2022 Candidate Profile: Tom Ross Runs For Fairfax City Council

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Incumbent D.T. "Tom" Ross touts his more than 40 years serving in leadership roles in the community as one of the reasons he should be reelected to the Fairfax City Council.

Ross is on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election. He is running against fellow incumbents Jon R. Stehle Jr., Joseph D. Harmon, and So. P. Lim, as well as challengers Anahita N. "Ana" Renner, Billy M. Bates, Kate Doyle Feingold, Craig S. Salewski, and Jeffrey C. Greenfield for one of the six seats on the council.

Patch asked each of the candidates in the city council race to fill out the following questionnaire.

Name

D.T. "Tom" Ross

Campaign Website

Ross For City Council

Names, ages and any pertinent detail you wish to share.

Wife, Barbara, two sons, Michael and Brian, daughter-in-law, Pattaraporn, grandson, Alexander (lexo)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Education

Bachelor of Science, Master in Public Administration

Occupation - Please include years of experience

Assistant Director National Park Service (25 years); Executive Director, Maryland Recreation and Parks Association six years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Elected to City Council in 2020, previously Chair of the City's Electoral Board

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue to help lead and serve this community as we grow and change

The single most pressing issue facing the Town of Herndon is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Our largest challenge is dealing with the extraordinary change going around us as the area grows and changes. We need to manage our growth in a manner that protects our community and takes advantage of economic opportunities while ensuring that our community values remain strong.

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

My experience of more than 40 years serving in leadership roles in the community from leading neighborhoods to serving on boards and commissions. My last two years as a member of City Council have helped me with weighing the choices that must be made for the health and wellbeing of the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I believe in being a good steward of our city finances and maintaining our excellent record of fiscal integrity. We must plan, thoughtfully and carefully, to leave behind a community that is fiscally sounds maintains its excellent services, and is a better place to live for future generations.

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

My service to the community for more than 40 years helping plan for the future as a member (and chair) of the Planning Commission, a member of the 2020 Commission, and as a member of the Charter Review Commission. In addition, I have learned about the trends and issues facing our larger region. During my first term on City Council, I helped shape a partnership with George Mason University to aid and assist small business; I supported our business community as we went through a national pandemic, I supported the creation of a stormwater utility, and helped make decisions that invested in our infrastructure and good city planning.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Follow your heart and your passion. It led me to a wonderful career in creating park and recreation opportunities throughout the country in my professional career and to my involvement as a community leader in working to make our community the best it can be.

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

I look carefully at every issue that comes before us and engaging community voices on both sides of an issue so I can better understand the pros and cons. I have always worked well with others and look forward to a new council and Mayor, beginning in 2023 working to continue our tradition of working together. As a retiree, I am able to take the time to get involved during the day and attend various functions around the City.

Related:

• 2022 Candidate Profile: So P. Lim Running For Fairfax City Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Joseph Harmon Running For Fairfax City Council
• Fairfax City Residents Meet One-On-One With Mayor, Council Candidates
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Jon R. Stehle Jr. For Fairfax City Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Ana Renner Running For Fairfax City Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Jeff Greenfield Runs For Fairfax City Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Billy M. Bates Runs For Fairfax City Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Craig Salewski Runs For Fairfax City Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Kate Doyle Feingold For Fairfax City Council