Affordability Top Issue For April Pavis Shroeder: Braddock Primary Candidate

BURKE, VA — Affordability is the single issue that defines the campaign of April Pavis Shroeder, who is one of four Democrats on the Oct. 4 firehouse primary ballot.

"We need more high-quality, low-cost housing to add to the supply," she said. "We need data centers to pay for their own energy use and infrastructure updates, because they’re the ones causing the stress on the grid. We need to not increase taxes. We need to improve the frequency and reliability of public transportation so we can reduce our need for cars, gas, and heavily trafficked roads."

When incumbent James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock) defeated Republican challenger Stewart Whitson on Sept. 9 to fill the congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D), who died in May, Walkinshaw's seat on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors became vacant.

After a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge called for a Dec. 9 special election to fill the vacant board seat, the Fairfax County Democratic Committee scheduled a firehouse primary for Oct. 4, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m., at the following three locations:

• Braddock District Supervisor’s Office, 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke
• Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
• Landings Community Center, 6001 Cove Landing Road, Burke

Online early voting will be available Oct. 2-4. More information on how to vote in the primary is available on the Fairfax County Democrats website.

Four candidates are running to represent the Democrats on the Dec. 9 special election ballot: Pavis Shroeder, Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Sabrina Mattin, and Illryong Moon. The primary winner will face Republican Ken Balbuena on Dec. 9.

The Braddock District Democratic Committee is hosting a candidates forum on Monday, Sept. 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway. Register online.

As part of its coverage of the Oct. 4 primary, Patch has asked each of the Democrats in the race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to represent their party in December. The following are Pavis Shroeder's responses.

Name

April Pavis Shroeder

What will be your age on election day?

39

What is your occupation and the number of years you've worked in this field?

I spent 14 years in public libraries but left in 2020 during the Quarantine when I had a baby. I have worked for my church as the Director of Administration for more than 3 years now, where I support all building users and partners, the staff, and the congregation in administrative tasks such as grant writing and management, payroll, and vendor relationships.

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?

Affordability.

Working families, young adults just starting out, and seniors on fixed incomes should not be pushed out of Fairfax County due to continually rising costs. How do we fix this?

We need more high-quality, low-cost housing to add to the supply. We need data centers to pay for their own energy use and infrastructure updates, because they’re the ones causing the stress on the grid. We need to not increase taxes. We need to improve the frequency and reliability of public transportation so we can reduce our need for cars, gas, and heavily trafficked roads.
When these necessary costs decrease, we will have more money to save, live well, and thrive.

What makes you the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the Dec. 9 special election?

I am empathetic, diplomatic, and a good listener. Being a good librarian requires these traits because you never know who will need your help on any given day. The same is also true for a county supervisor. Our supervisors serve people from different demographics, socioeconomic statuses, and precincts, while simultaneously serving the entire county. The daughter of a Marine, I lived in eight different homes by the time I was eleven years old. I know how to serve a diverse population and honor our differences.

As the Democratic Party candidate, I will not only attend Democratic-sponsored events or canvass solely in Democratic spaces; I will also make myself available to all Braddock voters, including those whose lawn signs differ from my lawn signs. I will converse with the Republican candidate respectfully, because I assume they also come in good faith with the goal of serving our community. I will debate with conviction and decency because I strive to be a role model to young people who are witnessing their first political cycle.

What impacts have the Trump administration's policies had on Fairfax County and how would you advocate for your constituents in addressing those policies?

Trump and his dangerous administration continue to put forth policies that hurt every American, and this region especially hard. The DMV area has experienced a 67% increase in housing sales, along with a spike in unemployment rates. As Supervisor I will partner with organizations such as American Federal Government Employee union to ensure our laid-off neighbors have access to support in the form of career resources, job training, and support from lawyers who work wrongful termination lawsuits.

I will also educate Braddock residents to advocate for matters that are important to them. Since I was a teenager, I have guided friends through making their first call to Congress, explained to neighbors how to decipher the meaning of a referendum or ballot initiative, and walked with folks in their first rally or protest. Sharing my knowledge and experience with those who want to be politically active and engaged brings another voice into the conversation. Each and every one of us has a valuable voice and can effect change. One way I will educate residents is by hosting community classes on activism, local government, and political advocacy.

Also See ...

• Keeping Fairfax Co. Affordable For All Aim Of Sabrina Mattin: Questionnaire
• Opportunities For Residents To Thrive Rachna Sizemore Heizer's Goal: Candidate
• Creating More Affordable Housing Priority For Ilryong Moon: Candidate Questionnaire
• Special Election To Fill Vacant Braddock District Seat Scheduled