FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fairfax City Council candidate Russell Jones says tax increases are the most pressing issue facing voters and wants the city to curb spending he considers frivolous and stay within its budget.
Jones identified those priorities in his responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire but did not outline a specific proposal for addressing tax increases. He also urged caution on new development and redevelopment.
"Should be cautious about jumping in too quick without weighing out the possible future issues," Jones wrote.
A 40-year city resident, Jones is a retired government employee and a remodeling contractor who serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals. He cited 20 years of government employment and 20 years as a small business owner as experience that would help him serve on the council.
Jones is running for Fairfax City Council in the Nov. 3 general election.
The other candidates running for City Council are Stacy R. Hall, Rachel M. McQuillen, Anthony T. Amos, Sandi W. Slappey Brown, Kelly M. O'Brien, Stephen S. Kim, Susan Hartley Kuiler, María José Padmore, Steve S. Chang and Jessica L. Lough.
Patch invited candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Fairfax City through its campaign questionnaire. Jones' responses follow below.
Your Name
Russell Jones
Position sought (mayor, city council, school board, etc.)
city council
Age (as of Election Day)
64
Campaign Website
jones4fairfax.com
City elections are traditionally non-partisan and candidates must run as independents, according to both the city charter and the Code of Virginia. No party affiliation or "mark" will appear next to any of the candidates' names on the November 2026 ballot. Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party or have you aligned yourself with a group of candidates representing themselves as independent, non-partisan candidates, including candidates running in other city races? Please check the answer that is most appropriate.
I have not been endorsed by a recognized political party and I have not aligned myself with a group of candidates representing themselves as independent, non-partisan candidates.
Please elaborate on your answer to the previous question and explain how this will affect the way you will serve on the city council.
I'm just a longtime resident(40 years) and I have no political background but want to have a say in the future of the city.
How does your status as described in the two previous questions help Fairfax City voters choose a candidate that best aligns with their particular political beliefs?
I want what most people as telling me what they want
Family
Noochnart (wife)& Henry(10 year old son)
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
I am an appointed member of the Board of Zoning Appeals
Education
High School Graduate
Occupation
Retired Gov't worker and currect small business owner(remodeling contractor)
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office
BZA
Why are you seeking elective office?
Don't practically like what happening
The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Tax increases
What approach should Fairfax City take to new development and redevelopment? What types of projects would you support or oppose, and how would you balance housing needs and economic growth with concerns about traffic, infrastructure and neighborhood character?
Should be cautious about jumping in too quick without weighing out the possible future issues.In the past if seems most of the cities developments really didn't work out quite the way the expected,
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I'm older than most, and I have a no nonsense point of view.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
Not all have but a few keep putting the cart ahead of the horse, so to speak.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
Frivolous spending needs to reigned in, and staying within the budget
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
20 years as a government employee and 20 years as a small business owner.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
If it ain't broke , don"t fix it.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your position?
I'm interested in the future of the city and keeping it's small town persona
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