Local Democrats support Penny Gross at annual fundraiser
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| Front row, left to right: Sharon Bulova, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Justin Fairfax, and Penny Gross. |
Dozens of local Democrats gathered at the Camelot home of
Justin Fairfax Feb. 23 for Mason Supervisor Penny Gross’ annual Champagne and
Chocolate fundraiser.
Justin Fairfax Feb. 23 for Mason Supervisor Penny Gross’ annual Champagne and
Chocolate fundraiser.
“We’re here to celebrate Penny and replenish her campaign kitty,”
said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova. “She will be in a strong
position next year.”
said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova. “She will be in a strong
position next year.”
It’s way too early for any sort of announcement about
whether Gross will run again, as the board of supervisors election isn’t until
November 2015. Gross, first elected to the BoS in 1995, is vice chair of the board
and chairs its personnel and environmental committees.
Gross hailed Mason District as a “vibrant, dynamic, diverse
location” with “lots of investment,” but some challenges, too, including
providing for the needy.
location” with “lots of investment,” but some challenges, too, including
providing for the needy.
She cited some highlights of her term, including the first
urban-style school in Fairfax County (the Bailey’s Elementary School annex to
open in September), Mason Crest Elementary School (opened in 2012), the new
building for Glasgow Middle School (2008), the renovation of Woodrow Wilson Library now under way, and the new Bailey’s Crossroads Fire Station
under construction. Gross said her pet project is the arts and wants to make
sure “we accomplish something” to promote the arts.
urban-style school in Fairfax County (the Bailey’s Elementary School annex to
open in September), Mason Crest Elementary School (opened in 2012), the new
building for Glasgow Middle School (2008), the renovation of Woodrow Wilson Library now under way, and the new Bailey’s Crossroads Fire Station
under construction. Gross said her pet project is the arts and wants to make
sure “we accomplish something” to promote the arts.
Among the politicians at the event were Rep. Gerry Connolly,
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, Mason school board member Sandy Evans, former BoS Chair Katherine Hanley, and several candidates vying for Rep.
Jim Moran’s seat, including Del. Alfonso Lopez, state Sen. Adam Ebbin, Del.
Mark Sickles, and Don Beyer.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, Mason school board member Sandy Evans, former BoS Chair Katherine Hanley, and several candidates vying for Rep.
Jim Moran’s seat, including Del. Alfonso Lopez, state Sen. Adam Ebbin, Del.
Mark Sickles, and Don Beyer.
Bulova lauded Connelly, who chaired the BoS before he was
elected to Congress, for helping the county secure a federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan for the Dulles Metrorail
project.
elected to Congress, for helping the county secure a federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan for the Dulles Metrorail
project.
OH GOD we cannot take any more! We've had our Penny's worth.
Though grateful for her years of public service, it appears to be time for a change.
Please no, I was holding out hope that she wouldn't run again, now I'm so depressed. What has Ms. Gross done for Mason District in the past 20 years? I am a Democrat and would like to vote for a Democrat, but any potential Democratic candidates are afraid to challenge her because they are chicken and because the Democratic Party will not offer any political or monetary support if they try to run against her. Something is very wrong with this system. I want a Supervisor who really cares about Mason District and who listens to its residents. We deserve better. It's time for a change.
Mason District Residents please stop voting party line and incumbent. Do not give money for her campaign kitty!!!
20 years!? She must be a saint! I've been here less than year, and I've already started cutting myself with all the complaining. Maybe instead of crying about property taxes and your neighbor's yard sales (the scourge of our time!) you will challenge her. Then you could really start speaking some truth to power . . . truth to power!
She's no saint. She's a career politician who only listens to Sharon Bulova (her prime benefactor) and to her supporters. If you don't support her, you'll be lucky to receive even a cursory response to your expression of concern. Mason District has languished under her supervision and it time for a change.
These are great comments!
Penny needs to go. She's long in the tooth and from my viewpoint totally unresponsive to constituent concerns. Even with the establishment Democrats behind her is there a sense that a serious challenger could win the disaffected vote?
Penny Gross should not be patting herself on the back.I would hardly say those are highlights they are stopgap measures brought on by her lack of political leadership throughout her tenure.20 years ago Mason Districts problems started as a small cut, they have since developed into a severed Limb,Blighted and Toxic.The Mason District area has been in steady decline under the Democratic leadeship ever since with thier pandering and back room negotiations.The quality of life in the area has been stomped on by Penny Grosses inability to lead.We need Tom Davis or his Ilk to return and bring no nonesense politics back to the area where contributing families want to move to, not away from.
SOoooooo SAD! Please do not run again — first of all, I can't understand why Penny Gross has been reelected so many times. Penny Gross is totally unresponsive to anything her constituents tell her — absolutely. We have meetings, we talk, and then she does exactly what she wants to do. So, who in the heck is reelecting her? Is it just poor turnout that gets her reelected?? Please, please leave. Penny has ruined Annandale.