Kristen C. Umstattd*

Office sought: Mayor Leesburg
Age: 54
Residence: Foxridge.
Web site:
None given.
E-mail:
umstattd@starpower.net

* Incumbent

Occupaton: Lawyer, Umstattd & Moss.

Education: BA, Russian studies, Yale University; JD, Yale Law School; certificate in Chinese studies, Taiwan.

Elected offices/civic activities: Mayor, Town of Leesburg, 2002-present; vice mayor, 2000-02; member, Leesburg Town Council, 1992-present; lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve, honorable discharge; past president, Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions; past chairman, Northern Virginia Regional Commission; past board member, Dulles Area Transportation Association; past member, Northern Virginia Transportation Coordinating Council.

Questions & Answers

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

A: Leesburg's charm is that of a safe and family-oriented historic small town. Our challenge is to protect that charm and our identity in the face of rapid growth. Because of this growth, many of our residents have to spend too much time away from their families while commuting. We are continually working to solve our transportation challenges while keeping our taxes low. Our commitment to low tax rates has to be combined with a commitment to low in-town water rates for Leesburg's middle-class and working-class families.

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: Leesburg has a strong and positive working relationship with our colleagues on the Board of Supervisors. Our goal should be to maintain our close ties with the County.

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

A: Yes. Leesburg has consistently lobbied the General Assembly for greater authority over the development process so that new development pays fully for its impacts on our existing residents and our environment, including our tree canopy.

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: We should support efforts by our state legislators to find or create a reliable stream of transportation funds. Local taxpayer dollars should not have to be the primary source of locally needed transportation improvements.

Q: Why should voters elect you?

A: I have voted against every major residential rezoning and against every proposed tax rate increase since I first took office 16 years ago.

Your Thoughts...

What do you think about Barack Obama’s decision against choosing Tim Kaine as his running mate?