F.C. Candidate Statement

My friends call me Joe. My wife, Ann Linehan, and I live in the Winter Hill area. With roots in the City that extend to my grandparents raising six children here, I look forward to representing my City; one I see at the crossroads of change. I believe this election is critical in our City’s history, one that will impact Falls Church for decades to come.

I am running for City Council because I offer the experience, energy and passion to meet these challenges and shape these opportunities.

A veteran of eight years active duty in the U.S. Navy, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Roger Williams College in Rhode Island. From two years in the private sector and 16 more in federal service, I bring diverse professional experience: from contract management and procurement to human services program and project management, and from grants management to major computer systems integration. Working for the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement during this time, I work with cabinet and agency-level leadership in State governments nationwide. Understanding the mechanics of government, from a national perspective to a local level is one advantage I provide. Another is knowing how to get things done.

From the need to streamline regulation, to the urgency to create new opportunities and incentive for business relocation back into Falls Church, much needs to be done. From maintaining the excellence of our school system in the face of ever-expanding enrollments—and budges—to demanding City leaders negotiate achievable proffers developers, much must be asked. And from promising to protect our neighborhoods from encroaching development while still promoting smart growth policies of mixed-use development and completion of the City Center project, much will be demanded.

In the coming weeks, I will have to work hard to earn your trust, your confidence, your vote. I look forward to this challenge and to the many conversations to come about our City’s direction and future.