Loudoun Chamber BizVotes Campaign 2023 by loudounchamber

Sponsor Recognition & Candidate Information

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Virginia House of Delegates Candidate Responses

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Virginia State Senate Candidate Responses

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Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Candidate Responses

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Loudoun County School Board Candidate Responses

PAGES 111 - 154

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2023 POLICYMAKER SERIES SPONSORS

SIGNATURE SERIES SPONSOR

ADVOCATE SPONSORS

ENTERPRISE SPONSORS

Amazon Web Services

BCT-The Community’s Bank

Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Cooley, LLP

CyrusOne

Dominion Energy

First Citizens Bank

HHMI Janelia Research Campus

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Morven Park Center For Civic Impact

Shenandoah University School of Business

Telos Corporation

Terracon Consultants & Merritt Properties

MEDIA PARTNER

COMMUNITY & BUSINESS PARTNERS

Loudoun County Department of Economic Development

Economic Development Authority of Loudoun County, VA

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26TH DISTRICT

Rafi Khaja (R)

Kannan Srinivasan (D)

28TH DISTRICT

David Reid (D)*

Paul Lott (R)

30TH DISTRICT

Rob Banse (D)

Geary Higgins (R)

* indicates incumbent

27TH DISTRICT

Atoosa Reaser (D)

Chris Harnisch (R)

29TH DISTRICT

Marty Martinez (D)

Jonathan Mark Rogers (R)

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2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

31ST DISTRICT

Russet Perry (D)

Juan Pablo Segura (R)

32ND DISTRICT

Suhas Subramanyam (D)

Greg Moulthrop (R)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

CHAIR-AT-LARGE

Chair Phyllis Randall (D)*

Sam Kroiz (I)

Gary Katz (R)

ALGONKIAN

Juli Briskman (D)*

Debbie Rose (R)

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ASHBURN

Mike Turner (D)*

Tumay Harding (R)

DULLES

Matt Letourneau (R)*

Puja Khanna (D)

LEESBURG

Kristen Umstattd (D)*

STERLING

Koran Saines (D)*

* indicates incumbent

BROAD RUN

Sylvia Glass (D)*

Michelle Suttle (R)

CATOCTIN

Caleb Kershner (R)*

John Ellis (I)

LITTLE RIVER

Laura TeKrony (D)

Ram Venkatachalam (R)

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AT-LARGE

Anne Donohue

Michael Rivera

ALGONKIAN

April Chandler

Viktoria Hunyadi

CATOCTIN

Kari LaBell

Megan Lockwood

* indicates incumbent

ASHBURN

Harris Mahedavi*

Deana Griffiths

BROAD RUN

Dr. Linda Deans

Chris Hodges

DULLES

Melinda Mansfield

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LEESBURG

Erika Ogedegbe

Lauren Shernoff

STERLING

Amy Riccardi

Arben Istrefi

Sarath Kolla (not pictured)

LITTLE RIVER

Dr. Sumera Rashid

Joseph Smith

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9 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN 2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES Click here to view the Loudoun Chamber 2023 Public Policy Positions.

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

RAFI

KHAJA

(R) - 26TH DISTRICT

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - Virginia recently created the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. What should be the new department’s top priorities for creating a robust workforce that is prepared to fill job openings in the Commonwealth’s fastest growing industries?

I can provide general recommendations for the new department’s top priorities to create a robust workforce like Skills Training and Education: The new department should focus on developing and implementing comprehensive skills training programs that align with the needs of the fastest growing industries in Virginia. This may involve collaborating with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to offer relevant courses and certifications.

1) Addressing Skills Gaps: Conduct regular assessments of the job market to identify any skills gaps that may exist within the Commonwealth’s fastest growing industries. Use this information to refine training programs and ensure that they remain relevant and up to date.

2) Embrace Technology: Encourage the integration of technology into workforce development programs. This might include leveraging online learning platforms, incorporating digital skills training, and utilizing data analytics to monitor the effectiveness of initiatives. 3) Industry Partnerships: Forge strong partnerships with key industries to understand their specific workforce needs and ensure that training programs are tailored to meet those requirements. By working closely with businesses, the department can align its initiatives with the demand for skilled workers.

TRANSPORTATION - Metro is facing a $750 million annual operating deficit, beginning with next year’s budget. In 2017, former US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood proposed several reforms that would reduce Metro’s operating expenses, without severely impacting bus and transit service. What reforms and funding options would you support to address Metro’s long term fiscal and operational challenges?

Addressing Metro’s long-term fiscal and operational challenges requires a multifaceted approach that combines reforms and funding options. Here are some strategies to consider:

1) Comprehensive Financial Review: Begin by conducting a thorough financial review of Metro’s operations. This review should identify inefficiencies, cost overruns, and areas where financial management can be improved.

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RAFI KHAJA (R) - 26TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Understanding the current financial landscape is crucial for developing effective solutions. 2) Performance-based Budgeting: Implement performance-based budgeting to allocate resources more efficiently. This approach ties funding to specific performance metrics, ensuring that money is spent on areas that deliver the most significant impact and value. 3) Innovative Technologies: Embrace emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. This may include adopting smart ticketing systems, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and energyefficient vehicles.

ENERGY - Access to reliable, affordable energy is essential to Virginia’s economy and business growth. What strategies do you propose to ensure Virginia businesses retain their access to reliable, affordable energy, while increasing the amount of renewable energy sources in the Commonwealth?

A comprehensive and balanced energy strategy is essential. Like Incentives for Renewable Energy Adoption: Provide financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or geothermal. Net Metering and Energy Storage: Implement or expand net metering programs that allow businesses to sell excess renewable energy they generate back to the grid. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between the government, businesses, and renewable energy companies to jointly develop renewable energy projects.

INFRASTRUCTURE - The Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) promises billions in investment to the Commonwealth. How should Virginia leverage these investments to ensure the greatest long-term economic development impact?

To leverage infrastructure investments for long-term economic development:

1) Identify key priorities: Virginia should assess its most critical infrastructure needs and prioritize projects that align with the state’s economic development goals. 2) Foster public-private partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the public sector, private businesses, and investors can stretch the impact of the infrastructure investments. Public-private partnerships can expedite project delivery, enhance innovation, and bring in additional resources. 3) Support workforce development: As infrastructure projects progress, there will be a demand for skilled labor. Investing in workforce training and development programs will ensure that local residents can access

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2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

RAFI KHAJA (R) - 26TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

the new job opportunities created by these projects. 4) Promote innovation and technology adoption: Encourage the integration of emerging technologies and smart solutions in infrastructure development to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and attract innovative industries to the state. 5) Marketing and attracting new businesses: Leverage the improved infrastructure and business environment to actively market Virginia to companies looking to expand or relocate. Highlighting the state’s strengths and advantages can attract new businesses and industries, further stimulating economic growth.

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

To address the housing affordability challenge, the Commonwealth can take several strategic steps: Financial Support and Investment: The Commonwealth can provide financial assistance and investments to local governments to boost affordable housing initiatives. This could come in the form of grants, low-interest loans, or subsidies to facilitate the development of affordable housing projects. Capacity Building: Support local governments by offering training and capacity-building programs to enhance their ability to plan, implement, and manage affordable housing projects effectively. This may include workshops on urban planning, housing policy, and innovative financing models. Data and Research: The Commonwealth can assist local governments in conducting thorough research and analysis to understand the local housing market and identify specific affordability challenges. Sharing best practices and successful case studies from other Commonwealth countries can also be beneficial.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - What is your assessment of the GO Virginia economic development initiative and what more can Virginia do to incentivize greater collaboration among localities, higher education, and the private sector?

To further incentivize collaboration, Virginia could consider: Incentive Programs: Offering financial incentives or grants to projects that involve multiple localities, private companies, and higher education institutions could encourage more collaborations. Streamlined Processes: Simplifying bureaucratic processes and regulations for joint projects could reduce barriers and make collaboration more attractive. Resource Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of resources, data, and expertise among stakeholders can promote a culture of cooperation and lead to better outcomes.

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KANNAN SRINIVASAN (D) - 26TH DISTRICT

It is a good initiative to consolidate various workforce development programs into one Department. The top priorities should be:

1) Ensure information is easily accessible via a central hub to ensure that emerging jobs are matched with job seekers. 2) Identify business needs on emerging jobs and constantly communicate with businesses and local chambers on current trends and needs. 3) Collaborate with Community Colleges and higher learning institutes to ensure that they develop courses and guide career choices. 4) Promote accountability using a data driven approach to measure results and incentivize high performing programs. 5) Encourage up-skilling opportunities for experienced workers.

Metro is an aging system plagued by under investment for several years. Metro should make safety and reliable service as its top priority. I will support the following reforms:

1) Create a “Reform Board” 2) Demand based services and align services to actual demand. 3) Establish a dedicated funding mechanism and increase federal share. 4) Ensure capital projects are started and completed on time. 5) Focus on operational efficiencies including reducing fare evasions, increasing ad revenue, use best practices from other large metro systems and work with labor groups. 6) Bring together the three DMV chief elected leaders to convene for a summit to agree on top priorities, reform plan and ensure withheld funding is released.

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KANNAN SRINIVASAN (D) - 26TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Virginia businesses need reliable, affordable, and clean energy that protects our precious environment. I would focus on the following priorities:

1) Improve forecasting accuracy by working with economic development groups and businesses. 2) Promote energy innovation in several emerging areas. 3) Promote energy storage strategies. 4) Create a viable and integrated energy infrastructure to ensure continuous and reliable renewable energy sources. 5) Remove barriers to distributed energy generation and for businesses to purchase power.

Investing in key infrastructure is key to long term economic development. I would leverage the Federal IIJA funds for:

1) Transportation infrastructure including bridges upkeep to meet our projected needs in the next few decades and in regional areas with fastest growth. 2) Broadband technology to ensure Virginians everywhere can access broadband technology at affordable rates. 3) Promote public transportation infrastructure including rail. 4) Water and sanitation infrastructure including water treatment plants. 5) Renewable energy and recycling infrastructure.

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KANNAN SRINIVASAN (D) - 26TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Affordable housing is a top issue in fast growing areas especially in Loudoun. The State can be a very important partner in guiding more impactful affordable housing.

- Provide policy and technology to support optimal land use utilization for more affordable housing units.

- Increase State’s investment to housing trust fund.

- Work with a coalition of business and regional leaders to promote more pooled public private funds available.

- Promote equitable loan practices and regulatory reforms where needed.

My assessment is GO Virginia economic development initiative provides grants to several regions in Virginia for economic development and promoting high paying jobs. It is encouraging to see several projects being approved and more funds being allocated to GO Virginia for pathways and site development initiatives. Local stakeholders have the greatest potential to align educational institutions along with local businesses. State should encourage and facilitate, forming incubators with academia and business sectors to create emerging jobs, especially post-pandemic. State should also provide a platform for innovative ideas and best practices from across regions to promote economic development.

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CHRIS HARNISCH (R) - 27TH DISTRICT

As technological innovation continues to drive our economy, Virginia’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement can play a key role in helping create a robust workforce and fill jobs in Virginia’s fastest growing industries. As top priorities, the Department should focus on:

• Establishing public-private partnerships between companies engaged in cutting-edge and innovative work and Virginia’s public universities, community colleges, and high schools to pursue joint programming, such as apprenticeships, internships, and other skills training programs;

• Introducing and expanding technology-focused and trade skills training and certification programs at Virginia’s high schools and community colleges;

• Making Virginia, once again, the country’s premier hub for innovation by standing up entrepreneur training programs, establishing regional public-private incubators, and attracting private capital for early-stage investment.

As commuting and transportation preferences have evolved over the past decade, especially in the wake of COVID-19, it has become increasingly clear that Metro’s current operating model is outdated and not sustainable. A healthy Metro system, however, is important to Loudoun’s continued economic growth and success, so strategic reform of the Metro system remains imperative. WMATA, with the support of the Commonwealth of Virginia, can take some steps to reduce operating costs and increase revenue, including:

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• Continuing to install faregates to reduce fare evasion, which costs the system about $40M per year;

• Expanding “express” routes from Dulles Airport and other select stations into the city in an effort to drive up ridership;

• Secure a federal funding stream to support the system’s operations. Even with these reforms, I would support standing up a “Reimagine Metro Task Force” composed of a diverse group of transportation experts, business leaders, innovators, policymakers, and riders to rethink the Metro business model for the 21st century.

Affordable and reliable energy is essential for economic growth, public safety, and public health in Virginia. A diversified energy portfolio with resilient, secure, and efficient energy delivery infrastructure must be at the heart of an effective statewide energy strategy. Virginia should invest in the development of renewable energy sources to lower the state’s carbon footprint and deliver affordable energy to its residents, and nuclear energy should be a part of the equation. With the growing footprint of data centers in our county and region, we must increase our energy production to meet that demand. One viable option for the state to consider pursuing is the conversion of former coal-powered stations in rural southwest Virginia into nuclear facilities. Another key part of the strategy must be to ensure that any legislation designed to mitigate climate change minimizes the financial burden on businesses and consumers alike.

Thoughtful and strategic infrastructure investment can unlock significant and enduring economic growth. Any public investment in infrastructure should be done in close consultation with the business community. Virginia should consider prioritizing infrastructure investment in four main pillars to maximize its economic development impact, especially in Loudoun County:

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CHRIS HARNISCH (R) - 27TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

CHRIS HARNISCH (R) - 27TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

1) Congestion relief through the construction and maintenance of roadways, such as the Route 50 collector network;

2) Secure and reliable energy delivery infrastructure;

3) Broadband access for underserved communities, particularly by leveraging public-private partnerships and with funds allocated in consultation with the Broadband Advisory Council;

4) Improvements and expansions at Washington-Dulles International Airport to enable new passenger and cargo services.

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

The lack of affordable and attainable housing in Loudoun County for many middle- and low-income families generates tremendous stress, limits upward mobility, and poses labor supply challenges for employers. This problem is especially acute for the families of public servants, such as schoolteachers and first responders, who often cannot afford to live in the communities they serve. Bold and innovative policy solutions are required to tackle this challenge. State-level policy approaches worth exploring, include:

• Making available no-interest loans up to a certain dollar amount for first-time homebuyers who serve as teachers and first responders;

• Offering financial advisory and education services as an employment benefit to state and local employees – an employment benefit that is gaining popularity in the private sector;

• Incentivizing counties to adopt less proscriptive and more flexible and business-friendly zoning ordinances to enable the development of more affordable housing options.

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GO Virginia is precisely the type of business-led economic development initiative that is needed to grow a robust and diversified economy. Virginia must do more to incentivize even greater collaboration between localities, higher education, and the private sector. Beyond simply expanding the availability of grants for the initiative, the state should explore the following approaches to effectively accelerate cross-sectoral collaboration:

• Forming communities of interest made up of business leaders, academics, and policymakers for specific industries or technologies to enable information exchanges and align interests;

• Expanding funding for talent pathway partnerships tailored specifically to community colleges and trade schools.

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CHRIS HARNISCH (R) - 27TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

ATOOSA REASER (D) - 27TH DISTRICT

The top priority for the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement should be ensuring that available resources and programs are strongly marketed, easy to access, and efficient to use. This means outreach and engagement with underserved communities, working directly with local governments, and coordinating closing with non-profit partners. Additionally, working closely with local school divisions to develop and maintain a diverse school-to-work pipeline that prepares students to enter the local workforce in high need roles that do not require a college degree. As a School Board Member, I’ve seen the value of partnership between schools and businesses that prepare students through apprenticeships and co-op programs, and often directly recruit them.

One way to provide long term fiscal support to Metro/WMATA is to increase ridership among Virginia residents. By working with localities to encourage smart, transit-oriented housing development along the WMATA service corridor would increase ridership and revenue, drive down housing costs, and allow more low- and middle-income residents to live closer to the communities in which they work. Finally, adding bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes along major thoroughfares would increase service time and efficiencies while expanding the network and increasing ridership levels.

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ATOOSA REASER (D) - 27TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

We have an opportunity to ensure that the Commonwealth is at the forefront of the clean energy economy. That means using incentives to attract green businesses and high paying jobs to the region, working with providers to ensure that existing infrastructure is efficient and retrofitted at the highest levels, and allowing alternative energy providers to compete in an open marketplace for consumers, lowering prices and spurring innovation. Loudoun County is particularly unique in this regard, given the large number of data centers in the county which consume high levels of energy. Working with existing and future data center developers to encourage and incentivize clean energy adoption could be key in our transition efforts and bring additional high paying jobs to the Loudoun County area.

One way the Commonwealth could leverage IIJA funds is expanding the reach and lowering the cost of public transit services. Expanding public transit networks through additional routes and frequency allowed increased access to economic activity for those who rely on these services. In turn, this increases revenue across the board for the Commonwealth while also expanding the offerings of critical infrastructure. Additionally, the Commonwealth should consider investments in road and infrastructure repair, especially along key transit corridors, to decrease traffic congestion and lower the risk of dangerous accidents.

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HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

The Commonwealth can work in partnership with localities to create a dedicated revenue stream for affordable housing and housing assistance funds. One way this could be achieved is with dedicated state funds to match the funds collected when a locality establishes a percentage of its tax base as a dedicated revenue stream (which Loudoun has done already). This would give localities better funding to implement more robust affordable housing schemes, including incentives to spur development along transit corridors, income restricted units, and cash housing assistance to those who meet specific criteria and needs.

I believe that GO Virginia is the right style of initiative to encourage investment and economic growth, and that improvements to implementation and efficiency are always possible. Focusing on regional needs is a key element of the initiative that allows for localities to identify their workforce development needs and work directly with industries and nonprofit partners to execute and address those needs within the local community, rather than bringing in outside talent. I think we can encourage even further collaboration amongst localities, the private sector, and education, through expanding apprenticeship opportunities and reforming the rules around 529 funds and other college saving instruments to allow them to be applied to trade schools and job training programs.

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ATOOSA REASER (D) - 27TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

DAVID REID (D)* - 28TH DISTRICT

The creation of the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement should only be considered the first step in a comprehensive plan to address the workforce shortages across the Commonwealth. While the new department is going to streamline workforce development initiatives, to be successful, it will be essential for public, private, and educational sectors to work toward the same objectives. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was an early supporter of the new Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. Additionally, I have introduced both legislation and budget amendments to address the teacher shortage, the need for increased nurses, and professionalization of state cybersecurity experts.

Because Metro is a collaboration between Virginia, Maryland, DC, and the Federal Government, any solution to address the impending operating deficit will require agreement between those four entities. For the first time in the history of Metro, I was proud to support Virginia’s first ever dedicated Metro capital funding in 2019 - $154mn per year.

While that investment has now led to investments in new cars and decades of deferred platform maintenance, it also included cost control stipulations. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I welcome Metro’s input on how they propose to address the projected deficit. Metro is integral to the continued development of Northern Virginia. As the population continues to grow and new businesses relocate to NoVA, we must ensure that we have the transportation and transit infrastructure in place to avoid increased congestion.

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DAVID REID (D)* - 28TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Access to diverse, reliable, affordable, and renewable energy sources is essential to growing a sustainable economy, protecting the environment, and providing a safe and healthy life for all our families. As part of their corporate climate and environmental goals, Virginia businesses are increasingly demanding either direct access to renewable energy or indirect access through the PJM interconnect. To be competitive, Virginia must help corporate clients meet their goals. My efforts, along with Sen. Barbara Favola, to update the Virginia Energy Plan provides a strategic approach to expanding our existing 30% nuclear capacity, aligns with the Virginia Clean Economy Act, develops offshore wind, and provides for solar, natural gas, and battery storage.

The most recent SMART Scale applications totaled $8.3bn with only enough state and local funding to approve $1.53bn in projects, leaving approx. $6.8bn of unmet congestion relief transportation needs. While the IIJA has Federal limitations on how the funds may be spent, wherever possible, we should use the funds to eliminate the gap in SMART Scale funding, address deteriorating bridges in western Loudoun County and around the Commonwealth, and make additional investments to electrify our mass transit infrastructure.

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Like many complex issues, affordable housing is an issue that requires collaboration between the state and local governments. Localities have broad discretion on zoning, housing density, and the approval of various projects.

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DAVID REID (D)* - 28TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

When a locality chooses to approve new industrial centers as opposed to increasing the housing stock, that decision constricts the housing supply and adversely affects housing affordability. Localities should be encouraged to take a longer-term view on how they can increase the housing supply, and combine that with an increase in state funding for affordable home grants, low interest loans, and down payment support for those families most in need.

The GO Virginia district-focused model has brought economic development decision making closer to addressing the unique needs of each region of Virginia. After each successful or unsuccessful economic development bid, it’s essential that the GO Virginia district assess the lessons learned and provide feedback to the Virginia Economic Development Program and the State Department of Commerce on “What we did well?” and “What can we do better?”

The economic development environment is changing so rapidly that it’s essential that we have a continuous process improvement mechanism to ensure Virginia is always in the final consideration for any new economic development investment.

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PAUL LOTT (R) - 28TH DISTRICT

The Chamber must support policies that support merit-based academic focused public school education, the maintaining of advanced classes, and the introduction of skills based learning that directly related to jobs where the average salary after 5 years of high school or college is at least the national median income. Second, there needs to be a strategy to help newly skills workers with relocation expenses so that we match the worker to WHERE those specific jobs are. Finally, we need to promote trade education in high school that allows students to immediately enter the workforce in a needed field.

Metro has a problem complicated by covid and the expansion of remote work. Even the Federal government gives workers more work from home options even it is only a few days a week. With so many workers going remote, bringing up ridership is a challenge. Cost to the consumer is an issue. When Metro parking garages demand high fees in addition to fares, it becomes more convenient to drive into the city and a little cheaper. Metro has not been able to make a solid cost/benefit argument to the public for some time. I study needs to be put in place to find out the parking/fare sweet spot that makes it economically better to take the Metro. Those benefits are not all that clear.

The metro needs to have free days that correspond to targeted events in the city, or offer free passes bundled with tickets to tourist locations and events. People have gotten out of the habit of taking the Metro. That needs to be reintroduced. Safety is another big issue on the Metro. There needs to be investment in putting more police in the stations (at least for a while) to boost the publics feel for safety.

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PAUL LOTT (R) - 28TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Those are two separate issues: renewable vs inexpensive. Issue one - Fossil fuels produce more reliable, less expensive energy than renewables at this time. That is just the reality of today and we need to embrace this. Renewables don’t yet scale. That said, geothermal incentives need to be increased significantly for residential constructions. That would increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of heating and cooling, using less fossil fuels years round. That would produce less carbon emissions than most green alternatives.

One the issues of renewables like solar and wind is the high cost of disposing of spent solar and wind infrastructure. We need to get to a point where renewals are cheaper and more viable. Light nuclear reactors need to be revised. It is clean and sustainable. That is the path that the state needs to invest in. Spent nuclear fuel can also be used in new inventions like “nuclear batteries” that never need recharging. Wind and solar are not very scalable. We need to look other more centralized renewable technologies partnering with private players. Let’s make VA the incubator for better energy technologies by offer grants to local universities to research sustainable clean solutions.

That money should first focus in bringing the best to Virginians that are doing the worse like Petersburg. Infrastructure should be prioritized for our poorest neighborhoods. Adult retraining and relocation help for jobs needs to be funded. I know people that have completed training programs, but the jobs were too far.

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PAUL

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Affordable housing cannot exist in a vacuum.

1) Affordable housing needs to take into consideration school capacity. We can’t say we care about class sizes to then destroy good ratios.

2) Second, roads, policing, medical, and related infrastructure also needs to be taken into consideration.

3) Income distribution also needs to be taken into consideration with the goals being to create housing reducing, not increasing commute times with consideration to public transportation. I think the first thing to look at is housing density near public transportation. The Commonwealth can be an effective partner by taking these factors into consideration and offering a map of where affordable housing would make the most sense.

I love this bipartisan program. There is a lot there. I double down when I say that we need to make sure that these activities focus on lifting our weakest communities. China super charged development by creating targeted college majors with reduced school time. They took the electives of their applied engineering programs allowing students to only take courses that directly related to the engineering discipline. We need to create these types of fast-track programs to move Virginians into shortage fields faster. Go Virginia needs to work with the private sector to create fast track degrees that the private sectors need today.

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LOTT (R) - 28TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

MARTY MARTINEZ (D) - 29TH DISTRICT

In order to create a robust workforce for the future, the new department should have two top priorities:

1) Expanding access to higher education. Our Commonwealth should continue investing in higher education to make it affordable and accessible to everyone. The Department of Workforce Development and Advancement needs to make sure that every student with potential can afford college regardless of their background. When talented students are not able to access college, our economy and the whole Commonwealth misses out. The Department should also work with our universities to make sure the curriculum effectively prepares students for the future.

2) Expanding non-college post-secondary opportunities. While every student should have the ability and access to attend university, the reality is that it’s not the best fit for every student. Through apprenticeships and other training programs, we need to provide strong opportunities for people who do not want to attend college. This will allow them to still have high-paying jobs while also helping our growing economy find enough workers.

A reliable and well-managed Metro system is key to the future economic growth and success of Loudoun County. While I want to protect access to the service as an affordable and reliable transportation option, I recognize that some operational and funding reforms may need to be made in order to benefit Metro in the long-term. First, we can start by restoring the regional funds from the NVTA to provide dedicated funding for Metro. We also need to dedicate capital and funding for operational and maintenance purposes rather than only investing in new projects. Overall, I am open to creative solutions to address Metro’s challenges without severely impacting its services for riders or employees.

29 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

MARTY MARTINEZ (D) - 29TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

As both the population and economy of Loudoun County continue to grow, so will our energy demand. As a Delegate, I will fight to ensure that working families continue to have access to affordable and reliable energy while also making sure that as many of our new energy projects are renewable as possible. Let’s use incentives to encourage rooftop solar for residences and business while also exploring what renewable projects (wind, solar, etc.) could work on a larger scale in Loudoun too. While we trust market forces to be the main instrument in ensuring that we have access to clean and reliable energy, we do need to incentivize clean options and de-incentivize the most environmentally harmful energy sources, especially when it comes to new developments. Lastly, we also need to pursue strategies and financial incentives for increased energy efficiency and conservation in order to help us keep up with the growing demand for energy.

1) Invest in technology and broadband infrastructure to help make sure that rural and traditionally underserved communities have quality internet access. This will help provide everyone the opportunities they deserve while also promoting economic growth.

2) Reduce the cost of the Dulles Greenway for consumers.

3) Provide increased roadway access in between Loudoun and Prince William counties.

4) Restoration of regional funds dedicated to Metro/public transit.

5) Continued investment for Leesburg Executive Airport

30 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

The Commonwealth can help provide funding for localities and developers to invest in truly affordable housing solutions, which are in very short supply in Loudoun County. The Commonwealth could also provide a better regulatory framework that makes it easier for localities to build more affordable and more dense housing, specifically around transit corridors.

While no initiative will be perfect, I support GO Virginia and its efforts to continue diversifying and developing our economy. Localities, higher education, and the private sector should continue collaborating to make sure that we can train the workforce of the future and give students everything that they need to succeed. The Commonwealth should maintain its financial commitment to this program.

31 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

MARTY MARTINEZ (D) - 29TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023

VIRGINIA

HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

JONATHAN MARK ROGERS (R) - 29TH DISTRICT

Job Training, services, promoting economic growth!

This is a challenging issue that requires detailed conversations with professionals. However good business decisions and practices would play an important role.

Integrating and creating a C-level mandate energy goal for operations, Telecommuting, cost effective energy sources and making environmental energy affordable

Transform old or vacant structures into usable spaces on a variety of levels.

32 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Affordable housing is a critical but complex problem for Virginia. One possibility is to condition development aid to reforming land use policy.

GO Virginia has done some great work for the Commonwealth. They have developed a bi-partisan coalition to create effective collaboration between all interested parties. We must continue what has been started through growth revenues, re-purposed dollars, and efficiency savings.

33 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

JONATHAN MARK ROGERS (R) - 29TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023

VIRGINIA

HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

ROB BANSE (D) - 30TH DISTRICT

The top priorities of the Department should be to identify the fastest growing and highest demand industries and to create education programs, apprenticeships, and internships to help people -- both young people and adults -- to enter those industries. There should be a focus on STEM education as well as industries that are likely to support Virginia’s economy in the coming decades. Another priority should be to make sure that education and apprenticeship programs are available to everyone in the Commonwealth so that anyone can economically prosper and support their family.

Some reforms that I would support include streamlining administrative practices and using innovative technology that would allow us to cut costs without sacrificing the quality or service of the metro. I am also in favor of focusing on sustainability because a more efficient metro would cut costs in the long run. In terms of funding options, I believe that we need a dedicated source of funding for the metro and would be open to exploring options of what the best source would be. A dedicated source would avoid these kinds of deficits in the future. I will also be an advocate for state and federal grants to cover these costs and public-private partnerships to secure additional funding.

34 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

ROB BANSE (D) - 30TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

We need to simultaneously maintain a diverse energy portfolio to ensure reliability and invest in renewable energy. While it is necessary that we increase the share of renewable energy, traditional sources play a role in meeting the current demands. At the same time, I support our investment in wind and solar, as well as community initiatives to make renewable energy accessible to businesses and individuals.

I also support tax incentives to encourage businesses and individuals to use more renewable energy, and I support creating programs to help traditional energy workers who want to shift into careers in renewable energy. Lastly, we need to continue to invest in research and innovation so that renewable energy can become more affordable and accessible.

Virginia should engage in comprehensive infrastructure planning. We need to identify the areas with the most need, where there will likely be population growth, and which technologies will be the most effective and sustainable to improve our infrastructure. After planning, we need to focus on the most important gaps, such as broadband, energy, and transportation in order to optimize the benefits of this investments. It is important that the Commonwealth works with small and local businesses to build infrastructure that is sustainable and efficient and also appropriate for the area while stimulating local economies.

35 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

ROB BANSE (D) - 30TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Everyone deserves affordable housing, and this is especially an issue in Loudoun County. I believe that those who work in Loudoun should be able to live here as well, and this is too often not the case. The Commonwealth needs to provide more funding for affordable housing at the local level, so that local governments can have the resources to actually provide the housing needed in their areas.

The GO Virginia economic development initiative is a step in the right direction. I absolutely believe that it is critical that higher education, localities, and the private sector work together to strengthen Virginia’s economy on the regional level, and the GO Virginia Initiative has shown promise in prompting innovation and creating jobs. That being said, there is room for improvement.

With more funding, the GO Virginia initiative could expand its impact by taking on more projects. Some other improvements could be to streamline the grant process and encourage more long-term collaborations between localities, higher ed, and the private sector.

36 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

GEARY HIGGINS (R) - 30TH DISTRICT

Workforce development is a very important function. The state should partner with and encourage trade associations, industries and employers that are training individuals for specific jobs. These organizations will be training for jobs that they have available and are looking to fill.

I support the Chambers position of “significant reforms for Metro in three areas – governance, funding, and operations. This endorsement includes support for new federal dedicated capital and operating funding for WMATA...”

Access to affordable energy is a key factor for Virginia’s prosperity, economic growth and development. In the most recent statistics (2021) I found that 90% of Virginia’s energy comes from organic fuels and nuclear power. To remain economically healthy Virginia’s energy policy must take into account these realities.

37 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

GEARY HIGGINS (R) - 30TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $550 billion in funding for new initiatives to repair roads and bridges, improve public transit, and deliver clean drinking water and high-speed internet, among other provisions.” While I believe that one of the original intentions of the IIJA projects was to create jobs in the performance of these repairs and upgrades. Virginia should target these funds towards projects that will have the greatest long-term effect on the state’s economy, such as transportation, broadband and supply chain projects.

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Housing affordability is a regional challenge and should be approached with that in mind. While the Commonwealth can and should work with the localities to find ways to encourage housing affordability, solutions should encompass more than just Virginia. Regional partners including MD, DC and the Federal Gov’t should be part of the solution, because the people looking for housing are employed across the Metro area.

GO Virginia initiative is a good program intended to foster private-sector growth and job creation through state incentives for regional collaboration by business, education, and government. In recent years Virginia has lagged behind in economic growth and these state funded grants have been targeted to support the expansion of key industry sectors, improve industrial sites and cultivate a skilled workforce. Governor Youngkin just announced an additional $2.9 million in grants. In addition to the awarded GO Virginia funding, the eight awarded projects will leverage an additional $6.1 million in local and non-state funding. Since the program’s beginning in 2017, GO Virginia has funded 262 projects with approximately $109 million to support regional economic development efforts. I support this program and the Governor’s efforts. I believe GO Virginia should be considered for additional funding to create more jobs and economic opportunity in the Commonwealth.

38 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

Click

39 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

VIRGINIA

2023

STATE SENATE CANDIDATES QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES

here to view the Loudoun Chamber 2023 Public Policy Positions.

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

RUSSET PERRY (D) - 31ST DISTRICT

Workforce Development --- Virginia recently created the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. What should be the new department’s top priorities for creating a robust workforce that is prepared to fill job openings in the Commonwealth’s fastest growing industries?

I am a small business owner here in Leesburg, and myself through my law firm, Marquis Law Group, am a member of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. Workforce development is a key issue to me personally, and it will be an area of focus for me in the General Assembly. Virginia’s Department of Workforce Development needs to prioritize educational and training workforce opportunities, and we need to fully fund our institutions of higher education. I also support paid internships and community colleges to better and more quickly prepare the workforce, and training and certification programs that can increase wages for employees.

Transportation - Metro is facing a $750 million annual operating deficit, beginning with next year’s budget. In 2017, former US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood proposed several reforms that would reduce Metro’s operating expenses, without severely impacting bus and transit service. What reforms and funding options would you support to address Metro’s long term fiscal and operational challenges?

It is critical that our Metro is able operate reliably and safely, especially for our Loudoun constituents who rely on it to commute to their jobs every day. I support seeking solutions at the federal, state, and local level to address the funding challenges and ensure we can improve operations for Virginians. We need to work at the state level to attract a variety of businesses that can become part of the Loudoun hub so that people use the Metro to visit Loudoun for entertainment, food, and shopping options, instead of relying on working commuters. There are reforms that I would support to increase ridership, things like live-work centers, updating residential density in the areas closest to Metro stations where possible, and incentives to increase mass transit instead of automobile traffic.

40 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

RUSSET PERRY (D) - 31ST DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Loudoun County continues to grow in population and commercial base, and to meet that growth I support both conventional energy and a pathway to increasing renewable energy in the future. While continuing to meet the needs of today with conventional energy sources, at the state level we can follow through with the Virginia Clean Economy Act and build out solar and wind. We must maintain energy reliability while implementing the goals of the Virginia Energy Plan, which means looking at and investing in new technologies like hydrogen and safe nuclear, where there is secure disposal of spent materials and an elimination of hazardous materials, for the future.

Broadband is an important component of the IIJA, and we must invest in rural and underserved areas. We can utilize programs like Business Ready Sites, VEDP recommendations, and incentivize commerce through the Port of Virginia (where we can capitalize on recent investments and have become the premier East Coast port) to build out our economic base to include more manufacturing. There are many needed investments in transportation infrastructure which will support local businesses, and Loudoun’s ability to attract larger companies, utilizing our regional and infrastructure advantages. We must continue to be competitive in air transit initiatives like NextGen and Open Skies with our Federal partners, and work with companies to keep tolling at levels that increase utilization of our roads.

41 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

RUSSET PERRY (D) - 31ST DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

We must work in tandem with our Board of Supervisors and local authorities to find solutions and use the resources available to increase diverse housing supply. This means looking at increased housing density near mass transit corridors and commercial hubs. I will work with the VHDA on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and make sure that we are taking advantage of all Federal matching programs for affordable housing. We must maintain predictability in zoning and tax rates and build out our school infrastructure as we grow the population.

As a partner with the Marquis Law Group, I am a member of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, and we are directly impacted by the relationships between localities, educational institutions, and companies like ours. Our clients and employees are members of the Loudoun community. I support business friendly regulations like zoning ordinance flexibility and the local incentive fund. The Loudoun EDA must be more focused on leveraging our regional and infrastructure advantages to attract and retain businesses, and I hope to have further conversations with the Loudoun Chamber on how best to maximize the capabilities of the EDA.

42 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

JUAN PABLO SEGURA (R) - 31ST DISTRICT

The workforce shortage we have here in the Commonwealth is the biggest impediment to economic growth and all-around success in Virginia. This shortage is affecting all industries and making it harder for Virginia to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

As an example, there is currently a 10,000-nursing shortage in Virginia. In a field like healthcare, not only does such a shortage affect the consistency of healthcare services, sustainable revenue generation, or even additional investments in new services but it also is a major impediment to delivering the high-quality healthcare that all Virginians expect and deserve.

As I’ve also talked to business owners across Senate District 31, I’ve encountered multiple business owners that have decided to shut down their businesses not because they were unprofitable but simply because they could not find the talent to maintain a reasonable work/life balance. While we can work on trying to attract specific industries to Virginia and to better connect universities and training centers with employers and job creators, there is a structural problem in Virginia. It is our tax code and the fact that we are losing time and time again to neighboring states. States like North Carolina are doing a better job of attracting workers with lower taxes, cheaper cost of living, and a faster growing economy that presents more opportunities. Until we can make Virginia more competitive, we will constantly be on the outside looking in.

While we should all have a conversation about a dedicated revenue source for the Metro, we have to take a long, hard look at why Metro is generating a $750 million loss. It’s encouraging that ridership is coming back (slowly) but as any

43 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

- 31ST DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

business owner will tell you, you have to look at both revenue AND expenses to fix a profitability issue. For those that aren’t tracking this issue closely, this loss is expected to get worse next year since COVID emergency funds are drying up in 2024. To solve this deficit, we cannot avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room going into 2025 which is that labor costs are out of control. Because of fixed, union negotiated and accepted rate increases, labor costs are expected to grow an additional $266 million JUST in 2025. Many elected officials at the local level have lost track of responsible budgeting and realistic and practical strategies in engaging labor. Voters have to elect common sense and fiscally conservative lawmakers to the table to restructure these contracts in order to bring some sustainability back to these public assets.

Reliable and affordable energy are what I’m most focused on when it comes to energy strategy. If we cannot guarantee reliable and affordable energy when we discuss investments in new technologies or new methods of power generation in both the short and long term for all Virginians, especially low-income Virginians, then we are talking more about pipedreams than real strategy. There are some interesting pilots happening with Wind here in Virginia like off of Virginia Beach but I’m most excited about the potential for Small Modular Reactors in the Nuclear Energy space and how we can create a sustainable supply of clean energy while bringing billions of dollars of economic growth and job creation as we align ourselves with the next generation of technologies in this space.

Addressing major bottlenecks in transportation infrastructure needs to be a major focus on how funds are spent here in Virginia since faster travel translates to more economic growth and better quality of life for all residents. Bottlenecks on 95 (near Fredericksburg for example) need to be addressed but in District, we have to solve the safety issues we have on Route 15. Since 2017, more people have died from fatal accidents on this roadway than the

44 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

JUAN PABLO SEGURA (R)

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

JUAN PABLO SEGURA (R) - 31ST DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

entire stretch of Route 7 in Loudoun County, despite significantly higher traffic volumes on Route 7. As it relates to other priorities within the IIJA, I’m excited to see a focus on new energy sources and a portion of funds being specifically allocated towards nuclear power.

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Affordable housing is an important goal, especially for our teachers and first responders. I would encourage creative and innovative solutions, but I also believe we have to “go back to basics” on a lot of these tough issues. From my conversation with home builders here in the commonwealth, most builders have to comply with an ever-evolving set of rules and regulations that double if not triple their costs which they pass onto home buyers. Add on to that long wait times at local permitting offices that are not consumer friendly make every part of the home building process more expensive.

As a former board member of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority (VIPA), I’ve seen first hand the important but difficult work that several of these public-private partnerships and organizations are focused on in attracting more businesses and innovative industries to the Commonwealth. Most of the challenges I saw at VIPA (that I believe affect Go Virginia as well) usually coalesced into two main buckets: people and capital. Virginia has a brain drain problem for both veterans and recent graduates. 41% more of the college-educated workforce in Virginia leaves after graduation than stays.

In North Carolina it’s 5% as a point of reference. If we can’t keep our most highly trained citizens here in the Commonwealth, we’ll never be able to fully reach our economic potential. Regarding capital, when I was a board member of VIPA, we were able to win a grant of more than $230 million that would go to Virginia based startups and minority small business owners. We have to continue to find additional funding streams for small businesses especially since the cost of capital has grown considerably with the rise in interest rates.

45 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

SUHAS SUBRAMANYAM (D) - 32ND DISTRICT

I believe the department’s top priority should be Workforce Housing. I have talked to many business owners who have openings but are not able to expand hours for their business or increase sales because of a lack of workforce available in the area. This means both a plan to keep young, highly educated professionals in the area, attract more of those professionals, and make Loudoun more affordable for many of the people who work here, e.g. teachers.

As Metro faces steep operating deficits, it is clear that change is needed. Transportation plays a major role in the daily lives of many Loudoun County residents, and it’s imperative that there are safe, affordable transit options. I am open to several funding options, but in the end, we need to consider a sustainable long-term funding source for Metro.

I believe that investing in renewable energy will open up future avenues for economic growth. During my service in the House of Delegates, I have advanced legislation that would promote solar energy opportunities and expand renewable energy in Virginia. Beginning to tap into the renewable energy industry will lead to job growth and business development for years to come. Moreover, this past session, I introduced HB 1852, legislation aimed at assisting schools as they transition to renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.

46 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

Virginia, and especially our community, should try to get as much money from federal investments as possible. Drawing upon my experience in federal government, I have worked tirelessly with our federal delegation to position Virginia to receive funds from legislation like the IIJA. For instance, I worked with Sen. Mark Warner on HB 1265, legislation that positioned the Commonwealth to receive up to $600 million in federal funds – targeting making broadband more affordable. We must continue to make internet access a reality for people in every county and corner of the Commonwealth.

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Access to housing can determine your success for better schools and better pay. Virginia has championed a firsttime homebuyer program that can provide grant, tax credit and free homebuyer class with their mortgage. I support funding more programs and grants to help increase the production of affordable housing in targeted areas, and I will continue to explore financial incentives from the State for these projects. I will also continue to recognize the work the Community Foundation, the Chamber, and other groups are doing to push workforce housing, and I will be someone who not only supports affordable housing but supports the actual projects themselves.

47 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

SUHAS SUBRAMANYAM (D) - 32ND DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

As a member of the Virginia Small Business Council and the Virginia Minority Business Council, I have seen how our education systems, local governments, and private sector all play an integral role in fostering growth. GO Virginia’s mission of facilitating collaboration across different groups is key as we continue to grow the Commonwealth’s economy, and I like how it has tried to make sure we have a diversified economy in Northern Virginia in areas like life sciences and semiconductor manufacturing.

I would like to see GO Virginia give out more grants for small businesses and tech startups. A lot of the focus, at least perceived, seems to be that they are focused on bigger projects. While I fully support that concentration, I’ve heard of a lot of small businesses that have found it difficult to work with GO Virginia and would be interested to see how we can expand its current initiatives for tech startups and small businesses.

48 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

SUHAS SUBRAMANYAM (D) - 32ND DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

It would be wrong to assume that all politicians believe that the newly created Department of Workforce Development and Advancement is a good idea. My approach before creating such a department would be to lay out the departments mission, goals, priorities, and measurable metrics to track its progress and achievements against stated goals. If I were to be involved in creating such a department it would be to fix existing problems and help deliver solutions. Problems, such as, the high cost of student debt and lack of jobs for students carrying debt. Working with state colleges and Universities to ensure they are graduating a skilled workforce that meets the job demands of the Commonwealth.

We currently have a lopsided supply of jobs with a workforce that isn’t looking to fill the jobs that are available. Mostly in the service sector. As such, the priority of the department should be to collaborate with the Secretary of Commerce to ensure we are growing the job base that we are graduating students from college from and if we aren’t we should re-think the funding we are providing colleges if they aren’t graduating students with the degrees necessary to fill the jobs in the Commonwealth.

My question is why the Metro is facing such an annual deficit? A commercial business wouldn’t expand their service only to go further into debt they can’t get out of, and no investor would invest in an unprofitable business. The Metro operates a Metro Bus, Metro Parking, and Metro rail. One or all of them are contributing to losses of revenue for the Metro. Neither I nor do I believe that any politician has the in-depth knowledge that someone in the C-Suite at the Metro should have to inform, advise, and recommend reforms and funding options.

49 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

GREG MOULTHROP (R) - 32ND DISTRICT

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

GREG MOULTHROP (R) - 32ND DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

That said, I would like to hear a plan directly from Metro executives to understand the current and long-term financial plan to get the Metro out of the red and will work with them on implementing necessary reforms which are made using basic economic indicators such as forecasted supply and demand of their services. The reforms necessary may not be easy for the Metro to make but we cannot continue to use the taxpayer as an investor who is realizing a negative rate of return because the Metro is a business that the taxpayer must also pay for use of their services and it’s unsustainable to keep raising taxes to pay for the Metro’s operating losses and then allow the Metro to also raise their fares.

We have done tremendous damage to the Commonwealth’s energy capabilities. Offshore windfarms impact fishing business, tourism, and the boating industry. They take up space, they are permanent fixtures in and on our shoreline and we tout solar farms as an achievement in clean renewable energy at the expense of Virginia’s farm industry. While I agree energy needs to be affordable and needs to be clean and renewable, I disagree that wind and solar are the two best options for the Commonwealth.

Nuclear power has gotten safer with smaller nuclear power plants that are essentially self-operating. As such, we should streamline new nuclear power plants and force competition between Dominion and other energy companies. Further, we should invest in hydro-electric power by utilizing rivers, waterfalls, and our coastline by installing tidal turbines to produce electricity. It’s more reliable, efficient and less harmful to wildlife. I would also look to our state funded colleges and universities and invest in developing more high tech, scientific laboratories to conduct research and development into nuclear fusion and hydrogen power.

I cannot answer without looking at where investments are being made compared to the solutions that are being funded and areas where we need more public funds to help complete such projects. However, I disfavor government projects and using taxpayer money when it is not needed. Since the Commonwealth has had a budget surplus I’m

50 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

GREG MOULTHROP (R) - 32ND DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

inclined to believe we use as little as possible and return what is not needed back to the taxpayer.

HOUSING - How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in supporting local government to address our housing affordability challenge?

Loudoun County has made a major error in judgement by allowing a foreign owned corporation to come into our county and buy residential homes to create an addiction treatment facility on the backs of residents. Newport is paying over list price for these homes causing home prices to surge. The first thing the government should do is ensure residential homes are sold to people who will live in them or use them as a residence. Secondly, we may need a constitutional change that gives supervisors or local governments the ability to control homebuilding. Our “buy right” laws while I agree with the practice in theory, I disagree with how Loudoun has allowed homebuilders to corner the market and flood the county with large expensive single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Lastly, I’m not entirely sure that the problem of home affordability is an issue. The reason being is that the market determines the home prices and people are buying homes in the county.

We should acknowledge that not everyone should own a home because it is a major responsibility and there are people who might want a home but not be responsible to care for it or take on a mortgage. Further, not everyone wants to buy a home. With remote work growing in popularity a home anchors a person or family to a geographic area and I’ve seen a growing interest in people wanting the flexibility of renting a home so they can move easier if need be.

I don’t know enough about GO Virginia’s economic development initiative but my assessment of programs like GO Virginia are they are good in theory but end up wasting a lot of taxpayer funds. Programs like this often are not staffed by people knowledgeable about writing a program, reviewing applications, and winners and losers are picked by government officials with an unfair advantage. Further, who creates the program? I’ve been underwhelmed by the program description when I sought out economic development opportunities at all levels of government. Perhaps, GO Virginia is managed better than others that exist, but I would have to investigate GO Virginia further to form an opinion specific how well it is operating.

51 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

52 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN 2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES Click here to view the Loudoun Chamber 2023 Public Policy Positions.

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

PHYLLIS RANDALL (D)* - CHAIR-AT-LARGE

HOUSING - The Loudoun County Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan outlines the deficit in attainable housing units needed to meet the needs of our community. What policy decisions by Loudoun County contributed to this shortage, and what are the top three strategies you would champion in the next board term to address Loudoun’s attainable housing shortage?

Before 2016, there was widespread resistance to discussing the need for attainable housing in Loudoun. I have worked and will continue to work to change the narrative and stigma that is unfortunately associated with attainable housing. Believing that the County needed to invest in our attainable housing goals, in 2021 I made the motion to dedicate .5 cents on the tax dollar to Loudoun’s various housing funds. In the past seven years, we have invested more in attainable housing and have approved more attainable units than in all of Loudoun’s 272-year history. In addition, in 2021 we completed our Strategic Housing Plan. This term, we have leveraged over thirty-two million dollars of investment towards our attainable housing goals.

TAX REVENUE / DATA CENTERS - The explosive growth in the Loudoun data center market has offered significant relief to all residential and commercial taxpayers. What strategies would you support to ensure the continued vitality of the local data center industry while diversifying Loudoun’s economic growth across all target industry sectors?

In FY 23-24 Loudoun’s Data Center revenue produced eight of the ten billion dollars of commercial tax revenue. The fact is, no other industry will produce the level of commercial revenue that Data Centers provide. Because of by right development, we expect the data center industry to continue its growth. However, when given the opportunity, I will not vote for data centers in residential neighborhoods or major bucolic corridors.

Moreover, although data centers produce most of the commercial revenue, 81% of Loudoun’s new business were not data centers. It is vital that we continue to diversify our commercial tax base with new “economic wins” from national and international companies who find Loudoun an attractive place to headquarter or grow their business.

53 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

PHYLLIS RANDALL (D)* - CHAIR-AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

CHILDCARE / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - What role should the County play in increasing capacity and the affordability of childcare in ways that ensures all parents have equitable access to employment opportunities while creating greater workforce stability for our employers?

The health of Loudoun (or any community) can be measured by how we care for our children. Providing reliable, safe childcare options will increase workforce readiness, productivity, and retention by offering parents assurance their children are safe while they are at work. The average family will lose $5,500, and the nation’s economy will lose over 1.2 billion dollars a year in earnings and revenue due to inadequate childcare. Insufficient childcare has disproportional, negative impacts on women. Women list challenges with childcare as the number one reason they leave or change jobs, often to a position that pays less or has undesirable work hours. Offering childcare is not simply the correct thing to do, it is also economically prudent and will offer a return on investment…in many ways.

ZONING - Loudoun County has been engaged in a three-year process to update its zoning ordinance. What lessons have you learned from this process and what would you propose to change the next time Loudoun reviews its Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance?

It is imperative that Loudoun never again allow our General Land Use Plan (Comp Plan) and Zoning Ordinance to not be updated for almost twenty years. Future Boards should alternate between reviewing and updating the Comp Plan and the Zoning Ordinance every new BOS term, as required by law. The conversation with various stakeholders (NVBIA, the chamber, conservationist, farmers, small business owners, equestrians, etc.) should be ongoing to fully understand their issues or concerns on various zoning and land use matters. In addition, we should plan with an eye toward greater environmental sustainability and zoning malleability.

EDUCATION - Besides providing the revenue to fund the annual school budget, how would you propose to have the Board of Supervisors work with Loudoun County’s School Board and Administration to influence school policies and decisions?

Virginia §22.1-7 establishes the general powers and duties of an elected School Board. By law, the BOS has no jurisdictional or operational authority over the school system. However, as someone who cares deeply that LCPS is a strong, functional, safe school system where our students can thrive, I will continue to do the following:

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

PHYLLIS RANDALL (D)* - CHAIR-AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

1) Encourage greater transparency when possible.

2) Direct parents to appropriate, helpful resources.

3) Be honest and willing to confront challenges facing LCPS.

4) Never seek to destroy our school system, but build up our students, parents, and educators.

5) Always remember that as almost 90% of our children attend LCPS, we should also highlight the many incredible successes of LCPS.

TRANSPORTATION - Roughly half of the Loudoun County’s Capital Investment Plan is dedicated to transportation projects. Do you support this level of priority for transportation investment? Please explain why, or why not.

In the past, much of Loudoun’s transportation investment has almost exclusively focused on building or improving roads. While we need to continue to improve and, in some areas, expand our road network, going forward we should also have a greater focus on transit. Bus Rapid Transit, a safe and reliable Metro and walk and bike trails are all key to a multi-modal transportation network that will not only allow Loudoun’s residents to have a higher quality of life, but also be beneficial to the environment. In addition, the most effective way to decrease traffic is to continue to grow our commercial tax base in Loudoun so residents do not need to leave the county to work.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

SAM KROIZ (I) - CHAIR-AT-LARGE

The shortage is due to Loudoun being a desirable place to live and do business which is a great thing that we don’t want to change, but it is also due to having a lot of a few types of housing vs a mix of many types and an associated mix of prices. I would use policy to encourage more of a mix in order to have more attainable prices at market value. Additionally, I would encourage accessory dwellings which are also attainable at market value by design. Recent efforts to address the shortage have involved the County essentially trading developers attainable housing units for increased density of overall units. These additional units require more teachers, police, firefighters, service workers, tradespeople, etc who themselves require housing far in excess of the attainable housing units included in the deal. Rather than being a solution, these efforts have made the problem worse and I would stop making those kind of deals.

TAX REVENUE / DATA CENTERS

- The explosive growth in the Loudoun data center market has offered significant relief to all residential and commercial taxpayers. What strategies would you support to ensure the continued vitality of the local data center industry while diversifying Loudoun’s economic growth across all target industry sectors?

The tax revenue from data centers is great, but tax bills have still been going up every year, especially under the current Board. County spending has exploded along with the data center market. That’s not because of the data centers, but the tax revenue that they provide has in a way enabled the out-of-control spending and bad dealmaking with developers by the Board by cushioning the impact on other taxpayers. If anything were to ever happen to the data center market in Loudoun, we would be in a world of trouble. I would guard against that by bringing better planning to the data center industry in Loudoun in terms of a comprehensive plan for where they are and aren’t allowed, power supply, impacts on neighbors, etc vs the current leadership who seem caught off guard by all these issues and unable to deal with any of them. I would also get the County’s spending under control and stop making the bad decisions around housing development that drive so much of the spending.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

The County is currently half in and half out of childcare, which in many ways is the worst thing that it could be doing. It provides childcare in facilities that the County owns which makes it affordable, which is great but only for those who can get in because it’s under capacity. It’s unfair to kids who can’t get in and their parents, and governmental involvement in the market and its instability makes business more difficult for private providers. The County should either get more in or get more out of childcare. This is one of many issues where I’m more concerned about how the decision is made vs what decision is made and as an independent Chairman, I will be able to take the partisan politics out of potentially thorny issues like this.

Additionally, my #1 priority is enacting ranked-choice voting which helps elect representatives that better reflect the will of voters, which is helpful in situations like this because the will of voters is more consistent than politicians from different parties that trade control and make more extreme moves back and forth and make business more difficult.

The will and the best interest of the public are not driving the process like they should. This is a deep problem that is the entire Board’s fault and is reflected in everything they do and not just regarding zoning. To take just one example, during the Comp Plan work in 2019, the Board voted to move the rural area/transition area boundary despite overwhelming public opposition. Chair Randall knew that the decision was unpopular, so she made a motion that passed unanimously that no future Board should ever move the boundary again. It was an election year promise that she recently broke when the Board moved the boundary again earlier this election year. The reason that she believes that she can be re-elected despite breaking that promise and the reason that the public’s best interest isn’t represented in zoning decisions is that the Chair and Board members are elected largely based on being Republicans and Democrats and national politics, and the solution is more choices of candidates and ranked-choice voting and hopefully we can have that locally before the next Comp Plan and Zoning Ordinance review.

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SAM KROIZ (I) - CHAIR-AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

The School Board is separately elected and controls school policies and decisions and that’s a good thing. However, the way that its members are elected is a problem in the same way that I described the Board of Supervisors in another answer. School Board elections should be ranked choice as well, and while that’s not currently allowed under state law, I would ask our state representatives to expand the allowance for Board of Supervisors elections to those for School Board. Once allowed by the state, it would most likely be up to the BOS to voluntarily adopt it like with their own elections and I would adopt it for both of those and any other elections that I could. Despite the Board of Supervisors’ lack of control over schools, as an independent Chairman, I will improve decision-making by taking the party politics out of the discussion. The partisanship seems inextinguishable when partisans on both sides are participating, but it calms when you stop throwing fuel on the fire.

We certainly need the transportation improvements, but this level of spending is not sustainable. We didn’t use to spend so much on transportation and we’re lucky that we’ve had the tax revenue from data centers that’s enabled us to make improvements to reduce traffic at a time when it was becoming a crisis. Traffic is still a serious problem, and I won’t slash transportation spending, but I will scale it back in proportion to the rest of the budget because we have to. This is similar to the approach that I’ll take to rein in spending overall. I’m conservative in the sense that we need to control spending, but I’m also conservative in the sense that we’re better off doing it incrementally vs radically.

We also need to address two big reasons why the County has been spending so much on transportation, sweetheart deals with developers where they don’t pay as much as they should for their traffic impacts and inadequate state and federal assistance which is partly their fault but also partly our fault because in many cases our plans don’t meet their design standards.

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SAM KROIZ (I) - CHAIR-AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

GARY

KATZ (R) - CHAIR-AT-LARGE

Affordable and attainable housing remains a serious challenge for Loudoun County. There are people who work in Loudoun who can’t afford to live here, who are giving their lives and careers to our county and yet can’t afford to be residents themselves.

There are several barriers to bringing down the cost of housing. First, land costs are expensive. There’s very limited number of tracts of land available in eastern Loudoun and in-fill land purchases are expensive, especially given the limited density requirements by the Board.

Second, it’s very expensive to go through the land entitlement process, including the “voluntary proffers” that the Board is requesting, which adds risk to the developer and increased soft and hard costs that ultimately get passed on to the buyer. Finally, what happens is that the only projects that are profitable for a developer to do are high end projects. While the Board may require a small number of ADU properties, that’s not enough to solve the real problem.

This is a complicated issue, and the board needs to do a better job. If we want more affordable/attainable housing, then we need to lower the cost to the developers and incentivize them to do build more ADU properties. We need to encourage more higher density, mixed use projects such as Rivanna around the county.

We have countless middle- and upper-class homes that are available for move-up purchases for growing dual income families. But we also need to focus on entry level housing so our workforce can live and work in Loudoun.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

GARY KATZ (R) - CHAIR-AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

While Loudoun is very fortunate to have such a strong revenue stream from data centers, it’s not a revenue stream we should count lasting at such high levels for such a long time. For instance, the data centers are paying over $760 million in taxes each year to our county. At some point, if not already, the data centers are going to look for ways to reduce their tax burden, especially since they are already here. They could do this at the General Assembly level and our county would lose tax revenue. Even a reduction in what we could tax the data centers would be a big loss to Loudoun.

We also have other threats too, such as neighboring counties, like Stafford, or even other states, like Ohio, inviting data centers to be there. There are also technology advances that reduce the frequency of needing new equipment, which means the value of the equipment being taxed would be lower.

The Board of Supervisors need to work closely with the data center community to support the businesses and keep the revenue coming into our county. We mustn’t be hostile to the very industry that has so greatly benefited our community. Instead, we must work to strike the balance between being both business-friendly and resident-minded.

Outside of the Data Center industry, we must make Loudoun a place that businesses want to call home. One of the biggest threats to that is the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite currently being considered by the Board of Supervisors. In its current form, this will make Loudoun less desirable for new businesses to grow and expand. We must not have a zoning ordinance that is so incredibly prescriptive as to be a deterrent to businesses investing in Loudoun County.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

GARY KATZ (R) - CHAIR-AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

As a father of three young children, I know first-hand how expensive it is for childcare as well as the costs of raising a family in Loudoun County. However, I don’t believe the county can do much to directly reduce the cost of childcare. The county could potentially offer a real estate tax incentive to a company that starts a childcare facility. Additionally, the board could encourage the LCPS system to offer more summer day camp programs. We could also encourage companies to offer childcare incentives to their employees and recognize those companies publicly on a regular basis.

The Board of Supervisors is currently considering a Zoning Ordinance Re-write (ZOR) to which I strongly object.

The ZOR is an issue that is very important to all residents of Loudoun County, and the process they are going through now should be stopped and handled by the next Board of Supervisors. The ZOR is overly prescriptive, and the Board will be signaling that Loudoun County is closed for business if it moves forward in its current form. The ZOR is long and requires more time to process and evaluate. This rush to approve needs to end, and a more careful and thoughtful review needs to take place by the next Board.

We have to recognize that zoning changes have a significant impact on property rights, investment confidence and the financial future of our county. We should not be making changes that will stifle investment. We need a stable zoning code that is designed to foster business growth and not just meet the needs of special interests.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

GARY KATZ (R) - CHAIR-AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

The LCPS budget is the single biggest expense for our county. We obviously need to pay close attention to how that money is being spent. Although the school board is an independent body, we must work together as a collective county leadership team to ensure communication pathways are open, engender trust, and work in the best interests of the community. As Chair, I would request to meet with the Superintendent every quarter to discuss the school system and the progress and challenges it is facing.

I will also advocate for creating an Office of the Inspector General so there is continuous oversight of County offices, to include LCSB/LCPS. Simply put, we should never again get to the point where a gubernatorial executive order or Special Grand Jury is required to achieve transparency and accountability in Loudoun County.

We must never lose sight of the fact that our public school system has many significant economic implications that impact our county. New businesses won’t relocate to Loudoun County if they believe that our school system is too polarizing and politicalized. If the school system loses its stature as an effective educational institution, it will have a negative effect on residential real estate values as well.

Reliable transportation is essential to a healthy community and economy as we grow, so I ultimately do support this level of priority. We need to prioritize projects that will have the greatest impact on improving roads and enhancing transportation options while also working closely with the State and Federal government to get as much funding as possible to support this. The County has paid for these projects in the past as a function of necessity then State and Federal funding wasn’t provided. While I would like to explore getting more of these funds if available, we cannot wait for this to happen and so it is incumbent on the county to continue funding this directly as a result.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MIKE TURNER (D)* - ASHBURN DISTRICT

I don’t accept the implication that short-sighted policy decisions willfully contributed to the housing shortage, though all policy decisions often have unintended consequences. Every county in the nation is experiencing attainable housing shortages. The fact that Loudoun County has been the fastest growing county in Virginia for more than two decades certainly exacerbated attainable housing challenges.

My top three housing priorities are incentivizing affordable housing through innovative design, expanding accessibility through grant programs like down payment and closing cost assistance, and significantly expanding and streamlining accessory dwelling unit options. I’m encouraged we are very close to achieving our annual attainable housing goals established in the plan for its first two years despite a very aggressive schedule.

For almost 20 years, data center growth has been essentially unmanaged. No one could have predicted the explosive growth of data centers in the past 5-7 years, but it’s here now, and it’s essential the Board of Supervisors (BOS) reassert strategic direction over this growth. I am bringing an item to the September Transportation and Land Use Committee that will recommend that the Board of Supervisors direct staff to amend the Comprehensive Plan and develop an accompanying underlying zoning ordinance as a top priority to clearly delineate where data center growth can and should continue in the county. This should stabilize commercial property values and create predictability for the data center industry enabling a more diverse commercial economy to develop.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MIKE TURNER (D)* - ASHBURN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

The county should play a pivotal role in creating and funding childcare affordability programs. This should come in the form of increased grants to our nonprofit partners. I have spoken to county staff about the BOS establishing, at the start of each budget cycle, preemptive programmatic priorities for “excess” annual data center personal property tax revenue from computer equipment exceeding baseline budget expectations. Increased funding for childcare programs could be one of those preemptive priorities.

Lesson #1: don’t wait 20 years to update our Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance. The last plan was updated in 2001 and the zoning ordinance in 2003. The 2008-2011 BOS and certainly the 2012-2015 BOS should have updated both the plan and the ordinance in accordance with Virginia code. Sidestepping the intent of the code by calling every CPAM and ZOAM an update was inappropriate. Furthermore, updating the plan every five years as an entire project is impractical. Staff has recommended that 2024 be a year to propose ZOAMs to fine-tune the ZOR, then, beginning in 2025, have the BOS update both the plan and the zoning ordinance two chapters at a time on a rolling basis each year.

The full BOS and the Loudoun County School Boards should meet formally once a quarter to discuss key issues facing both boards to enable each board to gain an understanding of how we might work more effectively together to arrive at mutually supportive decisions. These should not be committee meetings, but full Board meetings held in each board room on an alternating basis. I believe a more regularized collaboration protocol will lead to innovative solutions for many very challenging issues.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MIKE TURNER (D)* - ASHBURN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

I believe our transportation CIP projects are driven by the level of service ratings for each road. This level of service is linked to travel times and accidents. A level of service below “D” indicates a change is needed. The type of change is the key. Too often, we “induce demand” by simply widening roads when mass transit, multi-mode, or incentivized telecommuting options might solve the problem just as well and far less expensively. I believe DTCI staff is open to more innovative methods of managing road congestion, and the BOS needs to constantly encourage those types of solutions.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

TUMAY HARDING (R) - ASHBURN DISTRICT

The county failed to stand up a dedicated division till just last Fall when the Department of Housing and Community Development was made. As of now, the department receives 1/2 penny from sales tax which comes to about $10$15 million a year. Most of their revenue is supplemented through grants. I would help support the program through more funding, with clear oversight through the DHCD. A zoning ordinance rewrite where more homes are created that meet the needs of Loudoun County families. Currently the wait on purchasing a home through affordable housing is 3 years. I would like to change that wait time to a more acceptable timetable of 1-2 years.

TAX REVENUE / DATA CENTERS

Data Centers are a large part of Loudoun County’s revenue, and helpful in keeping our property taxes down. But there needs to be better planning. Ashburn in particular is seeing the effects of rapid development due to the high volume of Data Center Development. As the nexus of our county’s Data Centers, I propose Ashburn receive greater investment to beautify our parks and green spaces to create a better balance of industry and nature.

Data Centers should also be placed further back from the roads with a tree line buffer providing a more pleasing aesthetic. Let’s create more incentives for small businesses. The tax hit on small businesses is higher this year, making it challenging for small businesses to thrive as well as challenging for the employees that are supporting them. Just last week, at Bakers Crust restaurant, our bill had a 3.5% charge titled as “transfer fee” which was explained to me as an adjustment fee to offset the cost of inflation.

In order to attract more businesses, we need to create better incentives and encourage collaboration with county government. We need to work with our small businesses in order to keep local businesses thriving. Small businesses create jobs.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

TUMAY HARDING (R) - ASHBURN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

We need to work on more commonsense hours for schools. Right now, we have elementary aged children at the bus stop at 6:50 am. During the winter months, the streetlights are still on. Let’s create more affordable, after school programs that are enriching the lives of our children while their parents are working hard to support their families. Let’s give the parents and children a choice. Our Parks and Rec Department is phenomenal. Let’s bring the after school, tennis, soccer, and basketball programs to the schools. Lifting the burden off the parents after they get home from a long day of work and enriching the children at the same time through physical health programs.

We need better planning. I have knocked on over 1,000 doors and I am continuously hearing about people’s concerns of Dominion Energy’s plan to put up 500 kV lines on route 7 and route 28 and along Belmont Ridge Road. These are all due to “high need of power” in these areas. These areas are also high-density Data Center areas. We also need a better balance between, urbanization and green space. I propose that the Board have more conversations with the public and make it easier for the public to be aware of these issues before they arise. Listen to the publics concerns and then come to a better agreement on those needs.

The Board of Supervisors hold the purse strings. Currently, $1.6 Billion is allocated to the school budget, and this money is rubber stamped to the schools. The Board of Supervisors and School Board need to work together and create a better check and balance type of relationship.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

The school board currently is spending more money on administrative costs such as extra lawyers and administrators at the county level instead of spending the money on the students. Our students are behind in their learning. SOL scores are down, and higher-level learning classes are being removed from the class selection as well as not holding students responsible for homework assignments or missed work. How can a student do absolutely no work at all and yet leave that class with a 60% average? The average cost per student has gone up 25% in the past 4 years while SOL scores have dropped 10% over the same period. We are failing our children and we are not setting them up for success in college. There is a decline in the number of students, yet there is a rise on the “per student” spending which the administrative costs are also figured into. The Board of Supervisors needs to bring accountability back to the school board and stop funding self-serving pet projects at the cost of our children.

I believe transportation is a proper top priority for the County as it is for every citizen. I think proper planning and transparency are of greatest concerns to the public. Their concern is justified by our empty Metro lines, rising tolls, vacant bus stops and arbitrarily placed bike lanes that seem rarely used.

When I talk with people, they are most concerned about traffic congestion, high tolls, and nobody that I have spoken to yet is interested in doing a family bike ride to soccer practice at 6:00pm in the middle of traffic hour after a long day of school and work. Nor will they be taking the bus to go grocery shopping or to a sick child visit at the doctor’s office. Loudoun County residents are in need of common-sense solutions, not self-serving pet projects.

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TUMAY HARDING (R) - ASHBURN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

JULI BRISKMAN (D)* - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT

Previous boards approved mainly single-family home developments, which served only the wealthiest. Additionally, previous zoning decisions have allowed a plethora of data center development, which has driven up land values. The high cost of land in the county squeezes out other types of development, including residential, office, industrial. So some of our issues are market driven, by rising land values and low inventory.

However, we did create a new policy area, UPA, that should incentivize more dense residential development. It will be a priority for me to make sure we have appropriate dense housing development around the Metro stations. Also, this board created the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan. This plan calls for investments in more affordable housing for our county, buy down programs, down payment programs, retention programs etc. We now have our first ever housing director and housing department.

In my work chairing the Committee on Committees, we aligned the mission and bylaws for the Housing Advisory Board to keep us accountable to the strategic plan. It will be a priority for me to make sure we do that and check off everything on the strategic plan list of actions. Lastly, the new Zoning Ordinance will call for a higher percentage of attainable housing in new development. As we finalize the ZOR, it will be a priority for me to make sure we are setting the county up for success on affordable housing for all, in an equitable manner aligned with the values of our population.

We can’t continue to build new data centers and expect to diversify our economy. I have been working on ways to pump the brakes on data center development for several years as I initiated the remapping project via our

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

Department of Economic Development. Data centers are paying so much for land now that other industry is being squeezed out of Loudoun County. Additionally, the amount of revenue they are generating, while great for the tax rate, must be managed for us to be fiscally responsible. No jurisdiction should have one industry contributing 40% of the business tax revenue.

I have no interest tearing down data centers. I want to keep the ones we have and the ones in the pipeline. I want us to have a good working relationship with the data center community and make sure our residents understand the benefits. But to diversify our economy, we must incentivize other industry and businesses. We have started the new Launch Loudoun for small businesses and conducted two overseas economic mission trips to attract new and more interesting businesses to Loudoun that will enrich us culturally and economically.

This is a national problem. A year of childcare now costs more than a year of college! It’s absolutely unsustainable and bad for business. We have childcare “deserts” in Eastern Loudoun and around Leesburg. A recent report showed that Loudoun is 2,700 seats short for childcare for ages 0-6, costing us $136 million in annual revenue because some parents and guardians cannot get in/stay in the workforce.

I initiated the countywide childcare needs assessment and worked to set aside $2.25 million in ARPA funds to conduct the assessment, train our providers to the new Virginia Standards and reserve $2 million for pilot programs and to drive down costs for Loudoun families. I have also made sure that the childcare issue is included in our state and federal legislative agendas. This cannot all be solved at the local level. We need a national initiative for universal pre-K. Having said that, I am open to any local initiatives to solve this problem because we will be more attractive to employees and employers if our county has solved the problem of quality, affordable childcare!! It was a big part of our conversation at the Metro Washington Council of Governments Leadership Retreat this month. So we know, regionally we can win on this issue if we work solve it for the benefit of employers, employees, families and general quality of life for working parents.

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JULI BRISKMAN (D)* - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

I have learned that the process is taking much longer than we thought it would. We were definitely waylaid by the COVID Pandemic. But also, we have had a very active board bringing initiatives and an active development community bringing land use applications that have stressed our system and staff. I am looking forward to digging into the ZOR, along with my Planning Commissioner, as we work through each chapter this Fall.

For the future, it’s important not to wait 20 years before revising our zoning and general plan. The legacy zoning has created several “loopholes” that have been detrimental to our control of land use in the county. I still think that we should do the projects together and not divide it up by county policy areas or chapters. We are one county and what happens in one area, impacts all of us.

We have a joint committee with BOS and BOD members. I sit on that board and have been able to move some initiatives forward, such as lining tennis courts for pickle ball when they are resurfaced; free bus passes for students in middle and high school; influencing changes to the SRO memorandum of understanding so that all SROs receive trauma-informed training that focuses on the teen population and we adjusted the policy on when SROs can stop, question and question students without parental or guardian permission.

Having said that, much of this comes down to having good relations with our duly elected counterparts on the school board. The BOS cannot control policy, such as whether schools are opened or closed, staff training policy, student code, curriculum policy etc. The county residents elect school board members to represent them and make those decisions independently without influence from the BOS. Our history shows that this is the best to govern in a county like ours.

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JULI BRISKMAN (D)* - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

JULI BRISKMAN (D)* - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

In the past, the BOS controlled who was appointed to the school board and that was when we stole land from the black community and participated in massive resistance. I don’t think anybody wants to go back to the time that we had only one governing body over the entire county. But we can work closely with our counterparts and foster a good relationship so that we keep lines of communication open.

I was finally able to convince the BOD to fund athletic fees, for example, so no family has to choose between paying the electric bill and allowing their child to participate in sports. I am very proud of that and the fact that I have been able to keep a good relationship with our school board counterparts despite the fake culture wars and political attacks on public education.

I would like to see us focus more on transit options and multimodal forms of transportation and less on roads. If we are to solve the climate crisis and transform key areas of the county to walkable, bikeable communities, we need to commit ourselves to supporting multimodal forms of transportation. We must also make sure Metro stays solvent. We have been working through this a little bit on the Metro Washington Council of Governments.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

DEBBIE ROSE (R) - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT

Loudoun County’s failure to make comprehensive county-wide policy decisions for land use have negatively impacted the availability of housing options for all Loudoun residents. I support efforts to create and maintain a variety of housing options available for Loudoun County residents. To address Loudoun’s attainable housing shortage, I would focus on promoting housing assistance and new home-buyer education programs, reducing unnecessary zoning costs for developers who pass them on to buyers, and consistent oversight of the affordable housing programs to ensure current needs are met and avoid fraud or abuse.

TAX REVENUE / DATA CENTERS

Loudoun County should continue to support the current data center market as it provides significant value to the county revenue. However, future data centers should not be located near residential neighborhoods and requirements for design and landscaping features should be continued to make the buildings more aesthetically appealing. We are fortunate that Loudoun County has a strong economic foundation upon which to build. Successfully growing the economy requires being intentional in diversification of the commercial businesses located in the county.

The Loudoun Chamber articulated several important strategies to achieve this goal in its 2023 Policy Position Paper. While I strongly support these positions, I am particularly in agreement that changes must be made to the zoning ordinance to make the process more user friendly and efficient. Incentives are also effective bringing new businesses to Loudoun. Loudoun County should focus incentive programs on recent graduates of Loudoun County high schools

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

to bring skilled trade businesses to the County. New developments in Loudoun are moving to a mixed-use format. These developments will blend businesses from across industries, bringing in additional diversification necessary to increase the commercial tax revenue.

Loudoun County already provides a range of childcare services and resources for low-income households. Before Loudoun County decides if it should or could expand those programs or add new services, there must be reliable data proving the need exists. Currently, there is still space available in some of the day care and pre-school programs. In addition, the increase in opportunities for remote work, flexible hours, and job-sharing programs are designed to meet the need for equitable access to employment. More data would be necessary to determine if the current marketplace is not meeting the needs of Loudoun County residents who need childcare to enter the workforce.

The zoning ordinance review has lacked meaningful input from all stakeholders and has been hindered by a regional focus rather than doing a comprehensive review. Before the next review, I would propose structural and staff changes to the zoning and planning boards. The departments do not collaborate or communicate well, they are inefficient, and in need of more experienced staff. The Board of Supervisors should hire a consultant to analyze the departments and make recommendations for changes. Without these structural changes, the next review will undoubtedly suffer some of the same issues as the past reviews. Regardless of whether there are revisions to departmental procedures, Loudoun County needs to do a better job of obtaining input from all stakeholders in developing the next zoning ordinance.

74 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

DEBBIE ROSE (R) - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

It is important that the two Boards work collaboratively toward the mutual goal of providing the opportunity for an excellent public-school education to all students in a safe learning environment. The Board of Supervisors has the ability to more meaningfully engage with LCPS and stakeholder groups than is done in the current budget process. The Board of Supervisors can do two things to have a more influence on LCPS policies and decisions.

First, the Board of Supervisors should engage in more active oversight of LCPS programs and expenditures. The current joint committee of the two boards could employ a greater amount of scrutiny on the effectiveness of LCPS programs and the utilization of resource inventory.

Next, the two boards should establish quarterly meetings with public comment where they discuss issues ranging from current hot topics to future building needs. As a former Loudoun County School Board member, I believe I will be particularly effective in assisting the Board of Supervisors to have meaningful impact on the LCPS policy making process and administration.

The transportation projects on Loudoun County’s CIP are critical and funding for them should be continued. Connectivity within Loudoun County and to the surrounding jurisdictions is foundational to businesses, bused students, emergency responders, and quality of life.

75 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

DEBBIE ROSE (R) - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

SYLVIA GLASS (D)* - BROAD RUN DISTRICT

I believe having slow growth policies in the early 2000’s, waiting approximately fifteen years to revise the Comprehensive Plan and another three years to be in near completion of the zoning ordinance contributed to the attainable housing shortage. The top three strategies that I would like to address in the next term is to 1) have dedicated tax revenue to the Housing Trust Fund and 2) increase the number of housing units for families in the 30%-70% AMI. As we go through the process of the zoning ordinance, we should 3) not allow our ordinance to become overly restrictive that it becomes a barrier to build needed multifamily units.

TAX

REVENUE

DATA CENTERS

Data centers have become a critical infrastructure in our lives and are vital to the continuity of an organization’s daily operations. They play a pivotal role in our economy, driving innovation, enabling connectivity, and supporting various industries. Data centers have helped in the expansion of our local economy. I am very supportive of the data center industry. However, we are losing commercial office sites and the placement of data centers near residential neighborhoods are becoming more common.

My approach to data centers is guided by the principles of responsible growth, sustainability, and community engagement. I aim to strike a balance between supporting the expansion of data center infrastructure and ensuring environmental stewardship. Having our Department of Economic Development to work with the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance will help bring in national and international businesses to our region which will help many aspects of our economy.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

I am on the National Association of County’s Human Services and Education committee. This is an important topic in all counties, boroughs, and parishes of our country. Childcare policies must recognize that the majority of mothers with young children are employed at least during a portion of the child’s early years. High-quality childcare services are needed to ensure that we meet the developmental needs of children. Public childcare resources such as licensing and monitoring of providers, information and referral, and assistance in selecting appropriate care, should be available to all, without regard to income or resources. Local licensing laws should be carefully monitored to ensure adequacy of facilities and caretakers.

I have learned stakeholders’ expertise in the discussion and the input of the community are an important part of the process in guiding the zoning ordinance. I also learned that while the Comprehensive Plan tends to be aspirational, the codification of the actual requirements in a zoning code provides developers more insight on the community’s priorities, such as having more walkable, active, and connected communities. I also feel I have much more to learn since we have not finished the process. I propose to review the Comprehensive Plan every five years and have changes codified soon after the review if necessary.

The Loudoun County School Board is an elected body of officials with an Administration that follows LCPS rules and regulations. I believe having open conversations regarding school policies and decisions, that includes educators, staff, parents, and students, is the way to bring about influence.

77 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

SYLVIA GLASS (D)* - BROAD RUN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

Yes, I believe this level of priority is still important for Loudoun County. We continue to be a fast-growing community and connectivity is needed in the growing areas such as Ashburn, Brambleton and South Riding. The county continues to work on items such as Safe Passages to School, mass transit accessibility to be ADA compliant, as well as expand, connect, and better maintain our roadways.

78 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

SYLVIA GLASS (D)* - BROAD RUN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MICHELLE SUTTLE (R) - BROAD RUN DISTRICT

Loudoun County is a desirable place to live, and the attainable housing shortage is the result of a complex interplay of various factors, including policy decisions, markets dynamics and population growth. Most of the region has had difficulty in keeping up with the demand for housing, despite efforts to address it. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple strategies – such as incentivizing affordable housing development, encouraging mixed-income developments, and collaborating with private organizations and non-profits to pool resources and expertise. I will support programs and efforts to close the gap, in keeping with the majority of community interests and the betterment of the county.

I will support the continued efforts of the County’s Economic Development Department, as I believe Buddy Rizer and his staff are primary drivers of the data center success in our County. Strategies could include encouraging renewable energy adoption and establishing the county as a hub for cybersecurity solutions and services, leveraging the data center infrastructure to support and protect businesses across multiple sectors. I will engage early and regularly with the chamber, community residents and businesses regarding their views on any strategies being considered.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MICHELLE SUTTLE (R) - BROAD RUN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

I feel the County offers excellent childcare options through different County programs, such as at the County’s community recreation centers and schools. Therefore, I would encourage expansion of those programs where needed, as well as encourage and support public-private partnerships and collaboration toward that end.

I believe it is important to engage the community early and conduct a large-scale survey before embarking on making any changes in the next Comprehensive Plan review. Transparent communication with the community about the process, progress, and proposed changes fosters trust and understanding and is essential as zoning decisions can have a significant impact on the livelihood and well-being of residents and businesses alike.

I will work to establish respectful, civil, and collegial relationships with all School Board and Administration members. It is critical to establish effective working relationships, as they are necessary for any influence to occur. Every Board member has a responsibility to establish and maintain open lines of communication and to work together to establish shared goals and a vision for the county’s educational outcomes. In addition, the Board of Supervisors has oversight authority over all county funds and should ensure productive engagement with the School Board and Administration in this oversight capacity.

80 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MICHELLE SUTTLE (R) - BROAD RUN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

The percentage should not matter, but rather whether all the primary funding needs across the County are being met with the amount allocated, or whether that percentage allocation is negatively affecting other priority CIP projects. The CIP is going to change from year to year based on County Board, staff, and discussions with the public on all the needs to be met. This is a fast-growing, dynamically changing County, where areas of transportation needs can change quickly, and I will support the level of investment in transportation in keeping with the level of need at that time.

81 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MATT LETOURNEAU (R)* - DULLES DISTRICT

I think the biggest factor was the gap in time between adopting Comprehensive Plans. The 2019 Plan recognized housing challenges with revisions designed to address them, but by then much of the housing stock had been built and options are now more limited.

The strategies that I favor are

1) smaller single-family units. The Comprehensive Plan envisions new product types that consist of smaller, SFD housing. There is great demand in the County for SFD housing, but many of those homes that are built now are larger and if they are by-right, sit on a lot of land. Smaller single-family homes would be more attainable and serve as longer-term entry-level homes for younger families. Similarly, the new product types created in the Transition Compact Neighborhood place type, like quads, should be given a chance to succeed in the market. So far, we’ve only really seen one application with this product which is now currently being built.

2) Streamline the LIHTC process. Ensure that deadlines are compatible with the land use process and that the length of review doesn’t delay consideration of applications, 3) buildout of the Urban Policy Area. The density envisioned in the Urban Policy Area will include smaller units and attract different demographics to Loudoun--younger workers that will bring diversity of the workforce. Plan policies do include set asides for ADUs and the sheer volume of the build out will bring a significant number of units online.

One of the biggest risks to the long-term growth of data centers is public pushback. It is worthwhile to understand the legitimate concerns that the public has about data centers. I put this in two categories: 1) data centers that have community impacts, either because they have been built too close to homes, or because they lack appropriate

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MATT LETOURNEAU (R)* - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

design, setbacks, and noise mitigation, and 2) frustration that data centers are the “only” type of development that Loudoun is attracting.

To address #1, in cases where the Board has discretion, we should be judicious in where we allow data center growth. I voted against several data center applications precisely because they were adjacent to residential communities, which creates a negative experience for those residents and has a broader, negative impact on the industry as a whole (as evidenced by the Washington Post story earlier this summer, which featured a by-right data center built directly next to a neighborhood.) We certainly should NOT pursue policies like Transfer of Development Rights for data centers, which would enable more data centers to be built by-right in densely populated areas. The Board has signaled its intent to undertake a data center ZOAM that will establish both the areas in which the County should see data center growth and design and setback requirements to ensure that they are integrated into the community.

In the case of #2, it is a matter of diversifying our economy. We are currently losing some older office product in the Sterling area which is being converted to data center, and that means that small businesses are being pushed out of Loudoun with nowhere to go. Trophy office space near Metro stations will help us diversify, but it is not economical for the types of businesses in these buildings, so we need to ensure that we do have some products, even if it is flex, for them to move to.

Right now, our office vacancy rate is extremely low, and we lack options for prospective businesses. Projects like Rivana and Silver District will help address that, and the approval of the Rivana CDA gives us a great opportunity to being full scale recruitment efforts for that project. In the southern part of the County, the build out of mixed-use projects like Avonlea and Cedar Terrace will help bring amenities--dining and retail--to a part of the County that lacks options, and will help counter the perception that only data centers are being built in the County.

83 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MATT LETOURNEAU (R)* - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

I was the author of a County/PRCS policy to establish means testing for County-run childcare facilities. While it is important that we have a full spectrum of childcare options, including those in the private sector and in homes, County facilities tend to be less expensive than private ones. I wanted to make sure that slots were available for those with less resources in need of childcare. It has been about a decade since my proposal was enacted, and we should revisit that program to ensure that it is working as intended and that the guidelines are appropriate for the needs of the workforce. In the last several years, the Board streamlined the approval process for at-home daycare. It is essential that we ensure they are safe and meet standards, but we also do not need to put applicants through a lengthy and expensive regulatory process.

The County is seeking to conduct a childcare needs assessment, which the Board allocated funds for, but staff had difficulty in procurement. Such a study is still a high priority and staff is evaluating options on how to get it done.

It is obviously very important to obtain input from a wide variety of stakeholders, but in my opinion both the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment processes were elongated and front-heavy--leading to a rushed process for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. The Board should be more targeted and provide clear timelines and expectations when setting up stakeholder groups. As I recently raised at a Board meeting, next year will be the 5-year anniversary of the Comprehensive Plan. We cannot go another 20 years without updates.

I propose that we take up Comprehensive Plan updates in chunks, based on geographic area of place types, which would allow for a more focused discussion on issues and a better process. I think there are plenty of issues that have emerged from the 2019 plan--which is only natural--and we should begin regular cadence of updates as soon as the Zoning Ordinance is finished.

84 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MATT LETOURNEAU (R)* - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

It has been a tumultuous 4 years for Loudoun County Public Schools. Within this term, we have seen 4 different Superintendents and a divided School Board. The mishandling of sexual assault allegations has created gaps in trust with the community, which the School Board’s lack of transparency and failure to release even an Executive Summary of its internal investigation have only exacerbated. 2024 will represent the opportunity for a reset. Dr. Spence has experience in large school districts, and the vast majority of the School Board will be new. The Board of Supervisors must respect the role of the School Board to make decisions about the operation of the school system.

However, I believe that both sides should execute the revenue sharing proposal that the County proposed. Doing so would lead to greater clarity for budgeting and reduce rancor. The School Board would still have the opportunity to ask for additional funding beyond the amount in revenue sharing, but it would be a targeted discussion based on specific proposals. The Board and the public would have transparency on what the additional amount would be for and the Board could weigh it against other priorities.

Throughout all the challenges, I maintained a good relationship with my School Board Representative, and though we didn’t always see eye to eye, we always had respectful, regular conversations about the work of our Boards. I will continue that approach with the new Dulles School Board Representative and hope that it can be a model for other districts.

Yes, absolutely. For over decade, infrastructure did not keep pace with the rate of growth in Loudoun. Nowhere is this more apparent than Dulles South. The Board has appropriately invested to transform Route 7, which has made a tangible difference in the lives of commuters in that corridor. Now, the same investment and focus is needed for Route 50.

85 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

MATT LETOURNEAU (R)* - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

I have been a champion for two specific game-changing projects--upgrading Loudoun County Parkway/Route 50 to an interchange and building the Route 50 Northern Collector Road from Tall Cedars Parkway to Air and Space Parkway/Route 28 in Fairfax County.

A recent update to the Route 50 corridor study affirms how essential the collector road project is, especially given long term construction at Dulles Airport which will be accessed via Stonecroft on Route 50. The Braddock Road corridor is also seeing a great deal of growth, and we have projects underway that I initiated to increase capacity on Braddock. I also worked with VDOT to find a solution to the Braddock Road “S” Curve in Fairfax County that is chokepoint for Loudoun residents. The Board has invested in Metro, and as one of two Virginia Metro Board Members and the Chairman of the Metro Board’s Finance and Capital Committee, I am fully engaged to improve Metro’s operations, safety, and reliability. Since our decision to hire Randy Clarke a year ago, we’ve seen a true transformation.

Now, the region must come together for a long-term operating and capital funding solution. Loudoun’s future planning depends on Metro, and it is too important to fail. Investment in transportation means investing in quality of life and even the environment. Congestion leads to more vehicle emissions and time spent in the car. Since our decision to dedicate a half penny for transportation projects in the very beginning of my first term, we have transformed the County by building long delayed and badly needed projects. Now is not the time to back off. The fastest growth areas of the County like Dulles South still need our attention, and if I’m re-elected you can be sure that I will continue to lead the fight.

86 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

PUJA KHANNA (D) - DULLES DISTRICT

There are several decisions that have contributed to the deficit in attainable housing needs, here I will highlight a few key ones:

* Large home sites and large planned developments. Loudoun has a large inventory of large homes, large home sites and large PUDs which by its very nature tend to have very expensive homes and require a level of income far above AMI for people to be able to buy homes there. Cases in point - Brambleton, South Riding, Willowsford Farm.

* Supply and demand - demand for housing far outstrips supply. This is happening nationally but also locally. As the county has continued to develop at a breakneck speed, the demand for housing from teachers, firefighters, police officers etc. has not kept pace with supply. This is a straight failure in planning. Teachers, firefighters, and police officers cannot afford to live in the communities they serve!

* Transportation. The county has favored development and while developers are asked to provide proffers, there is no thought to planning or building a safe, accessible and affordable public transportation system. Large PUDs favor car dependent communities.

* Lack of walkable neighborhoods - again being car dependent, pedestrian safety has never been a priority and building walkable neighborhoods and/or focus on pedestrian safety is completely missing.

Strategies I will favor:

* Work with state and federal lawmakers and officials to secure funding and resources. The current supervisor for Dulles treats this job as a part time gig. He has no time to build meaningful, long term relationships with state and federal law-makers and officials. I will change this by being a full time supervisor for the district and focus on building the relationships necessary to move the county forward towards obtaining resources that will help increase supply of ADUs.

* Smart development and growth. Some of the key elements of that will be to build denser, walkable neighborhoods, infill development, co-locating housing close to transportation hubs and employment centers and building co-living communities.

87 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

PUJA KHANNA (D) - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

* Work with the industry to substantially increase supply of housing overall and ADUs in particular. The Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (ADUAB)’s decision to remove the ADU exemption for certain Multifamily unit developments was a good step towards addressing our ADU needs. However, more needs to be done considering that only one community in the Dulles District, the Elms at Arcola, is currently participating in the rental ADU Program.

* Develop a safe, accessible, affordable and sustainable public transportation system. As the wealthiest county in the nation, this should be a no-brainer especially considering that EVs offer a huge reduction in maintenance and upkeep costs even though their initial costs are higher.

TAX

REVENUE / DATA CENTERS

We all love data centers! :) As of January 2023 - Loudoun County already has 130 commissioned data centers. An estimated 100 more are going to be built by-right. That is a huge number by any comparison. The industry is doing fine. The “explosive growth” you mention is leading to many concerns. What needs to happen is for the residents of the county to appreciate the value this industry provides and for them to feel that data centers are good neighbors.

One of the ways in which some of the concerns can be alleviated is by ensuring new data centers are not too close to residential areas and preferably located in industrial zones. The county also needs diversity in businesses, especially small and medium sized businesses a lot of which were negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is demand and opportunity in Loudoun County for more restaurants, recreation, and experiential services. SMBs are great generators of employment and I believe that we need to create more opportunity zones and work with the SBA to encourage creation, funding, and development of small businesses.

88 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

PUJA KHANNA (D) - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Loudoun County has several great programs, there is

* Licensed Day Care Programs,

* Licensed Preschool Programs,

* County After School Activities (CASA),

* Youth After School Activities and

* Summer Camps.

AFAIK, these programs are usually oversubscribed so there is a need to hire more staff and increase capacity. Since the pandemic, childcare or lack thereof has been elevated to a national concern. This is also impacting Loudoun County, and to increase availability of childcare facilities and workers, I think that the County should work with the state to streamline regulations for facilities, either home based or commercial.

The County should look to add a publicly funded universal pre-k program, followed by expanded and affordable programs like CASA. We also need to provide more funding to the local programs, as well as enable need-based, reduced fee support for families where the parent(s) can demonstrate their limited means as well as evidence of a job which requires them to seek childcare so they may work and support their kids. State and federal support should be sought for such a program.

It has taken a really long time after the board voted to rewrite the ordinances to actually have a substantial draft to review. To me that is the key lesson here, that the complexity of the issues was under-estimated. Other lessons for me:

89 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

PUJA KHANNA (D) - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

* We need more public input, not less. People have opinions but they are also the closest to the issues in their areas.

* Simplicity and clarity are a good thing to ensure everyone understands what is required to be compliant.

* Water resources and overall conservation are a good goal to have, there needs to be some balance in development and land use. Preventing vast amounts of land from any development in rural western portions only means that other parts of the county will see larger pressures on available land, increase in land values and reduced overall affordability.

* Affordable housing needs to be a countywide focus. I would prefer to locate ADUs close to transportation and employment hubs but we need to be strategic in using some of the available land so there is increased supply.

* There is a total lack of focus on dealing with impacts of climate change. Nothing is currently built to withstand heat of the scale we are seeing now in several parts of the world. Flash floods, torrential rains, winds and wildfires are other hazards that we can expect to see more of and yet nothing in the ordinances is considered to plan for those.

Loudoun County School Board members are elected by the residents from each district in the same way they elect members of the Board of Supervisors. It is an independent body accountable to the people for the performance of the schools and educational outcomes. School board members are peers of the members of the BoS and as such, the best way is to mutually agree to work together in the best interests of the children and to ensure great outcomes. There are some examples of this, such as the Comprehensive Services Act for At-risk Youth Fund (CSA). Good ideas that will lead to great outcomes will need funding and support and the BoS can act to provide that.

As per the Fiscal Year 2023 Adopted Loudoun County Budget, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which spans FY 2023 through FY 2028 - County projects comprise 37% of total CIP expenditures, followed by transportation at 36% and LCPS projects at 27%. Admittedly, it is still the single largest line item in terms of capital

90 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

PUJA KHANNA (D) - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

investments by the County, especially since transportation here usually means “roads” for all practical intent. We need an all-of-the-above approach towards solving the issues in the county.

* Development in Dulles, Ashburn district has happened at a very fast pace while facilities, services have been ignored. Public transportation is essentially non-existent. The county is basically a large bedroom community and wholly car dependent. Walkability is basically zero. Pedestrian safety including bicycle riders is non-existent.

* Construction of schools in my experience is seriously lagging behind development of new residential communities leading to overcrowding of existing schools. My own kids got zoned and rezoned into 3 different elementary schools!

* Developing and attracting small and medium businesses which were negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be a priority in my view. We need to work with the SBA to create more opportunity zones and encourage creation, funding, and development of small businesses especially minority and/or women owned businesses.

* It is clear to me also that there is a total lack of focus on dealing with impacts of climate change. Nothing is currently built to withstand heat of the scale we are seeing now in several parts of the world. Flash floods, torrential rains, winds and wildfires are other hazards that we can expect to see more of and yet there is nothing in the plans for these contingencies

* Mental health and community health resources also need to be expanded. The pandemic exposed the dire situation in terms of mental and emotional health especially amongst teens and young adults. * No one, especially children should have to go hungry! CARES act funding has ended, cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years and schools have had to cut back on free meals programs. There is evidence to show more kids are going hungry now as a result.

* The county has started to consider funding for affordable dwelling units. It is a drop in the bucket for a problem that is gargantuan in nature. When most teachers, fire fighters, nurses and police officers that serve the county’s residents cannot afford to live here, we have a serious problem.

* Electric, water and sewer rates continue to climb. Dominion Energy’s effective rates for 1 Kwh of power for residential customers including “riders” for fuel led to an increase of 13% from May 2021 to Feb 2023. Similarly, rates for water and sewer service in Loudoun County have seen increases of 3.5% on a yearly basis, sometimes higher than the rate of inflation since 2019.

91 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

CALEB KERSHNER (R)* - CATOCTIN DISTRICT

Providing affordable housing in Loudoun County is a persistent and ongoing challenge. Loudoun has taken great strides to prioritize our affordable housing needs. We have established the Department of Housing and Community Development, dedicated one-half cent of real property tax rate to affordable housing, and approved the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan. We are meeting our annual attainable housing goals each year.

Currently, we are in the process of accepting applications for the Affordable Multi-Family Housing Loan Program for for-profit and nonprofit affordable housing developers to develop long-term, affordable multi-family rental housing units. In our next term we need to work toward attaining our annual attainable housing goals (500 units for 2024 & 2025 and 700 units for 2026 & 2027), examine the land development approval process and consider methods for expediting applications that support affordable housing when those applications meet certain criteria, and evaluate the potential of offsetting land development and permitting fees for certain affordable housing projects.

I support the continued growth and vitality of this important County partner. However, Loudoun’s data center industry requires regulatory certainty. In my opinion, this includes being able to rely on a stable tax rate that doesn’t wildly fluctuate and adequate infrastructure to support operations. It is also important to balance the growth of industry while not adversely impacting residential developments. I believe the industry agrees with this balance as well.

92 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

CALEB KERSHNER (R)* - CATOCTIN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Childcare / Workforce Development - What role should the County play in increasing capacity and the affordability of childcare in ways that ensures all parents have equitable access to employment opportunities while creating greater workforce stability for our employers?

Approving additional childcare facilities in the County is an effective way to provide more childcare providers throughout Loudoun. I would support fast-tracking these applications.

I do not believe the Zoning Ordinance should be rushed through this year because it’s an election year. It seems to me that inordinate amounts of time have been spent at the beginning of the process for both the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance leaving little time for Supervisors to review these key governing documents for the County. We are already at the time frame to begin reviewing the Comprehensive Plan. Going forward, the County should review a section of the Comprehensive Plan each year and simultaneously make the correlating Zoning Ordinance changes.

LCPS is an autonomous body under Virginia State Code so the Board of Supervisors has very little direct influence over school board policy. Without question, there needs to be a better working relationship between the two Boards. More transparency in the LCPS budget process will help that effort. The nature of the relationship in large part is determined by the Chairs of each body. For the next Boards I would encourage more conversations between individual members and the Boards themselves.

93 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

CALEB KERSHNER (R)* - CATOCTIN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Transportation is a critical priority for Loudoun County given the County’s continued growth and congestion. I support this strategy. A strong transportation system is critical for our residents and our businesses. It’s also important for Dulles Airport, another important County partner, as they look to expand their cargo facility.

94 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

JOHN ELLIS (I) - CATOCTIN DISTRICT

The shortage is national and is not solely attributable to what the County has or has not done. However, decades of poor land-use planning by the County government have exacerbated the problem locally. The County’s aggressive pursuit of growth has succeeded in attracting investment and creating jobs. At the same time, most of eastern Loudoun was zoned for relatively low-density housing, leaving very little land available for higher density, naturally affordable housing. The scarcity of land for such development requires it to depend heavily on supply- and demandside taxpayer subsidies to make it possible for our workforce to live in the County. If elected, my priorities will include:

1. Developing policies and regulations that promote “naturally affordable” workforce housing and require less supplyand demand-side taxpayer subsidies.

2. Promoting high-density, infill development in areas where residents have convenient access to affordable public transportation.

3. Preventing urban sprawl in Loudoun’s Transition and Rural policy areas.

Yes, the explosive growth of the data center industry has helped the County to keep tax rates low. However, it has had a mixed effect on actual tax burdens. Revenues from data centers have facilitated rapid increases in County spending (an increase of over $1 billion in the last four years), even when tax rates were lowered. At the same time, the industry’s ability to bid up land prices has contributed to rising land appraisals, which have increased many businesses’ and residents’ actual tax burdens. This and other inflationary impacts threaten to crowd out a wide range of other businesses, reduce economic diversity and resilience, and expose the County to increasing fiscal risk.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

The growth of the data centers and associated power infrastructure is also creating increasing conflicts with large sections of the residential population of eastern Loudoun. Many voters are strongly opposed to further expansion. Finding ways to reduce these conflicts is critical to ensuring the continued vitality of the industry. This will require compromise on all sides. A general principal is that future expansion should, to the greatest extent possible, occur within the industry’s current geographic footprint.

For that reason, I oppose expansion into the “Dulles Cloud South” area. In addition, there must be greater public and private investment in parks and other buffer areas that mitigate the impacts of development on neighboring communities. It is in the interests of the industry to share the associated costs. I would also encourage greater efforts by the industry to offset the impacts of its energy consumption on the climate.

Finally, even if data center revenues continue to grow, County spending must be held under control and managed so as to not contribute further to inflationary pressures. The County must develop a credible strategy for reducing its fiscal dependence on data center revenues.

All up-zoning applications should address this need, which is another appropriate use of proffers. Given the shortage of capacity and the extreme income inequalities within the County, it will likely be necessary for County taxpayers to provide scholarships for the children of working households who cannot afford market rates. Given how important this is to attracting and retaining a local workforce, it would be appropriate for employers to also share this cost. Zoning --- Loudoun County has been engaged in a three-year process to update its zoning ordinance. What lessons have you learned from this process and what would you propose to change the next time Loudoun reviews its Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance?

Technically and politically, the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite (ZOR) is an incredibly complex and difficult process. It involves many different stakeholders with legitimate perspectives and goals that frequently conflict. County staff, Planning Commissioners, and Supervisors do not have the capacity to simultaneously manage all the issues in play.

96 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

JOHN ELLIS (I) - CATOCTIN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

The work clearly must be broken up into more manageable tasks, which is already happening because there is no realistic choice. It would probably have been better, as a first step, to simply focus on moving the existing regulations on to a more modern and user-friendly platform.

Rather than attempting to do a comprehensive re-write in 10- or 20-year intervals, the Ordinance should be continuously updated using the zoning amendment process, recognizing that some zoning issues are complex and require simultaneous review of different sections of the Ordinance. For large and complicated one-off amendments, the County should competitively award supporting contracts to external service providers to manage technical analysis and stakeholder input.

The Envision Loudoun process generated a lot of cynicism in the general public The County needs to better inform citizens that the Comprehensive Plan is advisory and usually has no decisive impact on zoning and other legally enforceable actions that really matter. The Plan contains many competing objectives and does not help to resolve conflicts among stakeholders.

Therefore, the County should reduce the time and expense it devotes to the development of the Plan and increase its efforts to involve stakeholders and the public in more meaningful decision-making on the Zoning Ordinance and other legally enforceable policies and regulations.

Members of the School Board are elected officials with specialized knowledge and expertise that I respect. They are accountable through mandatory transparency and consultation processes, citizen and media oversight, the judicial process, and the ballot box, in addition to budget oversight by the Board of Supervisors. The citizens of the Catoctin district are concerned with the rapid rise in the costs of the school system. I will meet regularly with the School Board member from my district and, during budget formulation, ask for detailed cost: benefit analysis of any proposed increase in spending. My priority is to ensure educators are competitively compensated. I will take a hard look at the costs of administration, facilities, and technology.

97 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

JOHN ELLIS (I) - CATOCTIN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

JOHN ELLIS (I) - CATOCTIN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

The rapid increase in County spending on transportation projects is the direct consequence of growth that has overwhelmed the capacity of our road networks. Across the entire county, including in the rural areas, traffic congestion and unsafe traffic conditions are among citizens greatest concerns.

In some cases, rapid growth leaves the Board of Supervisors little choice about investing in large, expensive transportation projects. In others, particularly in western Loudoun, I believe that some planned projects may be over-engineered and too expensive. I will evaluate the costs and benefits of all proposed projects on a case-by-case basis to seek to avoid any unnecessary spending.

When considering the costs to the taxpayer of new development, it is important to remember that proffers account for about 2% of the County’s capital spending -- 98% of the cost is borne by taxpayers. In western Loudoun, where proffers are not allowed, taxpayers pay 100% of the cost of new transportation projects.

98 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

KRISTEN UMSTATTD (D)* - LEESBURG DISTRICT

The required percentages of affordable units in any new residential rezoning have been too low and need to be increased. My main concern going forward is that the prescriptive nature of the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite may make it financially impossible to build more attainable and affordable, as opposed to market-priced, housing.

One thing I think all of us need to recognize is the fact that, in general, housing does not pay for itself. New housing places an additional tax burden on all existing taxpayers. Assume a new home value of $700,000 with two $30,000 cars in the driveway and one student in the public schools. The homeowners will be paying about $9,000 in taxes ($6,615 for the house and $2,490 for the two cars, combined) per year. But the tax dollars going to educate that student will be twice that, or $18,000 per year.

For every home with one student, you will need another comparably priced home with no students in order to prevent an additional burden being imposed on other taxpayers. If the family has two children in the public schools, you will need three comparable homes with no children in the public schools in order to prevent the one home from placing an additional tax burden on residents and businesses in the County.

The only way to manage residential growth is to ensure the commercial sector is growing at a fast enough rate to offset the rate of residential growth, as business pays more in taxes than it consumes in services.

TAX REVENUE / DATA CENTERS

Of all our commercial sectors, data centers offer the greatest tax relief to our residents and businesses. For every dollar data centers consume in services, they pay $15 in taxes. Without them, either our real property tax rate would

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have to increase to about $1.43 (from $.875) - a 63% increase - or we would have to slash funding for schools, affordable housing, roads, child protective services, law enforcement, mental health, parks, nonprofits, etc. The proposed draconian setbacks envisioned in the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite and the expressed intent of some Board members to prohibit data centers in areas that are currently by-right is having a negative impact on the reputation of the County as a business-friendly environment.

The first thing that needs to happen is a change in the negative rhetoric on the dais. The second thing that needs to happen is a reversal of Board proposals that would deny data centers their by-right ability to build. The third thing the Board should seriously consider is allowing data centers to concentrate in the Dulles Cloud South area of the County in close proximity to the existing Dominion and NOVEC substations and the two existing overhead transmission lines.

If we had unlimited tax revenues, this, and everything else we want to do, would be easy. The ideal situation would be a higher level of cooperation between the County and businesses that are willing to provide onsite day care or acknowledge that working parents may need more flexible hours to get their children to preschool and kindergarten. Loudoun County does offer preschool programs and reduced fee preschool programs.

Every member of the current Board has lamented the fact that previous Boards did not adequately update the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan on a timely basis. The main takeaway from the process of updating the Zoning Ordinance is that it should not have been rushed to meet an artificial Board-imposed deadline. The private sector has asked for, and should be given sufficient time to analyze and respond to the draft.

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KRISTEN UMSTATTD (D)* - LEESBURG DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

The School Board is an elected body in its own right with exclusive authority over the school budget and school policy. Board of Supervisors members can recommend, either privately or publicly, certain policies to our School Board colleagues, but they are the ones in charge of the schools. Supervisors’ interference in School Board business can backfire badly. It would be good for the business community to engage the School Board members and School Administration directly, rather than trying to go through the Board of Supervisors.

One thing I have requested from the past two or three Superintendents is that they work with Buddy Rizer in our economic development department on developing curricula that prepare students for the jobs available to them in our commercial sector. I have also recommended they reach out to and partner with the data center industry, as well as our other businesses. When I attended this year’s School-Business Partnership reception, I was concerned about the significant decrease in businesses that have entered into partnerships with our schools. This is something the Chamber could help with.

The state and federal governments are not doing their jobs, so, if we want roads built and buses operating, and metro funded, we don’t have a choice.

Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D)* is running unopposed.

101 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

KRISTEN UMSTATTD (D)* - LEESBURG DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

KORAN SAINES (D)* - STERLING DISTRICT

It took a long time for Loudoun and the region to reach that point, so many things contributed to this shortage. We can increase the supply of affordable housing by continuing to have a dedicated funding stream for affordable housing (which Loudoun did not have until recently), using the Zoning Ordinance rewrite process to encourage more affordable housing, and to have smart growth that will include a healthy component of affordable units within developments. I will add the things we are doing not and suggesting to do, should have been 10 years ago.

Data centers are an important part of our economy and our tax base. It is vital that we strike a balance when it comes to data centers. We need to have data centers in Loudoun, and I have voted in favor of data centers and have voted against data centers, but we must ensure they are built in appropriate locations, and we cannot become overly reliant on a revenue stream as volatile as data centers. I support creating a new fiscal reserve to help stabilize the County’s revenue situation. I also support having data centers in appropriate locations (e.g., areas zoned for industrial use) but do not want them in residential or mixed-use areas. Data centers going forward should also be of high quality in design and aesthetics, like data centers in much of the world outside of Loudoun.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

KORAN SAINES (D)* - STERLING DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

The County’s role in childcare is limited but we can leverage our relationships with our representatives in Richmond and Washington and the County’s formal lobbying effort at both the state and federal levels to help bring the resources required to provide more affordable childcare. I know President Biden included childcare in his original Build Back Better proposal, but it did not make the final bill. I am sure there will be legislation in the future on this topic. Loudoun County should look at opportunities where we can prod our legislators to support such bills, both at the state and federal levels. What the County can do is work to lower the cost of living in Loudoun overall, thereby freeing up dollars for childcare. The top thing we can do to help with the cost of living is increasing housing supply and reduce the rate of increase in housing costs.

Community input was and is very helpful in the process. Making sure the process is done in a deliberate manner, so it is done right and not rushed and done poorly is important. I also think this is something we should update on a regular basis. Much has changed since the 1993 ordinance was written and we should not go three decades between having new ordinances.

103 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

KORAN SAINES (D)* - STERLING DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

The Board can use its bully pulpit to influence what the School Board and LCPS do. Many of us have good relationships with our School Board counterpart and can leverage that to move the needle. Beyond that, though, there is not much we can do. When in the past the Board has attempted to try to give the School Board specific direction (e.g., on student fees) the School Board has reacted very negatively.

Yes. Transportation is vital to economic growth and therefore to the County’s revenues. It also is important to quality of life. No one likes sitting in traffic. I have consistently supported public transit as well as other alternatives to driving. I also have consistently supported road projects that will ease congestion while doing so with an eye to also enhancing public safety.

Supervisor Koran Saines (D)* is running unopposed.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

LAURA

TEKRONY (D) - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT

I believe the County and the Metropolitan Washington region need to work more closely together to find a solution. With the arrival of the Metro Silver Line, the County and region have an opportunity for the development of a diversified, high-capacity transit area. New policies and incentives are needed to support greater housing affordability in the urban policy area. My top three strategies to address Loudoun’s attainable housing shortage are:

1.) I will seek increased general funds to the Housing Trust during the budget process to support more loans for affordable housing programs.

2.) I will introduce an affordable by design policy to expand housing attainability. The County lacks small, diverse housing options. Loudoun needs to offer a wide range of housing types to meet the needs of its future and present residents.

3.) I will support a county land bank to address unmet housing needs (criteria needs to be developed to guide property purchase such as zoning, location, and density). I will encourage the development industry to proffer land instead of ADUs so that the County can provide housing to the lower tier of the AMI.

My objective as Supervisor will be to seek a constructive partnership with the data center industry to mitigate the impacts of existing and future data centers. I will work with the data center industry to set environmental standards, screening and setback requirements in residential areas, noise and light pollution standards, and green space preservation. I will support new data centers in industrial areas where there is access to utilities to reduce the impact of high voltage towers, power lines, and substations. I will also advocate for a diversification of our commercial tax base to limit our single industry dependence on data center revenues.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

I support quality daycare facilities, including senior daycare facilities, at reasonable cost allowing family members the flexibility to pursue their respective careers and employment opportunities. I believe the County should support the creation of private daycare facilities through favorable zoning, but with adequate inspections to ensure high quality performance. Where additional daycare facilities are needed, and in locations where the private sector cannot meet the needs of the families, I support direct programming by the County to meet the need.

The Zoning Ordinance Rewrite process has been complex and confusing to businesses and residents, due to a combination of factors not the least of which was a world-wide pandemic. The adopted zoning ordinance will be similar to past ordinances and likely require future CPAMs and ZOAMs to remain current with the changing environment.

To improve the next process, my preference would be to prepare a more clear process and “game plan” for obtaining and prioritizing stakeholder and resident input to meet the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance. This process would reduce the complexity for staff work and public input, and provide sufficient time for review and collaboration.

106 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

LAURA TEKRONY (D) - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

The main responsibility of a Supervisor is to ensure that the schools are sufficiently funded and there are enough classrooms to provide a quality education and when elected I will do that. For the last few years, our School Board members, administrators, teachers, and even students have been under extraordinary attack by a vocal minority of parents on a range of wedge issues far removed from the fundamental mission of Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS). I believe LCPS under new leadership will begin to turn this negativity around and Supervisors should not engage in debating these issues directly but show their overall support for quality education in Loudoun.

I support our transportation investment because I believe an efficient multi-model transportation system is essential for the continued economic prosperity of Loudoun County. However, it is important to ensure that our transportation investment leverages the greatest amount of State and Federal funding and development proffers.

I believe Loudoun’s significant transportation investment is directly related to the failure of the State to meet its responsibilities and the failure to assess developers a fair share of the transportation costs they have generated. Our transportation planning priorities need to be based on sound data, recognizing new and wider roads do induce growth which can be an asset or a liability depending on the investment location under consideration. I support investing in Metro station access improvements for walking, biking, local street connectivity and safety and a Countywide package of walking, biking and safety improvements, especially in older neighborhoods which lack safe ways to walk, bike and access bus stops.

107 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

LAURA TEKRONY (D) - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

Current approaches to so-called “workforce” are incremental and inadequate if there is to be a meaningful impact on growing the number of adults who can afford to live in Loudoun County and work at lower or more modestly paying jobs. It should be a given that the number of ADUs alone needs to be expanded, but there are limited opportunities for the BOS to do so. It should be BOS policy to stop allowing data centers to be built everywhere, where we could rezone for multi-family residential.

There are other, more appropriate locations that do not take away these opportunities do not impinge on rural or historic areas and vistas. It should be BOS policy that the number of moderately priced multi-family rentals needs a major boost – and this will require thinking outside the box. It begins with reimagining greater Sterling, to include a 15-year plan to re-develop older residential and commercial areas, and shopping centers that are neither viable nor sustainable in their current form, including Cascades Marketplace and Dulles Town Center. The centerpiece of this plan should be the conversion to mixed use, walkable communities with lower (not high) priced rentals.

Loudoun’s EDA and BOS have mostly done well with recruiting and locating data centers, and thereby building this core and critical tax base. Yet the strategy has failed in the sense that we have given away some of the best and most valuable land for these purposes – land can never be used for or combined with other purposes to enhance mixed use development opportunities in Eastern Loudoun, and land that has forever lost its visual attractiveness. Why put a data center directly adjacent to Loudoun Station? Why have data centers directly around Dulles Town Center? Why allow any data centers on scenic Sycolin Road? There needs to be a more cogent conversation about strategy and purpose, and this can be accomplished without harming current and prospective opportunities.

108 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

RAM VENKATACHALAM (R) - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

All county-sponsored services such as day-care and after school care (CASA), as well as services for the aging should be means tested to ensure those with lower incomes get access to as many spots as needed. Today this occurs only nominally, and it is more of a “first aware, first with payment” paradigm. These programs have historically been operated with user costs that are well below the cost of competing or similar programs by the private sector. I will be an advocate for the expansion of county-sponsored services based on identified geographic needs, as well as a more effective way of means testing them.

The BOS must commit to a more rigorous, on schedule, and expedited review of the comp plan and zoning ordinance. The most recent reviews of each were overdue and took too long to begin and (now almost) complete. Loudoun is still growing and changing too rapidly for this approach to work, and past practices of incrementalism are not a viable solution either.

This BOS has been both reluctant and timid to exercise budget guidance or test the legal and practical limits of how and when to transfer monies to LCPS. That can change and should be a high priority as far as influencing LCPS and School Board policies, programs, and actions to nurture the education and mental health of our children and teens, and to keep them safe. There is much work to be done and it begins with all sides coming to the table willing to listen to fresh ideas, including a seat at the table for parents, teachers, and general taxpayers.

109 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

RAM VENKATACHALAM (R) - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CANDIDATES

Loudoun’s longstanding commitment to capital infrastructure, primarily roads, especially under the leadership of past chair Scott York, is one of the most significant reasons for our economic success. The needs and opportunities are more diverse now and include a larger place for transit bus and Metro-related considerations. As chair of the Loudoun’s Transit Advisory Board, I am well aware of these dynamics and fully committed to sustaining a strong and increasingly diversified transportation plan.

110 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

RAM VENKATACHALAM (R) - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

111 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN 2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

Click here to view the Loudoun Chamber 2023 Public Policy Positions.

QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

ANNE DONOHUE - AT-LARGE

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION - Educators are an essential part of our community and workforce; and yet, there are growing teacher shortages across the country. What strategies would you support to attract top talent to Loudoun County Public Schools, and retain and support our educators?

One significant challenge to recruiting and retaining teachers in our county is the high cost of living, so there is a need to make the cost of living more economical and affordable. The County needs to offer competitive salaries but should also look at other benefits that would help defray or reduce living expenses, such as helping teachers with loan forgiveness, financial assistance when purchasing their first home in Loudoun, and/or a discount on county property or real estate taxes. There are also opportunities for the county to work with the local business community to provide additional benefits for teachers, such as offering discounts to teachers, not just on special occasions or after a difficult school year, but all year round. Businesses might consider donating school supplies to teachers for their classrooms, or sponsoring programs in which other individuals or families provide funds for teachers and other staff to use to purchase supplies for the schools and classrooms, which would help the schools but would also be good publicity for local businesses.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

LCPS should offer opportunities for students to obtain internships for credit, and work with local businesses to find placements for student interns. In addition, LCPS should offer more information and support to students about the many different paths that are available to students after they graduate -- students should know they have more options available to them than a four-year college. LCPS should also develop relationships with local colleges and universities to permit some students to take for credit or audit college courses for exposure to the challenges of higher education.

In addition, LCPS should cultivate relationships with local trade businesses and schools, so that students could have opportunities to learn schools that would be useful in the workforce, such as auto mechanics, nursing, electrical, plumbing, construction, etc. If students have opportunities to participate in internships or job shadowing, then they can also forge relationships that will help them obtain employment after high school or trade school.

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CAREER READINESS AND PERFORMANCE - How would you assess the performance of Loudon County public schools in preparing our students for post-secondary education and the workforce? What strategies or policies would you propose to improve that performance?

LCPS does a decent job preparing students for the post-high school world, but there is room for improvement. As discussed above, LCPS needs to focus on broadening the options available to students after they graduate, and make sure that students know they have more choices and are able to obtain some background exposure to the field they think they wish to enter.

NON-TRADITIONAL EDUCATION PATH - What more can LCPS do to provide job ready credentials that lead to well-paying, rewarding careers, that do not require a traditional college year degree, for students immediately after high school?

As discussed above, LCPS should work with the local business community to establish internship and job shadowing programs, and also partner with local colleges and trade schools, so that students can gain practical skills and certifications while still in high school, or make it easier for the students to attend a trade school or college with some credits already under their belt, so they are not required to submit to an additional four years of higher education in order to provide for themselves.

LCPS / COUNTY GOVERNMENT RELATIONS - Because the school board does not have taxing authority, describe your perspective on how the Board of Supervisors should make decisions about funding our schools, in the context of performance and outcomes?

The Board of Supervisors must weigh a number of important priorities when determining how to allocate budget funds to best serve the needs of the county. Full and adequate funding for our schools should be a high priority, because when our schools are healthy, our students succeed, and when our students succeed, they are better able to contribute to our local economy. If certain schools or groups of students are underperforming, it is critical for the Board of Supervisors to work with the School Board to determine why.

113 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

ANNE DONOHUE - AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

ANNE DONOHUE - AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

The School Board and the Board of Supervisors need to work together to identify which metrics best show the quality level of the education that are students are receiving. Then the Boards can work together to decide what resources need to go to our school to improve those metrics, or what resources might add little or no value and could be repurposed to best help our students and community.

SCHOOL CHOICE - Loudoun County has a large, diverse and growing student population, with an increasing number of pupils requiring non-traditional approaches to meet their unique educational needs. To meet those rapidly evolving needs, do you support the expanded use of innovative educational models, to include public charter schools and magnet schools, to support those students not ideally served by LCPS’s traditional educational model? Please explain your answer.

It is critical to ensure that all students in Loudoun County have access to the opportunities to succeed that are afforded by a high-quality public education. Because of the diverse needs and backgrounds of our students, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach that will be effective for all students. To meet the needs of our diverse student body, I support the use of magnet schools, and am open to supporting other educational models that are publicly funded, free to students, accountable to elected county oversight, and to which any student can apply for consideration.

114 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

MICHAEL RIVERA - AT-LARGE

We need to make sure that the overall teaching environment in the classrooms and administratively is attractive to teachers and that the current controversies in LCPS get resolved so that burdens from the administration can be removed and the county can focus on education. The overall quality of life for teachers is affected by salary, student respect, student discipline, grading policies, budgets, parental cooperation/collaboration, and curriculum.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

LCPS should be working with local businesses to establish after school internships and small business guest lecture opportunities to introduce students to business. This should include material on finance, banking, employee relations, and marketing. We have many businesses in Loudoun that I suspect would be very interested in developing youth that could potentially choose to stay or return to Loudoun after their education.

I believe that equity grading policies are a complete disservice to students and families. It is not realistic to instill in children that if you just show up to school you can pass without hard work. LCPS should focus on hard work and merit so that students are rewarded accordingly. Students that are struggling should absolutely be afforded the extra help they need to be successful but driving all students to mediocrity and “just barely passing” is not the answer.

115 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

MICHAEL RIVERA - AT-LARGE (CONTINUED)

I would like to see a renewed emphasis on vocational education. We should teach children to succeed in a multitude of ways that are not always a high school to college trajectory. We should establish a vocational program of excellence to attract students interested in nontraditional education.

The BOS should hold the school board accountable for every dollar it approves. While the BOS cannot tell LCPS how to spend their money they have control over hws much they receive. LCPS continues to receive increases in budget despite turmoil and dropping enrollment, that should not continue. LCPS needs to measure its success internally and not compare to other school districts that may be mediocre or failing. We should strive for excellence and be a model school district.

SCHOOL CHOICE - Loudoun County has a large, diverse, and growing student population, with an increasing number of pupils requiring non-traditional approaches to meet their unique educational needs. To meet those rapidly evolving needs, do you support the expanded use of innovative educational models, to include public charter schools and magnet schools, to support those students not ideally served by LCPS’s traditional educational model? Please explain your answer.

I support school choice because all children learn differently. There are many details that need to be worked out in terms of funding, but I believe that education funding should follow a child. The public education system should remain competitive with private institutions to survive. There is no reason that children should be forced to attend a subpar education system because they cannot afford alternatives. Education should not be a monopoly.

116 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

DEANNA GRIFFITHS - ASHBURN DISTRICT

Get rid of DEI programs. Bring back disciplinary action, sign-on bonuses, and bonuses for high test scores. Teachers just want to teach. Let them teach.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

We have many open buildings in Loudoun County that we could lease for vocational programs and training that are close to schools. This should be marketed to local businesses so they can recruit kids for co-op or apprentice programs. We can also work with local businesses to have kids work half days. A specific placement office should be designated (if not already).

We had learning loss during Covid. Kids are just getting by. We need to get back to homework and no re-takes on tests. I mentioned vocational programs are extremely important to prepare kids for the workforce.

We have many open buildings in Loudoun County that we could lease for vocational programs and training that are close to schools. We can also work with local businesses to have kids work half days. A specific placement office should be designated. (If not already)

117 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

LCPS/COUNTY GOVERNMENT RELATIONS - Because the school board does not have taxing authority, describe your perspective on how the Board of Supervisors should make decisions about funding our schools, in the context of performance and outcomes?

My plan is to work closely with the BOS on evaluating all programs. Defunding unnecessary programs.

Every child learns differently. Parents must have a choice to do what works for their children.

118 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

Ashburn District School Board Member Harris Mahedavi* did not complete the questionnaire. DEANNA GRIFFITHS - ASHBURN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

APRIL CHANDLER - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT

Educators are the cornerstones of our schools and essential members of our communities and workforce. Research consistently shows that investment in schools benefits the entire community by increasing property values, attracting business, and supporting the local economy. It is in our best interests as a division and as a locality to focus on efforts to retain and support educators before a significant teacher shortage occurs. Based on the data, our division’s educators earn less than educators in nearby jurisdictions. I support increased pay for teachers and staff and seeking ways to improve school climate, staffing standards, and workflow management.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community could benefit from creating more opportunities for students to gain practical work experience by creating partnerships between LCPS and local businesses. Job shadowing and paid internships allow students to learn and gain practical work experience. At the same time, businesses can foster the skills they want to see in the future workforce. These opportunities would benefit students on all learning paths, from students on the college path to students interested in mastering a trade and students with learning challenges and disabilities. All students would benefit from having the ability to gain practical workplace experience, and it allows the business community to lay the foundation for the skills they would like to see in the future workforce.

We should take a broader view in determining if our students are prepared for life after public school. Divisions should expand school accountability systems and use measures beyond test scores to determine the success of our

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public schools. Tracking growth over time and other mastery-focused metrics and tracking chronic absenteeism and access to rigorous coursework would be helpful. Our approaches should focus on preparing students for real-world experiences and offering students the ability to develop critical thinking skills while building academic knowledge, learning technical skills, and 21st-century skills that will better prepare all students for success after graduation.

Industry leaders and corporations have realized in recent years that workers can be successful in their companies even if they have not taken the traditional four-year college path. Trades also offer citizens a way to well-paying careers. Public schools have an obligation to serve all students and should equally be able to meet the needs of students who choose not to pursue college.

We should use our taxpayer resources to ensure that students graduate with the skills they need to succeed in whatever life they choose. We should be more open-minded about alternative paths and make sure that LCPS offers opportunities for students to gain real-world skills through internships, practical work experiences, and technical classes.

LCPS / County Government Relations - Because the school board does not have taxing authority, describe your perspective on how the Board of Supervisors should make decisions about funding our schools, in the context of performance and outcomes?

Funding our schools appropriately is essential for maintaining our success as a locality. Like many parents in our community, Paul and I kept moving west to the suburbs, looking for affordable housing and the best schools. We moved to Loudoun because the schools are world-class. Excellent public schools bring people to Loudoun, keep property values high, and support the local economy. We should apply metrics to ensure we are achieving the best outcomes. Still, we should exercise caution in tying funding to performance, and cutting funding could exacerbate problems instead of alleviating them.

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APRIL CHANDLER - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

Though I understand the original intent of charter schools - to offer more flexibility and innovation in the learning environment - the practical application of this model is falling short. Managing taxpayer funding is a huge responsibility that requires real oversight, accountability and offers access to all students. I struggle with the fact that our charter schools in Loudoun are far from the diverse population centers and lack transparency and accountability. Until these issues are addressed, our resources would be better utilized to offer students expanded learning opportunities through internships, real work experience, and technical education.

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APRIL CHANDLER - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

VIKTORIA HUNYADI - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT

In order to retain and attract the quintessential workforce of educators in Loudoun County public schools we should implement policies, that help improve the classroom environment, such as effective disciplinary measurements. In addition, we should lessen the administrative workload of teachers, provide them professional development opportunities, such as classroom management, and support them in their day-to-day work with consistent and effective curriculum materials and teaching tools. Furthermore, we should hire more special education teachers to help with the case overload of current teachers.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

It is essentially a community effort to develop a successful future workforce for Loudoun County. In collaboration with local businesses and government entities, LCPS should continue to offer current and initiate new apprenticeship and internship opportunities for our students to use their skills in the field of their career interest.

Academic rigor, and accountability must be restored in LCPS. Our students experienced significant learning loss during Covid as our schools were closed. In addition, the expectations for grade level proficiency were lowered and requirements for advanced classes were watered down. All students deserve an education that prepares them for success in life, whether it is to enter the workforce after high school, or to go onto college. We need to return to require homework, implement the Literacy Act, continue to offer accelerated math programs.

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We must provide IEPs for students who need extra support in their learning, especially to our students with special needs and our ELL students. We need to also encourage and challenge students to enroll in honors, AP classes and dual enrollment. All our students deserve an excellent education, and we must help them reach their full potential. Our tax dollars must be allocated to achieve this goal.

Students who do not wish to go to college, but enter the workforce upon graduating from high school should be offered classes in the field of their interest during the high school years so they can be prepared for the global economy. Current career and technical education programs must be reevaluated to make sure they are aligned with high-wage high-demand fields. We need to expand programs such as the Academies of Loudoun, in order to accommodate the increasing number of interested and qualified students. We should offer after school clubs in the field of interest or expose students to special career subjects during study hall. School counselors and parents should proactively work together to advance their student’s/child’s educational and career path.

All funding should serve the best interest of all students in order to provide a safe and professional learning environment, where they can reach their full academic potential. LCPS must be provided sufficient funding for school building renovations, increased security measurements, teacher and classroom supply, technology improvement, and nutritious school meals. LCPS budget must be appropriately allocated to fund first the essential needs of students and teachers to provide excellence in education.

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VIKTORIA HUNYADI - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

It is our duty to improve the public school environment and use our tax dollars to educate the next generation to be successful citizens. However, the LCPS, traditional model does not meet the unique needs of an increasing number of pupils requiring nontraditional approaches to meet their unique educational needs. Parents know their children best and should have a choice on what educational environment their children will thrive the most, and use tax dollars to serve that purpose. Innovative ideas must be discussed within our community to expand options for all students to succeed.

124 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

VIKTORIA HUNYADI - ALGONKIAN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

DR. LINDA DEANS - BROAD RUN DISTRICT

Partner with other large organizations such as Federal Agencies. Develop further and follow-up with the Loudoun graduates who participate in the Future Teachers of America Clubs. Partner with large organizations to recruit from their retirement pools.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

Invite/support businesses to develop and expand their volunteer opportunities. Begin the volunteer programs before high school. Identify and request academic tutors from businesses to support student achievement. Schedule and maintain structured study halls. Develop and expand community connections for mentors.

Loudoun County Public Schools is an excellent school system. We can improve upon the best by always pressing toward making the best better. To improve that performance, LCPS will need to more boldly educate the community/public via data presented to understandable terms for different audiences. After presentation of the data, solicit community involvement on improving the data. This data can be aggregated by school clusters and/or individual schools. Every school principal should have in his/her strategic plan a data education goal.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

DR. LINDA DEANS - BROAD RUN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Partner with community and businesses who have begun such programs, such as the NOVA Data Center Academy. Students can begin certifications in technology at a young age and be ready for jobs at the age that they can obtain a work permit. Begin with unpaid internships, which can lead to job readiness.

The School Board can conduct its own research and present comparisons with other school districts, both local and across the country. Presentations by the School Board should be a regular component of the Board of Supervisors process. Town Halls to include businesses, students, parents, teachers, support staff, and school administrators should be held on a continuous cycle to assimilate interests, information, recommendations, and requests related to school financing. There tends to be a push for such information only at budget approval meetings. An open and highly marketed invitation should be made to both Board of Supervisor and School Board meetings throughout the year. An improved public comment opportunity process needs to be developed so that this input/feedback can be presented and received in an orderly, but continuous fashion.

I BELIEVE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION. Any alternative models should be incorporated within the current public schools with some reflection on an earlier historical model called “school within a school” where the specialty programs can be accessed by multiple groupings of students. To create separate isolated programs may “drain” both funds and talent from other student groups.

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CHRIS HODGES - BROAD RUN DISTRICT

I think referrals are always the best way to get top talent. I would research current incentives for current employees to refer candidates and perhaps increase them. But before that what I would take a deep dive into what LCPS is doing currently to attract top talent. I don’t know enough yet to make specific proposals. I would ask a lot of questions. I would interview HR people within LCPS but also from other divisions if possible? I also believe that you get what you pay for. I have no problem paying our teachers, in terms of their “total compensation package”, top dollar. We would just have to cut back in other areas like administration jobs. I also happen to know that many teachers feel they are not listened to or respected by administrators so I would perhaps set up some kind of committee to make sure teacher voices are being heard. That would help retention.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

Well, I believe there are already some terrific programs in place between the business community and LCPS, unfortunately I think that only includes the Academies of Loudoun. Inviting in business leaders to talk to the students and having the students go off-site to visit a variety of businesses should be available to ALL high school students. Plant those seeds! And of course, a variety of intern opportunities would be welcome. The business of America is business, and we must ensure our young people understand that fact and embrace it and then ensure they are ready for any opportunity that come their way.

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

CHRIS HODGES - BROAD RUN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

I believe LCPS is doing a good job preparing our children for the workforce, but it could be better. One of the issues is I have is the fact that now they allow students to take exams over and over again if they don’t pass. What that teaches them is its ok to fail the first time. Tell that to a pharmacist or a surgeon or an airline pilot. We are sending the wrong message. LCPS standards for discipline and dress code are also way too low. Did you know in the dress code policy it allows for “pajama tops and bottoms, ripped jeans, and hoodies”. Once again, how is this setting kids up for future success. It’s not. It’s helping them develop terrible habits.

How about they go back to having shop classes like they had when I was in high school. My understanding is that other than some courses at the Academies of Loudoun there are no “blue-collar” hands on courses. I work for an Electric Cooperative Association that caters to linemen etc. and so I know how important it is for young Americans to consider going into a trade rather than college. Not everyone needs to go to college.

Not sure about that one but in terms of “performance and outcomes” I do know that the superintendent’s contract does not include metrics he must meet to receive any kind of bonus. That is wrong. He should have goals such as SOL and AP scores, English, reading, and math proficiency scores, certain safety statistics, budget efficiency, teacher retention etc. And if he doesn’t meet them perhaps that impacts funding?

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I am a big believer that competition makes everyone better so yes, I am all for charter and magnate schools. It’s really that simple. Give the parents a choice. And if the school system is losing students to these innovative educational models, then they should do themselves a favor and get better at their craft. And…perhaps get politics out of the schools.

129 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

CHRIS HODGES - BROAD RUN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

KARI LABELL - CATOCTIN DISTRICT

The most prevalent reason reported for leaving our schools is a lack of support from the administration in dealing with student misbehavior. A supportive administration at all levels is critical for teacher retention. Administrators must support teachers in maintaining a respectful learning environment. A classroom without disruptions essential for student learning. Teachers who receive this support will, in turn, support the students and the schools.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

In my career I have worked successfully with local businesses in developing career information programs for students in the classroom, work observations, job try-outs, and apprenticeship opportunities. Working through our Chamber of Commerce and local Business and Marketing associations is an excellent way to expand these types of programs to help students explore career options and provide businesses with knowledgeable, prepared employees.

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KARI LABELL - CATOCTIN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

We can designate each high school as a magnet school for two to three of the career clusters identified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/career-clusters.htm) and move the programs from the Academies of Loudoun (AOL) into the specific high schools that align with those careers. With the bus program we used to have for our vocational programs prior to the opening of the AOL, students could choose the career program they wanted, attend the appropriate high school, and still participate in sports, clubs, and graduation at their home schools.

The school board needs to adopt a zero-based budget system. That means that every year they would start at zero dollars and money would be entered in based on an evaluation of every department’s request - no automatic carryover of last year’s budget. Data would be required by the departments as to the outcomes of programs prior to funding the needs of the coming year. The budget would be transparent to both the taxpayers and the Board of Supervisors.

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I am in favor of school choice and of the money following the students. I believe that LCPS should have to compete on a level playing field for students. That said, I also believe that LCPS can improve its performance to attract a variety of students to fill its halls. The career model I described above, along with career education in the elementary and middle schools is a huge move toward better prepared students. The creative use of charter school would do much to alleviate need arising from English Language Learning, remediation, and special education services. These programs would ensure that every school here in Loudoun is a magnet school.

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Megan Lockwood, School Board Candidate for the Catoctin District, did not complete questionnaire. KARI LABELL - CATOCTIN DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

MELINDA MANSFIELD - DULLES DISTRICT

First, it is important to collaborate with state legislators to safeguard and increase funding of local governments to help pay for their share of local education agency costs, including salaries for more competitive teacher pay. Second, it is crucial to partner and advocate for teacher prep programs to update and upgrade to adequately prepare preservice teachers with evidence-based strategies for what they will experience in the classrooms. Third, the district should work to build better support systems for our teachers and prioritize their well-being. Last, to facilitate a continuous pool of educators, we should encourage our current students to become teachers for LCPS with our teacher cadet program.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

Work experience, shadowing, and internship opportunities from our local businesses help students learn skills useful for future employment. Local companies could speak to middle and high school students to discuss what they have to offer. The local business community could work with LCPS transition specialists to help fund and sponsor job training, education, and employment to better our transition services for our special education students.

Working with transition specialists would also include advocating that special education students have equal access to AET/AOS and Monroe/MATA. In addition, local businesses could help fund 3-4 dedicated Communities and Schools Together Program (CAST) facilities for independent living and workplace readiness skills strategically placed throughout Loudoun County.

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MELINDA MANSFIELD - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Low literacy prevents millions of adults from fully engaging in society and leaves them struggling to find and keep jobs. Low literacy is correlated with multigenerational cycles of poverty, poor health, and low educational attainment. Virginia is working to improve literacy instruction, so all students receive evidence-based foundational literacy skills grounded in science-based reading research. Over the last ten years, I worked with state legislators, including Delegate Delaney, to improve literacy screening, instruction, intervention, teacher prep, parent notification, and transparency by helping to write and advocate for ten laws with Decoding Dyslexia Virginia here in the Commonwealth.

I will focus on policies to improve LCPS literacy instruction for all subgroups as evidenced by their 2022 SOL reading assessment scores Black (70% pass rate), Hispanic (60% pass rate), Students with Disabilities (50% pass rate), Low income (59% literacy pass rate) and English Learner students (36% pass rate). Research demonstrates that if you raise literacy rates for struggling readers, it positively affects all students.

When LCPS decided to revise the offerings of Monroe Advanced Technical Academy, undesired changes of more rigorous admission requirements and criteria, condensing of 2-year programs down to one year, the introduction of lab fees, and alterations to curricula affected opportunities for students who may not be on the “four-year college” pathway to be enrolled and participate in internships and other work experiences. These changes not only affected who may be enrolled by decreasing access for certain populations, but they also affected the quality of instruction and the ability of students to gain certifications.

LCPS could take advantage of the CAST site at the Academies and fully integrate it with MATA. In addition, it could utilize any sponsorship relationship and our location to agriculture efforts/businesses (Legacy Farms, wineries, farms, butchers), which could also be ideal for students not going to a four-year college.

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I encourage using multi-indicators to measure system accountability. The overall mark of a healthy school system is the output of their bottom students. Other indicators that demonstrate the health of a school system include transparent assessment data and how a district communicates all scores to the public, how a school district listens and takes care of its staff, how it collaborates and meaningfully engages parents and community, whether it has accessible and strong Arts and CTE programs, whether there is consistency of programming throughout all schools, and if it uses evidence-based core, intervention and supplemental instructional materials grounded in science-based research with appropriate progress monitoring.

The Commonwealth charter school model is different from the norm. It is confusing because it appears to be little more than a rebranding of a public school and is completely subject to the rules of the local school board. I am unable to ascertain the pros and cons. I would love for LCPS to have a magnet school for the arts. I also support homeschoolers’ ability to take a couple of middle and high school classes at their local community school. We need more options like the North Star School for middle and elementary students who struggle with mental health issues and wish for a different school model. A population of students we miss completely are higher-functioning students with intellectual disabilities. I would like to see some focus on helping that population of students with better inclusion policies.

135 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

Melinda Mansfield is running unopposed. MELINDA MANSFIELD - DULLES DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

ERIKA OGEDEGBE* - LEESBURG DISTRICT

Top of mind for most candidates is compensation and benefits but we also need to ensure we are fostering a positive, welcoming, and inclusive workplace that values and supports our people. As a current board member, I’ve advocated for increased pay for our staff and through my work as the chair of the Human Resources and Talent Development committee, have worked to ensure policies are clear and accessible for staff.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

There are a number of great existing partnerships between LCPS and local businesses which provide experiential learning opportunities for students while they are still in school. Hands on experience is one of the best ways to spark ideas about the future for our young learners. I would like to see expanded opportunities and pathways for students who plan to enter the workforce out of high school and partnerships with local businesses and trades is a great way to support these students. Ongoing collaboration with local businesses will also ensure we continue to have up to date information on local emerging needs to inform enhancements to curriculum and special programs.

We are reliant on a number of standard measures to understand how our students are doing comparatively with other districts, but beyond test scores and graduation rates, there are other data points that would be helpful to understand how LCPS graduates are doing. Gathering data from our students on their post-secondary plans and experiences over time will help us understand in more detail how our students are doing. For example, if a student attended college right after high school, did they graduate, transfer or stop out? For students who went into the

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ERIKA OGEDEGBE* - LEESBURG DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

military, are they still serving or did they pursue other options. For students entering the workforce, how long did it take to secure employment, have they continued with the same employer, do they have one or more jobs concurrently.

Understanding outcomes beyond their time with us will help to inform supports needed for current students. Since many of the strategies to influence this area are programmatic, I believe the most important area of support I could provide would be support for funding of programs.

Expanding partnerships with local businesses to provide opportunities for apprenticeships and internships is key to opening this path. Having the exposure and access to various fields before they graduate also helps students explore options and find work that is fulfilling.

The success of LCPS students and the performance of the schools overall is a great draw for new residents and contributes to the strength of our community. The Board of Supervisors works with LCPS to understand the needs through the annual budget process and sets the tax rate that impacts funding for the school operating budget. I don’t think the Board of Supervisors should be making line-item decisions about the school budgets but there should be an understanding of the needs (some of which may be to address performance or disparities in outcomes) as an input to their decision making on the overall budget.

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Our first priority needs to be funding for public schools. As a school system serving students with a variety of academic needs and interests, we need to continue to evolve our offerings. LCPS has a number of special programs with more on the way, these include the Academies of Loudoun, the International Baccalaureate programs and the latest, Health and Medical Sciences Academy. I am also interested in exploring options for an Arts focused special program as I know there is interest from the community.

We also need to look at supportive programs for students transitioning back to school from extended absences due to medical and mental health issues and find ways to provide more flexible schedule options for students who have family or work responsibilities while they are in high school. While there may be reasons to stand up specialized programs, it is imperative that they are held accountable to the same standards for student learning, teacher credentials and that there is transparency with outcomes from those schools. Any proposed expansion of charter schools in Loudoun County needs to be closely and critically evaluated to determine why the proposed services can’t be provided through our existing schools and programs.

138 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

ERIKA OGEDEGBE* - LEESBURG DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

LAUREN SHERNOFF - LEESBURG DISTRICT

As an educator in LCPS myself, this is personal to me. Teachers are essential to the life of our schools. The root cause, in my opinion, of losing teachers is that they do not feel supported. Each year teachers are asked to do more and more with less and less support. In fact, in Loudoun Elementary Schools, there are not even enough minutes in the day to teach the required curriculum. I believe we need to streamline initiatives, focus on essential professional development, and give teachers back unencumbered planning time to prepare to teach targeted instruction to the wide range of learners in their class. In order to attract teachers, we need to have competitive pay and account for Cost-of-Living increases.

In addition, I think an area we could work on is mentoring. When I was a first-year teacher, I had an incredible mentor and it made a big difference. I would like to see effort put into our mentoring program to make sure new teachers have a person to trust with their struggles. Lastly, I think we need to evaluate the size and involvement of our District Level Admin Staff. Leadership at that level can often be disconnected from our schools and what teachers really need because they are NOT in our schools. I’d like to see requirements for them to be in schools, solicit feedback through focus groups, and evaluate which positions are most effectively supporting outcomes for students and providing authentic value for our teachers.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

LCPS already has tremendous partnerships and relationships with local businesses and community outreach opportunities which has been critical for school level fundraising and support. I would like to see those partnerships strengthened and also educate the students and families about the importance that the local Loudoun business community has on the life of their local school. When our community is actively involved it helps strengthen the relationships and could lead to continued economic benefits within the county for future job opportunities. We want to make sure that Loudoun is a place where our graduates have a strong connection to our local businesses and one day want to proudly return and start their own venture!

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Readiness and Performance are directly linked to motivation and opportunities for learners to succeed. I believe we are seeing a decline in post-secondary readiness due to our Assessment and Grading Policy 5030. This policy needs to be evaluated and changed. Without going line by line in the policy, I will summarize some of the problems I see. Students cannot receive a 0 and if they do not submit work, they automatically get a 50%. Students can retake tests and re-do assignments as well as turn in work late. This is stressful for teachers and decreases motivation for successful students.

I think second chances are a good thing and learners need room to make mistakes and learn from them. However, when the standard in LCPS is that students will always have options for retakes and turning in work late, it creates a lack of preparation for college and the real world where those behaviors are severely punished. I believe we need to find a balance of having HIGH expectations for ALL students, while still supporting our struggling students. I would rather see high expectations, with the needed support, rather than unlimited chances that are not representative of the type of preparation they will need for a successful future.

I would love to see vocational, arts based, and magnet school options offered for students to be able to explore their interests and talents and open up other opportunities for their future, but these options (like the Academies of Loudoun) will take lots of time and lots of funding and support. Additionally, with the increasing costs of college, it may not be an economically viable path for some students.

140 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

LAUREN SHERNOFF - LEESBURG DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

LAUREN SHERNOFF - LEESBURG DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

We need to highlight, promote, and support the Career and Technical Education division within LCPS that emphasizes and values multiple pathways for students after high school (i.e., college, entering the workforce, military) and collaborates with students to identify personal interests, aptitudes and strengths to establish goals for the future. They offer competency-based instruction, career and technical student organizations, industry credentials, and work-based learning experiences for students in 6-12th grades. It’s really important that our students that struggle with the Standards of Learning are given additional opportunities in this area to find their passion in really important trades. We have seen over the past 10 years an increase in trade work for numerous industries like factory automation, data center build out, and even spaceflight and remote sensing opportunities located right here in Loudoun County. These jobs can and should be filled by our qualified Loudoun Students who complete this alternative educational pathway.

Relationships are critical. Relationships build trust and in order to build and maintain that trust time must be spent together and communication must be a priority. I would like to meet with my Board Of Supervisor representative as much as is needed, especially around critical decisions such as budget or other policies that overlap. I would plan to reach out, establish routine meetings, and have follow up conversations as well as welcome a continued dialogue around the relevant issues. We must work toward partnership.

I believe updates from School Board and Committee meetings would also be helpful, as well as a 2-way communication for ideas and questions. Transparency is also key. The School Board needs to give a clear and honest picture of the needs of the county as well as its areas for need and growth. For example, we’ve seen budgets increasing despite some declining enrollment growth. The School Board needs to be better with fiscal responsibility and find ways to cut the excess spending and do more with the enormous amount of funding they already have.

From this, they can develop shared goals to work towards with support of funding. Community leadership in partnership will greatly benefit our students, teachers, and families.

141 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

I have always been and will continue to be a champion for public schools. Most of this comes from working in Title 1 schools where school choice could have a drastic impact. I want Loudoun to be a place known for its outstanding schools and academic excellence as well as a place that offers high quality programs. It is my belief that charter schools can have a place in our system as long as the resources can be supported and that it does not significantly take away from our traditional public schools, especially the schools with the highest needs. Charter schools can offer a unique path for certain students, so I think a balance of these options is necessary if we claim to support ALL students.

142 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

LAUREN SHERNOFF - LEESBURG DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

DR. SUMERA RASHID - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT

I would support offering competitive salaries to our educators by conducting research to make sure that the salaries are on par or higher than the average in the nation. In addition, offering continuous learning through professional development will help in retention of our educators. I would also support a supportive work environment that values teacher input and promotes collaboration so that there is always open communication, recognition of teacher achievements, and constant availability of mentorship programs for our teachers. Offering flexible scheduling options will help our educators in having a good work-life balance. I would support collaborating with local colleges and universities in order to develop teacher residency programs. Overall, highlighting the importance of our educators in the community and showcasing their achievements will build a sense of pride and recognition for our teachers.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

Some of the ideas that I have for how LCPS and local business communities can work together entail developing internship programs that allow various hands-on experiences in different industries. Local businesses can offer programs where students could work alongside professionals, exposing them to real scenarios and gain industryspecific skills.

I would like to see more job fairs and shadowing in order for local businesses to showcase their available opportunities and required skills that are needed. This will help students to understand the expectations of different industries. I would encourage local businesses to volunteer as mentors or as guest speakers so that students would be connecting with professionals that have already succeeded in various fields. In addition, I would seek input from local industry experts so that the curriculum is in line with the local job market.

143 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

DR. SUMERA RASHID - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

I would encourage students to engage in site visits and job simulations with local businesses in order to develop a clearer understanding of potential career paths. I would also encourage former students who are now working in local businesses to establish networks in order to promote opportunities for current students.

I would assess the performance of LCPS in student preparation through various methods:

1.) Standardized testing will provide a snapshot of student performance and readiness. The scores would be compared to the national averages. 2.) Evaluating graduation rates would serve as an indicator of the students’ ability to navigate the requirements and coursework. 3.) Tracking the college and career placement rates would help provide information on how well the schools are preparing students for the future. These rates will be obtained through surveys, partnerships with local businesses, and alumni networks. 4.) Questions on topics that deal with level of student preparedness indicated on surveys will provide feedback and can serve as an assessment of students.

5. Employer surveys from local businesses can provide insight on how prepared the graduate was based on their performance. 6. Graduate surveys can help provide tracking on the long-term success of the graduate and job satisfaction. 7. Curriculum reviews done on a periodic basis will provide an assessment as to whether the courses offered are relevant, up-to-date, and adequately preparing students with the necessary skills.

For well-paying, rewarding careers, that do not require a traditional college year degree, for students immediately after high school, LCPS can provide alumni engagement so that former students could network with students that are pursuing a similar career path without traditional college degrees. The experience and insights provided can serve as valuable inspiration for current students. In addition, a regular labor market analysis to identify emerging businesses and job trends can help schools to ensure that their curriculum is in line with the careers that are being pursued. In turn, students would be well-trained for in-demand jobs.

144 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

DR. SUMERA RASHID - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

LCPS can also provide work-based learning opportunities that entail job shadowing and industry mentorships. These opportunities would ensure that students are exposed to real work environments and are developing essential working skills.

The Board of Supervisors should make decisions about funding our schools, in the context of performance and outcomes through development of performance metrics that can measure the effectiveness of public schools. Using data-driven analysis will help the Board of Supervisors to make decisions on funding. They should hold schools accountable for achieving predetermined goals and regularly monitor their progress. The Board of Supervisors should prioritize funding based on programs that have proven to be effective in improving student outcomes.

Prioritizing funding will encourage a culture of continuous improvement in schools. Investing in data analysis tools will enable data-informed decisions at various levels. In addition, the Board of Supervisors should seek stakeholder input in order to gather insights and perspectives. This input will ensure a positive decision-making process and will align it with the goals of education. Overall, fostering long-term planning and making sure that it aligns with the general vision of the district will ensure stability in funding and will allow for adaptation to changing circumstances.

In my opinion, charter schools provide parents and students with educational options and foster innovation in teaching methods. As long as such schools maintain accountability and adequate academic performance for students, I believe charter schools are a positive resource for the children in our community. Overall, I support the expanded use of innovative educational models, to include public charter schools and magnet schools, to support those students not ideally served by LCPS’s traditional educational model.

145 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

JOSEPH SMITH - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT

We already have the teacher cadet program to foster growth and return of potential future teachers from our own student population so that will need to be expanded and supported. An increase our search through colleges, job fairs, zoom meetings, to find our educators. Or even linking with an outside headhunter. Competitive salary structure should be reevaluated as an optimum choice for teachers considering our county for employment. Also, possibly a referral bonus may help with a monetary bonus or day of leave for a current teacher if referring someone who gets hired. Finally, the culture and overall teacher stress and workload needs to be evaluated top to bottom. Current teachers do not make it past 5-10 years in Loudoun schools and that is due to the significant amount of pressure and stress they endure to teach in our county. Any number of practical improvements to their workdays will ensure increased future retention.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

There are current programs in the LCPS linking businesses with shadowing opportunities and programs in the Academies that set up the students to complete their certificate or finish with acceptance to the college program. Students need more opportunities to have direct linkage to a career and employment so more school programs ranging from HVAC tech to CNA’s to even IB programs, etc. are needed with the counselors in the schools providing the path of entrance to them.

Right now, the Academies is the only opportunity for this and is underserving the number of students that want to go there and benefit from it. These opportunities need to be expanded to other schools for greater access and school counselors need to be returned to counseling instead of acting as school therapists as they are now. Companies in every industry are looking for qualified personnel so a continued link with these companies to a direct HS program that sets them up to work for these companies is essential.

146 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

Our school system has lost its focus and mission. We need to return to providing a superior education that is strong academically in our STEM subjects. In addition, a return to a rigorous curriculum and removal of the current easy grading system to challenge students. Current social promotion with an impossibility to fail created significant frustration for teachers and uneducated students. Finally, the counselors are asked to be therapists as well as guidance counselors and are extremely limited with their time to actually guide the students properly. A return to allowing the counselors to focus on guidance for each student’s career path is essential.

Current availability of enrollment at the Academies is limited. More programs that certify individuals in areas from HVAC to CNA’s etc. need to be expanded to other HS in LCPS. Also it is imperative that these opportunities and career paths are advertised and promoted much more than they are today. We also need to improve our ability to identify our best and brightest and guide them to these pathways.

The relationship between the current SB and Supervisors is disingenuous. The SB will need to establish the trust and commitment to the Supervisors by accomplishing the goals set by their own funding proposals to the Supervisors. A track record of adherence to this budget will solidify this trust and outcome. Further, increased line-item funding rather than large buckets like capital improvements will allocate funds with more specificity and transparence. There should never be “found” money at the end of every school year.

147 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

JOSEPH SMITH - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

Finally, the SB should make every attempt for maximizing efficiency by starting every department or program from a zero balance rather than just adding 10% to the next year’s budget. This will at least help to keep budgets lean and reduce waste and overspending due to excessive funding.

First, we need to establish who applies and is given admittance to these schools. Then in regard to our more diverse student population, are these schools meeting their needs and how can we incorporate any of these good elements in other LCPS schools. The Superintendent will need to analyze this from top to bottom by establishing where we are now - what our goals are - and how to incorporate these plans to achieve these future goals. If these innovative models and schools are driving improved and more inclusive educational model, then it needs to be supported.

148 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

JOSEPH SMITH - LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

AMY RICCARDI - STERLING DISTRICT

We really need a deeper understanding of what’s working for our educators and what’s not. I work in the human capital arena and having an objective and deep understanding of these issues helps us craft the right solutions. Teachers are much like frontline supervisors in a business; they are the key to the engagement and success of our students. When teachers feel they are underpaid, unsupported, don’t have the needed resources, and policies are a bigger priority than teaching, you get disengaged teachers and staff.

The school board has work to do to address these issues effectively and quickly. The first thing I want to do is truly understand where our current workforce is at. Second, with the national and international reputation the current board has, it’s harder to attract teachers to come work here. It is similar to having low ratings on Glassdoor and wondering why few want to apply. We have a lot of work to do to repair the trust of teachers, staff, parents, and taxpayers here in Loudoun. We need to lower the temperature of the rhetoric on both sides and start listening to everyone, including our teachers and staff.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

I’d like to see us build out two different programs. One is a robust “CareerHUB” for juniors and seniors to share information on professions and jobs. Students need to understand the technical and soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace and how their current/future classes can link to both of those. Professionally, I use a great assessment tool that identifies a student’s innate strengths, and the student adds their preferred fields of work. Those things together generate a report that tells a student the types of jobs in their area of interest that leverage their unique strengths. It’s a modern and powerful way for students to explore careers aligned with their unique talents. It also has a job search capability, so they get a sense of salaries and job vacancies anywhere in the country. This is the kind of modern technology that a county like Loudoun should be investing in for all of its students.

149 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

AMY RICCARDI - STERLING DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

The second is a comprehensive internship program for juniors and seniors. These could be summer programs at local businesses for academic credit and/or paid internships. We can work with employers to help create meaningful internship programs that meet the needs of the employer and student. I have done this successfully for college internship programs, and it could be implemented with local businesses and our schools. It also leverages the information from the assessment to match students to employers better.

CAREER READINESS

AND

PERFORMANCE

- How would you assess the performance of Loudon County public schools in preparing our students for post-secondary education and the workforce? What strategies or policies would you propose to improve that performance?

The number one issue employers are asking my consulting firm about is training for front-line supervisors to better train and manage GenZ in the workplace. The complaint is that they are unprepared for the workforce. This isn’t exclusive to Loudoun County; it’s across the country. These graduates were in high school and college during the pandemic and lost two years of experience working with teachers and peers in the classroom - face-to-face. Soft skills like effective writing, speaking, and communication are critical to any job. Working effectively in teams and having strong interpersonal skills are also key. I’d love to see LCPS offering those types of courses that offer practical skills to all of our students.

Expanding the offerings at The Academies of Loudoun would be a great start. I was excited to hear about the new Health Medical Sciences Academy (starting in the 2024-25 school year). In addition, increasing access to those programs, especially at our Title I schools, would be great. Most high school students don’t know about The Academies or how to access those programs.

Going back to my answer about the workforce pipeline, getting local businesses to partner with LCPS is vital to exposing students to the wide range of options available. We also need to ensure that students understand the classroom and the soft skills needed to be successful in those non-traditional paths. Again, internships with practical experience help both the student and the employer.

150 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

AMY RICCARDI - STERLING DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Having a clear set of outcomes and performance objectives is very important for the School Board. Ultimately the performance of our schools and the readiness of our students is the responsibility of the School Superintendent, and the School Board holds him accountable for performance metrics. Through elections and other means, taxpayers hold the School Board accountable. The Board of Supervisors does have some ability to appropriate the School Board budget more finely, although that is not the current approach being taken.

Currently, the BOS does a single appropriation budget to the School Board; then, the school board allocates that budget amount into its traditional budgeting process. I know many taxpayers are asking questions about School Board allocations and expenditures. It is imperative that we make the current budget as transparent as possible, so we know precisely how the last two years of budgets have been spent. If everything looks good, then the single appropriation budget may work well. However, if there are significant concerns raised and the School Board cannot rectify the situation, the Board of Supervisors does have another option available to it for further oversight.

According to the current Virginia State law, 22.1-115 (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/22.1-115/). The Board of Supervisors can allocate funds to the School Board within nine appropriations categories: (1) instruction, (2) administration, attendance, and health, (3) pupil transportation, (4) operations and maintenance, (5) school food services and other non-instructional operations, (6) facilities, (7) debt and fund transfers, (8) technology, and (9) contingency reserves.

This approach means the Board of Supervisors could allocate budgeted money for those nine categories. The School Board would have to budget within each category and not co-mingle funds across the categories. However, before we get to that, I’d like the new School Board to see if they can “right this ship” and be more transparent with the budget as soon as possible.

151 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

Educational choice in Loudoun is critical to long-term success here and across the nation. That choice is not just about which public school to attend; although that flexibility is important, it’s also about expanding the online school program, home schooling options, charter and magnet schools, special education options, and non-traditional learning environments too. We need to be innovative in how our children are prepared for their unique futures, and that also includes full-year options for those who want to get through school at a faster pace. All of it needs to be on the table, and students and parents should have the ability to mix and match these options based on their child’s learning needs and desires.

152 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

AMY RICCARDI - STERLING DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

ARBEN ISTREFI - STERLING DISTRICT

I believe that competitive compensation, working conditions, agency over professional development, and including the voices of our educators and caregivers are critical now more than ever. In addition, I believe in making sure we have recruitment programs and partnerships will institutions to attract a pipeline of top talent to LCPS. Lastly, teachers want to teach and educate, so we need to better identify things that are blocking, suffocating them, and stripping them of the ability to focus on the education of our students and their classroom.

WORKFORCE PIPELINE - What ideas do you have for how Loudoun County Public Schools and the local business community can work together to develop a pipeline for Loudoun’s future workforce?

It’s vital that LCPS and the local business community collaborate and look for ways to develop workforce pipeline solutions to also help students fulfill their potential, learn, and understand the opportunities that they could pursue and careers they could be successful, as well as give them outlets to then explore those careers. Internship and apprenticeship programs, career fairs and events, and site field trips would all be valuable. There are countless ways that we can introduce students to varying fields and we need to make sure that we’re open to ideas that allow our students to explore their passions and begin to understand potential pathways for them to succeed and thrive.

Although LCPS remains one of the best school divisions in Virginia, it is important that we continue to focus on career readiness and performance by making sure we have metrics to measure the success of existing programming, expanding programming to make sure all students have access to opportunities that will help them to thrive in the workforce, and we need to focus on mentorship and counseling to then guide students further.

153 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

We need to think about what more we can do to build up and give access to vocational studies, project-based learning, and broader and more intense exposure to varying skills-based careers.

It is absolutely critical that our schools have the funding needed to meet the diverse and growing needs of the division, while being able to measure performance, accountability, and outcomes. We also need to look at challenges and opportunities with an equity lens, make sure we are understanding the needs of the communities and families we serve, and be open to innovative approaches.

I support innovation, non-traditional approaches, and tackling what could be systemic problems, my primary focus will be on strengthening and investing in our public schools to make sure we provide the best education possible for all children and can serve all of our students and their families.

Sarath Kolla, Sterling District School Board candidate, did not complete questionnaire.

154 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

ARBEN ISTREFI - STERLING DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

Sponsor Recognition & Candidate Information

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Virginia House of Delegates Candidate Responses

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Virginia State Senate Candidate Responses

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Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Candidate Responses

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Loudoun County School Board Candidate Responses

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156 LOUDOUN CHAMBER 2023 BIZVOTES CAMPAIGN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2023 POLICYMAKER SERIES SPONSORS

2023 VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

2023 VIRGINIA STATE SENATE CANDIDATES

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ASHBURN

DULLES

BROAD RUN

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2023 LOUDOUN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

LEESBURG

STERLING

LITTLE RIVER

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RAFI

(R) - 26TH DISTRICT

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RAFI KHAJA (R) - 26TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

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CHRIS HARNISCH (R) - 27TH DISTRICT

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2023

VIRGINIA

HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

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2023

VIRGINIA

HOUSE OF DELEGATES CANDIDATES

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ROB BANSE (D) - 30TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

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GEARY HIGGINS (R) - 30TH DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

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RUSSET PERRY (D) - 31ST DISTRICT

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- 31ST DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

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JUAN PABLO SEGURA (R) - 31ST DISTRICT (CONTINUED)

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TAX REVENUE / DATA CENTERS

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