He'll Do Everything He Can To Put Kids First, Tom Dannan Says

FAIRFAX, VA — Democrat Tom Dannan says his budget and management experience, along with the collaborative approach he plans to take as part of a diverse, 12-member board, makes him an ideal candidate to represent the Braddock District on the Fairfax County School Board.

"I'm very pragmatic, and while I'm at heart a numbers and policy person, I know that this work must be informed by educators and families who are living it," he said. "I've seen the benefits of public schools first-hand, and will do everything I can do put our kids first."

Dannan is facing fellow Democrat Alexa Krezel in Saturday's firehouse primary, hoping to be their party's candidate on the Jan. 13 ballot in the special election.

The school board seat became vacant on Dec. 16, when Rachna Sizemore Heizer was sworn in as the new Braddock District supervisor. She was elected to that post by defeating Republican Kenneth P. "Ken" Balbuena and Independent candidate Carey Chet Campbell in the Dec. 9 special election.

As part of its coverage of the Democratic Party's firehouse primary on Saturday, Patch asked each of the candidates to complete the following questionnaire. These are Dannan's answers.

What is your name?

Tom Dannan

What will be your age on election day?

41

What is your occupation and the number of years you've worked in the field?

Small business owner (13 years), project manager (10 years)

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy? (200 Word Limit)

Being collaborative and listening to people on the ground. From the beginning of my career, I learned how critical it is to meaningfully engage with people who are actually doing the work, and I want this to define by service and work on every issue, whether its the budget, boundaries, technology in schools, and everything in between.

What makes you the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the Jan. 13 special election? (200 Word Limit)

I have not only the budget and management experience, but the collaborative approach to work on a diverse, 12-member board. I'm very pragmatic, and while I'm at heart a numbers and policy person, I know that this work must be informed by educators and families who are living it. I've seen the benefits of public schools first-hand, and will do everything I can do put our kids first.

The single most pressing issue facing the Braddock District is and this is what I intend to do about it? (200 Word Limit)

The financial constraints, especially in the next few years. This is what got me into this race to begin with, after seeing how the process broke down last year.

I intend to work with my member of the Board of Supervisors, Rachna Sizemore Heizer, and Chairman Jeff McKay--with whom I already have strong relationships--along with our State Delegation and other stakeholders to look for ways to innovate, break down silos, and invest in our teachers and staff--because if we do that, I know they'll take care of our kids.

How To Vote In Braddock Firehouse Primary

Although the Jan. 10 caucus is open to any registered voter in the Braddock District, each voter will be required to sign the following declaration in order to vote:

“I certify that I am a resident of and registered to vote in Braddock District; I am a Democrat; I believe in the principles of the Democratic Party; and I do not intend to support, endorse or assist any candidate who is opposed to the Democratic-endorsed candidate in the ensuing election for Braddock District representative to the Fairfax County School Board.”

Voters will be able to cast ballots online from 12 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Registration for online voting will be open from 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Registration forms will be available on the FCDC website.

Once a voter is registered to vote online, they'll receive unique credentials by email that will allow them to cast a ballot using the Electionbuddy voting software. If a voter chooses to vote in-person instead on Jan. 10, they must have their online ballot spoiled before they will receive a paper ballot.

Also See ...

• Every Child Receiving World-Class Education A Priority For Alexa Krezel
• Democratic Candidates In School Board Race To Square Off In Firehouse Primary
• March Special Election Requested To Fill Braddock School Board Seat