Politics & Government
2022 Candidate Profile: Herndon Mayor Sheila Olem Seeks Reelection
Incumbent Sheila Olem is facing two challengers in the Nov.8 general election to determine who will be Herndon's next mayor.
HERNDON, VA — Sheila A Olem was first elected as Herndon's mayor in 2020, after serving 10 years on the Herndon Town Council. She's now on the Nov. 8 ballot seeking reelection.
Olem is being challenged by two members of the Herndon Town Council: Sean Regan and Jasbinder Singh.
Patch asked each of the candidates in the Herndon mayoral race to fill out the following questionnaire.
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Name
Sheila A Olem
Find out what's happening in Herndonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Campaign Website
Family: Names, ages and any pertinent detail you wish to share.
Married to the late Harvey Olem 1983-94; son Michael (Married to Danielle) Grandson Louis; Matthew (Married to Alex) Grandson Callen.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.NoEducation
MS Health Administration, Memphis State University; BS Education, University of North Alabama, Student teaching, Mexico City, MEXICO
Occupation - Please include years of experiencePublic Health and Health Care 1983-1992; Managed and owned residential rental properties 1983-2013. Life and Health Insurance sales 2001-present; Own and manage commercial rental property 2013-present.Previous or Current Elected or Appointed OfficeElected to Herndon Town Council/Mayor 2010-present; Mayor 2020-present; Vice Mayor 2019-20; Council 2010-2018; Served on PBAC as Chair; Interview Committee as Chair; DATA; Committee for Dulles; Currently serving on Northern Virginia Regional Commission; Active in Virginia Municipal League (VML) since 2010, Currently Serving on General Laws Policy Committee and VML Nominating committee. Appointments Town of Herndon - Appointed to Herndon Board of Zoning Appeals 2001-022 2003-08; Dulles Toll Road Task Force 2001-02. Fairfax County – Small Business Commission 1997-2000; Hunter Mill Task Force 2005 Virginia Governor - State Executive Council for Children's Services (SEC) 2015-18Why are you seeking elective office?
- I want to see the work on the downtown redevelopment through. This is the closest we have been and even with current economic state, Comstock is still engaged and committed to the project. The up to 24 month pause was part of the contract with the town on this project.
- I will be here for the opening of the Herndon Station this year and want to see the redevelopment there as well. Property owners are slowly moving forward with plans to redevelop, as they are at the other stations.
The single most pressing issue facing Herndon is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The current economic state of the world. Staff shortages, supply chain issues, and cost of goods.
As Mayor I want to thank the council and our extremely capable and professional staff for steering the town through the last of the three difficult years as we continue to re-energize our downtown activities and economic development in the Town of Herndon.
The strong relationships I have made over many years of involvement with the community, volunteers and businesses, are key to bringing events back to the downtown.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Experience - Knowing the role of the position one holds makes that position easier to navigate. Having the opportunity to serve as mayor, council, and Board of Zoning Appeals member, has given me the understanding that the positions only have “the powers given by Virginia Code”. Working on numerous major infrastructure improvements in the town has made me aware of the many different individuals and organizations involved and the time it takes from planning to completion on municipal projects.
Relationships - As a long-time local champion for Herndon and Fairfax County I leaned and valued the strength of relationships with our local, regional, state, and federal allies for the town. A Mayor needs a history of strong relationships with volunteers and businesses as they are key to community events.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
- Welcoming volunteers and supporters to bring back community events to the downtown
- Improving our roadways to provide safe, walkable, bike-friendly access for all
- Working with staff to maintain and improve our town services and quality of life at a low tax rate
- Supporting our history & leadership as an environmentally focused town
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
- Passing Virginia legislation - Learning this process is key to success as a mayor and council member. In 1994 I had a personal tragedy which required many governing bodies to assist in a resolution. The Bolivian Government, the U.S. Department of State, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The first two were easier as there were some guidelines available and took a year. Virginia became the next challenge and took some research on my part, then collaboration with Virginia elected officials to pass the 1996 SB 266 Presumption of death bill, allowing me to declare Harvey deceased, which would allow me collect life insurance benefits for my sons and I, and settle our taxes.
- New Fire Station - With my new colleagues on council in 2010, we worked with our county officials to get the bond item for the New Fire Station on the ballot. In 2017 we were there for the ribbon cutting. Following the process was key to a fast turn around on a very expensive, complex project for the town.
- Secured over $85 million - Completing in 2022-2026 the improvements for roadways & storm water facilities, for drivers, bicyclist, and pedestrians for a safer community, started with the planning in early 2000’s and are now finalizing for the arrival of the Silver Line.
- Following the process has been key on this very expensive, complex project for the town.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
Always have a plan B and C and D......
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
The mayor is the ceremonial head of government. The mayor and council as a body possess governmental authority only, in Virginia, and we are required to have a professional town manager responsible for daily administration of municipal functions.
As Mayor, I will continue to engage and support our very dedicated, professional staff. I know it was their thoughtful, organized preparation for the COVID 19 State of Emergency in advance that has gotten the town through those dark days and will continue to bring us back to normal as our community volunteers and sponsors to come back out and energize our downtown town with community events. The community has always been a welcoming, inclusive place to live, work and play during my time here since 1990! As Mayor I will work hard to bring the events back to our downtown. I’m Mayor Sheila Olem and I ask for your vote.
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