Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel Announces Campaign Decision

Current Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel announced Monday that she is seeking re-election to a second term this May during the town's local election.

Merkel was first elected to the Town Council in 2010, and then as Mayor in 2012.

During the past 20 months of her first term, Merkel has said her top priorities have been planning for Metro’s arrival, downtown revitalization, and economic development—all of which she has worked toward without increasing the real estate tax rate for property owners in the town, she said.

“Herndon needs strong, compassionate leadership and bold vision to meet the challenges of successfully integrating Metro’s arrival with the unique charm of our downtown," Merkel said Monday.

Phase Two of the Silver Line will connect the Dulles Corridor to the main Metro line, which runs all the way into D.C. Including stops in Herndon, Phase Two is currently expected to debut in 2018.

"We have an incredible opportunity before us to position ourselves as a next-generation small town—where high-tech meets hometown. We don’t have to sacrifice one to have the other," Merkel said. "I am anxious to build on what we’ve accomplished and continue working to maintain and improve the quality of life for all Herndon residents."

Since Merkel took office in mid-2012, Herndon has attracted several new businesses, from niche businesses in the downtown like Green Lizard Cycling, to Amazon Web Services, which relocated its headquarters to Worldgate Drive this past summer, bringing 500 jobs to the Town of Herndon.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have opened our business in a unique town with such vision for the future," said Green Lizard Cycling owners Dave and Beth Meyer. "We are happy with everything Mayor Merkel has accomplished and look forward to her continued leadership in shaping our community."

Merkel said Monday she has received the support of both the chair of the Town Planning Commission, Kevin East, and Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust.

"Lisa Merkel has strengthened the Town’s relationships with Fairfax County, the Chamber of Commerce, and other surrounding jurisdictions. To lose her as Mayor would take the town backwards,” Foust said.

Read more about Merkel's campaign and record on her website.

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