Joan S. Lehr

Office sought: Town Council Purcellville
Age: 55
Residence: Locust Grove.
Web site:
None given.
E-mail:
jlehr@purcellvillecopy.com

Occupaton: Owner, Purcellville Copy, McLean Copy, JL Equipment Solutions.

Education: BS, art education, American University.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Purcellville Planning Commission, Business Networking International-Blue Ridge Business Alliance; co-chairman, Purcellville Centennial Committee; board member, Purcellville Business and Professional Association.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

A: Maintaining and growing the infrastructure to meet the needs of our residents. We need to ensure that the Virginia General Assembly mandate to upgrade our water treatment system is met and to choose a long-term plan to increase the town's water supply cost-effectively. We need to secure funding for road improvements that will allow people to bypass Main Street during peak hours (690 interchange and Southern Collector Road). Increasing the business tax base to 30 percent to assist in funding projects while reducing the tax burden on the town's residents.

Q: How would you rate your town’s relationship with Loudoun County officials and what, if anything, would you do to improve that relationship?

A: The Town works well with many areas of the County Government, specifically Parks and Recreation. Better relatonships with the School Board and specific members of the Board of Supervisors requires open communications from both sides.

Q: Do you believe additional steps are needed to control the pace of development in your community?

A: Growth needs to be planned for. The infrastructure needs for by-right development must be available. We need to work with developers to ensure that their plans will not negatively impact current residents or businesses.

Q: 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?

A: The State needs to rethink its methodology for distributing funds. Under populated areas have expansive road systems to no where, while Northern VA and Tidewater receive back less than 50 cents for every dollar contributed.

Q: Why should voters elect you?

A: Issues change. Values don't. The needs of the town will change through inevitable growth. I will remain committed to community, conservative spending and cooperative spirit.

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?