Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Experience Matters
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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Experience Matters

In just three months, Democrats will have the opportunity to choose their candidate for chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Though there are four good people running, there is one obvious and clear choice ready to lead this large and growingly diverse county and that is Supervisor Jeff McKay. As we have all learned, tested experience in the job and good judgement count. There is simply no other person in this race that can bring these attributes to the table, and no one we could recommend more highly to be our next chairman.

Since 2007, Lee District has been fortunate to have Supervisor McKay as our representative on the Fairfax County Board. As two General Assembly delegates representing much of the Lee magisterial district, we have witnessed Supervisor McKay’s work product up close. We know firsthand his unwavering commitment to all those who call Fairfax County home. This is why we were excited when Jeff announced his campaign for Chairman last December following the announcement of Chairman Bulova’s retirement.

Sharon Bulova leaves a remarkable legacy, faithfully serving and leading Fairfax County as chairman through very tough economic circumstances since 2009. As Lee District Supervisor, Jeff worked side-by-side with Sharon through these challenging times and is well prepared to lead. As the only two delegates from Fairfax County who sit on the House Appropriations Committee, we have watched Jeff serve with distinction as chair of both the Board’s Legislative and Budget committees.

We are home to more than 1.1 million residents. We must elect someone who has worked through tough land use planning and zoning cases, for example, as well as a myriad of complex issues facing the county.

Growing up in the Richmond Highway corridor, Jeff learned about the benefits of diversity and the importance of equity at an early age. As the co-author of the county’s One Fairfax resolution, Jeff is committed to ensuring that all residents are given the same opportunity to succeed regardless of their race, color, sex, nationality, sexual orientation, income, or zip code. Jeff cares about everyone in our community and his record proves it.

Whether it is the drafting of Embark for Richmond Highway, restoring the wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park, or protecting and expanding affordable housing, Jeff gets things done. The South County’s new domestic violence shelter is another example of Supervisor McKay’s commitment to serve our most vulnerable populations. So too is the all-accessible Special Harbor Spray Park, the treehouse and playground that can be enjoyed by children of all abilities.

It is rare that we have a candidate whose leadership, experience, and proven results make that candidate so ready to serve. We hope you will join us in support of Jeff McKay on June 11 in the Democratic Primary. A vote for Jeff McKay for chairman of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County is a solid vote for our future — a future that maintains our high quality of life, protects our environment, provides good jobs, protects our workers, promises excellent educational opportunities, and maintains our history and tradition of progress.

Del. Mark Sickles (D-43)

and Del. Paul Krizek (D-44)