2023 Candidate Profile: Steve Lee For Mason District Supervisor

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Steve Lee, a small business owner that has worked with Fairfax County on economic affairs, is one of the candidates for the Mason District supervisor.

Lee is running against Andres Jimenez, Reid Voss and Jeremy Allen 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 Lee's responses:

Name

Steve Lee

Office Sought

Mason district supervisor

Campaign Website

Steveformason.com

Age (As of June 20 election)

60

Education

College attended not graduated

Occupation

A small business owner

Family

My wife who is also business partner and my son who went to FCPS.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office positions or appointments

None

Why are you seeking this office?

I would like to help Mason district toward smart growth and put citizens choice first. This means help to create more affordable housings, bring diversity closer together, support local businesses and communities to support each other.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?

I have served Mason previously and currently. I was a member of Central Annandale Revitalization committee, an executive member of the Taste of Annandale festival, and a Mason representative of Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission. I have been operating number of small businesses in Mason district and know how to work with the Fairfax County government offices and how they work as a citizen. Hands-on past and current experience will help me to help others.

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

Fairfax County has been fast growing county. With it came problems in every sectors of community, such as school funding, early child care, senior programs, and affordable housing. Not having sufficient number of affordable housing units, the county is forcing younger generations to move out of the county. We are losing good employees for our businesses. Many public employees drive over an hour to get to work and to go home. Mason can help! Mason has many garden-style and out dated apartment complexes. Mason also has 35-acres of similar apartment complexes. ALL these housings need to be reviewed for the highest and best use policy. Mason can provide more much needed affordable housings.

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

I have learned how and why area needed to be revitalized through my involvement in Central Annandale business revitalization committee, I learned how to bring together Mason diversity community through sponsoring the Taste of Annandale, I am learning issues that concerns the Fairfax County by representing the Mason district at the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission. The most important accomplishments in past that continue to be current as well is that I have operated number of successful small businesses in Mason district and had hands-on experience in operating business in Mason. I am ready to hand the job of Mason supervisor!

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

I want to take my office back to basics. My office will work with Mason citizens. Supervisor's job is to find issues and resolve them. Supervisor's job is also to provide guidance for larger community. My office will be open to all citizens. I will work with you not against you. This means you need to work with me as well. By working together, we can embrace the rich diversity in Mason and move forward the smart growth.