Meet The Candidate: Howard Springsteen For Vienna Town Council

VIENNA, VA — On May 4, Town of Vienna voters will head to the community center to vote in the Town Council election. Three seats are up for grabs, and four candidates are running. In-person early voting is already underway through April 29, and voters may submit applications for a mail ballot by April 23.

As part of its coverage of the May 4 Town of Vienna election, Patch has asked each of the candidates to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.

Candidate: Howard Springsteen

Age (As of May 4 election): Retired

Town of residence: Vienna

Office sought: Re-election to Vienna Town Council

Party affiliation: Per the Town of Vienna Charter, Town Elections are non-partisan and
candidates cannot run under a party label on the ballot.

Family: Married with two adult children

Education: Master’s in Public Administration (MPA)

Occupation: Retired Nov. 2020 Logistics Manager Fairfax County Dept. of Vehicle Service

Campaign website: SpringsteenforVienna.com, Facebook: SpringsteenforVienna

Why are you seeking reelection for Town Council?

I can deliver on what the citizens of Vienna want now and continue to make a difference. My record speaks for itself – I have been on the council since 2009 and bring extensive community service, continuity and profession experience to the job.

What do you believe is the Town's role to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic?

I am proud that we have been able to continue essential government services during the COVID-19 pandemic and move forward on initiatives that have helped Vienna. We have taken emergency actions to assist our business, have executed on sidewalk planning and construction and have launched important infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a new police station and traffic exchange upgrades that will allow us to better synchronize lights. The Town has also accessed over $2 million in Federal CARE relief funds to help residents and businesses. Our Economic Development Manager is working with our businesses to help them take advantage of both country and federal programs.

What is the single most pressing issue facing the Town aside from the pandemic?

Maintaining essential services and updating the zoning code to ensure commercial development
that occurs is reasonable and realistic.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the Town of Vienna?

Thanks to many years of conservative fiscal practices and sound management, Vienna continues to earn a AAA bond rating. I am proud of the role I have played during my 12 years on the council providing strong fiscal oversight and working with the town staff on cost containment and to keep our tax rate stable. My 30 years of public administration experience has been a tremendous asset in this regard!

What are your views on development along the Maple Avenue corridor?

Development along Maple Avenue needs to be reasonable and realistic. I voted against several MAC projects because these projects were just too big. I voted to repeal the MAC zoning. Development is going to happen on Maple but the Town should be in control and not developers. I am very supportive of updating our outdated commercial code. That means varying heights and densities that do not overload our infrastructures and traffic, buffer zones that adequately protect the abutting neighborhoods, and adequate parking to prevent crowding of other businesses or spillover into neighborhoods.

How would you describe the Town of Vienna police department's relationship with the community? Are there changes you would like to make?

The Town of Vienna police have long history of an excellent relationship with the Vienna Community. The Town is in the process of building a new police station after over 8 years of planning to serve the department and the community for future generations. The changes I would support include supporting the hiring of new officers to fill the 15% plus vacancy and looking at a special pay band for public safety positions to address career development and retention.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am on the Council because I believe I have and continue to make a difference. I stand on my record and my dedication to the Town of Vienna. I bring integrity, experience and common- sense leadership.

How can residents contact you with their concerns and views, and how will you keep residents updated about your work?

I am available thru my website SpringsteenforVienna.com and/or thru Facebook SpringsteenforVienna. If re-elected residents can see my work in public meetings and work sessions and can contact me thru my town e-mail. I have a reputation of being accessible around town and following up on citizen concerns and issues.

Other Candidate Profiles:

• Meet The Candidate: Steve Potter For Vienna Town Council
• Meet The Candidate: David N. Patariu For Vienna Town Council
• Meet The Candidate: Nisha Patel For Vienna Town Council