Buschow, Lawrence, Lippman, Peppe Win CBC Nod for City Council

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

February 21, 2010

Long-time Falls Church City acitvist Barry Buschow, Vice Mayor Hal Lippman, Planning Commission Chair John Lawrence, and School Board Chair Ron Peppe will represent the Citizens for a Better City (CBC) in the May 2010 City Council election, following the balloting at Saturday’s nominating convention.

Incumbents Rosaura Aguerrebere and Susan Kearney and newcomers Greg Rasnake and Patrick Riccards won the organization’s endorsement for School Board.

A total of 174 Falls Church voters registered at the convention, and 169 cast ballots.  It was the organization’s 25th bi-annual convention, held this year at George Mason High School.

Left out of the fold were Councilman Dan Sze, who was seeking nomination for a second term, and former Vice Mayor and two term Council member Lindy Hockenberry, who was attempting a comeback after her narrow defeat in 2008.

Under the CBC’s new system of balloting, all convention registrants had the three options.  They could vote for a candidate (+1 point), abstain (0), or vote against a candidate (-1).  A voter theoretically could endorse all of the candidates on the respective ballots or none of them, the determining factor being the total number of points scored, with the top four contenders winning nomination.  Any candidates receiving a negative total were automatically eliminated.

The four School Board slots were uncontested, but the complex Council balloting led to a protracted vote count.  Winners were announced in alphabetical order by CBC President Deb Gardner.  No point totals were released.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Gardner stated that the convention was an opportunity to increase the “social capital” of the community and noted that cities with strong civic participation develop more innovative public policy and operate more effectively.   She encouraged citizens to optimize their engagement via sites such as the Falls Church Times.  She then introduced former councilman David Chavern, who served as the convention chair.

Candidates, first for the Board and then the Council, were nominated and gave brief acceptance speeches.  Each group then responded to written and oral questions from the convention registrants.

Perhaps the most incisive question of the day was the last one:  how much will the City’s real estate tax rate of $1.07 have to rise to cope with the ongoing financial crisis?  Mr. Sze quickly said 10 cents.  Mr. Buschow estimated from 15 to 20 cents.  Mr. Lippman said he would love to see 10 cents, but was “dubious” that would be achieved.  Mr. Lawrence thought the increase would be closer to 20 cents.  Ms. Hockenberrry estimated 15 cents and Mr. Peppe 20.

Council candidates also were questioned about the recent decision to move municipal elections from May to November, beginning in 2011.  Mr. Lippman defended his vote in favor of the move.  Mr. Lawrence stated that he did not like how the change was made.  Mr. Buschow asserted that voters should have had their say on the issue via a referendum.  Mr. Peppe felt that the move might lead to more partisanship.  Ms. Hockenberry stated that she had not taken a stand on the issue.  Mr. Sze, who voted for the change, said that he was prepared to return the election date to May if voters favor such a move.

As no other candidates have announced for School Board office, the CBC nominations may be tantamount to election.  However, the race for the four Council seats remains wide open.  Councilman David Snyder, who was endorsed by CBC in 2006, intends to seek a fifth term as an independent.  Mr. Sze and Ms. Hockenberry, though unsuccessful today, might also run as independents.  Two other prospective candidates, Ira Kaylin and Johannah Barry, are circulating signature petitions, but have not formally announced.  The filing deadline is Tuesday, March 2.

The Falls  Church Times policy on local election coverage is: 

• Make no endorsements
• Promote informed, civil dialogue on election issues
• Provide equitable, impartial coverage of candidates

Stan Fendley also contributed to this report.