Irene Egan (I), Aquia District, Stafford

Life was easier and less worrisome when I stuck to the routine of going to work, getting the kids to school, attending soccer games on the weekend and indulging in an occasional dinner on Saturday night with friends. Yes, that was easier, but I chose to make things a little more interesting by getting more involved in my community. I chose to not be one of those that sit on the sidelines Monday morning quarterbacking, and slinging pot shots at those who are in there making tough decisions, so I threw my hat in the ring and am running for Supervisor. It was a big decision for me and I stand by my decision to do so. As this campaign moves closer to November 3rd, I am reaffirmed each day that being an Independent is the right place to be. As I run into those on both sides of the aisle who subscribe to the beliefs and policies of the extreme wings of their parties, I wonder how they expect to ever get anything done. I’ve realized that with some, politics does become very personal – sadly, some being incapable of checking their politics at the door at any kind of public gathering or event. I have to wonder how some of those folks will be able to foster an environment of political compromise and goal setting if their inability to maintain the basics of civil interaction continues to be stunted.

Regardless of the outcome of this election, my hopes for this Board include gaining representatives who show respect and restraint with each other and the public - that each of us can agree to disagree even when ideologies are at their most polar opposite, and that each member can leave the Board chambers by saying “good night” rather than sounding like Lemmon and Matthau (rest their souls) in the film Grumpy Old Men. One can dream. But in the meantime, a little about me and my campaign……

I am the right candidate at the right time. I reflect the population of this county – I’m the wife of a law enforcement officer and mother of young, school-aged athletic children, a taxpayer, and the daughter of a retired widow on a fixed income. I am the daughter-in-law of a disabled, retired Marine veteran, the sister of woman who just lost her job and finally, the friend of many people who deal with the same difficult challenges I do on a daily basis. I have the experience and the availability to be the voice of my community members here in Stafford while they are spending their time commuting and working in order to make ends meet. Stafford residents can trust that they have a voice back here at home when they can’t be here.

When elected, I will concentrate on improving our parks and fields so that all Stafford children have a place to play – recreationally or competitively. I will work with our friends and colleagues on the School Board to ensure that our schools stay competitive and that we have the best teachers staying right here in Stafford. I will concentrate on making sure that every tax payer has equal fire and EMS protections no matter where they reside in the County – and that the Sheriff’s office has every available tool they need to keep our streets and our families safe. Education, safety, security and recreation make up the core of this community. It’s time to bring the focus back to our community and I’m asking the residents of the Aquia District to help me do that on November 3rd.