2023 Candidate Profile: Sylvia Glass For Broad Run Supervisor

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Incumbent Supervisor Sylvia Glass is running for reelection in the Broad Run district for the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.

This year, Glass is facing a challenge from Republican Michelle Suttle.

Patch sent the following questionnaire to Glass and Suttle to help readers learn more about their candidates before the general election on Nov. 7.

Name

Sylvia Glass

Town of Residence

Loudoun County

Position Sought

Broad Run Supervisor

Party affiliation

Democrat

Family? Names, ages and any other pertinent details you wish to share.

She resides in Ashburn Village, where she and her husband, Alan, have raised their four sons, Jordan, Zachary, Joshua, and Taylor, who graduated from Loudoun County Public Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education Level

Supervisor Glass earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Bowie State University and a master’s degree in special education from George Mason University.

Occupation, including employer and years of experience

Special Education Teacher, Loudoun County Public Schools, 2014 - PRESENT
Broad Run District Supervisor, Loudoun County VA, 2019-PRESENT
Co-chair of the Board of Supervisors Joint Board and School Board Committee and is a member of the Transportation and Land Use Committee

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Broad Run Supervisor

Campaign website

https://www.sylviaglass2023.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

Running for office gives me the chance to speak to constituents, learn what problems are in the community, and affect change through policy. Local policy is important because you’re talking about advancing roads and mass transit, economic development and job creation initiatives, the everyday issues that people are concerned about in our county.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue facing the Loudoun County, Virginia, community can vary depending on evolving circumstances and priorities. However, common concerns often include managing rapid population growth, addressing transportation and traffic congestion, maintaining quality education, and ensuring affordable housing for residents. Engaging with the community is essential to determine the current top priority and work collectively to address it effectively.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to recent issues (i.e. the pandemic)? What if anything would you have done differently?

[The candidate did not answer this question.]

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

The critical differences between me and the other candidate seeking this post are my extensive experience in local community development and my commitment to sustainable growth for Loudoun County.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a candidate, my platform strongly emphasizes honoring and supporting our nation's veterans. I believe in expanding access to high-quality healthcare services through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to ensure every veteran receives the care they need and deserve. Serving as a resource hub for dedicated programs and resources to assist veterans in their transition to civilian life, I am committed to addressing the mental health challenges veterans may face. Moreover, I will champion efforts to create more educational and job training opportunities for veterans while also working to eradicate homelessness among those who have served our country.

In addition, mental health is a top priority. I firmly believe in breaking down the barriers to mental health care and destigmatizing seeking help. My plan includes increasing funding and resources for mental health services, ensuring accessibility for all citizens.

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

As a member of the Board of Supervisors, I can point to my successful initiatives in improving local infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and fostering community engagement as evidence of my ability to handle the job effectively.

Some accomplishments include but are not limited to:

Purple Bin Glass Recycling is a new initiative that will commence around the end of summer and the beginning of the Fall. It is planned to install an additional purple glass recycling bin in the 20147 zip code to make it easier for people to recycle glass without going to Sterling or Arcola.

The creation of bike lanes on roadways that support them, like on Ashburn Road and Christiana Drive.

Expanded, connected, and better maintained our roadways.

Increased funding for the Housing Trust Fund and other county-attainable housing programs.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice ever shared with me was to "embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for growth." This perspective has guided me through various stages of life and allowed me to adapt and thrive in ever-changing circumstances.

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

I am a fifth-generation Northern Virginian born in Woodbridge, Virginia. I have been a teacher, advocate, and mother in the Loudoun County Broad Run community for over two decades. 2019 I was elected to represent you all as the Broad Run Supervisor. Additionally, I serve on various committees, such as the Transportation and Land Use Committee in Loudoun County and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission for Northern Virginia. As a supervisor representing Broad Run, I have consistently placed a high priority on addressing the needs of my constituents. For this reason, I am running for re-election to continue my role as your supervisor in the Broad Run District.