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Alexandria is a great place to live, and I am proud to call it my home.
We need to continue to invest our time, energy, and money together to make sure
it stays a great place to live, and to make sure it changes with the times
without losing its special character. On this site you'll be able to read more about the
major issues facing Alexandria today, as well as copies of responses I've
submitted to questionnaires from local groups and organizations. If you have
any questions or comments regarding these or other topics, please drop me a
line at delpepper2009@gmail.com.
Issues
TAXES
Alexandria is facing very difficult budget shortfalls—as are all the jurisdictions in the region. Tough choices will have to be made. We are looking for efficiencies in all departments. You can count on me to support a responsible budget that is fair, and that protects the core City services. I understand the concern that homeowners have about rising real estate taxes. For that reason, I support the FY 2010 budget guidance that City Council set for the City Manager. We asked him to prepare a budget that would set a real estate tax rate such that the average homeowner would pay the same real estate tax amount in calendar year 2009 as in calendar year 2008.
ENVIRONMENT
Realizing the importance of protecting the environment, I co-sponsored the initiative to create an environmental action plan—a plan to ensure that Alexandria is truly an environmentally friendly city. As a member of the Steering Committee, I have played a leading role in the process.
As the co-chair of the Mirant Community Monitoring Group, I have been a leader in the effort to close down the Mirant power plant. While that remains the long term goal, this year we reached an agreement that will result in the facility running a cleaner operation.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Protecting our residential neighborhoods from too much inappropriate or unwanted development has always been a high priority for me. I have been a watchdog to preserve and enhance open space. I understand how important quality of life issues are to the citizens of Alexandria—clean and safe neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, and programs for senior citizens and youth.
As co-chair of the Norfolk Southern Community Monitoring Group, I have played a leading role in trying to close down the Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Facility located just south of Tucker Elementary School and the residential homes at Cameron Station.
As a member of the Mayor’s BRAC Task Force, I am working to ease the move of the 6,400 Department of Defense employees to Mark Center, and to make sure Alexandria receives benefits from this move while not suffering unduly from increased traffic.
During my service on Council, I have supported open and accessible government, responsible budgets, excellence in our public schools, and affordable/workforce housing. I am an early and strong supporter of mass transit, and the creation of a pedestrian and bicycle friendly city. A redeveloped and high performing Landmark Mall is very important to our City and to the residents of the West End. I will do all I can as a City Council member to ensure that project becomes a reality. Finally, small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and I am committed to helping them thrive.
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