During down economic times, funding for transportation becomes strained. And in Mason District and the rest of Northern Virginia, that strain results in even greater gridlock upon our roads. As you likely know, all funding, maintenance and construction of roads is the responsibility of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). However, the County is able to affect the priorities in the expenditure of resources in our area.

Education is Fairfax County’s highest priority.  A good education, which begins in early childhood, provides the path to success for all of our youth.  Our excellent school system is one of the primary reasons why businesses seek to locate in Fairfax County.

A clean, sustainable environment, and stewardship of resources are part of Fairfax County’s stated goals and vision for our community.  There is likely no more active supporter of environmental issues in local government than Penny Gross.

Although much of Fairfax County has been developed during recent years, Mason District has long been developed and the need for revitalization is key to the continued improvement of our community. Penny has tirelessly worked toward the revitalization of key areas, like downtown Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads.

Like the rest of Fairfax County, Mason District enjoys the benefits of fine parks and recreational facilities, which Penny steadfastly supports.  You need only look at the new synthetic field at Mason District Park to find evidence of Penny’s substantive support to improve active recreation opportunities for our community.

As the first developed portions of Fairfax County, some of Mason District’s commercial areas are in need of revitalization.  Two areas of greatest opportunity are Bailey’s Crossroads and the Annandale Central Business District.  Penny Gross took the lead when the Board of Supervisors adopted Comprehensive Plan changes for both areas that encourage and define mixed use options for redevelopment.

A long standing and strong advocate of affordable housing, Penny recognizes that the need to have affordable housing in Fairfax County is acute and growing. Citing the positive benefits of having County workers, like teachers, police and fire fighters, able to afford to live in Fairfax County while serving the public is a positive combination.

For a community of more than 1 million residents, Fairfax County remains one of the safest for pedestrian traffic.  This is due in part to Penny’s efforts to identify and improve pedestrian connections along major roadways.  Streets need to serve not just cars, but encourage safe pedestrian traffic to access friends, businesses, places of worship, parks, and libraries.

The richness and diversity of our community provides multiple opportunities for enjoying and celebrating the arts.  Penny helped lead the effort that initiated a $500,000 challenge grant to the Arts Council to increase capacity and opportunities for local artists.

Through the exemplary program, Kaleidoscope, and a desire to include the abundant contributions of all residents of Mason District, Penny has forged and promoted a cooperative community that recognizes the full benefits of inclusion for all people.

Whether it’s the Plan To End Homelessness or providing needs assistance for the handicapped and mentally disabled, Penny’s efforts to assist the less fortunate is a matter of record. The safety net of services provided by the County is impressive, but it still requires the cooperation of non-profit groups, volunteers and caring neighbors.

Public safety is a core responsibility of local government and Fairfax County boasts, rightly so, the most cost efficient law enforcement effort for communities its size, while maintaining an extremely low crime rate that demonstrates a continuous effort to keep our residents safe.  Penny supports continuing investments in public safety personnel and equipment to respond to emergency situations.  At the same time, we must ensure that we remain vigilant against threats to community safety, such as gang activity, substance abuse, and public health menaces.