“Miles to go before I sleep…” – Robert Frost

As an introvert and mother of young kids, this is the last job I’d ever thought I’d do. And nearly 4 years in, the decision to seek re-election was more difficult this time – especially knowing what I know now!

On the other hand, I can see the impact of our Monday night decisions and progress of the past 4 years​,​ which has been fulfilling and luckily, sustaining for those late nights when I miss bedtime with my kids. 4 years ago, we were nowhere close to a path forward for the high school. 4 years ago, I had not yet cast my vote to proceed with Founders Row. 4 years ago, we didn’t yet have a more restrictive gun ordinance, bikeshare, pedestrian improvements, a​n expanded Mt. Daniel, new restaurants, downtown tree lights, new public parking spaces, a Miller House, curbside composting, new parks, pinwheel gardens, expanded senior tax relief, a Pride Flag flying outside of City Hall, recognition of Indigenous People’s Day or Hispanic Heritage Month…

I am proud to have had a hand in each of these results, helping make Falls Church an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Despite the many accomplishments, we have more work ahead to truly be a community for all that reflects our values. As I think about this special community where my in-laws are retiring in the same place that my children are growing up and hopefully able to return one day as we did – more work is needed to ensure that we are a complete and sustainable community for all in the future.

From affordability that will match the inclusive, welcoming values we espouse to traffic calming, walkability, parking, and new modes of transportation so we have a safe, accessible city for everyone; from environment and stormwater management so we leave our community more resilient for future generations to smart economic development and a vibrant downtown, we must continue to build on the progress from the last 4 years.

All the while, we need to continue steering the City through an unprecedented amount of new capital infrastructure with a new high school on the horizon while keeping a tight rein on our operating budgets.

So with that road ahead, I am seeking re-election to continue our progress towards a bright future. I hope to keep bringing my experience and the rigorous and balanced decision-making, diligence, strong communication, and transparency to the job I promised 4 years ago. I remain committed to being a citizen first, not a politician.