Candidate Profile: Andres Jimenez Runs For Open Mason District Supervisor Seat

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Andres Jimenez, one of the at-large commissioners on the Fairfax County Planning Commission, is one of the candidates for the Mason District supervisor.

Jimenez is running against Reid Voss, Jeremy Allen and Steve Lee in the June 20, 2023 Democratic primary.

The Mason District position is up for grabs, as longtime Supervisor Penny Gross announced she would not seek re-election.

Early voting began May 5 for primary elections in Fairfax County. Mason District residents will have the Mason District supervisor primary on the ballot, as well as primaries for Board of Supervisors chairman, Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney and sheriff. Only select Virginia House and Senate districts will have primaries.

SEE ALSO: 2023 Democratic Primary: In-Person Voting Starts Friday In Fairfax

Patch asked primary candidates for Mason District supervisor to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Jimenez's responses:

Name

Andres Jimenez

Office Sought

Mason District Supervisor

Campaign Website

www.andresformason.com

Age (As of June 20 election)

42

Education

DePaul University, B.A. in Political Science

Occupation

Executive Director, Green 2.0

Family

I live with my wife, two children, and our pets in Mason District.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office positions or appointments

At-Large Fairfax County Planning Commissioner

Why are you seeking this office?

I am a lifelong community advocate with the experience and relationships that will enable me to begin doing the work for Mason and Fairfax County residents on Day One. I also feel strongly that the Board of Supervisors should look like the community it represents. My life values – in addition to our shared priorities of protecting our workers, saving our environment, funding our schools, growing our affordable housing stock, and more – will guide my decisions on the Board.

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

My experience is one of the largest differences between me and the other candidates, as I am the only candidate with the relationships and background who can step in and lead from Day One. As I mentioned previously, I am also running to ensure the Board of Supervisors looks like the community it represents.

What do you see as the top issues facing Fairfax County, and how do you address them in your campaign platform?

My priorities are: (1) protecting our environment, (2) achieving equity and access for all, (3) increasing access to housing, and (4) investing in our world-class schools and smart transportation solutions. Our County must work to implement a 21st Century plan for stormwater management, protect our green spaces, incentivize the preservation of our tree canopy, and be constantly vigilant for additional ways that we can exist in closer harmony with our planet. I am also committed to working to lift up our most vulnerable residents and ensure equal opportunities for success exist for everyone. This also means working with our local and national union leaders to invest in our workforce and make the path to the middle class easier by creating a healthy, safe working environment for everyone who makes our county great. We must build hundreds of thousands of more affordable units, spread across all parts of the county with a focus on transit-oriented communities and job centers. We also must renovate and preserve units in place now to ensure no net loss occurs. Lastly, investments in our world-class schools and smart transportation solutions are critical.

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

I have proudly called Mason District home for the past decade. As a Planning Commissioner, Board Secretary for the Culmore Clinic, and Executive Director of Green 2.0, I have been a champion for our community and a representative on both small and large organizations. As a lifelong Democrat and community leader, I have also advocated for smart development and affordable healthcare, rallied against climate change, cleaned up our waterways, and worked to defend immigration rights. I would also cite my list of endorsements, which include seven members of the current Board of Supervisors as well as Congressman Gerry Connolly and many state elected officials. All of them have worked with me and have confidence in our campaign, message, and plans.

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

Please visit my website, www.andresformason.com, to learn more about our campaign, our vision for Mason District, and our team of endorsements. Please feel free to contact me directly if you wish to talk about anything you see there or anything else you want to discuss. Thanks for your time.