights out :-)

I have not deleted a single comment on this thread. But I'm shutting it down now.

I take that back—I hadn't seen the swearing.