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Smear Tactics Alive and Well in Braddock District Supervisor Race
It looks like Janet Oleszek, who is challenging John Cook to represent Braddock District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors received the endorsement of Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2068. While this is not a surprise, the endorsement was also used as an attempt to smear Cook, but the reality is that it backfired against Oleszek.
Oleszek accused Cook of not funding a fourth firefighter position on the County ladder truck. This issue has been debated for years, even going back to when former Board Chairman Gerry Connolly was in charge. It was even mentioned in an October 2006 memorandum. These positions were never filled, despite revenues increasing under Connolly and current Board Chairman, Sharon Bulova.
In a statement, Cook had this to say about Bulova’s accusations about not doing anything to create the firefighter position:
‘It’s sad that Ms. Oleszek is so desperate and so willing to throw her Democratic colleagues and every member of the Board of Supervisors for the last 10 years under the proverbial bus for a cheap press release and blog entry. The truth is, I am a proponent of Chairman Bulova’s fire and safety priorities. My commitment to fire fighters, EMS and other public safety is unquestioned. Traveling with local first responders during the annual August National Night Out events has provided me a great opportunity to see firsthand the critical role these invaluable professionals play in protecting our neighborhoods and community.”
So, Oleszek turned an opportunity to smear her opponent, and instead, it turned into an attack on her Democratic colleagues on the Board of Supervisors. This is what I call really smart behavior from a political candidate.
John Cook on Cox Media
Recently, Braddock Supervisor John Cook appeared on Cox Local Edition to discuss his activity with the community and his service in the County Board of Supervisors. This will appear on CNN’s Headline News for local viewers.
Story Time and More Taxes?
Fairfax County will be facing increased taxes in the coming year. Thanks to a 7-3 party line vote on the budget during yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Residents will be paying more in car taxes, as the decal fee is back, and an increased sewer tax. This will bring $11.7 million back to the county, but it will definitely place more economic strain on residents. The funds received from the car tax increase will not go to transportation improvements, rather it will go back into the general fund.
Braddock Supervisor John Cook stated it quite eloquently when he said, “The only way a homeowner pays less in this budget is if [they] don’t own a car and [they] don’t flush [their] toilet.”
Aside from the bad news, there was something strange going on prior to the start of the session though. Chairwoman Sharon Bulova decided to open the session with story time. As you can see in this video (fast forward to the 5:10 mark for the story), story time should make all of us feel good about tax increases, right? Wrong. Despite the fact that Fairfax County is one of the most expensive places in the country to live, tax increases only add to the frustrations of those in the area, especially when they find out that unnecessary programs were not sent to the chopping block before considering such a plan.
Perhaps, Chairwoman Bulova and her fellow Democrats on the Board of Supervisors should read the new story, “Welcome to Fairfax County: The Nightmares Caused by Increased Taxes.” I think the best line from this story is the lost revenue caused by residents fed up and moving to counties with lower taxes.
Cook Wins!
Money and signs can’t buy you an election! However, a strong grassroots base and hard work will buy you a victory. John Cook has now been declared the winner of the open Board of Supervisors seat for Braddock district, and he will join fellow Republicans Pat Herrity and Michael Frey on the Board.
Here is Cook’s victory statement:
“Today the results from the Fairfax County Board of Elections show that I have been elected the next Braddock District Supervisor. I thank the Board of Elections for its difficult but professional work today counting the votes that were cast.
I want to thank the voters of Braddock District for the confidence they have placed in me. There is no greater honor in public life than to be selected by your neighbors to be their representative in government. I look forward to serving my Braddock District neighbors on the Board of Supervisors. Working together, we will strengthen our neighborhoods, bring new and innovative ideas to the challenges we face, and bring a fresh voice of fiscal responsibility to the County.I want to thank my campaign chairman Tessie Wilson, Supervisor Pat Herrity, my campaign staff and all the volunteers who made this grass-roots victory possible. Most of all, I thank my family, whose love and support made this race possible.”
Congratulations to John Cook!
