Dennis D. Husch*
Office Sought: Herndon Town Council
Age: 63
Residence: Herndon.
Education: BS, business administration, Strayer University; AS, Northern Virginia Community College.
Occupation: Senior member of technical staff, System Planning Corp.
Web site:http://www.dhusch.com
E-mail address: husch4council@dhusch.com
Offices and positions held: Member, Herndon Town Council, 1994-2008, Virginia Municipal League General Laws Steering Committee, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Planning Coordination Advisory Committee; State Corporation Commission Damage Prevention Advisory Committee, Commonwealth Joint Commission on Technology and Science, Herndon Hispanic Task Force, Coalition on Illegal Aliens.
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
A major issue is managing development of downtown Herndon in a common-sense manner that preserves our heritage, protects adjacent residential areas, mitigates traffic impact and creates a pedestrian-friendly, safe and prosperous environment. Citizens must be fully engaged throughout the design and planning process and their concerns must be mitigated in the final generalized development plan. The engagement must include citizen-developer meetings to discuss the project's functions, uses, density, massing, materials and economic viability. Many homeowners are rightly concerned about the impact of downtown development on their quality of life, and their desires must be respected.
Why should voters elect you?
I have 14 years of dedicated service on the town council and have served as a volunteer since my family moved to Herndon in 1983.
What steps, if any, should your county take to mitigate the affects of a slowing economy?
I will work reduce government operating costs and to focus tax revenues on providing basic services and avoid the pressure to increase real estate or excise taxes.
What is your position on illegal immigration and the affect it has had on your county?
I support the enforcement of federal immigration law as defined by the DHS/BICE agreement that allows those arrested for a felony or DUI to be questioned by Herndon police officers concerning their immigration status.
In March, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled the transportation package passed by lawmakers last year unconstitutional, endangering major projects across the region. What steps, if any, should the county, region and state take to address funding issues for transportation projects?
The Town of Herndon must advocate that any taxes or fees collected in Northern Virginia be spent for transportation projects in Northern Virginia and not sent to Richmond for state-wide distribution.
-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.
