Howard Springsteen Runs For New Term On Vienna Town Council

VIENNA, VA — Howard Springsteen, an incumbent member of Vienna Town Council, is running for a new term in the Nov. 7, 2023 general election.

All six Vienna Town Council seats and mayor are up for election in 2023 due to a new Virginia election law. Previously, Town Council had staggered two-year terms with elections in May.

Springsteen is running for Town Council along with incumbents Charles "Chuck" Anderson, and Ray Brill and newcomers Jessica Ramakis, Roy Baldwin, Sandra Allen and Shelley Mountjoy. Mayor Linda Colbert is also running for re-election and does not have a challenger. Elizabeth Korondy is no longer running for Town Council, and Beth Eachus has a write-in campaign, according to the Gazette Leader.

Town of Vienna voters will have the Town Council and mayoral elections on the ballot, as well as Fairfax County races, Virginia House 12 and Virginia Senate 37. The Fairfax County races in the Town of Vienna include Hunter Mill District Board of Supervisors member and Fairfax County School Board member, as well as countywide races for Board of Supervisors chairman, three at-large School Board representatives, Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney, Fairfax County Sheriff, and Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.

Early voting for the general election began Friday, Sept. 22. More information on how to vote is available from the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

Patch asked candidates for Vienna Town Council to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Springsteen's responses:

Name

Howard Springsteen

Office Sought

Vienna Town Council, Vienna VA two year term

Campaign Website

www.facebook.com/SpringsteenForVienna

Age (as of Nov. 7 election)

67

Education

BA In American History and MPA in Public Administration

Occupation

Retired Fairfax County Logistics and Current Council member of Vienna Town Council

Family

My wife and I have lived in Vienna for over 25 years and have raised our two children here. I have strong and active history of community service involvement in the Town of Vienna and surrounding area in civic, school, church and community organizations. I understand the need to balance the requirements of providing key town services and activities while avoiding overburdening our residents with higher taxes. We are proud of our two VA tech graduates! Go Hokies!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not now. My wife retired recently after a distinguished SES career in the federal government.

Previous public office positions or appointments

Member of Council July 2009-present, vice mayor pro-temp July 2011-June 2012 & July 2020--June 30, 2021

Why are you seeking this office?

I feel l make a difference and and can make good decisions for the Town of Vienna.

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

Have an extensive public sector background and a track record as a Council member of getting things done in Vienna.

What do you see as the top issues facing (your county/city/district), and how do you address them in your campaign platform?

Maintaining Vienna as a great place to live and work within existing financial resources.

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

A record of community service outside of the Council On Council maintaining a stable tax rate, proactive maintenance of Vienna's infrastructure, a renovated community center, a new Police station with community meeting space, a new pay scale for police, police body cameras, construction of many new sidewalks, traffic calming, diversified housing options when available and updated and expanded parks and recreational services.

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

I have a record of getting things done and being a "go to person" for residents when they have issues or concerns. I served for two years as Peace Corps Volunteer In Liberia, West Africa. This focused my public service volunteer and work experiences.