C. Kelly Burk

Office sought: Leesburg Supervisor
Party: Democrat
Age: 56
Residence: Leesburg.
Web site:
http://www.kellyburk2007.com
E-mail:
KellyBurk@aol.com

Occupaton: Teacher, Loudoun County schools; member, Leesburg Town Council.

Education: BA, education, George Washington University; MA, middle school curriculum and instruction, Virginia Tech.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Leesburg Town Council, 2004-present; Loudoun County Woman of the Year 2001; chair, Shenandoah University NOVA Advisory Board; governor appointee, Virginia Business Education Partnership Committee; governor appointee, Virginia Board of Optometry; Loudoun County Open Space Committee; Leesburg BAR; past president, Loudoun Education Association; Virginia Education Association board of directors.

Questions & Answers

Q: Do you believe that any additional steps are needed to control the pace of growth in Loudoun? What would you do to create more of a balance between new home and new jobs in the county?

A: Undoubtedly, uncontrolled growth is the most pressing issue facing Loudoun County today. Most of the problems we are experiencing, including insufficient road capacity, overcrowded schools, degradation of the environment and loss of open space, can be traced directly to the adverse affect of poor planning. To address these issues, we need to re-assess how we look at development. While controlled growth is essential for a healthy economy, we must always approach development in a manner that is considerate of the residents who live here now and those who will reside here in the future. The first step for responsible development is to look holistically at each and every proposed project: How will this project affect the surrounding community? Can existing roadways accommodate the number of new residents? Is there adequate classroom space? Will the environment be negatively impacted? Are there public safety concerns that need to be addressed? These are the types of questions that need to be examined before new projects are approved. The comprehensive plan that is in place was designed to help address these issues and needs to followed more deliberately. However, the comprehensive plan should also be viewed as a living document that can and should be reviewed and updated periodically. Next, we need to market Loudoun as more than just a bedroom community for Fairfax, Tyson’s and Washington, DC. We need to get the word out that Loudoun is friendly to business. We have what every large corporation desires: good location, strong economy, a well-educated workforce, and proximity to the DC metro area.

Q: Do you support the transportation package passed by the General Assembly this year? What other ideas do you have for generating money to pay for road improvements in Loudoun?

A: If transportation is one of our most important issues then we need to find new ways to fund our road and public transit needs. Until this last session, the General Assembly had not been willing to vote on any consistent source for funding public works projects. That means localities have been forced to either pick up the cost of road projects or postpone them until they can be funded. This is simply unacceptable: we need to work with our state representatives to find a more efficient way to fund our much-needed transportation projects.

Q: Did you sign the Board of Supervisors’ ethics agreement? Would you sign it if elected? Why or why not?

A: I would, of course, sign an ethics agreement. It would be irresponsible not to. Our constituents need to know that their elected officials are honest, trustworthy and transparent in their personal and professional dealings.

Q: Do you support the county’s current comprehensive plan and the notion that Loudoun should be suburban in the east and rural in the west, with a transition area in between? If not, what do you think is a better approach?

A: The comprehensive plan that allows for a more urban west, transition area around Leesburg and a rural west is an ideal plan. By maintaining a transition area around Leesburg, we preserve the historic nature of the town and keep it distinct from the surrounding area. As I stated above, however, I do not view the comprehensive plan as one that is written in stone; it needs to be flexible enough to be updated with the changing needs of the county.

Q: What is the appropriate role for local government in enforcement of federal immigration laws, and how do you view the current debate in Loudoun on the issue of illegal immigration?

A: Anyone who is concerned about immigration issues should call Congressman Frank Wolf at 202-225-5136. Immigration is a federal responsibility. Local authorities are charged with enforcing local laws and ordinances. Anyone who breaks the law—regardless of citizenship—should be dealt with accordingly, including being turned in to the ICE if necessary.

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?