Fairfax County voters have a lot of decisions to make on Tuesday, Election Day. Only once every eight years do we have so many positions on the ballot. Every seat on the Board of Supervisors, School Board, General Assembly, State Senate and the Soil and Water Conservation Board is on the ballot, as well as Sheriff, Commonwealth’s Attorney and, this year, the Clerk of the Court. Two bond referendums for schools and transportation, also await voters’ approval.

Local elections have a greater effect on everyday life than any decisions made across the river or in Richmond. Local officials decide your property tax rate, the school budget and school construction, land use, transportation projects funded with local tax dollars, even dog leash laws and drainage issues. Tuesday’s election will give Fairfax County voters the opportunity and responsibility to move the county forward and meet the challenges of the future.

Localities across the nation look to Fairfax County as an example of how communities and elected officials can work together for the good of all. Fairfax County was named the “Best Managed County” in the nation by Governing magazine a few years ago, and Fairfax County has been proud to maintain that accolade in subsequent reviews. It’s a badge of honor, but also reflects the prudent investments made by the Board of Supervisors in response to the needs of our community — education, human services, police and fire, sidewalks and trails, and environmental stewardship — to name a few.

Board Chairman Gerry Connolly is a local and regional leader on many of these issues, and has developed a unique relationship with state leaders in Richmond to bring additional resources to our area. Gerry’s leadership is needed now especially, as we face budgetary challenges in a softening housing market. All Fairfax voters can vote for Gerry Connolly on Tuesday.

Most General Assembly members representing Mason District are unopposed Tuesday.  Depending on where you live, you can vote for Mary Margaret Whipple or Dick Saslaw for the State Senate, and David Bulova, Adam Ebbin, Bob Hull, Brian Moran, Jim Scott or Vivian Watts to return to the House of Delegates. Perhaps the hottest race for the Senate, between Republican incumbent Jeannemarie Devolites Davis and former Democratic delegate Chap Petersen, includes the western end of Mason District (Camelot, Ridgelea and Hummer precincts). In this low turnout election year, every vote for Chap may be the one that turns the State Senate blue!

For 12 years, it has been my great honor and privilege to represent the people of Mason District on the Board of Supervisors. Mason District is a great place to live, work, play, worship and do business. We have made great strides together in maintaining and improving an already excellent school system, revitalizing our older commercial areas, adding parkland and recreational amenities and achieving greater understanding with our diverse population. It is only by working together in a positive manner that we can really succeed in our efforts to make life better for all. I hope you will agree with my positive approach and vote to re-elect Penny Gross as Mason District Supervisor on November 6.

All Fairfax County polls will be open on Tuesday, November 6, from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.  Vote at your regular polling place. If you need a ride to the polls, please call 703/573-6811.