July 11, 2024

As we celebrated our Nation’s independence last week, I’m grateful for the freedom we have as Americans to express our beliefs and participate freely in government. The value of diverse beliefs is a core tenant of our democracy. However, once again, this Board that preaches diversity has proven it does not value diversity of opinion. 

Unfortunately, you don’t need to be a pollster to see how people from both parties have tried to limit the participation of people with opposing views. It’s happening at the national level and unfortunately here in Fairfax County as well.

At our last Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Walkinshaw moved to block my proposed appointee to the Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB). His motion passed 8 -2, with Supervisor Stork and I supporting my appointee. There was no discussion nor reasons for the denial presented. The CJAB is a Board Appointed Committee (BAC) where residents have the opportunity to participate in local government, providing recommendations and feedback to the Board and County staff in an advisory capacity.

In the 16 plus years that I have been on the Board, the only BAC appointments that have been denied have been two of my appointees, including this one to the CJAB. BAC appointments are made by each district Supervisor and historically have been approved as a formality, always unanimously.

My nominated appointee to the CJAB has significant passion and expertise in the area of criminal justice and currently serves as Special Counsel for the House Judiciary Committee. Supervisor Walkinshaw, Congressman Gerry Connolly’s former chief of staff, has yet to provide a reason for making the motion to deny my appointment.

While there are no formal qualifications for BAC participants, I appoint people who have clear passion and expertise. I do not agree politically with all of my appointees. Ask any of them and they will tell you that I never tell them how to vote or what to advocate for. All I ask is for open communication, common sense and consistent participation.  

The County’s website on BACs states: “In our democracy, government is of the people, by the people and for the people. That is why citizen participation in local government is so essential. Local government is the form of government closest to us in our everyday lives, and the one we are most able to influence.” I agree with this statement wholeheartedly, which is why I value your feedback and your participation in government. If the Board refuses to allow my proposed appointee to participate on CJAB, then I will find a way to give him a voice to help make Fairfax a better place.

Tax Payments Due on Monday, July 29th

A reminder that the first installment of real estate tax bills is due on Monday, July 29^th, because the 28^th falls on a Sunday. As a reminder I was the only Supervisor that voted against the 6% increase for the average homeowner built into these bills.

For many years, some tax increases could be attributed to growth, but Fairfax County lost population in 2020, 2021, and again in 2022 and has had an even larger decrease in public school registration but spending keeps increasing, tax bills keep growing and the Board continues to oppose efforts to review the budget. Now the Board is looking to impose an additional tax of up to 6% (12% total tax) on prepared meals despite being soundly defeated by residents in referendums. More to come.

Randy Thompson Band

Randy Thompson Band kicked off our free summer concert series at Burke Lake Park last week. A great showing of people and dogs despite the 6pm storm and weather forecast.

Bunnyman Soft Opening

Excited to join Sam and Eric, their new staff, and county and community leaders for the soft opening of Bunnyman Brewing's second location at the Workhouse Art Center in Lorton. 

West Springfield Little League Astros

Congratulations to the West Springfield AA Astros for an amazing season, winning the B bracket championship. I am happy to sponsor the West Springfield Little League teams.

Circuit Court Tour

I recently visited the Fairfax County Circuit Court to meet with Clerk of the Court Chris Falcon on upcoming court initiatives and a fascinating tour of the old courthouse building. 

Happy 4th of July!

Busy week celebrating the 248th birthday of our great Nation.

Other News and Information

• Fairfax Center Area Planning Study Survey
• eCaseSearch Launch at Fairfax County Courthouse
• Summer Concert Schedule and Food Truck Line Up
• ECHO’s Backpack Supply List Requests
• Stop the Bleed Training (July 9^th)
• Community Meeting on Springfield Boulevard Plan Amendment (July 15^th)
• Sign Up for National Night Out (July 26^th)

Fairfax Center Area Planning Study Survey

Share your input on the future of the Fairfax Center Area! Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in the online poll.

The Fairfax Center Area Study is evaluating changes to the long-range land use plan for the 5,500-acre area between Route 50 and Route 29. The study will refine recommendations for the Fairfax Center Area’s Core, including the County’s Government Center, Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax Corner, and other commercial and residential developments, and focuses on creating a mixed-use, walkable, and vibrant community. The study will include a transportation analysis and consider updates to accommodate existing and future developments.

The Government Center visioning process is another critical component of this study. Developed nearly 40 years ago, the Government Center campus’ role and its surrounding area are being re-evaluated. I have consistently argued that this should start with making sure we have taken into account the needs of the County government and its citizens.

Community feedback is crucial to create a thriving, inclusive, and well-planned Fairfax Center Area. All who live, work, shop, recreate, or do business in the Fairfax Center area are encouraged to share their thoughts through the online poll, before it closes on Friday, July 26. The responses will help the study’s Task Force form recommendations for how the area can evolve in the years to come.

Click here to share your thoughts on the Fairfax Center Area.

If you know someone with a connection to the Fairfax Center area, please share the poll with them and help us spread the word!

Ongoing updates and future engagement opportunities will be available on the project webpage. Updates will continue to be shared to subscriber of this Comprehensive Plan Amendments e-mail list. 

eCaseSearch Launch at Fairfax County Courthouse

Fairfax Circuit Court has launched a new online service providing free online access to case information. This service is available to access on the county website and will allow users to search for public information such as hearing dates and times, a list of charges, and other docket information on criminal and civil cases. The program is also available in the top six languages spoken in Fairfax County other than English.  

Summer Concert Schedule and Food Truck Line Up

To follow along the concert schedule, including the food trucks scheduled to be at each concert, see the new Summer Concert Series webpage on the Springfield District homepage.

Springfield Nights at Burke Lake Park - 2024 Schedule | Board of Supervisors - Springfield (fairfaxcounty.gov)

ECHO's Backpack Supply List Requests

Donors and volunteers are needed to help meet ECHO’s goal of filling 1,300 backpacks with grade-specific school supplies by the time the next school year begins. This is a great opportunity for teens and adults who are looking for a short-term volunteer commitment. Volunteers may sign up for one or more of the work sessions that will be held from 2pm to 5pm on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons this month and in August at ECHO, 7205 Old Keene Mill Road.

Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. All volunteers younger than 18 must return an information form signed by them and a parent before they are scheduled. The form will be emailed to those who sign up on SignUpGenius which can be accessed through www.echo-inc.org after the middle of June. If you have questions, email echobackpacks@gmail.com.

Donations of school supplies are eagerly welcomed! Please see the list of needed items on ECHO’s website under the “Donate Goods/ School Supplies” tab or via the flyer below!

Community Meeting on Springfield Boulevard Plan Amendment on July 15th

While not in my district, many residents have inquired about the potential for redevelopment and revitalization regarding the area south of Springfield Boulevard. Staff will be hosting a virtual community meeting on the Plan Amendment next Monday, July 15th, which can be accessed via this link.

Sign Up to Host a National Night Out Event by July 26^th

It's time for communities to register for National Night Out on August 6^th!

Whether it’s a simple ice cream party or an all-out festival, National Night Out is an opportunity to gather with your neighbors, get better acquainted, and talk about issues of common concern. You also get the chance to: 

• Have fun, food, and fellowship in your community 
• Get to know your Police and Public Safety Team 
• Heighten crime prevention awareness 
• Send the message that your neighborhood is organized against crime



If you are interested in organizing an event or the leader of your community event, please see this form to get registered. The deadline to register is July 26^th. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or anthony.capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov.