Jeff Greenfield Seeks Re-Election To Fairfax City Council: Profile

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — While most of the attention this political season has been on the presidential race, Fairfax City residents will not only be voting for candidates running in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives (11th District) races, they will also be casting ballots for mayor, city council and school board candidates.

Fairfax City Councilmember Jeff Greenfield is a small business owner and lifelong city resident. He's on the Nov. 5 ballot running for one of the six open seats on the council. He is facing fellow incumbents Billy Bates and Kate Doyle Feingold, as well as newcomers Anthony Amos, Amini Elizabeth Bonane, Taylor A. Geaghan, Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Rachel McQuillen, Tom Peterson and Jack Ryan.

As part of its coverage of the 2024 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in the Fairfax City Council race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.

Early voting for the Nov. 5 election begins on Sept 20. More information about the election is available on Fairfax City's Voter Registration & Elections page. Non-city voters can visit the Fairfax County Office of Elections or the Virginia Department of Elections for more information.

Your Name

Jeff Greenfield

Position sought

City Council

Age (as of Election Day)

N/A

Campaign Website

jeffgreenfield.org

City elections are traditionally non-partisan and candidates must run as independents, according to both the city charter and the Code of Virginia. No party affiliation or "mark" will appear next to any of the candidates' names on the Nov. 5 ballot. Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party or have you aligned yourself with a group of candidates representing themselves as independent, non-partisan candidates, including candidates running in other city races? Please check the answer that is most appropriate.

Please elaborate on your answer to the previous question and explain how this will affect the way you will serve on the city council.

There is a group of independent candidates who have chosen to work together to highlight the importance of independent and nonpartisan local elections. Check us out at www.independentfairfaxcity.com.

How does your status as described in the two previous questions help Fairfax City voters choose a candidate that aligns with their particular political beliefs?

Independent candidates put residents first. Many people aren't aware that the city democratic committee requires members and endorsed candidates to sign a declaration. This can result in a party-first mentality and can result in elected leaders being unwilling to compromise or re-examine projects that don't have the support of residents.

A political belief is "a belief or view that has some bearing on issues dealt with by government." As city elected leaders, we have tremendous impact on the density of developments, the scope of transportation projects, traffic, public safety policies, tree destruction, the preservation of parks and green spaces, sidewalks, taxes, spending and creating an efficient and responsive government. Those are all really important political beliefs to assess when voting for a local elected leader. Asking direct questions and examining the actions of current elected leaders, will enable voters to pick the right leaders for our city.

When a political party endorses candidates and issues a sample ballot our election becomes partisan. Having a partisan election impacts more than just federal employees who run for office - it also impacts residents who are federal employees, federal contractors and individuals working for non-profits - by limiting how they can participate in local campaigns, election activities, and fundraising. We must get back to issue based elections where those running for office are held accountable for their actions and don’t just hide behind partisan endorsements as their only qualification to run for office.

Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share about your family.

Lisa and Alexandra

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you are a candidate in.

No.

Education

Combined with answer below.

Occupation - Please include years of experience.

I am a lifelong resident of the City and a small business owner. A Fairfax High School graduate, I received both a B.A. in Political Science and an M.P.A. in Public Administration from George Mason University (GMU) and am the first alumnus from GMU to serve as a member of the City Council.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

I served on the Council from 1994 – 2018, retiring after 24 years of non-partisan service. Seeing the City start getting away from the friendly, small hometown I grew up in, I felt compelled to run again and was elected to return to the City Council in 2022 to serve in my thirteenth term. I previously served on several boards and commissions, including the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors, COG Metropolitan Development Policy Committee, and the COG Human Service and Public Safety Committee. I was a member of the 1993 Bond Referendum Task Force, and I also served as the vice chair of the Fairfax 2020 Commission and was a member of that committee's Economic Development Subcommittee. I served as vice chair of the City's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and was vice-chair of the City's Task Force for a More Livable City of Fairfax.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Elections for Mayor and Council in the City of Fairfax have always been non-partisan, and by City Charter candidates are to run as independents. Some have seem to have forgotten about the main reason we are elected – to focus on issues impacting all residents, really listen to the community, and provide quality services at a reasonable tax rate. I believe we should focus on issues over party politics!

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

While there isn't just one answer, the top issue residents share is crime and public safety. As leaders, we need to constantly demonstrate that we proudly stand behind the men and women of our police and fire departments. It is not easy to be a police officer or firefighter, so supporting them when tough, but unpopular, decisions need to be made is critical. I also believe that we need to constantly explore how technology can assist in public safety. Finally, we can be compassionate and enforce the law, holding people accountable for their actions.

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

I’ve been a leader in our community my entire adult life, whether it is managing the City budget through downturns in the local economy or leading efforts to address child hunger in the City. I’ve worked with the Council, our residents, and business community to get results.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1. Inflation and the impacts of COVID on our business community impacts every resident regardless of socio-economic status. We spend more in the grocery store and at the gas pump, interest rates have soared, and many of our 401k’s have suffered huge losses. The City Council can help by watching the bottom line, focusing on needs versus nice-to-haves.
2. We are asking residents to support a $220 million school bond this November. The Council must partner with the School Board as we look to renovate our elementary schools to ensure our facilities are ready to provide our students with meaningful and cutting-edge learning experiences without breaking the bank.
3. The City will continue to see redevelopment, but we must be smart about what we approve. I favor re-development when appropriate, focusing on size and scale that meets the needs of the City and our residents. We must work with property owners to renovate and get occupants in our vacant retail spaces throughout our community.

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

From preserving historic Blenheim to expanding ballfields, creating the first park with ADA play equipment, creating the City’s first community gardens, expanding walking/biking trails and successfully bringing new businesses to the City of Fairfax, I have the proven track record we need on the Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

No matter how hard you try you cannot please everyone.

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

Please visit Jeff at jeffgreenfield.org

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