Politics & Government
Fannon Talks of Protecting Businesses and Rights of Property Owners
Alexandria City Council candidate Frank Fannon (R) kicks off his re-election campaign at Murphy's Grand Irish Pub.
Alexandria City Councilman Frank Fannon (R) kicked off his re-election campaign Thursday night at in Old Town, saying that serving as an elected official in his hometown “has been the greatest honor of my life.”
Fannon, one of three Republicans running for City Council, spoke of protecting the health of businesses and the rights property owners.
“I’m proud to have helped during last year’s budget,” Fannon said, adding later he was pleased the tax rate was not raised in the . “We have to make sure we continue to invest in the workforce and businesses and not in City Hall.”
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He said the city must continue to manage growth in areas like Potomac Yard, Beauregard and the “controversial” waterfront plan properly and not leverage it on the backs of citizens.
“I care deeply about the future of this city, the health of its businesses and the 140,000 who call it home,” Fannon said.
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Fannon said Alexandria’s 13 percent commercial vacancy rate is too high and suggested the city offer incentives to draw businesses to town. He also said he would continue working toward creating more open space in the city and preserving Alexandria’s historical character.
The fifth-generation Alexandrian said he is facing “an uphill battle” for re-election. Some “political maneuvering” moved the election from May to the November general election this year, making voters more likely to make their choices “along national party lines,” Fannon said.
He said the voter turnout will go from 15 percent in May 2009 to and expected 75 percent for the Nov. 6 election.
The Alexandria Republican City Committee will hold its party canvass to nominate candidates at 9 a.m. on June 2 at .
Fannon is running for City Council along with Republicans and . There are no Republican candidates for mayor.
The Alexandria Democratic Committee will whittle down the for City Council to six nominations in a citywide primary on June 12.
Mayor Bill Euille (D) is running for re-election against independent challenger .
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