Loeffler, candidate for supervisor, vows to listen to neighborhood concerns
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| Mollie Loeffler outlines her priorities. |
Mollie Loeffler, the independent candidate running for Mason
supervisor, told supporters at a fundraiser June 14, “I
want to make sure the community has a voice and that there is accountability at
the supervisor’s office.”
supervisor, told supporters at a fundraiser June 14, “I
want to make sure the community has a voice and that there is accountability at
the supervisor’s office.”
Loeffler, a neighborhood activist, says she is running
because, “our district needs responsive leadership, new energy, and a new
direction.”
because, “our district needs responsive leadership, new energy, and a new
direction.”
“This is a candidate who can represent everyone’s interests,”
says Tina Trapnell, a former Mason supervisor who hosted the gathering at her
Lake Barcroft home.
“Party labels can be an advantage. Party labels can be a
disadvantage,” Trapnell says. “The most important thing is to believe in your
constituency and do what is best for them and listen to the concerns that they
have. Mollie has a reputation for listening and will continue to do so.”
disadvantage,” Trapnell says. “The most important thing is to believe in your
constituency and do what is best for them and listen to the concerns that they
have. Mollie has a reputation for listening and will continue to do so.”
Loeffler believes she can unite Democrats and Republicans
who believe the incumbent, Mason Supervisor Penny Gross, who is seeking a sixth term, has lost touch with
local residents and has been too accommodating to developers at
the expense of neighborhood concerns.
who believe the incumbent, Mason Supervisor Penny Gross, who is seeking a sixth term, has lost touch with
local residents and has been too accommodating to developers at
the expense of neighborhood concerns.
“The current supervisor has had 20 years to make a positive
change in Mason District and, unfortunately, it seems we’re falling behind in many
categories, from schools to revitalization to crime,” Loeffler says.
change in Mason District and, unfortunately, it seems we’re falling behind in many
categories, from schools to revitalization to crime,” Loeffler says.
She vows to listen to the community and make land use
decisions that support the schools, rather than contributing to overcrowding. “We
need to calibrate some of these spending priorities. For example, why are we
building new office buildings in our district when we have a 38 percent office
vacancy rate?”
decisions that support the schools, rather than contributing to overcrowding. “We
need to calibrate some of these spending priorities. For example, why are we
building new office buildings in our district when we have a 38 percent office
vacancy rate?”
Loeffler criticized Gross for concealing plans for a county office building at the Willston Center in Seven Corners, while the
school board and community members were asking supervisors to return that property to Fairfax County Public Schools as a site for a new school.
school board and community members were asking supervisors to return that property to Fairfax County Public Schools as a site for a new school.
The plan for a $125 million office building wasn’t discussed
during meetings of the task force Gross appointed to develop a revitalization plan for Seven Corners, and the community only learned about it from a Freedom
of Information Act request.
during meetings of the task force Gross appointed to develop a revitalization plan for Seven Corners, and the community only learned about it from a Freedom
of Information Act request.
Gross has more recently indicated the county office building
won’t be located at Willston, but it’s not clear where it would be. The county
has already spent $895,000 on the design of the building, Loeffler says, and “we
still don’t know where it’s going to go.”
won’t be located at Willston, but it’s not clear where it would be. The county
has already spent $895,000 on the design of the building, Loeffler says, and “we
still don’t know where it’s going to go.”
There’ a “lack of transparency,” she says, “and that’s why
people are so frustrated.”
people are so frustrated.”
Loeffler got involved in local issues when she moved to
Parklawn several years ago and discovered “the neighborhood was slipping into
decline. There was litter everywhere, people were living in garages, and my
street had three illegal boarding houses.”
Parklawn several years ago and discovered “the neighborhood was slipping into
decline. There was litter everywhere, people were living in garages, and my
street had three illegal boarding houses.”
Meanwhile, a boy who lived in one of the boarding houses “became
like a brother to my children,” she says. She and her husband taught him to swim and play
baseball and got him a bike. He is now on the varsity baseball team at JEB
Stuart, as a freshman.
like a brother to my children,” she says. She and her husband taught him to swim and play
baseball and got him a bike. He is now on the varsity baseball team at JEB
Stuart, as a freshman.
When she contacted the supervisor’s and was told, it was “a
transient area,” she decided to take matters into her own hand. She revived the
Parklawn Civic Association and Mason District Council of Community Associations
(MDC) and won some grants to make improvements.
Since Loeffler became president of the MDC about five years ago, it’s become an active
voice in the community, hosting well-attended forums and town halls on code compliance, Seven Corners redevelopment, and school overcrowding, zoning, and other issues.
voice in the community, hosting well-attended forums and town halls on code compliance, Seven Corners redevelopment, and school overcrowding, zoning, and other issues.
Loeffler says she will “empower the neighborhoods to have a say,”
adding, “I want to be your voice, not the voice of the developers.”
adding, “I want to be your voice, not the voice of the developers.”
80 responses to “Loeffler, candidate for supervisor, vows to listen to neighborhood concerns”
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She has my vote!
Anyone Tina Trapnell supports, I will definitely NOT support. She is the WORST. She was bought and paid for by developers!. And she is a snobby elitist to boot!
Wow! So you determine who to vote for based on who is supporting whom?
I would be embarrassed to admit that, if I were you.
Are you better off in Mason District now than 20 years ago? That is the basis for an intelligent vote.
Your lack of consideration to the issues puts your opinion of Mrs. Trapnell at question. In other words, your credibility is rock bottom. Zero.
The fact Mollie is parading as an "independent" when she is in fact a raging hard-core Republican gives her rock bottom credibility. Zero.
I'd settle for zero at this point. Gross is taking us on a ride into deeply negative territory from where Mason may not recover.
"Anyone But Gross" is hardly an inspiring rallying cry, but Swanson came within ten points on that wave.
Mollie's got a shot if Gross can be properly called to account for her record.
I'd suggest it start with a broader public review of her FOI'ed emails with her developer friends she appointed to manipulate the 7 corners development plans.
Speaks for itself.
Where can those emails be found?
"The fact Mollie is parading as an "independent" when she is in fact a raging hard-core Republican…." Thanks for making my earlier case. Too many Mason voters are knee jerk Dems who only vote according to party label. Mollie's platform is remarkably similar to JSwan's. So, it's pointless to suggest that party politics has much to do with her campaign.
I am all for folks be non-partisan and "no party label" – but you cannot claim that you are an independent and run as an independent when you have a long history of being a Republican party activist. It's like if Penny Gross suddenly said she was an independent.
The reason some people have knee-jerk reactions to Republicans is because we still remember Tina Trapnell's incompetent reign of Mason District which was a case-study on how not to govern.
And how is Mollie's platform like Jessica Swanson's? Jessica Swanson never had a platform – she never offered any specifics except that she was going to "fully fund" FCPS from magically make-believe money that the country does not have…
I doubt if Tia Trapnell ever made much of an impression on anyone during her brief tenure as supervisor. She was Tom Davis' protege and clung to his agenda the same way Penny clings to Sharon Bulova's. It's been 20 years since Tina left office, so it's safe to eliminate her as a reason the Dem knee jerks still keep voting for a supervisor who ignores them. That's a point that JSwan made, but I expect Mollie to make it more forcefully.
There's no point in Mollie running as a Republican because there's nothing the Fairfax GOP can offer her. She's obviously too much of a pragmatist to become embroiled in their ideological drama, so running an independent campaign makes sense.
Lets make a drinking game of every time someone says cuccinelli…. or tea party now. WEEE!!!
I grew up in Mason and have been sad to watch its decline while Penny Gross has represented the district. I can't vote in the district, but I certainly hope that people in Mason can get beyond just checking off the box for a Democratic candidate and ask themselves whether the quality of life in their neighborhoods has improved or declined while Penny Gross has been in office. I still have family in Mason, and the answer seems pretty obvious to me.
anyone that vows to listens is a huge improvement to who is in office now. even if you disagree with someone, you should have the respect to listen to their views, return their calls, answers their e mails. the current supervisor does none of these things.
The Dems are firmly in control of Fairfax. So, Penny stands an excellent chance of being reelected simply by riding Sharon Bulova's coattails. Mollie may run an issue-oriented campaign, but most of her issues were aired in the primary and, as we saw, JSwan was unable to garner more than 2,200 votes by running on them. In fact, most likely voters didn't bother to show up even after being bombarded by campaign literature. Accordingly, unless Mollie come up with something really unique, she doesn't stand to receive more than the 35 – 40% of votes any opponent of Penny could typically expect to receive. I hope things turn out better, but I'm not optimistic.
In November no one is running against Sharon Bulova so I suggest no one should vote for her. At the very least show Sharon they we do not like her tactics by not giving her your vote. Sharon and Penny are the same.
To ANON: 7:14 on 6/15
I think you are hallucinating. Mollie's community activism supersedes the political partisanship that you are trying so very hard to pin on her. You are coming on as a raging hard-core (ahem) Democratic activist.
Mollie's 8 years of hard work rebuilding the Parklawn Communityand the Mason District Council speak well of her successful bipartisan approach to getting things done. She is a breath of fresh air for Mason District.
Local politics should be devoid of parties anyway. The issues undertaken by the political parties at the state and national levels do not come to play in county government.
Unless you want 4 more years of steady decline and the same old same old that you've had for the past 20, you'll vote for Mollie Loeffler on Nov. 3.
I agree with you 100%. Mollie does not work with a party she always works with people. She may lean one way but never have I seen her work with the community in one direction. In local politics you are right parties do not matter.
We need change; Mollie is a doer and she will fight for Mason's neesds and its neighborhoods. My vote is for her if we are going to pull Mason out of its spiraling decline.
With her Tea Party/Republican background, why is she now claiming to be independent? She shouldn't have to run away from her principles.
That Tea Party ruse is already becoming boring. I don't expect Penny to play it because she's smart enough to realize that it makes her look desperate. If anyone is a reactionary, it's JSwan with her charter school agenda. So, try at least try to focus your mudslinging on something more original.
No mudslinging intended. Signatory to Tea Party letter on immigration here: http://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/746177/tpp-immigration-letter.pdf
This year, prior to her declaration as an independent, she was the Republican precinct captain for Parklawn.
No mud. Facts.
Who cares! She has my vote and 100% support. She was in both parties and she is a person who cares about Mason District and that is what matters to me.
One signature on an anti-amnesty petition doesn't make anyone a Tea Party supporter. The school board has confirmed that the Administration's lax policy on immigration enforcement has cost Fairfax millions. If you want to continue paying that tab, then you're at odds with numerous other Mason residents. Furthermore, I doubt if most of them would appreciate being labelled as Tea Party types either.
Did you really read what that link says? It's about border protection.
I agree that one letter does not make anyone a Tea Party type.
Mollie is pragmatic. She works directly with people, not parties. Party politics stalls progress.
It is time for enlightened voting to retore Mason District and, as Mollie says, "…make it a vibrant, strong community that makes everyone proud to live here." http://www.mollie4mason.com
With all due respect, she put her name to an immigration letter with Tea Party letterhead. Maybe she has since changed her position on the issue, or maybe her name was included without her knowledge, but I haven't heard her make either of those claims.
And if she is now taking the position that she works with people, not parties, and that party politics stalls progress, then I think she will have to explain why on the eve of her announcement she was a Republican precinct captain. Again, she may have a plausible explanation for this sudden change, but I have not heard it.
"she may have a plausible explanation…" Or maybe she's not as obsessed with party labels as you are. If you need that crutch you're welcome to it, but I have yet to see any GOP organization lay claim to her.
Ms. Loeffler is resorting to subterfuge pretending all of a sudden to be a political Independent. What a sham! We can always count on Penny to say it like it is, think and act ethically, and deliver the best results possible for the district.
" We can always count on Penny to say it like it is…" Who's we? And to whom is she speaking? The opposition to Penny has focused on her refusal to interact with those of her constituents who are most directly affected by her agenda. That "my way or the highway" style of governing has infuriated a lot of her constituents and has finally forced her to defend her record. Penny has only recently begun to answer her critics because there's an election coming up. If she's reelected, she'll undoubtedly revert to her former habit of ignoring anyone she doesn't want to hear from.
I'm all for being a voice for the people as a supervisor, in fact that is the main job description for a supervisor. However, I hope Mrs. Loeffler also listens to reasonable proposals from companies that want to invest in our community. Bailey's, 7-Corner and Annandale are dilapidated could desperately use the help.
"Anonymous 6/16/15, 12:27 PM" I agree with you 100%.
Speaking solely for myself, what you are calling for (listening to reasonable development proposals) is what I care about in this election more than anything else.
I am already sick of hearing that Mollie will "listen" and "stand up" to the developers.
I could give two hoots whether Mollie's "listens" to me or not, I want her to fight to bring new development to Mason District, not make Mason District even more unattractive compared to neighboring areas to do business.
Moreover, I don't see any developers causing problems in Mason District that Mollie needs to stand up to, so Mollie and her supporters are full of baloney to me.
The fact that some dim-witted Democratic Party advocate incessantly claims Molly is a "tea party patriot" or god-forbid, a "Republican" is the only factor that has me mildly interested in Mollie's campaign thus far.
Reasonable proposals…those are the very important and keywords.
Supervisor Gross encourages high density that will clog our roads and stuff more students into schools already overcrowded: 9000 dwelling in Bailey's + 6000 in 7 Corners = 15,000!!!!. Unbelievable!!!
Someone from Annandale pipe in please. What are the numbers proposed for the new apartments slated to replace the bowling alley? What is that going to do to your roads? What else is happening there? Did your communities have any say in what's going on?
Yes definitely reasonable and while accommodating whatever amount of development we approve with school and road capacity. Expand and build schools. Build transit such as BRT/circulator bus and other options so avoiding driving is viable.
Population will increase and more from natural growth than migration. While some people will move to other communities; there is no doubt the demand for the housing in Mason District WILL increase. If the supply doesn't keep up, housing costs will go up for everyone.
If we do this right, we can generate tax revenue to pay for our many community needs. I just hope we don’t either just say no to everything or reduce development so much that it’s ineffective.
Agreed, we need smart/sensible growth. Mason needs to grow up, but with that the County MUST commit to desirable transit options/accommodations that people want to and will use; and not bus stosp in the middle of uncut grass and bus stations/shelters that have been condemned unsafe structures by METRO.
No and Yes are not the answers-appropriate mixed-use development with amenities (retail, parks, pedestrian and bikeways, schools, and GOOD TRANSIT OPTIONS) is what Mason needs, a good infusion of communities where tax paying, working professionals want to live. Why is this so hard? Look around, our adjacent jurisdictions are doing it well and their neighborhoods and economies are thriving.
I couldn't agree more. Mason District is falling behind other areas. Penny has had 20 years to make a difference, but instead she has let us decline. Now she is planning 20-40 years out. We need positive change now.
It is definitely time for a new direction. Vote Penny out by voting Mollie in on Nov. 3.
"Loeffler criticized Gross for concealing plans for a county office building at the Willston Center in Seven Corners, while the school board and community members were asking supervisors to return that property to Fairfax County Public Schools as a site for a new school.
The plan for a $125 million office building wasn’t discussed during meetings of the task force Gross appointed to develop a revitalization plan for Seven Corners, and the community only learned about it from a Freedom of Information Act request."
If this is what you want from your Supervisor, vote to re-elect Penny Gross.
Not Labels. Facts.
Those criticizing Tina Trapnell probably do not know that she was the point person when the Lincolnia Senior Center opened as well as the Bailey's Shelter. Tina Trapnell also initiated the funding for the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale; started the Farmers Market at Mason District Park; began the IB program at JEB Stuart with the help of Ruth Turner; and preserved the Clark House on Columbia Pike. Let's stop bashing Tina and get focused on the current problems and issues at hand in Mason District under Penny Gross. It's time for a change. Penny has been there 20 years. Let's elect someone who has led her Parklawn Community and brought neighborhood leaders together during her leadership on the Mason District Council – Mollie Loeffler.
Just one observation – the Clark House needs to be sold. It's what left of an old dairy farm which hardly makes it noteworthy. Its so-called historical legacy was ruined when it was moved from it's original foundation. This boondoggle been costing taxpayers money for years and most people don't even know (or probably care) about it. They could use the money to help pay of the Potomac Arts Center debt.
You forgot the part where Tina was in the pocket of developers to destroy the last bit of open space in Baileys Crossroads to build the Crossroad Center (aka the Trapnell Center) despite MASSIVE community opposition….If Tina wants to be front and center leading Mollie's campaign, then sorry, Tina is fair game too.
Wow, I am glad you all lost on the Crossroads Centers. So glad we have it even tho it does back right up to neighbors houses in Glen Forest.. While across the st at Charles St no one wants that developed but we in Glen forest have to look at it. everyday. No, I am not for either candidate at this time still listening to the debate going on.
Tina Trapnell in the pocket of developers? You have facts behind that assertion? Lets remember who clearly is in the pockets of developers — PENNY GROSS. How do I know? I read her campaign finance report. Of course, Penny would love you to believe that she is this sweet innocent old woman who only cares about people…That and the dump truck full of campaign cash dropped off by the developers who bought and paid for her rump years ago while the rest of us suffer and other communities pass us by…
to 3:22: Ahhh…the old "Penny is so in the pocket of developers that Mason district lags while other communities improve" meme. One or the other might be true. Both together are quite likely untrue.
4:48 – How can you deny this is true? Her campaign funds clearly come from developers this is not debatable. And how can you not admit that Mason is largely a mess? Fast food restaurants, drive-through drug stores, and car dealerships are not the kind of development most of us want in Mason District. Not all developers are the same! We need some smart growth planning not just some piece-meal you are stuck with this plan because our district is so "poor" and no one wants to develop here. Give me a break!
Bringing up Tina just demonstrates to me most people around here are unsatisfied no matter who is in office.
While I keep hearing about Mollie doing such a great job of neighborhood activism over the last 8 years, I don't know her, and therefore, I don't trust her.
To me, most of the opposition against Penny Gross are unrealistic clods who complain no matter what she does. I don't believe Penny is in the pockets of the developers. I believe Penny acts for the best interests of all of Mason District (and not just those who whine and bellyache for more taxpayer money and resources for the public schools).
In short, Penny is a strong impartial leader who I trust to do what is best for Mason District. I don't know Mollie, and her one campaign promise is empty without detailed explanations of where she stands on the major issues facing Mason District.
Right now all I hear are vague feel good words like Listen, Hope, Future, Change. It sounds like empty spin.
Kinda like the current prez –who was elected twice!!!
Mollie is Jessica, but a Cuccinelli Republican.
She will waste her time and money, and lose to Penny Gross in a couple months. Rinse and repeat.
Free country. Her time, her money, freely donated. Mollie's got guts.
Who ever is trying to say that Mollie is a Cuccinelli Republican obviously doesn't even know her. You are a joke and desperate.
This is just a vent space. Great for calling each other names (or the candidates) and bickering and that is fine as far as it goes, if it makes one feel better. The folks who post here are not going to have there opinions changed. The folks who do not post here, maybe. So, talk to your friends and neighbors about the issues, especially those who traditionally don't vote or are who you suspect are straight ticket voters. That's what I have been doing at swim meets, soccer games, pool parties, etc. Conversation starters: Do you like the fact that the old Bloom store and Han Sung Oak have been empty for months/years? Are you happy that housing is going in at the Annandale bowling lanes? At Madison and Columbia Pike? 6,000 units proposed for Seven Corners (Too much/too little)? Does overcrowding in our schools please you? etc. ad nauseum.
Yes, I am happy that housing is going in at Madison and Columbia Pike (it is much better than the eyesore Rosslyn Autobody below-grade commercial center that you must have loved). In addition, I am happy the builder of this new housing is installing new storm water infrastructure under Columbia Pike, Blair, and Mason to fix the terrible storm water drainage problem that has existed there for decades.
You anti-development people are ridiculous elitists – we have ours, the only new housing that should be built in Mason District should be mansions in to keep out the New American immigrants and the riff-raft and to ensure my kids go to school with other rich kids.
You elitist supporters of Molly motivate me to make sure I vote for Penny on Election Day.
She sounds like she'll be a great option and alternative to our current Supervisor! I hope she'll stay away from negative campaigning and decline large campaign contributions from any company or PAC. I think those were major reasons for why Swanson lost. It sounds like Ms. Loeffler has some excellent experience in our district but hopefully she has more to talk about than just the Willston Government building issue. I'm looking forward to hearing more about all of her ideas and plans to improve the district. She definitely has a competitive chance in this election if she can stay focused on her own experience and her own ideas and plans.
These exchanges are not very enlightening when everyone posts as Anonymous. Is it clear how to post your name under select profile? Can this part of the blog be improved for us non-techies?
All I have gotten out of this conversation is that we currently have a terrible supervisor, the democratic primary opponent dropped off the planet or has been buried under Wilston, and the Independent candidate is cookoo for cookinelli.
This place is a disaster, hat a bunch of nuts, time to move! Should change the name from Mason District to Madness Dumpster.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out 5:54
Hey Sue, adding names doesn't make the comments any more or less enlightening.
Everyone is not interested in receiving all the attention this blog's resident star, Adam Goldberg, justly receives for his humor and even temperament.
Sue no one is stopping you from using your full name, and if you need guidance because you don't know how, I hope you receive the help you need.
But don't try to compel others to publicly use their full names to comment here, so you and other nut cases can hold them "accountable" for their politically incorrect views.
Thanks for the plug 659!
Here is some advice for Anon 6:59 PM (i.e. Nellie Forbush); you better secure your door down before some white van comes and takes it right off its hinges during the night.
Four more years of the same, is insane. Four more years without a fundamentally centered and executable action plan to improve Mason District would be catastrophic. I have yet to hear from any of the opponents what that plan might be, and given the District's election history, we may never hear a credible one.
My suggestion to the rest of us; you may want to start planning for your exit strategy because you may very well need one.
Are people happy with commercial vehicles taking up space on secondary roads; happy with donation boxes sprouting like dandelions; happy with litter, overcrowinding of homes; and other zoning problems? Mason District did not used to be like this. Let's get a grip on the situation by seriously looking at the candidates that will make a change. If Penny Gross will not stand up to implement the necessary changes, then take a look at Mollie Loeffler. Look at the records and accomplishments and stop with the name bashing.
I took a look at Mollie Loeffler. I saw more complaining, more negativity, more platitudes like "I'll listen" and "new energy"…like someone else said above — it's Swanson, but in the form of a Ken Cuccinelli Tea Party Republican calling herself an Independent for some bizarre reason (she was a GOP precinct captain up until 3 months ago!).
So, Mason Gal. I am so thrilled she has your vote as well as the token 40 % any anti-incumbent gets. That will be about it. Keep asking these bizarre "questions" that have no relation to fact to the 90 people who read the comments on the Annandale Blog. You are making a real difference!
"the token 40 % any anti-incumbent gets…" If Mollie is currently running that high, she has a decent chance of winning. In 2003, GOP candidate Buzz Hawley finished with 41.9%. That was in a three way race in which Penny only received 51.9%. There aren't any third party candidates in this election, but there are plenty of Anybody But Penny voters who aren't Republicans. So, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Nobody can fix this place. Between the NIMBYs and the Section 8'ers, and the dwindling center which is rapidly disappearing, this place is doomed.
Only and act of God can bring Mason back from the dead.
Mason Gal, do you even pay attention to what the Board of Supervisors do?
The Board just enacted restrictions and requirements on donation boxes; has moved to ban commercial trucks from more major roads; and is having a public hearing on establishing strict rules for what can be parked on public streets in Mason District.
If these are the issues you care about you would be voting for Penny.
I think the truth is you and many Mollie supporters are not too bright and you want to hold Penny responsible for the recent developments (YOUR QUOTE "Mason District did not used to be like this") caused by the Open Borders policies of national politicians of both political parties — Obama and his Executive Amnesty (and Hillary says she wants to go further); and the Republican Establishment (Jeb Bush who is as white as a snowflake and is the son and brother of 2 U.S. Presidents, but who loves more than anything else to proclaim in public his love for Mexicans (especially, but not only his wife) – and how every immigrant, no matter if they follow all of the laws or violate many laws, commit "Acts of Love" when they come to the USA).
Well here is the bottom line.
Electing Mollie is not going to do a darn thing to stop the flow of immigration into Mason District. And just because Mollie and her family befriended one youth (who may have been a recent immigrant), that does not earn a vote for Supervisor.
Well one of those restricted crappy clothes boxes just ended up at the Xtra Mart, at Braddock and Lincolnia. So much for the BOS's BS.
Pleezzzze, u got to be kidding me
Oh no! not the Xtra Mart! How will they ever recover?
I called zoning and they promised that the County, at the direction of the BOS would move the box from the Xtra Mart location and plant it in your front yard, where it is apparently so wanted.
thanks man, now I don't have to drive to your place to dump my old clothes
No, now you don't have to walk into your closet or go to Macy's. You have your own special wardrobe waiting for you in your front yard. A fabulous selectional of seasonal wardrobes, all sorts of sizes and probably some stilettos all thanks to the courtesy of our socially conscious BOS.
Good to know "you've got a friend" as BOS.
11:07 – I'm not Mason Gal, but how are these questions "bizarre"?? These are legitimate questions that constituents should be asking as well as many others about the state of our dilapidated district.
I live in Parklawn and Mollie has been a real asset to our community. Say what you will about her, but she's tenacious and won't let go of an issue until it's resolved. Definitely can't say the same about Penny, who needs to go. In the 7+ years I've lived in Mason District, it's taken a real turn for the worse thanks to her.
One question: Is there anyone who believes that Mason District will change for the better if Penny is re-elected? Seriously . . .
I've said this before, but it bears repeating: Mason residents aren't necessarily issue oriented. Large numbers of them won't even vote in the upcoming off year election. Many who do vote will be voting for the top of the ticket based on party identification. Penny's great good fortune is that she's on the same ticket as the highly popular and unopposed Sharon Bulova. So, to answer your question, nothing will change when (not if) Penny is reelected. Moreover, things will likely get worse. That's because she'll be a lame duck who can safely resume her practice of ignoring anyone she doesn't want to hear from.
Aging housing will age, whoever is supervisor. The best chances for improvement in Mason are to go full urbanist. But even that will only improve a few parts of Mason.
It is possible that code enforcement will chase a lot of the hispanic immigrants from the district, though that will be partially offset by stopping redevelopment in Seven Corners. If there is not a decline the number of hispanic immigrants, most of the things the anti-Penny folks complain about will not change. And Mason may end up with less say on County wide issues.
All good points Ken, but Mollie is going to "stand up" to developers and end any drive to "urbanize."
Mollie is opposed to "urban" elementary schools next to brand new apartment buildings, so she will block development of the eyesore that is Bailey's Crossroads and the site of the unsolved murder at the abandoned Safari Lounge.
Moreover, Mollie is already on record as opposed to Spectrum's redevelopment of the abandoned GEICO's office and neighboring overgrown weed infested dumping ground next door because doing so threatens the life of Irene's 93-year old grandmother (I have no idea why the women's age is relevant, but Mollie and Irene use it whenever they comment on this topic, probably for sympathy). Mollie has put herself on record as being opposed to any development on that land on Lessburg Pike unless it is acceptable to Irene, her grandmother, and the rest of their family and neighbors.
So all these people begging for change shouldn't expect change from Mollie.
I don't know what Mollie stands for, she sure isn't running as a Republican, Tea Party Extremist conservative. Best I can figure she is playing the role of a new politician and saying what she thinks the most people want to hear to beat the old politician.
I trust her as far as I can throw her, which at my age is not far.
Well if our alternative is not Mollie, then why is Penny missing in action?
Excuse me? Exactly how is Penny "missing in action"???
If you have been paying attention, some of the commenters here want to string up Penny because she had the nerve to talk with developers about possible new developments they are interested in building in Mason District.
For example, on Columbia Pike and Leesburg Pike near Bailey's Crossroads; on the Kmart site in Annandale; on Leesburg Pike and other roads in Seven Corners.
For this, the extremists on this site want to string-up Penny and replace her with Mollie – who has committed to "standing up" to the developers and to advocate even more strongly for greater funding, resources and support for the public schools.
For you to comment that Penny is "missing in action" is to volunteer your ignorance.
And I write this not as a strong Penny supporter, or as a Democratic (because I am not); but as a 10 year plus resident and homeowner in Mason District who wants to see new development being built here rather than in Merrifield, Tysons, Falls Church City, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudon, etc…
The Liberal 1 Percenters in Lake Braddock and Sleepy Hollow were not able to drag Swanson to victory and they sure are not going to drag Mollie to a win without a fight.
TO ANON: 6:46pm – the MASON DISTRICT LAND USE PLANNING COMMISSIONER – JANET HALL WAS AGAINST THIS PLAN. AND COUNTY STAFF WAS AGAINST IT. DO YOUR RESEARCH – AND QUIT POSTING LIES ABOUT MOLLIE.
Just for the record, submitting comments in all caps identifies you as a raging flaming psycho. Thank you for convincing me that Mollie and her supporters are bullies who will lie and intimidate their opponents and those who refuse to get in line.
From now on, please continue to put all the comments in ALL CAPS so I can more easily identify the comments being sent out by the psycho heading up Mollie's campaign.
Beyond the terrible breach of Internet etiquette, there is the question posed by your rant — what "PLAN" are you raving about? The one that threatens the life of Irene's 93-year old grandmother that has not been approved, and which Penny Gross has not approved; but according to Irene, Mollie, and psychos like you Penny has not opposed enough?
Finally, step slowly away from any weapons you flaming hot-head.
To All Caps at 6:33 – while what you say is true, you fail to note that Fairfax County's Planning Commission approved this plan.
http://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2015/02/planning-commission-approves-baileys.html?m=1
Learn to accept we live in a free democratic country, and not everyone is going to agree with you.
And you fail to mention that the Board of Supervisors had to defer a decision on the plan. Mason residents had to rely on the better judgment and wisdom of other Supervisors on this matter. The public hearing was an utter fiasco for Penny Gross. The testimony by concerned Mason residents was riveting and there were many questions and concerns by other Supervisors. You can watch it here http://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=323 at marker 06:00:48
Exactly, it doesn't matter who the supervisor is, if seven corners does not get new and in demand urban mixed use development with housing and business to attract a younger professional middle class our area is doomed.
You may as well pack your bags, sell your undervalued property and apply for a nice Section 8 apartment overlooking the lake.
I've lived in Mason District for 8 years, and it has noticeably declined in that time. I'm quite confident Penny Gross's lack of responsiveness deserves part of the credit. Six months ago, for example, I contacted Penny's office to report the increase in seemingly gang-related graffiti along Sleepy Hollow Rd street signs, and not only is the graffiti still there, no one has bothered to follow-up with me as to why. I can't get friends to even look at the houses on the market in my neighborhood because they consider Mason District schools a "non-starter." So frustrating and sad. Voters here need to wake up and stop voting "D" like lemmings.