Meet The Candidate: Jasbinder Singh For Herndon Town Council

HERNDON, VA — In addition to voting for the president and vice president, U.S. senator and U.S. representative in the Nov. 3 general election, residents of the Town of Herndon will be choosing from among 10 candidates to fill vacant seats on the Town Council. They will also choose who will be the new mayor.

Jasbinder Singh, 75, is retired and had previously managed a building He is running for the Herndon Town Council.

As part of its coverage of the 2020 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in Herndon to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.

Candidate

Jasbinder Singh

Age (as of Election Day)

75

Town/City of Residence

Town of Herndon

Office Sought

Herndon Town Council

Party Affiliation

none

Family

Susan - wife

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

MS in Civil Engineering, CMU; Doctoral Studies - Public Policy

Occupation

Retired; manage an office building

Campaign website

Herndonopinion.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Town Council; 2010-2012 and 2014-2016

The single most pressing issue facing Herndon is government transparency, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Transparency in the Government and Issues related to downtown development; reverse anti-transparency policies of the last eight years and enhance them.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Absolutely. Our citizens have a right to protest peacefully. Police's initial response to any situation should be examined and modified.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

All police actions and its performance must be examined continuously and improved. In general, the police in Herndon behaves well. There are reports that the size of the police force on a per capital basis is much larger than that of other jurisdictions. We need to examine that.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

The response of our state has been pretty good. It was science and fact based. That is the way it should have been nationwide. Facts matter. Science matter.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have written 35+ indepth, well -researched articles on How the Town Works or not on HerndonOpinion.com . As far as nobody else has done so or looked into the details as much as I have and as long as I have.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Previous two answers tell the story. I also provided customized help to our citizens throughout my two terms on dealing with the town government. I also spoke about the litany of burdensome regulations and the slowness with which the Town conducts its business.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am a true public servant.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My record speaks for itself. I left no stone unturned. I am well informed and well qualified.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

I have proposed a bold agenda. If we accomplish even 10% to 15% of it, it will a great achievement. Other councilmembers have to buy in. I will do my best to convince them.

Why should voters trust you?

My record speaks for itself. I have steadfastly stood for transparency and good government.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Covid-19 will continue to affect our choices. I have proposed a three step approach to manage our responses. We must reserve our cash, not give away anything to special interests for free, and cut out waste from the government.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
NO.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Work with other Councilmembers, but hold on to your positions and values.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Have a passion for learning about anything and everything in our environment and life.