1. How do you plan to address Loudoun’s housing affordability crisis?

Affordable housing is very critical for our businesses to employ a diverse workforce and flourish. Our zoning policies are a critical part of encouraging and enabling the development of affordable housing. Tax revenue has to be allocated to the housing trust fund so that a true revolving fund exists and is not just dependent on the sale of ADU units. If we were to dedicate at least a half cent to the housing trust fund then we would receive about $8 million dollars annually and that would help incentivize developers and the private sector to build more affordable housing units. We should also look at other innovative solutions such as removing/revisiting parking minimums that are known to increase cost and are often underutilized; building codes to encourage rehabbing older communities, and ensure residential development is in line with other types of growth. We can also explore the successful models of affordable housing in our neighboring counties.

2. Currently, roughly half of Loudoun County’s Capital Investment Plan is dedicated to transportation improvements. Do you support this level of priority for transportation investment? Please explain why, or why not.

Loudoun’s taxpayers are disproportionately burdened by the enormous demographic growth and our transportation network hasn’t quite kept pace with that demand and is at least a decade behind. Also, the State transportation spending has historically been under ten percent and which will be further reduced due to the recent removal of Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s (NVTA) 30% funding. This will mean even less revenue being allocated to our most congested road networks in Loudoun County.

Also, Loudoun’s debt continues to rise in order to accommodate this growth and the borrowing costs impact Loudoun adversely far into the future. Considering the above factors, while I do support the priority for transportation investment, I do advocate a more nuanced and balanced approach to address our transportation and infrastructure investments that will strike a balance between spending and ROI. The priority for transportation investment should be based on analyzing the performance of current and past projects with an added emphasis on congestion reduction, relief and economic development. It is a high priority for me to ensure that we have a high quality of life and create a business friendly environment that provides thousands of jobs to the county on account of improved infrastructure and shorter commute times.

3. Should Loudoun continue to encourage the future growth of our data center industry or do you feel certain restrictions are necessary?

We must maintain a business friendly environment that adds to our commercial tax revenue while balancing a quality of life for our residents. Data centers have allowed for that balance but their growth should be examined on a case by case basis. Balancing our economic development industries is a priority of mine but the demand for data centers in certain locations where there is a corresponding infrastructure is appropriate should be taken into account.

4. On June 20th the Board of Supervisors adopted the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. What are your thoughts on the adopted plan and how will you seek to improve upon it?

Regular updates to the Comprehensive Plan are necessary and allow for meeting current and future demands in the market. Overall, the new plan strikes a balance and I am a firm believer in adopting the vision and values of those who chose to create their foundation and future in Loudoun.

For my district, I believe there needs to be a priority to limit the amount of ‘By Right’ development that would take place. There were certain parcels that were not designated with a new place type that should be addressed during the next update of the comprehensive plan and can be looked at during the zoning overhaul ordinance that the next Board will undertake to address our unmet housing needs and places for commercial growth.
 
There was not adequate discussion held on the transportation and infrastructure needs that the county and my district are in need of while adopting the comprehensive plan. In some cases there were parallel road networks to major roads that were taken out of the CTP. The growth of the county has been a positive thing but with that there needs to be a plan of how to address the infrastructure concerns that inhibit new businesses from coming to Loudoun.

5. How will you seek to address the scarcity of available Class A office space in Loudoun County?

The Northern Virginia leasing market is competitive, and areas which have a robust live-work-learn-play environment are most attractive to potential investment from commercial builders and tenants. The Metro, effective transportation corridors, and quality schools contribute greatly to creating that environment.

I would re-examine our economic development fast track program to incentivize yet prioritize industries that are bringing jobs to Loudoun that would need Class A office space. This in conjunction with having placetypes that the underlying zoning classification calls for class A office space along major transportation corridors would be ideal for addressing our current shortage.

I would also explore any new tiered tax break programs that are revenue neutral from the addition of new office space investment could be used to increase investment in Loudoun.

6. Please tell us why you are the best candidate for this office.

My family and I have lived in Dulles for the past decade and both of my children are currently attending LCPS. I’m an IT professional, small business owner, a real estate investor, and a part of a community that represents a growing population in my district and the county. My education and background in Civil and Environmental Engineering and my work experience has given me the opportunity to relate my experience with real world governance issues. My expertise in relevant areas of governance, logical approach to problem solving, and passion for making Loudoun a better place for all of our residents motivated me to run for Dulles Supervisor. Over the years, I have cultivated strong relationships, trust, and endorsements with elected leadership at the local and state level. It is my intent to use those relationships formed to better lobby for increased funding for transportation and education that has been decreasing for years resulting in a strain on our local tax revenues.

I’m a governor-appointed commissioner for the Census 2020 and also serving as the At-Large member for the Transit Advisory Board. Locally, I have also been active in the Envision Loudoun process, attending planning commission meetings and public meetings. I’m a director of a non-profit as I seek to give back to the community philanthropically. The experience and insights I have gained while discharging my duties in the above roles allow for me to understand the complex priorities of my district. The rigors of the new role I’m running for will involve experience in solving public issues, governance, budgeting, planning, and someone ready to work on day one and I believe I am someone who is cut out for this.
 

Source: BizVotes Candidates Questionnaire