Loudoun County Supervisors defended their leadership at a critical debate Thursday morning before the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and a full slate of challengers.
Under fire for development and education woes and lackluster teamwork skills, incumbents said their experience gives them an upper hand resolving the vexing problems in Northern Virginia. Their opponents said change is essential.
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Noting a need for improvement, both sitting board members and their opponents said the occasionally combative board must work to be more cordial and present a better image to residents, businesses and outsiders.
“There needs to be much better decorum at the Board of Supervisors,” said Chairman Scott York, an independent. “We are the face of the county.”
One Democratic nominee, Phyllis Randall of the Broad Run District, expressed concern the board had appeared “incredibly divisive” and quipped that she was ready to help.
“I’m a mental health therapist. We need a mental health therapist on this board,” Randall said.
The county’s planned crackdown on illegal immigration was a hot topic as candidates sparred over the county’s tough proposals to require employers to hire only legal workers.
“Suddenly an issue is being timed to distract people from a poor record of overdevelopment,” said Democratic Dulles candidate Stevens Miller.
But others said the measures are common sense to require businesses to obey the law.
“Loudoun County should not help facilitate the illegal presence of anyone,” Broad Run Supervisor Lori Waters said.
