Ken R. Mikeman (I)

Office Sought: District Supervisor Potomac
Age: 41
Residence: Cascades.
Education: BS, clinical psychology, George Mason University; firefighter and officer training, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.
Occupation: Technical project consultant, large-scale database development and integration, DISYS.
Web site:http://www.mikemanforsupervisor.com
E-mail address: contact@mikemanforsupervisor.com
Offices and positions held: Fire officer, Sterling Volunteer Fire Department; former member, board of directors, Georgetown Lutheran Church; former fire officer, Centreville Volunteer Fire Department; former firefighter and officer, Annandale Volunteer Fire Department.

Why should voters elect you?

I am committed to serving the community and have proved it for 18 years. I am independent of special interests and free of ethical concerns.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

There are many important issues this year, but the debate over growth — its rate, placement, type, and effect on services and infrastructure — is undeniably the most common issue on the minds of most voters to whom I have spoken. There is a wide variety of opinions on the subject, though, not as much consensus as many believe. The opinions range between zero growth and unrestricted growth, density packing or western sprawl. Naturally, it will be my job to find the right balance that is consistent with property rights and is also responsive to the desires of the community.

What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?

There is no simple answer to this problem, and no matter the solution, it will be a long time before the traffic situation is noticeably diminished. Even if the money was available today, significant road projects usually take several years to plan, study, initiate and complete. Although roads are the principal system in the transportation network, adding lanes and new roads will not solve the problem entirely. One of the most effective alternative ways to reduce traffic is to have more mixed-use development, and more employment opportunities here in Loudoun, closer to where people live. We can also prevent the problem from getting worse by ensuring infrastructure is in place prior to or concurrent with new development. I would also advocate regulatory or zoning changes necessary to facilitate privately funded rail or bus lines.

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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