Christian N. Braunlich
Office Sought: School Board At-Large
Age: 56
Residence: Alexandria area.
Education: BA, political science, Hofstra University.
Occupation: Vice president, Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.
Web site:http://www.chrisbraunlich.org
E-mail address: c.braunlich@att.net
Offices and positions held: Lee District representative, Fairfax County School Board, 1995-2003; founding board member, College Access Fairfax; member, 2005 school bond committee; past Community Association and PTSA board member; past member, school board citizens advisory committee on the budget.
Why should voters elect you?
I have the experience to help our system's students excel by insisting on a strong foundation and ensuring each child learns using cost-effective methods that work.
What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
The most critical issue facing public education in Fairfax County is the changing demographics of the county and the challenges they bring. It will no longer be sufficient to 'do what we've always done' to maintain the excellence of our schools. Coupled with these demographic changes on the demand side are likely changes on the 'supply side.' As the population ages, we are likely to see increased resistance to funding public education and a flattening of the property tax base. This requires an assurance that we spend taxpayer funds efficiently and effectively.
What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?
Youâre kidding, right? We are running for School Board, and there are plenty of education issues you could ask â from solutions to low test scores for low socioeconomic kids, to fairness and public participation in boundary decisions, to proposals for ensuring that âkids in the middleâ donât get short-changed, to late high school start times, to challenges with federal and state accountability systems, to forthcoming budget shortfalls â but you ask us about ... transportation? FCPS has 1584 buses, but itâs already optimized its bus runs to minimize the number of buses on the road â which we can hardly eliminate. Crossing guards are largely outside FCPSâ management. Even eliminating population âislandsâ in our boundaries will not substantially reduce traffic. A Voterâs Guide is supposed to provide voters with guidance, but those seeking information about the education views of candidates for School Board are short-changed by this survey.
Do you think current policies governing growth & development in your area are too restrictive, not restrictive enough or just right?
decline to answer
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