Bill Tirrell Announces Candidacy for Herndon Mayor

Bill Tirrell announced on Thursday, Jan. 26 that he will run for mayor of Herndon in the 2012 Town Council election. 

Tirrell is a current councilman and has served eight non-consecutive terms on the council. In his announcement, Tirrell said it is important to work to plan for the town's future, especially with Metro on the way, while remembering the town's history and heritage. 

In addition to his terms on the Town Council, Tirrell has also served on the Herndon Planning Commission, the town's Architecture Review Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals. He has volunteered in local organizations such as the Optimist Club of Herndon, the National Capital Area Boy Scout Council, American Legion Post 184 and the Herndon Historical Society, among others. 

Tirrell's full announcement is below. 

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William B. “Bill” Tirrell announced today that he is seeking the office of Mayor of Herndon in the forthcoming May 1 election.

Tirrell, a 34-year resident of Herndon, has served eight non-consecutive terms as a Herndon council member.

"I offer Herndon experience.  My experience as a Councilman and Planner will let me team with the residents and the next Council to plan our future – while remembering our heritage.”, Tirrell said.

“The last train serving Herndon came through in 1968; our next train on the Metro will pull into the new Herndon station in 2016.  We need to be ready for it and the future it will bring, ensuring that we maintain our status as an oasis in the midst of the truly intense development that surrounds us.”

Tirrell served on the Herndon Planning Commission in the 1980s and from 2002 to 2006, and also on the Town’s Architecture Review Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals.  Tirrell noted “This broad base of volunteer public service to our residents and Town makes me an excellent candidate to help guide Herndon for the next two years.”

Tirrell and his wife Jan raised their two children in Herndon and both children graduated from Herndon High School.  Jan and Bill are looking forward to the graduation of their oldest grandchild, Jeremy, from Herndon High School in June.

During his years in Herndon, Tirrell has been a member and leader in several civic organizations including the Greater Herndon Jaycees, the Optimist Club of Herndon, Sister Cities of Herndon (twinned with Runnymede, England), the National Capital Area Boy Scout Council, and Spina Bifida Association of America.  He is also a member of American Legion Post 184, Friends of Runnymede, and the Herndon Historical Society.  His civic effort has been recognized with awards such as the Boy Scouts’ Silver Beaver Award, life membership in the Virginia and International Jaycees with induction into the Camp Virginia Jaycee Hall of Fame (Camp Virginia Jaycee served developmentally challenged children and young adults).

Tirrell retired from active duty in the United States Navy in 1988 after 20 years service.  He held command as Captain of USS ASSURANCE (AG 521) for over two years.  His awards include two Meritorious Service medals and the Navy Achievement medal with combat ‘V’ for Valor.  "The office of Mayor is one of leadership" Tirrell states.  "There is no better crucible of leadership development than a military command.  Leadership is one of my best attributes and my past leadership roles are among my most important experiences."

Herndon Town non-partisan election for the next mayor and council is scheduled for May 1.  All eligible Town voters may vote at the Herndon Community Center.