Greenfield Runs on 'Budget Hawk' Reputation

Fairfax City's key issues haven't changed much since Jeff Greenfield won his first council seat 18 years ago. Economic development, fiscal responsibility and quality of life still rule in City Hall, but Greenfield knows first-hand how a tanking economy can make those issues more complex and urgent.

Now the city faces an thanks to small economic improvements, higher education costs and a growing list of infrastructure needs. The key to getting through the tough times, Greenfield said, is focusing on the need-to-haves as opposed to the nice-to-haves.

"If you look back to 18 years ago versus now, I've always been a budget hawk," he said. "I really paid attention to the bottom line, providing services at the best price." 

It's an ongoing belt-tightening exercise that's just as critical when the economy starts to rebound.

"As times get better everyone wants to dramatically spend money and that's when discipline is needed," Greenfield said. "We need to sit back and say 'What are our priorities?'"

He also calls for action. Comprehensive and Master plans are integral in forming a longterm vision for Fairfax City, but mean nothing on paper. Greenfield wants the council "get off our assets" to start short-term projects that build on the larger goal.

"We focus so much attention on a couple of parcels in Old Town Fairfax, but there's more to be done," he said. Courthouse Plaza needs a facelift. The old Amoco plot could use some development.

Now that Kitty Pozer Park is a go, Greenfield wants to work on adding additional retail to draw customers. 

"The challenge is we have some great restaurants down here, but people have no place to go after they eat." 

Greenfield believes the parking situation needs some adjusting, but isn't a main priority for downtown. A core mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment, along with Kitty Pozer Park, could help make Old Town Fairfax more of a destination, he said. People will park and walk if there's somewhere they want to be.

And Fairfax Boulevard? Greenfield agrees with his rivals that the city needs to focus on redeveloping Northfax, Kamp Washington and Fairfax Circle.

Budget management and development aren't the only issues on Greenfield's mind. He intends to keep up the fight for healthy families even though the issue seems less urgent than other council concerns.

"There's a small, silent problem out there called obesity," he said. Greenfield's pet project emphasizes healthy eating and lifestyle choices for all age groups.

Last year he helped start the city's first community garden plot next to City Hall with the help of about $30,000 in donations. He hopes to add a second plot without relying on taxpayer funds.

"If you have the have the right issue, you can find the money to make it happen."

Click here to see Greenfield's campaign website.