Taylor A. Geaghan Running For Fairfax City Council: Candidate 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.

Taylor A. Geaghan, who has eight years of experience in the contract management industry, is on the Nov. 5 ballot running for one of the six open seats on the council. She is facing facing incumbents Billy Bates, Kate Doyle Feingold and Jeff Greenfield, as well as newcomers Anthony Amos, Amini Elizabeth Bonane, 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

Taylor A. Geaghan

Position sought

City Council

Age (as of Election Day)

30

Campaign Website

www.fairfaxcitydems.com/2024

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.

I accepted the endorsement of the City of Fairfax's Democratic Committee (CFDC) because frankly, I'm a Democrat and have nothing to hide. I'm proud to seek election along with the fellow candidates who've also received the CFDC's endorsement, and the 5-point plan we've developed to keep moving Fairfax Forward! With that being said, I welcome the opportunity to work with people from all backgrounds and political affiliations because at the end of the day we all want what is best for the City of Fairfax.

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?

My values, including common sense gun laws, investing in public education, championing reproductive rights, attainable housing initiatives, an economy that works for everyone, smart development, affordable & accessible childcare for all, advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, and a commitment to basic human rights, align with the Democratic party. By stating that I'm a Democrat, and that my values align with the Democratic party, voters know my position on all major issues and take out any guesswork on where I stand. I encourage all voters to do their research on each candidate so they feel confident in their vote.

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

One could say Fairfax City was the beginning of my story because my parents actually met at PJ Skidoos so when it was time to put down roots, Fairfax City just made sense! I currently live in Westmore with my husband and college sweetheart, Aidan, and our fur babies: dogs, Pooka and Paddy, and cat, Charlie. Late last year we welcomed our first child which has been our greatest adventure to date!

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

I have a B.S. in Health Sciences from James Madison University and a Masters in Health Administration from George Mason University

Occupation - Please include years of experience.

I work at a global consulting company, supporting contracts with several government agencies, with a focus on providing targeted health services and solutions that improve outcomes for all populations. I have 8 years experience in the contract management industry which include managing several high profile portfolios with ever changing timelines.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

I currently serve on the City of Fairfax Commission for Women and on the board of Fairfax Village in the City, a city-supported, volunteer-driven program developed to support Fairfax City residents aged 55 and older, as well as Fairfax City adults with disabilities, who wish to stay independent while remaining in their homes.

Why are you seeking elective office?

After my son was born in December, it made me really think about the community I want him to grow up in and spurred me into action. I want the values I plan on instilling in my son: kindness, respect, treating others as you'd like to be treated, reflected in our community and for everyone to feel welcome. With my unique experiences, both as a young mother and woman, I plan on contributing a fresh, new voice to create a legacy for a vibrant, equitable city that I'm proud to raise my family in.

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

Ensuring the voices and concerns of all residents are at the table during the decision-making process. When speaking to people across the city it became clear that we need to focus on ensuring everyone's voices are being heard and, most importantly, that they feel empowered to express their views. We are lucky enough to have a diverse population in the city and through the exchange of varying viewpoints and unique experiences we can improve creativity and innovation, build stronger community ties, better economic opportunities, broaden perspectives, and create a more dynamic community life.

To achieve this, and ensure city residents of all backgrounds are included, I intend to implement inclusive community engagement strategies that actively reach out to diverse groups, provide accessible platforms for feedback, and actively incorporate resident input into the decision-making process. I will take proactive steps to address potential barriers to participation, such as language barriers, accessibility issues, or lack of awareness.

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

I'm not someone who ever thought they'd seek public office. I'm not a career politician, just a mother who's passionate for this community and wants to see it thrive for many generations to come (for my son and those who follow!). This is my home and no matter the outcome of this election, I will continue to give back to this city and advocate for the causes which means so much to me, my family, and my neighbors.

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

I'd like to build on the past successes of previous councils and exemplify the saying of "always leave a place better than you found it," by adding value in all areas of the city. Whether through my unique experiences as a woman and young mother, or through working with people who've previously felt left out of the decision making process, I want to bring positivity to city residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

One of my main goals as a potential council member is addressing the longstanding challenges and issues facing women and families in our city, specifically ensuring working families and mothers have access to affordable and high quality childcare. When I had my son, I was shocked at the waitlists which accompanied astronomically priced daycare centers. I want women to feel empowered in their ability to decide whether to stay home with their child, or go back to work, and not feel forced to make a difficult decision based on the lack of affordable and accessible childcare.

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

I work in a fast pace and often contentious profession which requires negotiating and aligning varying agendas across several stakeholders. I plan to maximize my skills in this area to form coalitions and engage with dissenting voices while creating a fair and transparent process while serving on City Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

One of the best pieces of advice that I've received was from my first grade teacher when I was struggling with an assignment. I kept wanting to give up so she gave me a can which said "I think I can." Now, if I'm ever feeling overwhelmed or doubt myself, I think about the "I think I can" can. So when I was approached about running for City Council I thought, Why not me? Why can't I do this? I think I can!

I'm stepping forward because I have a wealth of professional and personal experience to contribute. I'm passionate about playing an active role in shaping the future of our city, rather than standing on the sidelines as important decisions are made.

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

I think it's important that the City Council reflect the diverse population residing in the city. In the past, Fairfax City Council hasn't always reflected certain populations in the city, including young mothers, and I have a unique set of experiences which would be an asset to the city. The voices of women of my generation need to be represented in our City Council. I'm proud to serve as the mouthpiece for women, mothers, and working families throughout the city.

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