I’ve been keeping an ear to the ground for any rumblings about the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman race for a while now, as it is going to be the top ticket and a major race for those of us in Fairfax this November. I have wanted a Republican in the Chairman’s slot for a while now, and my perspective isn’t unique – any of us who have moved to Fairfax within the last 18 years have never had a Republican Chairman. It has been a long list of Democrats, including most recently Gerry Connolly and now Sharon Bulova.
I’ve heard a number of names discussed over the last few months, and have speculated myself about a few, but for various reasons those candidates have decided not to jump in. That has left this opportunity wide open – and I agree with the conventional wisdom that Republicans can’t afford to let this seat go uncontested. The last thing we need is to let Fairfax County’s future continue to be defined by the same old business-as-usual decisions that the Board has repeated over and over again. I, for one, am tired of seeing the constant budget deficits, the constant tax increases and the constant out of control spending. Even with Pat Herrity, John Cook and Michael Frey on the Board, they’ve been unable by themselves to stem the flow of bad policy Bulova has let happen. It’s time for change at the top.
The latest rumor that I’ve heard – and I think it’s a pretty substantial one – is that Michael “Spike” Williams will be converting his state Senate campaign into a campaign for Chairman of the Fairfax BOS. That rumor – if it turns out to be true – will give us a strong leader, a local business owner, and dedicated family man at the top of the ticket. I think Spike is exactly what Fairfax County needs – he’s the right candidate at the right time.
As anyone can see – and as I reported on a few days ago – we’ve got a really crowded Senate field right now, and that’s even before redistricting. One of the toughest challenges to Spike’s Senate campaign has been the uncertainty that redistricting brings. Spike’s home is in a part of Hunter Mill that could wind up in any one of four different Senate districts, and – right now – end up with him facing any one of four Republican candidates in a primary. The last thing any of us want is divisive primaries that waste resources and churn up internal problems for Republicans candidates.
From where I sit, Spike is an excellent candidate for BOS Chairman. He’s a lifelong Fairfax County resident – even went to Fairfax High School – and he and his wife Julie have deep roots in the county. They have a daughter in Fairfax Public Schools, and his credentials as a small business owner in Fairfax County would be a significant change of pace from Sharon Bulova, who as far as I can tell has never had a job in the private sector. She has served a very, very long career as a public servant in Fairfax – over 20 years – and while I commend her for her service, it’s time for a change. She has not been a dynamic leader, and not only could most people not pick her out of a lineup, she has no vision for the county’s future. When you’ve got her out championing a plan to spend $400 million to put the County in the trash incineration business, it seems clear she doesn’t get that we need to be attracting the private sector here in Fairfax, not absorbing it.
Since I moved to Fairfax in 2007, we’ve seen nothing but budget shortfalls, slow economic development (yes, still ahead of other areas but slow for us), horrible traffic congestion, an education system in flux, and a leadership void from the Democrats that shows no signs of abating. We need someone from Fairfax with a business and community background who can bring fresh eyes and new ideas to the County leadership. Spike is perfect.
The most important thing for me, however is simple: Spike can win. He’s well-known in his community in Hunter Mill, through his work as a Fairfax County Youth Sports Parent Volunteer, a Fairfax County Grace Art Volunteer and his donation of graphic designs to local area public schools, county sports, youth groups, and Republican organizations. He is well liked among my fellow Republican activists, especially after having served for the past three years on the FCRC Executive Committee. He can raise money, he’s got a good head on his shoulders, and he’s got the full support of his family for running. He’s got everything going for him, and if he does run, he’ll certainly have my full support.
We can win countywide in 2011, but we need the right candidate. If these rumors are true and Spike is going to run for Chairman, I think we’ve found that candidate.
