Council Member Launches Re-Election Campaign

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michaeljdemarco.com:

Council member Michael DeMarco spent Saturday afternoon saying thank you to more than 100 supporters, friends and family members who gathered in his Mosby Woods home. 

DeMarco, a first term member of the Fairfax City Council, also took the opportunity to announce that he will be running for a second term in next May’s election.

Among the guests were Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-Va. 11thDistrict) and Virginia Delegate David Bulova, (D-Va. 37th District).

Referring to his nearly two decades of experience in public service, Connolly said having strong local leadership is important.

“Public service is a noble calling, and I applaud your commitment to the community,” Connolly said.

Delegate Bulova said as a life-long resident of Fairfax, he understands the issues and the need for people willing to become involved.

DeMarco said he would continue to work on the issues that spurred him to run for council two years ago –creating a sustainable quality of life for the people in Fairfax City.

“My focus is on economic growth, by working with those who want to invest in the city, which in the end will generate incremental revenue and serve as a catalyst for almost everything we do. Because if we are not growing our economic core, then we will not be able to keep a control on taxes and pay for quality of life amenities we’ve become accustomed to here in the city,” DeMarco told the gathering.

He said in the next couple of years, the city council would likely spend a considerable amount of time on development and redevelopment projects. DeMarco said there is a growing interest to invest in the city – creating mixed use development projects.

“We are trying to do things the right way and as part of that, we are asking developers to voluntarily contribute to affordable housing, public art, connectivity to parks and trails – creating an excellent quality of life for the community as a whole. “

DeMarco said that he believes in Fairfax and asked his guests to respond to his question posted on a flip chart. Why do you believe in Fairfax?

Answers ranged from:

I love Fairfax and love the schools, to the idea that the city, though surrounded by Fairfax County, had not lost its identity.

Other people left responses on index cards on issues such as:

“Will neighborhoods get better road maintenance?”
“I love Fairfax City, but the traffic is a huge problem on Route 50.”

Michael DeMarco will be on hand this weekend in the Old City Hall at the Chocolate Lovers’ Festival.