Jackson, who is a lawyer, serves as president of the McLean Citizens Association, one of Fairfax County’s most influential civic groups.
How much influence does the MCA have in county politics?
That’s always hard to tell. I think we are well respected, and just because we have a position on an issue we don’t expect people to automatically say that’s got to be the policy. But we do want to play a role in developing the policy. I think we have good credibility because of the hard work that people do — we don’t just come out and say we don’t like this or we insist you do that. We do the research, we do the analysis.
Is citizen engagement in Fairfax where it needs to be?
No, it’s not. … There are organizations that are very active. The Fairfax Federation does an excellent job because they have a lot of people that devote a lot of time and do a lot of work. … It takes a lot of time, a lot of work, a lot of effort, you have to be engaged on the issues.
What are the most pressing issues facing McLean right now?
It continues to be Tysons Corner. Will it be developed in a way that benefits everyone in a balanced way that doesn’t make traffic worse, doesn’t add to the county taxes or county debt, and develops some very attractive buildings at the stations? The second is the county’s budget crisis. The county is in the hole and there is a concern that we not chop into services that people need. … But I get comments from senior citizens saying they can’t afford to live here anymore because of taxes.
How many hours a week do you devote to the MCA?
On average, maybe 15 to 20. I can do a lot of things at 6 in the morning or 11:30 at night. A lot of other people put in a lot of hours, too. It certainly just isn’t me.
— William C. Flook
