2022 Candidate Profile: Stevan M. Porter Runs For Herndon Town Council

HERNDON, VA — Stevan M. Porter says he's worn two "hats" most of his adult life. Now he's looking to don another hat by being a candidate in the Nov. 8 general election.

Porter is running against incumbents Cesar del Aguila, Naila Alam, Signe Friedrichs, and Pradip Dhakal, as well as fellow challengers Clark A. Hedrick, Keven J. LeBlanc, 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

Stevan M. Porter

Campaign Website

www.porter4herndon.com

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

Johnise Molloy

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

Washington State University - B.A. Social Sciences (Sociology Minor)

Occupation - Please include years of experience

I have worn two “hats” most of my adult life: over 25 years of experience in IT support, special projects, and management; and over 20 years of service to the community as a volunteer paramedic and educator.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I served on the Loudoun County Volunteer Services Advisory Board. In my volunteer organizations including fire & rescue, Rotary, and Knights of Columbus, I have held a wide variety of leadership roles.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been committed to service and helping people all my life. I want to use my strengths in listening to people, analyzing diverse viewpoints, and coming to workable solutions to make our community the best it can be for all of Herndon.

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

Deciding what it means to be “Herndon.” We need to understand who we are and who we want to be – as residents, businesses, and staff – together as the Town of Herndon. We can then determine how to face the current and future issues and decisions together. This is a discussion that must take place in OUR community and not just in the Council chambers. I will work to make sure that all local stakeholders are kept informed, have opportunities to share their ideas, and that their input is both heard and respected. I believe that the community as a whole has many of the solutions we need, if we keep them informed and listen to their feedback.

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

I am the only candidate who does not have ties to either of the two major political parties. I will stay focused on local Herndon issues and avoid the divisiveness that we have seen so often at the national and state levels.

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

Several current Council members have been more focused on prioritizing specific political agendas instead of engaging with and listening to what our residents and businesses feel is best for our community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The top three issues:

• Proactively thinking about Traffic Safety and Parking problems and coming up with the best solutions for specific neighborhoods.
• Making it easier for businesses and residents to work with the Town including expanding our online resources.
• Keeping taxes as low as possible to maintain affordability while delivering desired services.

Some other issues that are important to me include:

• Allowing greater flexibility to business and home owners in the Historic District in terms of what building materials are allowed.
• Continuing to improve and modernize town infrastructure including water, sewer, lighting, sidewalks, and streets.
• Attracting and supporting businesses and events that make Herndon a destination for visitors including outdoor dining.
• Promoting apprenticeship opportunities in the Town especially for vocational trades like electricians, plumbers, drivers, carpenters, etc

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

I have decades of leadership experience and have consistently demonstrated an ability to listen to people, get a good understanding of the overall situation, identify possible solutions, and come up with workable plans. I also have often held these leadership positions during times of significant change. Herndon is – and will continue – to experience changes and challenges that I believe I can help us address in a way that will engage and benefit our entire community.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“Listen first.” One of my paramedic field training officers stressed that despite all of our advanced training and expensive tools, we can never forget that we are EMTs (a more basic level) first. To do our job right, we have to start with actually listening to our patients and understanding their needs. This applies to the Town Council as well.

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

I will be a new voice on your Council — an open-minded, independent problem solver who will engage with, respect, and listen to our community to find the best solutions for ALL of us.

My pledges to you:

- I will attend and participate in Council work sessions and meetings.
- I will put our community and your voices first in my decision making.
- I will conduct myself in a professional and courteous manner worthy of you and our community.

I welcome the opportunity to earn your vote on November 8th. Please reach out to me with your questions and comments. They truly matter to me

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