Jeanne R. West

Office sought: Sterling Supervisor
Party: Democrat
Age: 59
Residence: Sterling Park.
Web site:
http://www.jeannewestforsterling.com
E-mail:
jeannewest2007@gmail.com

Occupaton: Treasurer, chief financial officer, West Sheet Metal Co.

Education: AA, accounting, Northern Virginia Community College.

Elected offices/civic activities: Treasurer, vice president and 16-year board member, Dulles Tech Center Commercial Property Owners Association; secretary and two-term treasurer, Park View High School Band Aides parent group; religious education teacher, Christ Redeemer Catholic Church; math tutor, Sully Elementary School; volunteer driver for cancer patients, Christ Redeemer Catholic Church.

Questions & Answers

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: The transportation package passed by the General Assembly is not what I had hoped it would be. However, it is a start in the right direction. I would have preferred that an additional gasoline tax of two cents a gallon be added. In this way, the cost of road improvements would have been spread among all those who use the roads and would have brought in revenue from out of state travelers who pass through Virginia. I would also like to see a greater percentage of northern Virginia tax dollars returned to this area. Locally, as new development is considered, I am in favor of assessing impact fees that are now allowed by the State of Virginia.

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

A: Yes, I will sign an ethics pledge. An elected official is serving in a position of public trust. The most fundamental expectation that a citizen should have, is that their elected and appointed government representatives will be honest and ethical.

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: Nationwide, immigration has become a huge issue of concern. It is a fact that immigration laws and enforcement fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Unfortunately, the federal government is not enforcing it’s own laws; leaving cities, towns, and counties to struggle with the issue. I strongly urge everyone concerned with illegal immigration to contact their U.S. Senator and Congressperson and demand that the federal government begin to address the issue in a meaningful way. Local governments that seek to deal with the issues and costs brought on by illegal immigration are severely limited by the federal government in what measures and laws can be enforced by localities. I believe that immigration laws should be fully enforced and that businesses that knowingly hire undocumented workers should be fined and held accountable. County contracts with businesses and service providers should have a clause requiring that these businesses hire only those legally able to work in this country. If an undocumented person is arrested and found guilty of a crime, Immigration should be notified. Recently there has been much in the press about what local governments can actually do to address the illegal immigration question. When passing any laws and legislation, it is critical that these laws are enforceable and allowed by the federal government, that the cost of enforcement is realistic, and that we do not deny services required by the federal courts or by basic humanitarianism.

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: Yes, I support the Comprehensive Plan and the concept of a rural economy in the western part of Loudoun County. No part of Loudoun County is isolated from the rest and the rural economy is a financial benefit to us all. The farms, rural businesses, and tourism provide the County with a positive tax revenue while allowing for large areas of undeveloped open space.

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 homes and new jobs in the county?

A: The rapid over-development of Loudoun County needs to be slowed to a pace that the County schools, roads, public safety and other services can adequately handle. Loudoun County has an existing Comprehensive Plan that designates areas zoned for commercial, retail, and residential development as well as rural areas. This plan needs to be closely followed to achieve a desirable balance between business and residential growth. We must stop the practice of rezoning areas of commercial/office growth to allow residential units to be built. Each new residence built in the County costs the County money while businesses generate a positive tax revenue. Simply put, a business pays more in tax dollars than the services it uses. Residential use does not. Mixed development projects should be built in phases rather than allowing all the homes to be built before the commercial and office portions are built. Loudoun County should be actively recruiting and encouraging businesses that offer quality jobs to locate in our County.

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?