2015 bizvotes questionnaire results board of supervisors ... district - volpe-resnick.pdfloudoun...

LOUDOUN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2015 BizVotes Questionnaire Results

Board of Supervisors – Algonkian District

Suzanne Volpe (R) / Andrew Resnick (D)

Answer is consistent with Loudoun Chamber’s Position

Answer is inconsistent with Loudoun Chamber’s Position or nonresponsive to the question

Answer is partly consistent with Loudoun Chamber’s Position

1) What is the biggest issue/challenge you believe Loudoun County faces in the

upcoming term?

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): The largest challenge facing the next Board is the successful

development scenario for Metro. The CPAM for the Metro Tax District is critical as well

as integration of the recommendations from the Urban Land Institute TAP Committee.

The County truly has one opportunity to implement a plan that will yield the desired

results for Metro. Should the County be short-sighted, the implications could have a

negative impact on the County for decades.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): Loudoun is at a critical crossroads in terms of our future and

we must be able to put ourselves in a position to meet the realities of a 21st century

workforce and capitalize on the economic opportunities before us -- specifically the

projected $230 billion rail to Dulles will bring over the next thirty years. While Loudoun

has grown both in population and economic power at high rates, we still seek to tackle

many of the issues we face with a small town mentality. Rising above that by practicing

pragmatism when it comes to decision making and looking at solutions that will benefit

Loudoun in the long term, not just until the next election, will be critical to our success.

2) How do you propose to address this challenge?

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): Currently, as Chair of the Transportation & Land Use

Committee, my office has been involved with multiple aspects of the Metro Tax District

CPAM. We have met with multiple stakeholders and requested their input. We have met


with County staff for status reports for items, including the Metro garages, the CPM

studies, which are currently underway. We have received updates from the County's CFO

on revenues collected from within the tax district and had discussions on the actuals versus

the projections. With the recent announcement of a 13-month delay in the project, I

scheduled a briefing at the TLUC Committee, so Board members could be updated on the

project and the implications of the delay. I believe the County has one opportunity to get

this right and the County needs to be engaged with the community stakeholders to ensure

the plan is indeed going to yield the best results.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): Education – Strong schools are the anchor a strong

community and maintaining a world-class education system will keep Loudoun an

attractive place for businesses and their employees. Updating the Comprehensive Plan -

We need to focus on developing an infrastructure for our future and position ourselves for

opportunities that meet the market demand for the live, work and play lifestyle. Growing

in a way that meets this demand will ensure our economic competitiveness. Reducing the

residential tax burden – Loudoun is over reliant on its residential tax base, leading to the

contentious budget process we've seen over the 20 years. By making our education system,

the updating of our land use policies and transportation infrastructure top priorities, we can

continue to attract businesses to Loudoun County to help increase the commercial tax base

and take the pressure of the residential tax base.

3) Please detail the specific opportunities or regulatory measures that, if elected, you

will work to see implemented to support the private sector’s efforts to create jobs and

make commercial investment in Loudoun County.

Chamber Position: The Chamber supports significant investment in economic

development and an aggressive effort to market Loudoun to recruit increased

commercial investment. The Chamber supports a common sense regulatory

environment that allows businesses to grow and invest in our community.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): During the campaign in 2011, I spoke about making

Loudoun more business friendly. Since election, we have implemented a Business

Assistance Team, which aids companies through the process. We initiated a stakeholders

group, which compiled a list of regulatory issues regarding the land development process.

The Board then developed the ZOAG (Zoning Ordinance Action Group) to work with

County staff and the Board to eliminate and/or reduce items requiring a legislative process.

If re-elected, I will advocate for ZOAG to continue their work. In three years, we have

eliminated Special Exception classifications for non-residential uses in over 120 instances.

Additionally, I want to implement a formal "Fast-Track" process for non-residential

legislative applications, which will expedite commercial development and create jobs.


ANDREW RESNICK (D): 1. Support our public schools. 2. Redo the comprehensive

plan, and put a plan in place to update it more regularly to ensure we grow in a way that

meets market demand; 3. Look at the noise contours around Dulles airport to make sure

they are reflective of the air traffic in and out of Dulles and put a plan in place that protects

it's economic potential; 4. Revise our ADU policies; 5. Continue to optimize the

evaluation and approval process for applications; 6. Work towards establishing meaningful

ethics guidelines that will be upheld by all supervisors.

4) What is your vision for supporting and growing the tourism industry in Loudoun

County to better support the success and growth of tourism and related economic

development that can come with it?

Chamber Position: The Chamber supports Visit Loudoun as the Destination Marketing

Organization for Loudoun County and supports a well-funded approach to marketing

Loudoun as a visitor destination. The Chamber supports public investments in the

activities and assets that generate the most tax revenue and create economic opportunities

for existing businesses.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): I believe a thriving rural economy is extremely important to

the County. Through increases in staffing of the County Department of Economic

Development, we have been able to increase commercial growth in the rural portion of the

County. I am extremely proud of the zoning work that has been completed already, which

expanded Bed & Breakfast uses, simplified regulations for Wineries and established Farm

Breweries. There is still more work to be completed on the regulatory side, however the

County needs to invest in a first-class marketing program to promote the County as a

destination. I am a strong advocate for implementation of this type of program, which

would focus on "heads in beds."

ANDREW RESNICK (D): First and foremost we must continue to fund Visit

Loudoun through the TOT, so we can continue to promote the many great tourist

destinations within our borders - vineyards, breweries, equine, eco-tourism, historical

landmarks, etc. Additionally the presence of research institutions such as George

Washington University and HHMI can serve as anchors to attract national and

international conferences. The Chamber is entirely correct that the removal of Loudoun

from the GSA's per diem area is a barrier to continued growth of tourism in our county.

We must work with our federal delegation towards getting Loudoun back in the per diem

area.


5) How do you believe Loudoun County should prioritize local transportation funds

to ensure citizens and businesses have an efficient multimodal transportation system?

Chamber Position: The Chamber supports performance-based prioritization of

transportation projects with emphasis on congestion reduction, economic development and

time savings. The Chamber also supports VDOT granting Loudoun County officials

authority to design and construct transportation projects.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): In 2012, the Board initiated a "missing link" study, which

has been completed for the eastern portion of the County. Following that exercise, traffic

patterns were overlaid and missing road sections and bottlenecks were prioritized. The

Board then laid out the plan and incorporated over $700 million in the County CIP. This

Board initiated allocating 2 pennies on the tax rate to work on fixing these missing links.

These efforts to improve our transportation system have included increasing bus and

transit service as well as installing missing sections of trails and sidewalks. These efforts

must continue to ensure Loudoun is seen as a desirable location for new businesses.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): Our transportation system is not only critical to our

quality of life, but also our economic competitiveness. Unfortunately it remains a barrier in

that regard. When discussing how to improve our transportation infrastructure, we must

link it to where our economic opportunities are. My top priorities in that area would be: 1.

Continuing to work on the removal of lights on Rt. 7 to increase traffic flow; 2. Expansion

of Rt. 28 to meet the demands of increased traffic and commercial development in the

corridor; 3. Putting a transportation plan in place that protects the economic potential of

Dulles airport; 4. Upgrading our bus service to bring connectivity across the entire county.

6) What role do you believe mixed-use development and availability of affordable and

diverse housing choices has in the County’s economic development success? What

policies would you implement to support your position?

Chamber Position: The Chamber supports land use policies and designations that

reflect the current and future business needs, including developing the full potential

of transit station areas and creating walkable urban mixed-use environments. The

Chamber supports a comprehensive county-wide Housing Plan that addresses the

need for market rate, workforce and affordable housing, and reform of the County

code to achieve this result.


SUZANNE VOLPE (R): This Board and prior Boards have supported mixed-use

applications, but have created a cookie-cutter model, which does not work in the business

world. My office is currently working on PD-MUB & PD-TC Zoning Districts to amend

the Zoning Ordinance to give more flexibility for landowners to meet the changing needs

of the market. Ultimately, the County has too many zoning categories, which makes it

difficult to develop a successful Mixed-Use project. I hope to have the opportunity to

simplify these policies. Regarding affordable housing, it is a subject near to my heart. The

County needs to ensure our service providers, nurses, firefighters, teachers can afford to

live in our community. We need a sustainable stream of affordable housing and if no

rezonings are approved, no more ADUs will be built. This is critical and the next Board

will be required to address this issue.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): These play a critical role in determining Loudoun's

economic success. As mentioned above we need to put Loudoun in a position to meet the

realities of a 21st century workforce and market. This means planning for transportation

oriented developments that speak to the live-work-play mentality that is in demand right

now. To do this we must update the Comprehensive Plan to make sure it meets market

realities and take a long hard look at our affordable housing policies. There is no reason

for Loudoun to not have a separate Housing Dept or why we have not looked to

implementing the recommendations of the Housing Advisory Board. We need to update

our policies that put us at a disadvantage when it comes to determining our ADU inventory

in the county.

7) What specific initiatives do you support to enable access to the reliable, affordable

energy required to support the needs of Loudoun’s businesses and to sustain our

community’s high quality of life?

Chamber Position: The Chamber supports a County-wide energy plan that emphasizes

energy generation, transmission and conservation. The Chamber supports Loudoun

County implementing a PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) loan program, to allow

property owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): Needless to say, reliable, affordable energy is a necessity. It

is my position that the Zoning Ordinance Action Group (ZOAG) can be helpful in

improving the situation. Through amendments to our Zoning Ordinance, we can facilitate

the construction of infrastructure to support the community. Additionally, streamlining

regulatory processes through improved policies will lessen the burden on construction of

infrastructure.


ANDREW RESNICK (D): Access to reliable and affordable energy is another factor

directly tied to Loudoun's economic success. From a planning perspective, all too often we

find ourselves in a position of battling for each individual project as it comes up. We need

better long-term planning that looks at where our growth areas will be (both residential and

commercial) in order to meet our needs and have public buy-in. I applaud initiatives like

the Chamber's Green Business Challenge that educates and encourages our business

community on the many factors that go into operating in a more environmentally friendly

way. However we can do our part as a Board to put policies in place, in consultation with

the business community, that will allow us to implement good practices in this area.

8) What is your position on the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and the Total

Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process, and what would you do to make these or any

other proposed environmental regulation or strategy “Loudoun appropriate” given

the diversity of land types and uses in Loudoun County?

Chamber Position: The Chamber objects to unfunded and onerous Federal and State

water quality mandates that diminish economic growth. The Chamber supports an

environmental strategy that is flexible, uses market-based incentives and is tailored to

Loudoun’s unique needs and businesses.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): The prior Board wanted to establish the Chesapeake Bay

Preservation Ordinance, which would have been devastating to both commercial and

residential properties. It is my belief that the EPA has exceeded its authority in many

areas. We are currently working with the WRTAC and staff to determine projects and

changes that can be made without negatively impacting property owners. I am not

supportive of the use of TMDLs as the measurement as I foresee it causing extensive

damage to the County's future economic development and creating an untenable situation

for any land use applications. I would prefer a process whereby the County incentivizes

property owners to lessen their impact, if possible. I appreciate the Chamber's Green

Business Challenge as it's a voluntary program.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): While I think we must be cognizant of placing too much

financial burden on both commercial and residential taxpayers, efforts to protect our

environment overall and delicate ecosystems like the Chesapeake Bay is something that

we all must share responsibility for. This includes the TMDL process. Recognizing the

uniqueness of Loudoun, I would be willing to work with our federal officials to look at

potential solutions to some of the challenges CBPA may bring to the county.


9) Do you believe that Loudoun County’s Comprehensive Plan should be revised

given Northern Virginia is predicted to attract both significant numbers of jobs and

residents over the next 20 years? What specific policies would you like to see

incorporated in a revised Comprehensive Plan?

Chamber Position: The Chamber supports regular updates to Loudoun’s Comprehensive

Plan, in part to allow for the full complement of current and future market demands, such

as for walkable urban mixed-use environments.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): Yes, I believe that the Comprehensive Plan must be revised.

It has not had a thorough review since 2001. Much has changed within Loudoun in 15

years. First, the Transition Policy Area must be reviewed. County staff will agree that no

real planning/design was detailed in the Transition Policy Area. Looking at business uses,

the restrictions are more stringent in the Transition Policy Area than they are in the Rural

Policy Area, which is stifling. Regarding the Suburban Policy Area, with the advent of

Metro, policies must be updated as the nature of the region is changing. I cannot properly

detail policies to be included, but will give you a couple of examples. Keynote

employment needs to be changed; it is outdated and does not further the County's goals.

The 300' setbacks on Route 7 (in eastern Loudoun) are outdated and need to be reduced.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): Yes. As I mentioned previously a revision of Loudoun's

Comprehensive Plan is long overdue and will remain a barrier to our competitiveness if we

do not update it. Some specific items I'd like to see: 1. A Dulles Airport Planning area that

can help guide and protect the economic viability of the airport; 2. Updating the noise-

contours around Dulles to reflect true traffic patterns; 3. Policies geared towards

redevelopment. As new town center and mixed use focused communities develop along

the Silver Line, we need to ensure older communities in the eastern part of the county are

able to maintain value and attract new residents; 4. Look at how we define Destination

Retail and how we can redefine it to meet market and infrastructure realities.

10) How do you propose to ensure that there are adequate schools, parks and

recreational facilities for current and future residents in Loudoun County?

Chamber Position: The Chamber supports working with developers to encourage and

sustainable development and development of schools, parks and recreational facilities,

without burdening the development process.


SUZANNE VOLPE (R): This board has worked diligently to improve the quality of

life in the County. Regarding future residents, the County has the proffer system and must

work with land use applicants to ensure the County is adequately receiving proffer

contributions (cash and/or land) to address the needs of residents.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): The bottom line we need to fully fund our schools.

Schools are the anchor of a strong community, stabilizing our property values and housing

market and attracting businesses. Strong schools, parks and recreational facilities are what

our residents have come to expect. Beyond reliance on the county budget, we should look

towards public-private partnerships. This will not only help with costs, but gets the

community invested. A sense of community amongst us, that can be gained from working

together, goes a long way towards ensuring these priorities remain more than adequate.

11) How do you propose to address the increasing funding requests by Loudoun

County Public Schools to ensure our children receive a quality education?

Chamber Position: The Chamber believes Loudoun County Public Schools, the School

Board and the Board of Supervisors must implement cost reduction and operational

efficiencies within our school system. The Chamber strongly supports a review of local

education spending to identify areas where efficiencies can be implemented.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): Northern Virginia, including Loudoun County, has been

shortchanged by the General Assembly for years. With the cost of living in NOVA, the

reductions in cost-to-compete funding has been detrimental. Overall, at the state and

federal level, there have been a variety of unfunded mandates, which I will advocate to the

General Assembly has had a negative impact to our school system. Until the time when

NOVA receives its fair share, the School Board needs to work with the Board of

Supervisors to eliminate duplicative operations, consolidate offices and work to find cost

savings, which can then be utilized in the classroom. As I explain to constituents all the

time, the County buys toilet paper and the Schools buy toilet paper, why cannot we buy it

together and save money?

ANDREW RESNICK (D): The bottom line is we need leaders who understand the

value of strong schools for our community. This is not just an educational issue, but also a

major economic development issue. Investing in our schools is directly tied to helping

keep property values high and tax rates low. This in turn helps attract businesses to the

county and ensures Loudoun remains competitive. While many look at this as a tax issue,

that is not always the case. There is much we can do within the county budget and


planning to prioritize spending in a way that brings us the best return on investment.

Additionally we must work with the school board to find efficiencies in their proposed

budgets. A working relationship, at the very least, is critical in this regard.

12) Given the increasing number of uninsured and underinsured individuals in the

county, how do you propose to increase access to affordable health care in Loudoun

County?

Chamber Position: The Chamber supports expansion of healthcare infrastructure to meet

community need; appropriate local planning for emergency preparedness and public-

private partnerships to address pandemic preparedness; and expanding services offered by

safety net healthcare providers.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): The Board of Supervisors has a solid track record of

supporting, as an example, the Loudoun Free Clinic. The Board has supported Mobile

Hope, which provides medical care to school-aged children. There are several other

organizations, which the County provides grants and other assistance to on a regular basis.

As a Christian, I believe it is our moral obligation to assist those in need. I will continue to

advocate to support organizations that provide for basic needs to those in our community,

who are suffering.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): This is a serious issue, and one that sometimes goes

unnoticed because of Loudoun's status as one of the wealthiest counties in the nation. We

must make it easier for people to get the care they need. That means expanding our

services, ensuring appropriate language services are available and opening new locations

to meet the population where they are. It even extends to investing in a more efficient bus

system that connects the county. We also must work with both HCA and Inova to partner

on community programs and initiatives where appropriate. As the main providers in the

county they have a vested interest in a healthy population and resources to help us get

there. Finally, as elected leaders we should advocate for the expansion of Medicaid at the

General Assembly to help cover a large portion of our population that may not currently

have access to coverage.

13) How would you assess the County’s efforts to engage the Loudoun business

community on important public policy issues and how would you improve or

otherwise change those efforts?


Chamber Position: The Chamber believes government must be responsive to its citizens

and businesses and believes that Loudoun County's business community must have the

opportunity to work with government officials to develop and implement legislative and

regulatory policies that will impact Loudoun’s economy and quality of life.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): Personally, I have endeavored to engage with members of

the business community from virtually every industry. I have and will continue to attend

Chamber events as they are informative and aid me in understanding the challenges facing

our businesses every day. The County has worked to establish organizations, such as the

Economic Development Advisory Commission, however there is a need for more direct

engagement between the commission and board members.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): I am all for giving credit where credit is due and I would

say this is one area where the county has done well. As far as how we can improve or

change efforts, it all comes down the specific person in office. In that regard it is all about

communication and having an open door. Regardless of a position, understanding that

various parties are impacted by policies in different ways is part of the governing process.

Gaining a true understanding of both sides of an issue only leads to good policy.

14) Please briefly describe what best qualifies you to hold the office for which you are

running.

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): Besides currently serving in the position, I bring several key

factors to the table. My experience on the Loudoun County Planning Commission, the

Loudoun County Library Board of Trustees, and the Loudoun County Commission on

Aging have given me a good foundation on local government. My volunteer service on

the Cascades HOA Board of Directors and other community service activities have given

me the understanding of how residents and businesses interact with the County

government. My current service as the Algonkian District Supervisor has also given me

invaluable insight into the needs and concerns within the community.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): As a parent, homeowner and commuter, I see the impact

decisions at the local level have on our daily lives. Over the last four years I have grown

concerned that those decisions are putting us on the wrong path. We need strategic and

pragmatic leaders on the Board who can help steer us in the right direction. As a public

affairs professional over the last decade I have worked on several land use and economic

development programs at the local, state and federal levels. I have had a firsthand view of

what it means to govern effectively and I intend to carry that mentality if elected to the

Board.


15) What is the chief factor that differentiates you from your opponent(s) (if you have

one)?

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): The main difference between my opponent and I is focus. His

focus is centered on the school system. As an example, he is advocating for full-funding

for the school budget and all-day kindergarten. The Board of Supervisors does not have

authority over specific spending within the school system. For clarity, if the School Board

does not request funding for all-day kindergarten, then the Board of Supervisors cannot

make the School Board implement full-day kindergarten. As I said, the main difference is

focus. The responsibilities for a District Supervisor span a diverse spectrum, which I

thoroughly enjoy. One day I am helping a retail storefront get a sign approved and the

next day I am getting a handicapped crosswalk installed, so a blind child can walk to

school.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): If elected, my approach as supervisor will be one that looks at

solutions and policies that protect Loudoun's long term interests. My approach to

governing is to hear all sides of an issue and to be accessible to all stakeholders. I firmly

believe that is what leads to the best solutions. The same cannot be said for my opponent's

record while on the Board of Supervisors. I am a supporter of Dulles Rail. This is not only

because it is a sensible not transportation solution but also because of the economic benefit

it brings. My opponent voted against it. I support fully funding our schools and recognize

their strength as economic development issue, my opponent has voted to underfund the

schools all four years on the Board. This is the shortsighted approach that needs to change

if we are to remain competitive. There is simply too much at stake.

16) Is there any other personal or professional information you would like the

business community to know about you that is not already covered?

SUZANNE VOLPE (R): It has been an honor to serve as the Algonkian District

Supervisor since 2012. I truly am blessed to have the opportunity to serve my community

and my County. I wake up each morning and ask what can I do today to prove that I

deserve to be in this position. Should I be fortunate enough to be re-elected, this attitude

will not change.

ANDREW RESNICK (D): While this is my first run for office, I have been engaged in

Loudoun politics and government for the last decade. While with Inova Health System I

worked with the county on land use/zoning and public health policies. During that time

(2007 - 2011), I participated in the LCCC's public policy committee and served on the

county's Advisory Commission on Youth (2008-2010). In my current position I am

responsible for a $25 million marketing and advocacy budget, reporting directly to a Board


of Directors and tasked with meeting hard KPIs and metrics each quarter. Bottom line is

that results matter in my job just as they would if I were supervisor. It is the mentality of

making sure progress happens that I will bring the Board of Supervisors. I am not in this

just to play politics, I am in this because I firmly believe Loudoun can do better.

Campaign Committee Information:

Candidate’s Name (as it will appear on ballot): Suzanne Volpe

Campaign Manager: Robert Mouser

Campaign Address: 20547 Quarterpath Trace Circle, Sterling, VA 20165

Campaign Phone: 703-406-6147

Campaign Website: http://www.suzannevolpe.com

Campaign Twitter: N/A

Candidate’s Current Occupation: Algonkian District Supervisor

Candidate’s Political Experience: Current Algonkian District Supervisor, former 33rd

RPV Senate LDC Chair, former 32nd RPV House LDC Chair, former LCRC Chair,

former LCRC Secretary, and former local magisterial district chair

Candidate’s Business Experience: Multiple Public Affairs positions w/federal

government, sales & marketing in private sector

Campaign Committee Information:

Candidate’s Name (as it will appear on ballot): Andrew D. Resnick

Campaign Manager: Rob Hipskind

Campaign Address: 46680 Cavendish Sq., Potomac Falls, VA 20165

Campaign Phone: 703-651-6627

Campaign Website: http://www.resnickforsupervisor.com

Campaign Twitter: @resnickforBoS

Candidate’s Current Occupation: Director, Public Affairs

Candidate’s Political Experience: Campaign manager (including former Del. Dave

Poisson in 2005 and AG Mark Herring's special election in 2006) and political

LOUDOUN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE consultant; Government relations and public affairs professional working on local, state

and federal issues

Candidate’s Business Experience: Spend 4 years managing advocacy for one of

Virginia's largest employers and now oversee a $25 million marketing and advocacy

budget for a national trade association, reporting regularly to a Board of Directors

2015 bizvotes questionnaire results board of supervisors ... district - volpe-resnick.pdfloudoun...

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