Dalia Palchik Running For BOS In Providence District: Profile

FAIRFAX, VA — Dalia Palchik, who is a former Fairfax County School Board member, is seeking reelection to be the Providence District representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. A member of the Democratic Party, Palchik is opposed by Republican candidate Brian Murphy.

Election Day is Nov. 7 in Fairfax County, where registered voters will be casting ballots for candidates running for open seats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board races. In Fairfax County, candidates are running to be chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, sheriff, commonwealth's attorney, and clerk of the court, as well directors for the Soil and Water Conversation District. Voters will also be choosing who will represent them in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.

Related: Brian R. Murphy Running For BOS In Providence District: Profile

The first absentee ballots for the General Election were mailed on Friday, Sept. 22, which is also when early voting began. Early voting will continue through Nov. 4, which is three days before Election Day. More information about about how to register to vote, vote early, request an absentee ballot and find your polling place in Falls Church and Fairfax County is available online.

Patch invited each of the candidates running in the Providence supervisor's race to fill out a questionnaire about their campaign. Patch does not edit the responses of candidates to its election questionnaire. The following are Palchik's responses.

Name

Dalia A. Palchik

Position sought

Providence District Supervisor

Age (at the time of election)

40

Campaign Website

https://www.daliaforsupervisor.com

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

B.A. in Anthropology & French

Occupation - Please include years of experience

Providence District Supervisor (4 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Providence District School Board Member, Providence District Supervisor

Why are you seeking elective office?

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Providence District Supervisor on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the last four years. I am seeking reelection to continue the work of ensuring that everyone in our community is heard, to bring transit-oriented development to Fairfax, increase affordable housing opportunities, and expand affordable childcare and early childhood programs. I have seen firsthand that the community’s concerns all intersect and cannot be adequately addressed with siloed thinking. These issues are interrelated and I am committed to continue the work for everyone who works and lives in Fairfax County.

The single most pressing issue facing the Providence District is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Our Board has taken major steps to invest in housing affordability. We will continue to incentivize and leverage our private partners to increase their affordable housing commitments in new developments, and hold them accountable to those commitments. Private-public partnerships are vital to our affordable housing goal, including in areas where we use county-owned land to build new affordable and workforce developments. Preservation of affordable housing units is also key, especially when looking at increasing density near transit-oriented development. Our Board has committed to 10,000 new affordable units by 2030. I see that as just the beginning of our commitment to building an affordable community for our residents.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have eight years of experience representing the Providence District, and I believe in a people first approach to the county. We must continue to move forward in supporting a collective bargaining process, advocating for increased investment in affordable housing and mental health, and investing in our green economy and our excellent education system.

As the first Latina, and the only immigrant currently on the board, I am committed to ensuring that we reduce barriers to participation in all aspects of our county, from our small businesses, to access to parks, safe streets for all, energy efficiency, and beyond. As an English language learner, I was also fortunate to receive support from county services, leadership skills from school teachers and leaders. That experience is why I strongly believe in enhancing an equity lens and reducing barriers in everything we do, such is the goal of our One Fairfax Policy.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am committed to expanding quality affordable early childhood programs in the county, increasing affordable housing units and making the path towards homeownership easier, improving pedestrian safety and implementing smart, thoughtful transit, and increasing access and visibility for our mental health services. I believe these areas are essential for our Fairfax families to thrive in our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I took office in 2020 and as the Health and Human Services Committee Chair, I am proud to have helped facilitate COVID-19 outreach efforts and helped ensure successful equity vaccine clinics across the County. I have built relationships with the community from listening and engaging with through in-person and virtual events that I hosted during and post pandemic. In partnership with nonprofit organizations and community members, we were able to support those who are in need through holiday food drives, backpack/school supplies drives, diaper drive, and coat drive. And in alignment with my priority of intentional and accessible transit, I currently serve as the Chair of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. We have come so far - I’m grateful for the support of the community to help us get here and I hope to have the honor to continue that work next term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been honored to serve as your Supervisor for these past four years, and as your school board member four years before that. I do this work because I believe in the power of local government, and in the importance of including more voices in the conversation. I am driven by my sense of community and my desire to make Fairfax work for each and every one of us. I believe that smart development, community engagement, pedestrian-oriented transit, and a commitment to a carbon-free future for our children are the next steps in keeping Fairfax County a wonderful place to live, work, play, and retire.