2022 Candidate Profile: Cesar del Aguila Runs For Herndon Town Council

HERNDON, VA — Cesar del Aguila is seeking reelection to the Herndon Town Council. He says that outdated institutional barriers like old zoning ordinances and strict commercial operation regulations are the most pressing issue facing the town.

In the Nov. 8 general election, del Aguila is running against fellow incumbents Naila Alam, Pradip Dhakal, and Signe V. Friedrichs, as well as challengers Clark A. Hedrick, Keven J. Leblanc Jr., Stevan M. Porter, Donielle M. Scherff, and Roland B. Taylor for the six seats on the Herndon Town Council.

Patch asked each of the candidates in the Herndon Town Council race to fill out the following questionnaire.

Name

Cesar del Aguila

Campaign Website

Cesar for Herndon - Friends of Cesar

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

Huge Family - 51 first cousins

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

Some higher education and industry certifications

Occupation - Please include years of experience

Account executive

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Vice Mayor, Herndon Town Council

Why are you seeking elective office?

Herndon needs new leadership for the future with a clear vision and a commitment to progress. The town has missed several opportunities to leverage the growth in our region. Town councils have allowed institutional barrier to remain making it more difficult for businesses to succeed, developers to offer more options and residents to retire in place.

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

Outdated institutional barriers like old zoning ordinances and strict commercial operation regulations impact our revenue stream.

I will ask the council review why we still impose homeowners must repair their roof tops a specific way, when a normal asphalt roof will do. We are harming residents on a budget and forcing them to move. We can do better and should.

I will ask the council review why modern technologies like tinting/transforming store font glass is not acceptable. Tinting storefronts keep energy costs down and creates a more modern vibrant look to businesses and the town. We need to align all ordinances impacting business and ensure they support success of all businesses.

There are many more issues, but I will continue to support quarterly meetings for strategic initiatives as a way to address issues and implement changes quicker than the current institutional process.

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

Several candidates support the institutional status quo. Two current councilmembers have not recommended a single strategic initiative and have not championed any solutions. This is not servicing the town well. I will continue to push for a forum supporting innovative ideas and new ways to implement solutions. Example, we had a safety issue with traffic on Spring Street. Two council members offered zero solutions while others offered suggestions and ideas to calm traffic and make the street safer. I will align myself with those that bring ideas, listen to new ways, and support a more agile and responsive council.

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

Over the years previous councils allowed old operational process and old ways of thinking to limit council responses or new initiatives. Councils should be more agile and provide residents solutions, so I will continue to work with those that will challenge the status quo.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

• Continue to welcome & listen to all views
• Continue modernization of ordinances making it easier for businesses to operate
• Continue to promote more Outdoor Dining areas
• Continue to promote responsible development
• Continue increasing green spaces and use of green technologies
• Continue to promote more ADA compliant areas and traffic calming solutions
• Continue to promote more ranges of price and age-appropriate housing
• Promote and budget for: pickleball courts, pedestrian and bike friendly roads

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

I pushed and obtained majority support of the council to standardized quarterly reviews dedicated to strategic initiatives. This was a first for the town and this provided a platform for councilmembers to discuss relevant issues, provide ideas, debate solutions, and prioritize staff and budget resources. This will continue to allow future councils to accelerate solutions and modernize our institutional processes.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

1/3 of the people will love you, 1/3 of the people will never like you, the remaining 1/3 just wants you to get something positive done. I try to remember this every election cycle.

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

In my spare time I care for my 88-year-old parents who both live at the Herndon Harbor House, as well as support my younger sister who has debilitating MS. I am very blessed, so I give back to my family and the community that supports them.

I have also volunteered with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s office, as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. In this role I helped families with supervised visitation. I helped provide a safe space for children while they spend quality time with parents possibly struggling with emotional issues or substance abuse.

I came from a very depressed environment but there were communities always there to help me and my family. I will continue to give back to this community, and I will continue to help provide opportunities to those that need help, those without a voice, or to those who speak different language. I will always support everyone’s own choice and right to self-determination and define their own success.

Also see ...

• Incorrect Precinct Information Sent To Herndon, Vienna, Clifton Voters
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Roland B. Taylor Runs For Herndon Town Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Clark Hedrick Runs For Herndon Town Council
• Herndon 2022 General Election: Guide To Candidates, How To Vote
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Naila Alam Runs For Herndon Town Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Donielle M. Scherff For Herndon Town Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Stevan M. Porter Runs For Herndon Town Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Signe Friedrichs Runs For Herndon Town Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Keven J. LeBlanc Jr. For Herndon Town Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Pradip Dhakal For Herndon Town Council
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Cesar del Aguila Runs For Herndon Town Council
• General Election 2022: Key Dates To Know In Herndon