Steve Lee is running for supervisor ‘for a better Mason’

Steve Lee, a business owner and community leader, filed the paperwork April 5 to become a candidate for Mason District supervisor in the Democratic Primary. 

His campaign slogan, “For A Better Mason,” reflects his dedication to bring real change and a new vision to Mason District. If elected, Lee would be the first Asian-American supervisor in Fairfax County’s history.

“I’ve dedicated my professional and personal life to serving our community – bringing people together, solving problems, and trying to make life better for people who call Mason District home,” says Lee, a resident of the Brook Hills neighborhood in Annandale.  

As a supervisor, Lee vows to be “a strong voice for more affordable housing across the county, more resources for our teachers and students, more opportunities for local businesses to grow and succeed, and more transportation options for our families.”

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He describes himself as “a committed Democrat who will stand up for progressive values and work against those who want to divide our community and take us backward.”

He would face three other candidates in the Primary, on June 20: Andres Jimenez, Reid Voss, and Jeremy Allen.

Lee has been endorsed by Del. David Bulova (Fairfax) and former Del. Mark Keam. “Steve knows the Annandale area better than anyone I know,” Keam says. “Steve understands that the area has tremendous potential to be an even better community for its residents and business communities.”

Lee immigrated to the area with his family from Korea when he was 13 years old. A graduate of Annandale High School, he has lived and operated businesses in Mason District for over 40 years.

Some of his most recent projects include 9292 Korean Barbeque and Café V, a coffee shop run by his wife, Victoria.

Lee has held numerous roles serving the community: Mason District representative on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission, executive member of the Taste of Annandale planning committee, president of the Korean American Association of Greater Washington, director of the open-to-all Korean Community Center in Annandale, member of the Fairfax County Police Chief’s Council on Diversity Recruitment, and member of the Committee for Dulles.

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Lee supports “smart growth,” which he describes as “creating mixed-use developments with a range of housing options and neighborhoods that are safe and walkable, while preserving open spaces and preventing sprawl.”

If elected, he would create a task force to review the Annandale Comprehensive Plan and work to revive the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee. He would work with the Bailey’s Crossroads/Seven Corners Revitalization Corporation and propose the formation of a similar group in Annandale.

Lee says he would keep his door open to Mason District residents and listen to their concerns and ideas. To increase communication with the community, he would form an advisory committee with members of civic and homeowner associations.

He promises to fight for equitable resources for Mason District. “For too long, proposed county policies have disproportionately and negatively impacted Mason District due to our density, historical age, development patterns, and other socioeconomic factors. Mason District needs a strong voice at the table and someone who personally knows the needs of our community and our people.”