Mason voters re-elect Penny Gross to Board of Supervisors
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| Mollie Loeffler addresses supporters. |
Mason District voters elected Penny Gross to a sixth term
on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Nov. 3 with 57.2 percent of the vote.
Mollie Loeffler, a community activist running as an independent, got 42.2
percent of the vote.
Loeffler won in four precincts: Barcroft (60.9 percent), Ravenwood
(57.5 percent), Sleepy Hollow (53.3 percent), and Poe (52.8 percent).
(57.5 percent), Sleepy Hollow (53.3 percent), and Poe (52.8 percent).
“We ran an ethical and honest campaign,” Loeffler told
supporters after the results were announced. She thanked a large group of volunteers
gathered at Dice Burger in Annandale, many of whom were wearing purple
reflecting the campaign’s bipartisan reach.
Loeffler managed to raise $40,000, nearly all of it in small
contributions from local residents, along with a $2,000 donation from former
supervisor Tom Davis, while the Gross campaign spent over $246,000.
contributions from local residents, along with a $2,000 donation from former
supervisor Tom Davis, while the Gross campaign spent over $246,000.
“It was a tremendous grassroots effort,” said Loeffler’s campaign
manager Debbie Smith. “We’re proud to have run a positive and classy campaign
with integrity and stayed focused on the issues – land use, schools,
and Seven Corners.”
manager Debbie Smith. “We’re proud to have run a positive and classy campaign
with integrity and stayed focused on the issues – land use, schools,
and Seven Corners.”
“We didn’t resort to smear tactics or manipulate the facts,”
Smith said. She was referring to the misleading flyers sent to voters by the
Gross campaign accusing Loeffler, falsely, of being connected with the Tea
Party and claiming an endorsement by the Washington Post. The Post had endorsed
Gross in the primary, but not in the general election.
Smith said. She was referring to the misleading flyers sent to voters by the
Gross campaign accusing Loeffler, falsely, of being connected with the Tea
Party and claiming an endorsement by the Washington Post. The Post had endorsed
Gross in the primary, but not in the general election.
Roger Morse, a consultant to the Loeffler campaign, blamed
the loss on apathy. Noting that Gross was elected by less than 16 percent of
registered voters in Mason, Morse said, “if more people cared enough to vote, they
could have made a difference.” Total voter turnout in Mason was 29 percent. [The
Annandale Blogger would have liked to have
had the opportunity to cover Penny Gross’s election night statement, but was
barred from the Gross campaign headquarters, despite being a member of the Mason Democratic Committee.]
the loss on apathy. Noting that Gross was elected by less than 16 percent of
registered voters in Mason, Morse said, “if more people cared enough to vote, they
could have made a difference.” Total voter turnout in Mason was 29 percent. [The
Annandale Blogger would have liked to have
had the opportunity to cover Penny Gross’s election night statement, but was
barred from the Gross campaign headquarters, despite being a member of the Mason Democratic Committee.]
In other election results, school board candidate Dalia Palchik beat incumbent Patty Reed in the Providence District, which includes part of the Falls Church
High School area, with 58.2 percent of the vote. Reed, who was endorsed by the
Republican Committee, had also been endorsed by an extremist anti-gay group, the
Traditional Values Coalition, for her failure to vote for a school board policy
to protect the rights of transgendered students. [School board positions are
considered non-partisan, but candidates are endorsed by a party.]
High School area, with 58.2 percent of the vote. Reed, who was endorsed by the
Republican Committee, had also been endorsed by an extremist anti-gay group, the
Traditional Values Coalition, for her failure to vote for a school board policy
to protect the rights of transgendered students. [School board positions are
considered non-partisan, but candidates are endorsed by a party.]
In the Braddock District supervisor race, the Republican
incumbent, John Cook, was re-elected, beating Democratic challenger Janet
Oleszek 51.6 percent to 45.6 percent.
incumbent, John Cook, was re-elected, beating Democratic challenger Janet
Oleszek 51.6 percent to 45.6 percent.
Other supervisors re-elected include Democrats John Foust
(Dranesville), Catherine Hudgins (Hunter Mill), Jeff McKay (Lee), and Linda
Smyth (Providence) and Republican Pat Herrity (Springfield).
(Dranesville), Catherine Hudgins (Hunter Mill), Jeff McKay (Lee), and Linda
Smyth (Providence) and Republican Pat Herrity (Springfield).
Two Democrats were elected to open seats on the BoS: Dan
Storck (Mount Vernon) and Cathy Smith (Sully). Both are currently on the school
board.
Storck (Mount Vernon) and Cathy Smith (Sully). Both are currently on the school
board.
Board chair Sharon Bulova (D) was re-elected with 59.8
percent, beating Republican Arthur Purves (34 percent) and Glenda Parker (Independent
Green Party) with 5.9 percent.
percent, beating Republican Arthur Purves (34 percent) and Glenda Parker (Independent
Green Party) with 5.9 percent.
Mason school board member Sandy Evans, who was unopposed,
was re-elected. Two of the three at-large school board members were re-elected:
Ryan McElveen and Ilryong Moon. At-large member Ted Velkoff lost his seat to Jeanette
Hough.
was re-elected. Two of the three at-large school board members were re-elected:
Ryan McElveen and Ilryong Moon. At-large member Ted Velkoff lost his seat to Jeanette
Hough.
Incumbents re-elected to the school board include Megan
McLaughlin (Braddock), Jane Strauss (Dranesville), Pat Hynes (Hunter Mill),
Tamara Kaufax (Lee), and Elizabeth Schultz (Springfield).
McLaughlin (Braddock), Jane Strauss (Dranesville), Pat Hynes (Hunter Mill),
Tamara Kaufax (Lee), and Elizabeth Schultz (Springfield).
Karen Corbett Sanders won an open seat on the school board
in Mount Vernon and Thomas Wilson won the open spot in Sully.
in Mount Vernon and Thomas Wilson won the open spot in Sully.
All but three of those elected to the school board Nov. 3 were
endorsed by the Democratic Committee. Schultz, Hough, and Wilson were endorsed by the
Republican Committee.
endorsed by the Democratic Committee. Schultz, Hough, and Wilson were endorsed by the
Republican Committee.
With regard to the General Assembly, all of the incumbents
who serve at least a part of Mason District were re-elected, including Sen.
Minority Leader Dick Saslaw, Sen. Dave Marsden, Del. Kaye Kory, Del. Vivian
Watts, and Del. Alfonso Lopez. All of them are Democrats.
who serve at least a part of Mason District were re-elected, including Sen.
Minority Leader Dick Saslaw, Sen. Dave Marsden, Del. Kaye Kory, Del. Vivian
Watts, and Del. Alfonso Lopez. All of them are Democrats.
Saslaw got 74.5 percent compared to Terry Modglin (IG) with
24 percent. Marsden beat his Republican opponent David Bergman 55.4 percent to 44.5
percent. Kory beat IG candidate James Leslie 73.9 percent to 25.1 percent. Watts
and Lopez were unopposed.
24 percent. Marsden beat his Republican opponent David Bergman 55.4 percent to 44.5
percent. Kory beat IG candidate James Leslie 73.9 percent to 25.1 percent. Watts
and Lopez were unopposed.
Republicans maintained their
majority in both houses, dashing Democrats’ hopes that the Senate could have flipped in their favor.
majority in both houses, dashing Democrats’ hopes that the Senate could have flipped in their favor.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid (D) held on to her
seat with 58 percent of the vote compared to 41.8 percent for challenger Bryan
Wolfe (R). Clerk of the Court John Frey (R) was re-elected with 48 percent of
the vote, beating Bettina Lawton (D) who got 46.1 percent.
seat with 58 percent of the vote compared to 41.8 percent for challenger Bryan
Wolfe (R). Clerk of the Court John Frey (R) was re-elected with 48 percent of
the vote, beating Bettina Lawton (D) who got 46.1 percent.
Both Fairfax County bond issues – on schools and public
safety – passed with more than 73 percent of the vote.
safety – passed with more than 73 percent of the vote.
93 responses to “Mason voters re-elect Penny Gross to Board of Supervisors”
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While some candidates run honest campaigns, others resort to lies and distortion, claiming non-existent endorsements and personally attacking their opponents. This is generally done when there is no actual record to run on. Another point, while Mason District in some peoples' minds was "going to hell", Penny was going to China.. How exactly did that help her constituents?
We have Penny supporters to thank for 4 more years of struggling, overcrowded schools,, ignoring community concerns and the prevailing of the special interests who funded her campaign. Not a pretty picture.and, unfortunately, Penny doesn't forgive and forget. Maybe, she will turn over a new leaf. We can only hope that she will.
Just for the record,, saving 200 acres in 20 years isn't a great accomplishment since it is part of the job to do so. What would be interesting is to identify the parcels that aren't stream beds, which must be protected ,and compare that to the amount of acreage that Penny has been personally involved in developing.during her years on the Board..
Unfortunately, thanks to radical interpretations of the Constitution by the current Supreme Court that “free speech” means that a few wealthy contributors have the right to drown out other voices, American politics has deteriorated to the point that successful politicians know that contributions are what matters, not accomplishments. In elections, especially those where a small percentage of the electorate turns out, overwhelming false propaganda will influence enough uninformed voters to win elections. Thus constituent wishes do not really matter, only those of big contributors, in our case those of developers.
Man, you Democrats are so illogical. This dump that is Mason District was presided over by this woman and is turning into the NOVA ghetto. Yet any whiff of the word "tea party" or "Republican," and it's over– can't vote for that! Can't wait for more blight, traffic congestion and property value decline. What a great economy too! Hopefully Trump will fix this disaster.
love these sarcastic comments. well done!
Trumps solution would be to build a wall around the Mason Dump and annex it to Mexico.
Think your math is wrong here Mollie/Ellie. Those two numbers don't add up to 100.
And does this mean Mollie will go back to working for the Annandale Blog? I can't wait to have her back!
All numbers were doubled-checked and corrected.
write-ins are a small percentage that will prevent the numbers from adding up to 100%
And you are worried about a few decimal points!!? Now there is a man who would still be steady painting the deck chairs on the Titanic as the last one floated off the deck.
are you referring to me? I was responding to the OP and explaining why the numbers didnt add up to 100%. No "worry" involved.
Wow, Penny wouldn't let the Annandale Blog into her election party. Penny is starting her paybacks, she doesn't forget. Mollie did an amazing job with small individual donations. I'm sad for Mason.
Me too
Ditto
Look out Barcroft, Ravenwood, Sleepy Hollow and Poe. No snow plows for you!
I am so proud of Mollie Loeffler. She ran a great honest campaign with many volunteers working with passion not community hours. I am proud to be a Mollie supporter still.
Mollie ran a stellar campaign showcasing her quality of character and high integrity. Kudos to her and her campaign volunteers for raising such high visibility on so few dollars.
Unfortunately, our Supervisor's integrity and character reached new lows during this campaign. Gross resorted to defamation of character and flat out lying to win this election. Gross did NOT receive any media endorsements for this campaign. She did not run on her record, because over the past 20 years she has accomplished little for Mason District. She espoused her love of Fairfax County, not mentioning Mason District.
Citizens beware. Thanks to voter apathy and inability to think outside of the Democratic box, Gross will increase the county deficit and raise our taxes to pay off the non-voter approved economic development bonds she will use to fund her TWO human services buildings.
Shallow environmentialist that she is, Penny will pave the last of our greenspace in Willston. She is behind the push on the zoning amendment that would allow increasing density 2.5 times more (up to 13,000 units) in 7 Corners and will not be fixing our roadways and infrastructure prior.
Mason District quality of life will continue to diminish as she trades off the work needed today to build her stash of cash and help out her developer friends get rich as she builds for the "future".
Penny Gross is a shady lady and cannot be trusted to guard our welfare. The next four years will be very unpleasant for Mason District.
Very well said thank you!
Good job morons. This place is a dump because of penny. Litter, car titles, mass retail vacancies, day laborers, etc. Annandale is the dirtiest area in Northern Virginia.
"Anonymous 11/4/15 9:10 AM" Look in the mirror to see the true moron.
You and other Mollie supporters oppose development projects – such as the demolition of a long-past-its-prime bowling alley because you do not want a brand-new multi-family housing development built in downtown Ammandale that would attract young adults with a large amount of disposable income who would attract private businesses to invest in Annandale and make it a better place.
In short, it is Mollie supporters such as you that are making and keeping Annandale the "dump" you claim it is.
The arrogant ignorance of the supporters of Mollie – and her pledge to listen to people, but only if they are opposed to all redevelopment projects except the imaginary "smart" development projects Mollie and her supporters would support led me to vote for Penny Gross – and to feel great joy at Penny's re-election.
If you think Mollie opposes development you obviously read a blog post by another moron. Her campaign never opposed the any project in Annadale.
What a shame. Here's to more DMV-like tenants making the neighborhood even less appealing.
Mollie Loeffler got an impressive percentage of the vote. However, at this point it is rather misleading to say she was running as an independent. The sample ballots handed out by Republican volunteers had the circle next to her name inked in, just as the circles were inked in for Arthur Purves and other candidates officially endorsed by the Republicans. When was the decision made by the Republicans to endorse Mollie Loeffler on the sample ballots? Who made the decision?
They made that decision. Do you think they are stupid? Of course they would want their name on a ballot if it was offered.
She was running as an independent. She got no major party funds, only some contributions from Tom Davis, who Penny liked to paint as an extremist. Late in the campaign, in a far from unanimous decision, the party decided to endorse her even though she was independent. that meant she was the one selected on their sample ballot, but they still didnt fund her.
despite what the dems may say about her, she was independent, and as an independent that voted all across the board this year including multiple D votes, a couple R votes, and a I vote for mollie, I am proud to have supported her.
Just because someone is endorsed by an organization does not mean that they are a member of this organization.
Here is the Fairfax County GOP site:
http://fairfaxgop.org/
It clearly shows that Mollie was an independent candidate endorsed by the Republican party.
I have no idea if it was Mollie that did not wish to be a Republican or the Republican party that did not wish to have Mollie or if it was a mutual decision.
I think that the Republican party would just have been happy to have Penny out of there. It does not make me happy that Penny won but I am not going to try to blame her for every bad story posted on this blog.
I am more than tired of hearing both sides rant and rave.
Sounds to me like the local GOP establishment appropriated a candidate for themselves. That's sort of arrogance is another in a long list of reasons many voters can't stand them. From the look of Mollie's campaign chest, I doubt if many of them made contributions to her campaign. The really unfortunate part is that Mollie probably took a hit anyway because many voters perceived her to be nothing but a relabeled Republican. It's too bad that these GOP clowns added to that perception.
Jeff: So, what you seem to be saying is that the Fairfax Republicans undermined Mollie by reluctantly giving her their tarnished endorsement notwithstanding the obvious fact that Mason GOP voters would have voted for her by default anyway? What, if anything, did Mollie do about that? I can't imagine she would have accepted that deal.
Anonymous @12:09pm – Honestly, I believe Mollie welcomed the endorsement. Think about what endorsements mean – it means that a group of people approve of you. To reject it means rejecting a group of voters.
Mollie was independent and trying to reach across the isle and be as inclusive as possible to people of all walks. I know of some liberals that voted for her because they felt that she was going to work harder for the schools than Penny has, and they don't like how much Penny has been eroding Mason's green space in favor of high density development. I know conservatives that appreciate the fact that she was looking to be more sensible with spending decisions.
If she had received an endorsement from the Democratic party, which she was a member for 14 years, she would have accepted that as well. Of course, that was never going to happen, but just trying to illustrate that Mollie was an inclusive candidate.
Anonymous11/4/15, 12:09 PM, if that is your real name…..
I do not think you understand how the world works. There are no absolutes. I may support a person or organization but that does not mean I support or approve of everything they do.
Quite often in elections I am choosing between the lesser of two evils, though that is an exaggeration, and not for my ideal candidate.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, you don't always get what you want, I'd rather date your sister….etc., ad infinitum, IKR?
Condescend much? I've been involved in a bunch of political campaigns. The "politics of perception" dictate that the voters are most likely to form their impressions of candidates based on the first thing they see about them. In Mason, that better not be their names written into a GOP sample ballot. Let's see if you can dig up a cliche for that.
Anonymous11/4/15, 2:55 PM, yes I do. Thank you for asking.
I have the feeling that if a person is not voting for a candidate based on their name being on the GOP handout sheet provided at the poll than it does not matter. If they are voting solely on party lines than they can use the DNC handout provided to them within arm span.
Since you have been involved in a bunch of political campaigns perhaps you can tell me if my perception of voters in midterm elections being slightly more informed is true.
To: 7 Corners 711/4/15, 3:15 PM
Mollie did well in the very few neighborhoods left with intact, well informed, voters. Penny did well in those areas where neighborhood associations have long since been closed down, captured by commercial interests or just ignored into stupor under Penny's leadership. Do you see how that works? Bad behavior is rewarded. We had a great opportunity here and we let it slip away again. Fight back. Never give up. Rebuild. Restore. Repair. Clean it up. And please, could we just close down the slave trade in Fairfax County? Would that be too much to ask? Not just move it around, end it. Penny says no. Actually, she says yes, but she means no.
Explain how Mollie did not carry HER OWN precinct? Maybe she was not so well liked there. Perhaps she really DID NOT "reach across the aisle" as Tom Davis' recording told me on the phone.
What an absurd declaration.
Anonymous11/4/15, 6:02 PM,
I am not sure that is entirely the case. I saw a fair amount of Penny Gross campaign signs around my area and I walk an average of one and a half hours a day just walking the dog once, pending weather and schedule. Sometimes we do 2 walks.
I am not a Penny Gross supporter. I actually made a point to vote just so I could vote for Mollie despite being sickened by the nastiness of both sides in the comments section of this blog.
Sample story title: "Beloved pet turtle Mr. Belvedere passed away in Mason District last night at 73".
Sample comments:
Thank you Penny Gross!
Mollie would never have let this happen!
Anonymous random time: Mollie would have done the same thing.
White vans!
Not every story has anything to do with either candidate. Making every issue a candidate or party bash session just weakens the actual issues IMHO.
I am not sure why Penny won. I would rather she have lost. But this is not the end of the world.
My belief is that the Mason district is in a great location situated (kinda) between DC and Tysons.
I see no reason to rush cheap development when if we wait there could be more interest for higher end retail and hopefully dining.
The skyline in Falls Church city has changed more in the last 8 months than the last 20 – 30 years.
I do not see commuting from Reston or points west getting any better with a metropolis at Tyson's.
Mason district looks like it will be a good great location and I can only hope any development at Baily's is more like Reston Town Center or Shirlington than it is like Mosaic.
You have a great day.
Term limits for ALL political candidates. Career politicians breed special interest favors and potential corruption. Lifelong career politicians is like a democratic way of indirect dictatorship
Agreed. Six terms is too much.
I'm proud of Mollie. She tried.
Which is just another way of saying that if you give politicians the idea they're invincible, that's the way they'll govern. However, that still doesn't explain why most voters in Mason seem to be ok with it. Mollie Loeffler received 1.1% more votes than Buzz Hawley did when he ran against Penny in 2003. That's the only other time in recent memory that Penny has had meaningful opposition. If that's the most determined opposition Penny could expect, there's never been any reason for her to pay attention to opposing viewpoints. It's fairly clear now that Mason will be in for a rough ride over the next four years. Maybe voters will learn something from what's coming, but I suspect they'll doggedly keep voting according to party label and suffer the inevitable consequences.
"Roger Morse, a consultant to the Loeffler campaign, blamed the loss on apathy." That comment assumes that the voters who stayed home would have been more likely to vote for Mollie. However, it's at least as likely that those voters aren't dissatisfied with the way Mason is being run and would have voted for Penny anyway. It was clear from the summer primary results that Mollie would attract a lot of support from those precincts where there was significant opposition to Penny's handling of property redevelopment. However, those concerns diminished outside these areas and were probably superseded by the perception that Mollie was nothing but a relabeled Republican. Mollie ran a great campaign, but Penny, as always, was able to use her incumbency and party affiliation to significant advantage. Mason voters clearly won't support the GOP and it's inferable from the results of this election that Penny's eventual successor will also have to be a Democrat.
Possible, but Republicans have won before. The problem with the Republicans now is their national image as inbreeding with far right wingers. People are rightfully scared of the tea party and some of their hateful ideals. Mind you, signing one petition does not make you a member of the tea party 🙂
The other problem that we have as a nation is our reliance on parties in general. I cant tell you how many people I saw who clearly didnt seem to know anything about the candidates beforehand and just ask for a D or R sample ballot so they could cast their vote accordingly. Not being a knowlegable voter is a quick way to loosing our democracy.
I made a number of contribution to Mollie's campaign, but signing that petition was arguably the least intelligent move she could have made. Penny would have been insane not to have used that against her and she did so to great effect. It was inevitable that Mollie would succeed to any GOP votes by default. However, by letting Penny smear her as being a Tea Partier, she arguably lost a bunch of key independent voters.
Mollie was advised not to "defend" her signing that letter by all sorts of political people. In the end – it may have hurt her, but with the sheep that mindlessly vote D – they may have doomed her. Mollie believes like many of us do that we need to have border control. LOOK AROUND – this place is suffering big time – look at our schools. To blame her for signing something three years ago is foolish.
It is people who are scared of the word tea party who lost this election. Just usual scare tactics. Just because someone signed something does not make them an extremist. But – the blind democrats believe whatever is spoon fed to them. Go ahead, leave the borders open, give everyone a trailer and free education -drive the middle class out of the area, litter the roads, parks and keep voting for the Democrats! yeah!
"Mollie was advised not to "defend" her signing that letter by all sorts of political people." You can't bury anything like that deep enough to hide the stench. The letter was on Tea Party stationary and set forth a position that's runs contrary to the interests and opinions of a lot of Mason voters. So, quit blaming Democrats for not believing their eyes. I supported Mollie, but that was a campaign issue she wasn't going to sidestep.
"Anonymous 11/4/15, 4:47 PM"
If Molly believes the USA needs effective border controls – she did not clearly say so during her campaign. She focused on local issues, and appropriately so.
My problem with Molly is her inconsistency – promising to listen to people, but then disregarding certain people – such as Mason District voters who support a brand-new apartment building and "urban" school on the Moncure site rather than the half-century old office buildings and abandoned restaurants currently siting on this site – or the County Office/Social Services Building (including a new homeless shelter) favored by the Lake Braddock/Sleepy Hollow elite who want to keep such an County Office/Social Services Building out of the Seven Corners area served by the Arlington Boulevard limited highway.
Molly became nothing more than a representative of the Lake Braddock/Sleepy Hollow 1 percenters.
And those individuals claiming Molly ran an "excellent" campaign are on some strong illegal (in Virginia) substance.
Mollie won in only 4 precincts – and in only one of the 4 – the ultra-elite Lake Braddock precinct – did Mollie win over 60 percent of the vote.
So, Mollie was a tool of the 1%ers. And now that their chosen candidate has lost, the lucky, entitled, 1 percenters are whining about the "stupidity" of their lesser neighbors. This is the Ugly that is the Mollie campaign.
First of all you clearly are not a resident of our district. 1. Lake Braddock is not a precinct here. The "ultra elite" as you like to say – are the middle class families who are very concerned about the district and who have not moved out yet. But don't worry, for sale signs are continually going up around here.
2. Mollie and her campaign never came out against any school on Moncure. Her campaign was not even formed at that time. No one spoke in favor of that school at that public hearing. No one spoke out against apartments either. Get your facts straight.
3. The ugly building that we are left with over in that (Moncure) area is owned by the developer that Penny Gross appointed to head the 7 corners task force. The deal fell through to sell that building to the county, because Gross and Thillman got caught in a conflict of interest. Thank Gross for that eyesore still remaining.
4. The "lesser" neighbors – are those who Mollie and others fought for…. Penny Gross and her developer buddies wanted to displace 500 + low income residents in the 7 corners plan and it took four other Supervisors to speak out against it.
Finally, the ugly that is on this blog are the people like you who try to twist facts and sling mud about subject matter that you obviously know little about. Maybe today was your last day on the campaign.
Anonymous11/4/15, 5:53 PM,
Of course people who own homes are going to have different interests than people who live in apartments and may only be here temporarily.
A 1 percenter that lives in a million dollar+ home has more to lose than a renter as well.
I am not against the Moncure redevelopment but I would rather see an integrated Baily's plan rather than have it done piecemeal. I think almost the entirety of Baily's is a blight. I would like them to take this relatively large area and turn it into a Reston Town Center.
I do not want a homeless shelter on that site on Rt. 50. There are already problems with people dedicating and urinating on the bridge over Rt. 50 now. I do not like that when I go to Shoppers Food now that there are security guards standing around.
I know that makes me sound like a 1 percenter but I am not. I certainly have it better than a lot of people and I am thankful of that EVERY DAY. But that does not mean that I need to welcome homeless people into my home or have them occupy high value real estate to assuage any guilt, because I do not feel guilt. I worked hard for what I have including serving in the United States Army as Airborne, Air Assault Infantry.
I do not live in Lake Barcroft but I walk the dog through it frequently. I enjoy the area and think it is unique. I do not think it needs to be lowered to the lowest common denominator because developers could make a buck. Developers could make a buck redeveloping parts of Columbia Pike or Annandale.
To: Anonymous 11/4/15, 5:53 PM
So you say Mollie is on drugs? Classy.
The real problem in the other precincts voting for Penny is that they get their information from Penny, the Washington Post and the Falls Church News Press. The latter two sources, infomercials really, cannot find enough positive words to say about a District Supervisor, who presided over a 20 year decline of a District with some of the most promising real estate in the country, including what was when Penny first took office, one of the finest public school systems in the world.
With propaganda rags like the WaPo and FCNP in Penny's pocket, it is not surprising that mistakes are made at the polling place. It is not surprising that people are consistently persuaded to choose the wrong candidate. This race was won not by the merits of the candidates but by the merits of money and misinformation in the face of journalistic failure.
$240+ thousand big-money donators (real big-money donators, not the imagined ones Mollie was alleged by Penny to have), plus the lush advantages of incumbency, probably worth another $200 grand, at least, and a 20 year old-style political machine. Compare that to the $40 thousand of grass roots fund raising Mollie had to work with, without the advantages of incumbency.
In that environment democracy never has had a chance and never will. If Mollie represented the 1%, where was the alleged big-money? Show me Mollie’s 1% money. There it is. Over there in Penny’s bank account. Lots of it. Easy enough to find at: http://www.vpap.org/candidates/22267/top_donors/?contrib_type=A&start_year=2015&end_year=2015 .
Where was WaPo’s Tony Olivo when Penny’s lies about Mollie’s big, well-known Republican donators were rendered ridiculous by the public record: http://www.vpap.org/candidates/257165/finance_summary/?start_year=2012&end_year=2015 . Where was FCNP’s editor Nicholas Benton when Mollie was being accused of being a Tea Party reactionary simply for signing a petition asking for our Federal Government and pro ‘sanctuary’ county Board of Supervisors to turn away from rule by autocratic decree and return to the basic constitutionally mandated principles of rule by laws dully formulated by the people of the United States. This was a petition that clearly every one of the original Founding Father would sign if they were here today. Where were Tony and Nicholas when it came time to tell us exactly what Mollie signed?
Who reported to us that the Firefighters union endorsement and $16,000 in donations just happened to coincide with a substantial raise for Firefighters? A raise was voted in by Penny, bring Firefighters total contributions to her campaigns to $50,000? Who reported on how much that raise cost Fairfax County taxpayers. Over $50,000, in total from one donor, more than Mollie’s entire campaign receipts, from just this one “donor” and Penny is grateful to many more contributors. She is quite bought and paid for by special interests not our own. Who reported that? Not Tony, not Nicholas. Who even mentioned the rank corruption?
When Penny defeated Jessica Swanson earlier in the year Penny said. “I’m thrilled to win. I think we proved that the high-road campaign that I always try to run carried the day and people in the Mason District realized they have a good supervisor with a lot of experience who told the truth.” She tries to tell the truth but it is just not in her anymore. Don’t look to Tony and Nick to correct the record.
This is truly awful. How long do we have to wait for Gross to leave office on her own?!?!
It won't make that much difference because she'll be replaced by yet another Democrat. If we're really unlucky, it'll be someone like JSwan. Voters in Mason have plenty of good reasons to dislike the GOP. However, that makes them susceptible to inept Democrats like Penny Gross. You can't change the fundamental characteristics of an electorate except under extreme circumstances. Things haven't gotten bad enough yet, so get used to the status quo.
Why would she, the people for some reason keep reelecting her for some unknown reason…
I'm generally a Dem leaning voter, but I voted against Penny because frankly, in the 22 years of living in Annandale, the place has gone to s**t. It's sad when I see my neighbors selling homes below value just to get out… Oh well maybe it will change this time… Maybe…
Well said
After this race, I would be extremely surprised if Gross runs for re-election again. Loffler is already "burned." We need to start prepping our next candidate, like today.
Who's "our" candidate? If you haven't noticed, Mason is dead to Republicans. Moreover, any independent can't mount a decent campaign without appealing to those few GOP voters left in Mason. So, I'd be a lot more concerned about seeing that the "wrong" candidate doesn't win the next Democratic primary because the winner will be your supervisor.
If there is anyone to blame it is the DEMOCRATS who did not read information and fell for the usual GROSS PROPAGANDA MAFIA MACHINE
Looks like the Jswan or Julie Strandlee is who you end up with.
Why dont you step up.
Well, I hope these ladies continue their great work on the Mason District Council. This organization has become a powerful force to be a watchdog group against GROSS dictatorship.
I don't know about apathy – I blame this on stupidity. Stupid sheeple voting for D – Penny Gross preys on the senior citizens who are out of touch – and the immigrants who can vote. Every time – she scares them out to vote. This is who will be left here in Mason eventually because all the middle class families are moving.
I am a so-called "senior citizen." And I have many friends in the same boat — all of whom were unhappy with Penny, more tuned in probably than your so-called middle class families who spend their time running their children around and, who unlike the seniors I know, have little time or inclination to volunteer in the community to make Mason a better place. I'd think twice before labeling seniors out of touch. My money is on the bet that they are more in touch than most everyone else.
Middle class family checking in here. Definitely spend too much time running my child around and have no time or inclination to volunteer. Moved here 6 years ago and have no intention of leaving because unlike the vocal minority, we like it here.
Highly recommend folks watch the movie "Idiocracy" (2006)
All of you Annandale Antis (Ellie, Mollie, Mr. Longo if you are a real person, Deb Smith), you now have four more years to cry and complain and whine.
Thanks for leaving the governing to the adults!
Sincerely,
The Overwhelming Majority of Mason District Voters Who Love Penny Gross
There is immense irony your quip "Thanks for leaving the governing to the adults".
Congrats on getting the government you deserve. Too bad you're taking everyone else down with you.
Hi Jake… interesting you should decide to keep Ellie out of your party last night yet decide that its cool to take pot-shots semi-anonymously on the blog.
We sure don't love her in our neighborhood!
Pardon me. 57% of is NOT an "overwhelming" majority
Re 4:11 pm.
That should read 57% of 16% of eligible voters is DEFINITELY not an OVERWHELMING MAJORITY
That's less than 16% of the registered voters which is itself far less than the adult population of Mason District. Much less than the adult population is not a majority, It is a disgrace for Mason District.
BTW, a lot of Republican voters did not vote for Mollie because they were angry that their party did not field a Republican candidate. Think about that now. And maybe think about that in 4 years when Penny runs for a 7th term. Everyone, please just think next time.
Hi Jake, I think that it was such an interesting strategy that you try to tie Mollie to Ellie. Why don't you go post on the Falls Church News Press and tie the real team together of Penny and her FCNP propaganda pal. They are the true team.
Mollie ran an excellent campaign. It is a crime that we allow our elected officials to engage in crony capitalism.
Nail in the coffin. As a proud owner of a condo that is $40K underwater in Mason District (thanks Penny!), tired of sticking it out, gonna move. So, as a future landlord, I will likely be hosting a real life gameshow: How many immigrant families can fit into a small condo? Should be fun … sorry Mason, you can only live off "potential" for so long.
According to code compliance any room that has an egress is can be considered a bedroom. So if your kitchen has a backdoor then you have another bedroom. Really do not forget your living room most do have a front door.
Bye Bye. Won't miss you, whoever you are.
Mollie won 4 precincts around Lake Barcroft, hardly an "excellent campaign." But, sure, what a statement, so impressive!
As a relatively young person who has voted mostly Democrat or independent since I was old enough to vote, I'm happy that I voted for Molly. Penny is a career politician, as evidenced by her desperate attack mailings. She doesn't care about her constituents, she only cares about keeping her job. That many years in office have made her think she is God's gift to the mason district. But she's just mailing it in, and tailoring her 'message' to whatever the majority feeling is so she can get reelected. It's really sad that there are no term limits for this office.
All that said, Molly was not smart to sign anything associated with the tea party. Makes her an easy target in this part of the woods, and is likely why she lost.
Mollie's also destroyed herself politically – at least for this supporter – if she allowed her named to be placed on a GOP sample ballot. I contributed a bunch of money to her campaign on the premise that she was running as an independent. That made her appeal for financial support all the more appealing. However, if she subsequently accepted a lukewarm gratuitous GOP endorsement, then she broke faith with me and the voters. I disdain Penny. At least politically. However, that's still mild in comparison to how I feel about Republicans. So, if Mollie allowed her name to be placed on a GOP sample ballot, she's politically dead to me.
That is absolutely ridiculous, anon 11:34. I am a lifelong, proud ALWAYS Democratic voter, and I did not vote for Penny, and would never even deign to look at a Republican sample ballot. I did not care who Mollie was endorsed by – she seemed to have Mason District's interests in mind.
"I did not care who Mollie was endorsed by" Seriously? By accepting an endorsement, you align yourself with the group that's endorsing you. You also acquire all their negatives. If Mollie had won, the GOP would have taken credit for electing her and come looking for favors. You cannot claim to be a political independent and simultaneously accept the endorsement of a major political party, especially one that hasn't done a thing to promote your campaign.
Yes you can. She had several endorsements. Green Party included. Calm down anon 10:36. She needed to get as much support as she could. If you are so hell bent on these things – then keep voting D and get the Penny Grosses of the world.
"She needed to get as much support as she could." Not if it comes from as toxic a bunch as the Fairfax GOP. The Greens are a political afterthought around here. However, carrying a Republican endorsement is a political death sentence in Mason. No one is going to distinguish between a candidate who is endorsed by a political party and one who's been nominated by it. It's obvious that Mollie was going to get the Republican vote by default. So, receiving a lukewarm last minute Republican endorsement could only have cost her independent and crossover Democratic votes. It was a pointless move that needlessly compromised her standing as an independent.
Folks, can everyone just breathe for a few minutes? Some of the comments here – on both sides – are toxic.
First of all, I continue to encourage everyone to actually log-in to a traceable account and own what they say rather than hide behind anonymity. Some of the worst comments here are being posted by Anonymous authors who take no responsibility of what they are saying. Ellie, I encourage you to consider disabling anonymous posts.
There are posts on both sides that are just toxic. There is no need for name calling of each other "morons" or to belittle one anothers' intelligence or throw sarcastic replies diminishing the value of the other. Don't start down the track of "he/she started it…" both camps have continued it.
We all have our reasons for having gotten involved in the campaigns, and in the end, I'd like to think that most of us are in this because we feel deeply about our community. We have vastly different ideas about how to achieve a better community sometimes, but now that the campaigning is done, maybe its time to put down the pitchforks and learn to live with one another and debate the issues more civilly.
Food for thought anyways.
Lot of sore losers around here. If the cap fits you, wear it.
Hang on tight. Mason District will be on a faster downhill slide in the next four years. Penny has it all set up to increase density beyond the comprehensive plans and will force through her zoning amendment. She will pave over the last of our greenspace with buildings paid for with bonds we don't get to vote on.
We will get to pay off the bond debt with increased taxes.
Penny wanted the zoning amendment to be a done deal by Dec. 13. Fortunately, staff made the mistake of including McLean and Reston in that amendment. Like the knowledgeable residents of Mason District, McLean and Reston pushed back.
Penny is covert. She uses out of turn plan amendments to rezone areas and get what her developers want.. She doesn't have public hearings or inform the neighborhoods about her pending plan changes.
This will be a rocky 4 years.
What are we going to do about that damn DMV?
Living close to the Montessori school, I saw first hand how Penny Gross put big business ahead of neighborhood concerns. This came after she agreed that there would be no more expansion only to reverse herself and cut off debate so those who contributed to her campaign would get what was promised. She represents everything that is wrong with politicians today but I am hopeful with such a close race, her days are numbered representing Mason. #disgraceful
Call your Supervisor. Just kidding.
Of course, a State agency would exercise the courtesy of informing the sitting supervisor of any plans to locate an office in his/her district..
The community gets to hear about a done deal.
I agree with Jeff that we must get along, however,
realistically Penny will not change her long standing manner of governing in the next 4 years and the community will suffer.
Hey guys – if you don't like it, leave it. That's what I did and have never been happier. Also, 29% turnout is awful and indicative of the fact that no one is evidently tapping into the prolific Korean backbone of Annandale for support. What a mistake! It is only going to get "Grosser" as it has and you are only getting buried by declining values, poor quality of life, poor school system, more and more by the day. Good news is that she was just almost defeated by a very green (potentially good) candidate with little to no actual experience in politics and community development. Her days are numbered.
Almost defeated?
Mollie was creamed 58% to 42%!
And…I heard she didn't even have the smarts to congratulate the winner or even concede.
(Which shows she is not ready for the big time.)
Sorry you all lost, but try and be a good loser. It's respectful of the citizens who did show up and vote for the other candidate.
I can't believe the disrespect for our district.
I think Mason is a great district.
Green Spring, Mason District Park- and the concerts- the Lake- the garden plots- our happily integrated schools- on and on.
It is kind of sad to see all these putdowns of ourselves…
If you don't like it, than at least stop raining on our parade.
You're in deep! Oh, and lying about endorsements not received, stooping to smears and phony photoshopped flyers is conduct that makes one ready for "big time"? Such conduct was unbecoming, utterly desperate and pitiful.
Politics is a full contact sport.
All up in there,
I didnt actually vote. I am out of the country for vacation, but had I been home I was likely not going to vote. I wasn't able to discern what Mollie's policy positions were, other than "I'm not Penny." It doesn't really matter now, but "what is Mollie's position on Seven Corners redevelopment?" And more than platitudes about supporting smart development with integrated infrastructure planning. Does Seven Corners get redeveloped under Mollie's watch or not? All I could find when trying to become knowledgeable were articles about the push back on the density, which while I supported, seemed to come from a clear segment of people who seem to be opposed to redevelopment of any kind. People who say "there is enough traffic, don't build anything until its fixed," which sounds nice but will never happen.