Campaign for School Board

Editor,

My name is Mike Donovan, and I am campaigning as a write-in candidate for Falls Church City School Board. This late entry into the race came about after hearing how unhappy teachers and staff are with the lack of transparency and accurate information from the current school board. The 2023 school board race had an unopposed slate of candidates which, in my opinion, will lead to complacency. As a write-in candidate I am here to give voters more choice.

In this time of increasing competition for a declining number of people willing to work in public education, I am concerned about maintaining a stable workforce. I commit to bringing a voice to the school board that represents the values of our community, our schools, our students, and our staff. This promise includes committing the school board to act in good faith with school staff, understanding that many live and work here, in order to continue the tradition of excellence for Falls Church students and families.

Mike Donovan

Candidate Choices from Duncan

Editor,

First, thanks to the News-Press for its extensive coverage of the City Council and School Board campaigns. Our City is lucky to have a newspaper where candidates for local office can reach citizens with advertisements and biographical statements.

Second, thanks to all the folks who are seeking public office. It’s hard work, going door-to-door to visit with all the voters.

I’m sorry not to be on the campaign trail myself this time. Tuesday marked 26 weeks since my lungs transplant surgery in May. So, I’ve made it halfway through the year that my doctors say it will take for me to feel strong enough to wage a campaign.

But I have been able to continue participating in Council meetings, and I’ve attended all the candidate forums. This has underscored my belief, formed during 11-plus years as a member of Council, that our citizenry is best served when a variety of generational perspectives are represented on our Council.
In my view, the best blend of experience, energy, values and vision is offered by Council candidates Tim Stevens, Letty Hardi and Justine Underhill.

Tim is an active senior who has developed a deep understanding of Falls Church through decades of volunteer community service with environmental groups, civic organizations, and in recent years as chair of the Planning Commission, where he presides with an open mind and collaborative spirit.

My candidate choice in the 40-something cohort is Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, whose weekly blog is the gold standard in communicating with constituents.

Letty brings to her civic work a background in business analytics and management; the no-nonsense grit that comes from raising three boys; and keen interest in a wide range of issues.

In the 30-something cohort, Justine Underhill impressively articulates a vision for the Falls Church of the future that we all want — a close-knit, welcoming community, with more housing options to meet the needs and budgets of old and young.

I’ve seen Justine in action as a member of the City’s Housing Commission, and as a leader in the Falls Church Forward civic organization, and I’m confident she would pour her heart and soul into working on Council to ensure Falls Church is a City for all ages and abilities, with first-rate schools and senior services.
My preferred candidates for Council are all about possibilities for our great City. Tim, Letty and Justine will pursue progress with a spirit of hopeful and planful positivism.

Phil Duncan

Praise for Past and Present Editorials

Editor,

I am a Maryland resident, but when I am in Northern Virginia I pick up the latest issue of the Falls Church News-Press. This week’s issue, October 26-Nov. 1 issue, the editorial, “Universal Four Freedoms,” is one of the best editorials I have ever had the privilege of reading.

The first absolutely great editorial Mr. Benton wrote was “The God of Our Founders” in the August 5-11, 2021 issue. I have kept that editorial and I am keeping the one in this week’s paper. These are two of the finest editorials I have ever read in all of my years, and I am no longer a spring chicken.

Freeman Earnest

Why I Support Erin Flynn

Editor,

Erin shares our community’s values, including insistence on excellent City services, environmental protection, transportation, development and assuring an inclusive community. She will be a tough advocate and negotiator on behalf of the City just as she has been on Civil Rights as an attorney for the U.S. Justice Department. Finally, she shares the immigrant experience as well as her work in our community with VPIS. In all my years on Council, I have never seen anyone more qualified for the job of City Council.

Dave Snyder

Speed Limits in Falls Church

Editor,

After moving to Falls Church almost 2 years ago, we totally agree with the letter in the October 26th News-Press regarding the speed limits in Falls Church. We live on West Broad facing the Street and the cars and trucks are constantly going way over the limit. Besides that, there have been a lot of cars revving up their engines which are very loud and annoying. Perhaps some law can be changed regarding those loud engines. Actually, speed bumps sound like a perfect solution. Many more cars travel on West Broad since we moved here.

While I am complaining there is something else that annoys us. Plastic bags have been banned, but they can still be purchased for 5 cents. We see them especially blowing around on the streets and side of the road.

This does not make sense. Why do they still have them in the stores? Can someone please explain.

Fran McMahon

Three Steps for Pedestrian Safety

Editor,

I read in the News Press recently that the city of Falls Church is looking at the possibility of lowering the speed limit from 25 to 20 in some areas to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. I would like to suggest three things that could have a bigger impact.

First, replace the pedestrian walk sign at Broad and N. Lee Streets that has been MIA.

Second, abolish right turn on red in the city.

Finally, find a way to enforce stopping for individuals in cross walks and then enforce it.

All these things would make me feel safer (and be safer) than a 20 mph speed limit.

Jim Gilroy