Charles A. Harris

Office sought: Loudoun Treasurer
Party: Democrat
Age: 63
Residence: Ashburn.
Web site:
http://www.harris4treas.com
E-mail:
harris4treas@aol.com

Occupaton: Principal engineer, Mitre Corp.; lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army, retired.

Education: BA, environmental studies/sociology, Baylor University; MS, industrial engineering, Kansas State University.

Elected offices/civic activities: Loudoun Board of Supervisors, 2000-04; president, Fresh Air/Full Care; board of directors, Vietnam Veterans of America; member, Project Management Institute, NAACP, Friends of the W&OD; past chair, Route 28 tax advisory board; past president, Ashburn Girls Softball League; board of directors, Loudoun Youth Lacrosse Association; board of directors, Keep Loudoun Beautiful; past vice chair, Great Falls Sierra Club.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why should voters elect you?

A: I will work to eliminate the unneeded office of County Treasurer, while in office I will change the current republican "culture of conflict of interest."

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

A: Loudoun is too dependent on residential property taxes for its revenue. The proportion of business to residential land use must be increased while the preservation of rural agricultural uses is encouraged. Agriculture is the most cash-positive County land use, followed by businesses; with residential use/growth generally being a cash-negative. I will also formulate and champion prudent investments now for Loudoun's future. Governments that include pollution control, energy conservation, and natural resource management in their strategy can cut costs, reduce risks, and enhance image. Just as Corporations no longer leave energy efficiency out of long-term business plans, neither can county government.

Q: What do you see as the key challenges facing the county treasurer's office over the next four years, and how will you meet those challenges?

A: 1. I will work with the Board of Supervisors to eliminate the office of Loudoun County Treasurer. Currently, County professional staff performs all needed functions. No politically elected treasurer is needed as demonstrated by neighboring jurisdictions that do not have the position. This will save nearly three quarters of a million dollars every four years and eliminate one salaried politician. 2. Loudoun is too dependent on residential property taxes for the bulk of its revenue. The proportion of business to residential land uses must be increased while the preservation of rural agricultural uses is encouraged. Agriculture is the most cash-positive County land use, followed by businesses; with residential use/growth generally being a huge cash-negative. I will champion better financial and transportation impact assessments and work to increase business to residential ratios. Over time this will reduce residential property tax increases. 3. I will formulate and champion prudent investments now for Loudoun’s future. Governments that include pollution control, energy conservation, and natural resource management as part of their strategy can cut costs, reduce risks, and enhance their image. Just as Corporate America no longer leaves energy efficiency out of long-term business plans, neither can County Government. As pointed out in the book Green to Gold, by Daniel Esty and Andrew Winston, a clear first principle emerged from their interviews with dozens of companies: all of the leaders make environmental thinking part of their business plans. By taking a strategic approach to pollution control, energy conservation, and natural resource management challenges, companies find ways to cut costs, mitigate risks, create new revenue streams, and strengthen their corporate image thus creating an Eco-Advantage. As County Treasurer, I will champion creating Loudoun’s “Eco-Advantage”. 4. I will insure transparency in dealing with the Board of Supervisors, county staff, and the public. I will work to eliminate the “Republican culture of conflict of interest” practiced by sitting Republicans if they are not all voted out of office this November. I will work in the public interest, and not tolerate even the appearance of conflict of interest. It is not an issue of what is the minimum performance needed to be "legal;" it is an ethical issue of being responsible to the public.

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?