Democratic Candidates are Clear Winners at Leesburg LWV Debate

When Fortune Magazine rates your town among the top 10 “Best Places to Live for Families” in America -- #8, to be precise – it provides elected officials with a pretty powerful argument for staying the course.

         That point was raised more than once on Wednesday night as Democratic candidates – two incumbents and one aspirant to the Town Council – came to the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum loaded with facts citing how the town is on the correct trajectory and not in need of new leadership to tackle what all the candidates acknowledged are future challenges arising from continued growth.

         Mayor Kelly Burk counseled caution, to protect the character of Leesburg: “There are some people on the Council that are a little too cozy with the development community. When I meet with developers, when they come in with their projects, (I’m there) to be a representative of the people. I don't represent the developer. I'm there to listen.”

         Burk, along with Councilman Neil Steinberg and Town Council candidate Dr. Todd Cimino-Johnson provided inspired insight and displayed detailed understanding of what works and what still needs addressing, with particular emphasis on the need for affordable housing, which will likely require cooperation with a variety of outside authorities and business developers.

“The fact that we haven't adequately addressed (affordable housing) in decades is … shame on us,” said Steinberg. “We need to work more closely with the county and the state and avail ourselves of the programs that are available for funding.”

Dr. Cimino-Johnson offered well-researched guidance, suggesting the town could waive fees and adjust codes to encourage developers to come up with affordable housing construction projects and urged that “any new development that is brought to the town of Leesburg that has affordable housing should be moved to the top of the list.”

         Asked what her highest priority would be, mayoral candidate Suzanne Fox expressed personal grievances regarding perceived slights by fellow officials: “I was shut down a few times and I have a hard time with that.” GOP Candidate Colin Doniger, also struck a negative tone, standing alone in questioning the need for affordable housing, which is a well established problem throughout the county; and for some reason volunteered – not that anyone asked – “I will never support equity.” John Spence came across as reasonable, focusing on the need for “workforce housing,” and Patrick Wilt, well, in as much as he doesn’t actually live in Leesburg, we’ll just ignore him.

         Responding to Republican grumblings and demands to reinstate town employees who lost their jobs by refusing to get vaccinated during the pandemic, Steinberg noted that the former employees quit and that the Council lacks any authority to hire or fire.

         Our candidates have again demonstrated their superior vision for the people of Leesburg and are deserving of your support.

Join us in securing victory for Mayor Burk, Councilman Steinberg and Dr. Cimino-Johnson.