Marie T. Huhtala (I)

Office Sought: District Supervisor Hunter Mill
Age: 60
Residence: Reston.
Education: BA, French, Santa Clara U.; MA, poli. sci., Laval U.; MA, linguistics, George Mason U.; graduate, Nat'l War College.
Occupation: Retired ambassador/senior foreign service officer; adjunct faculty, English Language Institute, GMU.
Web site:http://www.marie4supervisor.org
E-mail address: mthuhtala@gmail.com
Offices and positions held: Organizer, Park and Ride Neighbors; coordinator, Hogar Hispano English program, St. John Neumann church; member, Vienna Rotary Club and American Foreign Service Association.

Why should voters elect you?

"I am an experienced administrator with outstanding people skills and a demonstrated ability to manage large organizations and deal effectively with complex public issues."

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

"The Board of Supervisors is promoting high-density redevelopment of settled neighborhoods in Reston and Tysons Corner, often in secrecy over the objections of residents. They are using contracting vehicles to reach deals with developers that are shielded from Freedom of Information Act requests so citizens cannot know what is planned. This enhanced density leads to unbearable traffic congestion and overcrowded schools. We need a comprehensive approach to land-use planning for the region as a whole, in keeping with existing infrastructure. Otherwise, our quality of life and property values will suffer."

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

We need rail to Dulles, but the current project is deeply flawed. Costs are ballooning -- $5 billion and rising -- and commuters will have to pay over half that amount in increased tolls on Route 267. If this project survives, it should include a Tunnel through Tysons Corner. If it fails, we should seriously consider a simpler system along the toll road, bypassing Tysons, with open competitive bidding and meaningful public consultation. We should also explore alternative transit options that will serve all of Fairfax County, not just the Dulles corridor. For example, we could greatly improve local and express bus service, using existing roadways. Finally, we must ensure that future growth is appropriate for the type of transit system we build. The coming of Metro must not be a signal to open the floodgates to unrestricted development.

Do you think current policies governing growth & development in your area are too restrictive, not restrictive enough or just right?

not restrictive enough

-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.