Big welcome for Fairfax County elected leaders

By Susan Laume:

The Fairfax County Government Center auditorium was packed, despite cold and rainy weather, as elected officials, including Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, took their oaths of office on December 16.

Incoming Supervisory Board Chair Jeff McKay said education will be his number one priority

Several hundred friends, family and well-wishers braved the rain to congratulate 15 newly elected county officials — 10 supervisors, three Soil and Water Board directors, sheriff and commonwealth’s attorney. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), himself a former Board of Supervisors chair, set the tone as he reminded the elected leaders, “Having the title is one thing, earning it is another.  Successful local government is learning to satisfy the annoyed, without annoying the satisfied.”

All of the officials inaugurated Monday, except one, were Democrats. Democrats also won all 12 Fairfax County School Board seats in last month’s elections. The elected officials take office on Jan. 1, 2020.

In his inaugural speech, McKay, who will lead a county of 1.1 million residents with one of the highest income levels in the nation, touted Fairfax County’s top ranking in many statistical categories.  He said those positions were “rooted in two fundamental beliefs that have made us successful: one, being a welcoming and accepting community that accepts everyone regardless of their backgrounds; and two, investing in people, by providing first rate services including outstanding public schools, parks, libraries, safe communities, and sophisticated wrap around services for all of our residents.”

A large audience gathered despite raw weather to congratulate Fairfax County elected officials

McKay, formerly Lee District supervisor, gave thanks, among others, to outgoing Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, and his high school government teacher, both present in the audience. He said he still embraces the motto sewn on his high school shirt, “Advance always.”

McKay highlighted the priority areas for his administration: affordable housing, combating climate change, transportation, public schools, and responsible budgeting. “Education has always been, and will always be our Board’s number one priority,” he said.

Besides McKay, the other officials inaugurated Monday, with Circuit Court Judge Penney Azcarate administering the oath, were:

  • Board of Supervisors: Walter L. Alcorn, Hunter Mill District; John W. Foust, Dranesville; Penelope A. Gross, Mason; Pat Herrity, Springfield; Rodney Lusk, Lee District; Dalia A. Palchik, Providence; Kathy L. Smith, Sully; Daniel G. Storck, Mount Vernon; and James R. Walkinshaw, Braddock
  • Commonwealth’s Attorney: Steve T. Descano
  • Sheriff: Stacey A. Kincaid
  • Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Directors: Monica A. Billger, Chris E. Koerner, and Gerald Peters Jr.

Herrity, an incumbent, was the sole Republican.

The Blue View wishes the new Board of Supervisors and other elected officials much success in their endeavors!

Main photo: Fairfax County new leadership took their oaths of office in front of a large audience of well-wishers/ Photos by Susan Laume 

 

Susan Laume is a member of the Springfield District Democratic Committee  and director of the Virginia Dog Army, an animal advocacy group.  She and her dog work as a therapy dog team.

 

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