Baroukh, Snyder Re-Elected as Mayor and Vice Mayor

By FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF
July 2, 2012

Nader Baroukh was re-elected as mayor of Falls Church City and David Snyder as vice mayor tonight in two closely contested races.

Elections were held at City Hall just after newly elected city councilors Dave Tarter and Phil Duncan were sworn into office, replacing Robin Gardner, who did not seek re-election, and Lawrence Webb, who lost his bid for another term.

Mr. Baroukh survived by a 4-3 count, with City Councilors Ira Kaylin, Johannah Barry, and Mr. Snyder joining Mr. Baroukh in pulling the lever for him. Three votes went for Mr. Tarter, the top vote-getter in May’s city council election — his own, and those of Ron Peppe and Mr. Duncan.

The Falls Church City Council convenes for first time in the new session. From left, Phil Duncan, Ira Kaylin, Johannah Barry, Mayor Nader Baroukh, Vice Mayor David Snyder, Ron Peppe and David Tarter.

This marks the second consecutive cycle that Mr. Baroukh has gained the votes of Messrs. Kaylin, Barry, and Snyder, indicating he has a solid bloc of support on the council. It’s also the second consecutive cycle that former school board chair Ron Peppe has publicly sought an alternative to Mr. Baroukh. In 2010, Mr. Peppe sought the mayor’s position, and this year he nominated Mr. Tarter.

Messrs. Tarter, Duncan, and Peppe may have formed a bloc of their own. Not only did Mr. Peppe nominate Mr. Tarter and Mr. Duncan second the motion, but Mr. Peppe sought the vice mayor’s position as well, gaining the votes of Messrs. Tarter and Duncan while losing 4-3 to Mr. Snyder. Likewise, the four who re-elected Mr. Baroukh as mayor voted for Mr. Snyder for vice mayor.

Whether this heralds a serious policy disagreement on the council, a difference of style, a clash of personalities, or something else is not yet known. It also isn’t yet known how this may affect the council’s functioning.