Fairfax County Supervisor Elaine McConnell has represented the Springfield District for almost a quarter century, making her the longest-serving of the 10 members on the board. With every seat on the Democrat-dominated panel up for vote this fall, the Republican’s retirement brings added uncertainty to the election. She said Tuesday she plans to devote more time to the four private schools she runs.
Has it ever been tough to be one of three Republicans on the board?
Only one time, that was during [former chairman Audrey] Moore’s reign. We did not see eye to eye on many things. But the rest of the time I’ve been treated very fairly, and I didn’t have any problems at all. You couldn’t ask for much more. I had the support of the board on the issues that were very important to the county, and we worked very well together.
Do you have any regrets after 24 years?
I wish I could have one more term [to work on] homeland security. It’s one of the things that bothers me the most; I don’t see our plans as being defined enough to protect our people. If I were to be in again, I would devote my time for the next four years on that issue alone.
Are you worried the board will become increasingly partisan after you leave?
I hope it doesn’t in the future. That doesn’t help the people in the county. If you don’t work together for the causes that are most important, you don’t get anywhere.
What are you proudest of during your time on the board?
Starting commuter rail [Virginia Railway Express] in 1984. Nobody thought it could be done.
