Kate Doyle Feingold 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.

Incumbent Fairfax City Councilmember Kate Doyle Feingold,, is on the Nov. 5 ballot running for one of the six open seats on the council. She is facing fellow incumbents Billy Bates and Jeff Greenfield, 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

Kate Doyle Feingold

Position sought

City Council

Age (as of Election Day)

42

Campaign Website

kateforcitycouncil.com

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.

Running as an independent means I am first & foremost responsive to residents. 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 democrat committee requires members and endorsed candidates to sign a declaration&pledge. 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 (recent examples include the GST, CCH connector and 123/Eaton place project).

A political belief is "a belief or view that has some bearing on issues dealt with by government." As you can imagine that covers a lot! As city elected leaders, we have tremendous impact on the density of developments, the scope of transportation projects, traffic management, 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 help Fairfax City voters choose the right leaders for our city.

When a political party endorses candidates and issues a sample ballot our election becomes partisan, according to the law and the Office of Special Counsel. 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.

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

I am married to my amazing husband and we have two wonderful children who are lucky to attend our City schools! We also have two adorable dogs - Eli & Rio.

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

I work for the federal government and have family serving in the military.

Education

I graduated from high school in Germany as a USMC brat, attended NYU for my undergraduate degree, George Washington University Law School for my JD, served in the USMC and used my GI bill benefits to attend George Mason for my PhD.

Occupation - Please include years of experience.

I’ve been an attorney licensed in Virginia for 17 years and I have a PhD in criminology, focusing on practical ways to improve the criminal justice system and community safety. I’ve volunteered for the PTA, A Place to Stand, as a preschool teacher at FUMC, and as a board member for the FUMC preschool. I serve on multiple regional commissions including the Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Committee and the Chesapeake Bay Program Committee.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

I was elected in 2022 and currently serve on City Council.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running because I know I can continue to make a positive difference in our city for residents & businesses. I am a detail-oriented, respectful and responsive leader who never planned to run for office but I saw a need and I believe in community service. I am always happy to meet with residents & businesses; please reach out anytime and let me know if you’d like a yard sign or car vinyl @ www.KateforFairfaxCity.com!

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

The “single most pressing issue” that I continue to hear from residents in our city, is the desire to be truly heard and respected by elected leaders on topics that concern them - whether it’s environmental issues, transportation projects, development density concerns, public safety issues or efficient permitting processes. I will continue being responsive to all residents & businesses, listening respectfully, and advocating for compromises in response to concerns. I will continue to be transparent about decisions being made and will continue acting in alignment with my belief that elected leaders are there to listen & serve.

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

I can only share information about myself. I have a lot of diverse experience - from the places I’ve lived, the jobs I’ve had, the people I’ve worked with. I bring an incredibly strong work ethic, professionalism, high level of integrity & candor, and the willingness to work with and learn from everyone I meet. I pay close attention to the details so you don’t have to and I’m willing to ask tough questions. I am here to serve Fairfax City.

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.

I have shown through my actions during my first term on council that I am a strong advocate for the environment and preserving green spaces in the city. I’ve worked hard on a compromise to make the George Snyder bike road less destructive, listening to residents and environmentalists. I think we should use existing pavement and make walking & biking safer in the city - making crosswalks more visible to cars, exploring pilot programs for bike lanes on main roadways, and adding sidewalks more quickly when residents request them. I’ve also shown a commitment to addressing resident concerns about safety in the city - I support employing private security in the Fairfax Circle area to address crime and exploring crime prevention strategies like lighting or fencing where appropriate, in addition to supporting the police department to employ innovative recruitment & retention policies. Recognizing that growth and change are inevitable we should ensure that development is responsible, high quality and brings a positive impact to the city. I’ve worked hard to encourage compromises on other transportation projects that residents are upset about - like Eaton place/123, Blenheim road and the Country Club Hills connector (another bike road through the forest that most residents don’t want).

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

Being a responsive and well-prepared council member takes a lot of work, time, knowledge and care for our residents and city. I’ve lived with my family in the City of Fairfax for over 11 years - longer than I’ve lived anywhere else. I volunteer here, bike here, shop & eat here, send my kids to our schools and enjoy the parks & events. I am very invested in our wonderful community. I am a detail-oriented and creative problem solver. I have experience working and collaborating with many types of people. I’ve led teams to work together, develop policy and solve challenging problems. I know that I can learn from everyone and I’m always willing to listen & help.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice shared with me is to never stop asking questions and that a positive attitude is a force multiplier.

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

I’d be honored to earn your vote. I am always happy to meet with anyone in the city; please reach out anytime and let me know if you’d like a yard sign or car vinyl @ www.KateforFairfaxCity.com!

Also See...

• Early Voting Begins For 2024 Election: What's On Fairfax City Ballots
• Trump Signs Replace Missing Harris-Walz Signs At Polls: City Dems
• Poll Fuels Debate Over Partisan Vs. Nonpartisan Elections In Fairfax
• Fairfax City Democrats Endorse 4 Candidates In 2024 Election
• Former Fairfax City Senator's PAC Backs Independent, Nonpartisan Group