Laurie Genevro Cole*
Office Sought: Vienna Town Council
Age: 51
Residence: Southeast Vienna.
Education: BA, American studies, Pomona College; JD, UCLA School of Law.
Occupation: Council member, Town of Vienna.
Web site: None given.
E-mail address: lgcole-vienna@cox.net
Offices and positions held: Vienna Town Council, 2002-present; member, Town of Vienna Board of Zoning Appeals, 2000-02, Planning Commission, 1996-2000; board member, Optimist Club of Vienna; organizing member, Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition; board member, Friends of Accotink; board member, Music Friends of the Fairfax County Library; volunteer, school and youth sports activities.
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
The proposed redevelopment of Tysons Corner will have a profound effect on Vienna. We need to ensure that our community's concerns are addressed in these plans. These concerns go beyond the obvious issues of traffic and congestion and include the demands on our schools and recreation facilities, water and sewer capacity, and the environmental impact on streams, air quality and viewscapes. Decisions made now about Tysons will affect our town for decades to come. While change is a part of life, this is our opportunity to shape change to ensure it is change for the better.
Why should voters elect you?
My record shows I'm a strong and vocal advocate for Vienna's interests as development reshapes our region. I'm committed to working for Vienna's future.
What steps, if any, should your county take to mitigate the affects of a slowing economy?
Vienna will continue to provide the excellent municipal services and amenities that make it an attractive place for residents and businesses. We must invest in improvements which will have long-term benefits for our Town.
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?
Elected officials must shoulder the responsibility of raising money to pay for transportation needs. Trying to dodge the onus of imposing a tax increase created this debacle, putting us further behind in making necessary improvements.
-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.
