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Health & Fitness

Run, Forest, Run! Why DOES anyone run (for office) anyway?

Candidate responses to the query "What made you decide to run for office?"

One of the best parts about campaigning for re-election is getting out to the different neighborhoods in Town, knocking on doors and listening to residents about their concerns, issues, or even just introducing yourself to folks.  A side benefit is that I get to see lots and lots of lovely front yards and gardens (a shout out to Tyler Street) but I'll save that for a future blog!

Inevitably, I get asked "What made you decide to run?"  What a great question! And one you have to answer in about a minute or less, whilst standing on a neighbor's front door. 

I thought it would be interesting to see what each of the candidates had to say so I emailed every candidate on the ballot for the 2012 Herndon Town Council and Mayoral election on May 1.  I asked all candidates to reply to that one question with 2-3 sentences and I've included all responses that I received in time, unedited except for length. Candidates also kindly included photos of themselves as well and they are posted here.  Not every future blog post will be so inclusive but I wanted to give everyone an opportunity to speak up and let voters know what made them run.  As a voter, I am interested; as a candidate, I hope to be serving with some of them on our next Town Council!

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But before I get into their responses, let me tell you why most of us, or at least I am not aren't running for office: 

  • Not in it for the pay.  Town Council members make $4,000 a year for our service and the Mayor makes $6,000 a year.  After taxes, I get a check for $314.50 a month.  This sum covers my mileage to/from meetings, my parking fees if any, allows me to buy a constituent a cup of coffee over a meeting, and compensates me for having to hire a staff person to run my business when I am away from it on Town business.  I own a retail paint your own pottery studio in Chantilly and we are open 7 days a week, 11 - 7 pm daily.  I figure I lose another $200 in busy months for additional staffing costs. If you can't afford to take the time or float the expense to serve the Town, it's difficult to run for office, much less serve.
  • Not in it for looks or resume building.  Our Council has a hefty meeting schedule as well as public appearances - anyone who serves can expect to spend a minimum of 5 -10 hours a week on Town business.  I typically spend 10-12 hours a week. During most months, we meet every Tues with the first and third Tuesdays devoted to work sessions and second and fourth Tuesdays for public sessions.  These meetings can be as brief as an hour or two, or go as long a 6-8 hours.  I think the latest I have been in session was 1:45 am, with a 7 pm start. 


In addition, Councilmembers serve on various external boards, committees or commissions or task forces that meeting during the day.  I chaired the Economic Development Task Force that met during the 2010 -2011.  I sit on the Committee for Dulles with monthly meetings.  I serve on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Task force.  I attend Dulles Regional Chamber monthly events. I go to Metro, FxCo, Virginia Municipal League and General Assembly meetings in Fairfax and Richmond. 

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Lastly, there's all the reading and correspondence - we get our weekly packet on Fridays and most of us read it over weekend to prepare any questions for the Tuesday sessions.  Emails and social media updates take another hour or two daily, I try to respond to all that sent to me directly in my role as your Town Councilmember.  Another important item is keeping up the flow of information to constituents - like blogging here, posting on Patch, updating my Councilmember Facebook page, posting on Herndonweb, etc, etc - all are 'must do's' in my book for being effective on Council and at times, enjoyable. Last but certainly not least, is meeting with concerned citizens, residents and constituents - I am proud to be able to say I have met with everyone that has requested a meeting or a call and I am happy to continue to do so, to listen to your concerns and to help.

So what made these folks decide to run for Council?  Here's what they have to say in their own words......as for me (Current Councilmember and Council Candidate), I decided to run when I realized I love living in a community that cares, that is progressive and inclusive, that has such potential for the future and I'd like to see and work toward having that potential realized - we have everything in one spot: a wonderful community, great housing, fantastic schools, shops, restaurants, the Community Center, the Golf Course, a library, the trail, the Town Green, the non profits that provide so much enrichment, an art center, access to nature and the parks, businesses small and large, cultural diversity, southern traditions, a mix of young and old.  I am so excited to see our Town grow to the next level, to see the benefits that will come with strategically planned growth - to keep Herndon the caring, friendly, and welcoming hometown and home to business.  That's what motivates me to run, to serve, to volunteer, to continue to live and believe in our community! 

And now here's what everyone else who kindly replied to my email had to say (not necessarily an endorsement, just the facts!):

Eric Boll (Council candidate):

I decided to run because downtown revitalization is essential to create a vibrant town center that is attractive to residents and visitors. The town must take advantage of the business expansion opportunities the new metro station will provide. Grow our tax base to pay for future services and infrastructure maintenance.

Jeff Davidson (Council candidate):

I am 26 year resident and proud to live in Herndon.  I feel extremely fortunate to have picked such a tremendous place to live.  I want to give back to the residents of Herndon for the opportunity I have had to live here by serving you on the Town Council. 

Melissa Jonas (Current Planning Commissioner and Council Candidate):

I decided to run when I realized I had such a passion for the Town’s potential, from being on Planning Commission.   We’re at a critical moment to take advantage of opportunities afforded to us by Metro.  I’m committed to seeing those opportunities realized while staying true to Herndon’s sense of place. 

Lisa Merkel (Current Vice Mayor and Mayoral Candidate):

I’m running for Mayor because my vision is for Herndon to become the most sought after place to live in the DC Metro area.  Whether you are starting your business, raising your family, or enjoying your retirement - Herndon has something for everyone. I will work tirelessly to help Herndon reach its full potential.

Sheila Olem (Current Council Member and Council Candidate):

I’ve been very involved with the community since the 1990s and have been interested in serving but waited until my youngest was older before deciding to run.  I’m dedicated to making Herndon a better community and giving the next generation of families an even better quality of life in the town that has meant so much to my family.

David Webster (Council Candidate): 

I decided to run because I believe I can make a difference in people’s everyday lives.  As my personal hero Ben Franklin noted:  “Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.”

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