tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321Wed, 09 Oct 2024 23:28:54 +0000The homepage for City of Fairfax Councilman Dan Drummondhttp://councilmandan.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)Blogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-5352377372055101791Mon, 24 Feb 2014 04:40:00 +00002014-02-23T23:40:46.755-05:00 This Thursday, February 27, come help your neighbor in the Fairfax City/Fairfax County area by filling an Empty Bowl at the Sherwood Community Center from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This annual tradition is in support of &nbsp;Our Daily Bread, a Fairfax City-based non-profit organization helping those in need with a variety of services. Whether its helping someone find a place to stay or get a meal to http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2014/02/fill-empty-bowl-february-27.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-1434159834913321125Mon, 24 Feb 2014 04:01:00 +00002014-02-23T23:03:11.300-05:00 Welcome back to The Corner Of ... A blog about the City of Fairfax, my work on the City Council and since it's that time again, my re-election campaign. Along with my Facebook page&nbsp;and Twitter account - @Councilmandan - this site will include updates and information during and after the campaign. The election is Tuesday, May 6 2014. I would appreciate your support and your vote. And if http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2014/02/welcome-again.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-4769532992906155662Mon, 24 Dec 2012 02:26:00 +00002012-12-23T21:26:07.079-05:00 As we settle into the holiday break and enjoy friends, family and get a visit from the jolly old elf himself, the Drummond family wants to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Kerry and I are so blessed to have a wonderful family, with six little feet (Sadie, Patrick and Liam) waking us up each morning. And there is no more important of a morning to a child than Christmas. http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/12/tis-season-for-helping.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-5864208184070161293Sat, 15 Dec 2012 14:48:00 +00002012-12-15T09:48:23.543-05:00Last night I couldn't get home from work fast enough.&nbsp; After the shootings in Newtown, CT yesterday, I - like many parents across the country - wanted to race to my children's side, giving them hugs and comfort. When I got home they were happily eating their dinner and getting ready for movie night. They didn't know what had happened earlier in the day and Kerry and I decided not raise it,http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/12/holding-our-kids-closer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-7977945081333726940Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:03:00 +00002012-12-06T14:53:29.551-05:00Developing the City of Fairfax budget is pretty much a year-round endeavor. Staff and City Council continually review the current budget, look for areas of improvement and identify needs. It's during the fall when much of the work comes together as staff looks to Council for budget guidance so that the City Manager can then develop and present a budget to Mayor, Council and public in February, http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/12/budget-time-capital-needs-and-your.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-6962636133105484220Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:41:00 +00002012-11-21T10:41:38.984-05:00As is the tradition, here's my annual post for Thanksgiving - one that I will never forget ... The Blessings of a Shoney's Thanksgiving Today is a day to give thanks for all that we have. And for me, it's a time to reflect on one of the more memorable Thanksgiving Days that I've had.I was 17 and had a car. And my mother saw this as an asset most of the time. I could run errands, take http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-blessings-of-shoneys-thanksgiving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-3760373510923522690Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:40:00 +00002012-08-25T16:40:32.527-04:00 This morning Kerry and I took our long walk through George Mason's campus. We're fortunate to live close by, especially when we can see the new students - all ready to take on the world &nbsp;- move in. There is a certainly a new since of purpose for the university with new President Dr. Angel Cabrera's arrival. Not to take away anything from former president Dr. Alan Merten, but let's face it,http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/08/masons-back-and-welcome.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-7953992506802323212Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:01:00 +00002012-08-16T10:01:34.171-04:00 At one of our first City Council meetings of this new term we began a discussion about how we could remake the Fairfax Circle Plaza shopping center into a livelier place. The current shopping center, most would agree, has worn out its usefulness - and attractiveness. People want newer buildings, better services and more options. The current proposal from the developer is to transform the http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/08/retrofitting-city-of-fairfax.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-1495064421637612694Thu, 12 Jul 2012 21:06:00 +00002012-07-12T17:06:36.499-04:00 It's been almost two weeks since the derecho storm swept through the City of Fairfax and the metropolitan Washington area. Everyone's power is back up, phone service (including 911) is restored and we are now turning our attention to the response and what the storm left in its wake. First, let me commend the wonderful work by our City of Fairfax team. Our staff performed so well and helped so http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/07/after-derecho.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-2686048926764483510Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:19:00 +00002012-06-29T10:19:20.262-04:00 This past Wednesday I had the honor and privilege of being sworn-in for my third term to the Fairfax City Council. I truly appreciate the trust the citizens have put in me to, along with the Mayor and my Council colleagues, do what is right for our City and move us forward. Thanks to the great City Hall staff who put together a beautiful ceremony and dialed-up perfect weather! Below are the http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/06/next-two-years.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-3812026724634902660Tue, 29 May 2012 03:22:00 +00002012-05-28T23:22:30.428-04:00Like many of you, I certainly enjoyed the three-day weekend. Nothing beats an extra day to spend time with family, friends and lately, watch the Nationals play some fantastic baseball. At the same time, it's not lost on me why we have this time off: It was Memorial Day. Originally beginning as Decoration Day shortly after the Civil War ended, it is a day where we honor those men and women who http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/05/observing-memorial-day-tomorrow-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-4823934009521409211Wed, 23 May 2012 20:07:00 +00002012-05-23T16:07:02.267-04:00As many know, the Mayor and City Council have been discussing the future of the City's water system for more than a year now. We have had many public hearings and discussions about what the best course of action would be for our residents, both in the short- and long-run. Eventually we narrowed down many options to two, which were explained in a brochure to City residents in late March/early http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/05/future-of-fairfax-citys-water-system.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-4284197954151016389Tue, 01 May 2012 09:28:00 +00002012-05-01T05:28:14.520-04:00As I write this I'm about to head out to my polling station at City Hall. It's been a fun campaign and I am forever grateful for my family, friends and volunteers who've helped.&nbsp;Now it's time to vote. While I certainly hope folks will pull the lever for me as one of their six choices for their next City Council, the important thing is for people to exercise their right to vote. Polls are http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/05/vote.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-6589932493321653680Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:41:00 +00002012-04-22T13:59:58.026-04:00Today (April 22) is officially Earth Day. I'd like to think that many of us consider everyday Earth Day. And in the City of Fairfax we certainly do our part. Whether it's our Environmental Sustainability Committee, our top-notch recycling program or our dedication to preserving open space, the City is a leader on "green" issues. I'm particularly excited about the current energy audit underway nowhttp://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/04/pushing-lawn-mower-for-earth-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-744479404216719491Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:56:00 +00002012-04-18T10:10:30.402-04:00The Patch.com has some more responses from us candidates to questions posed by the City of Fairfax Citizens for Smarter Growth. Check them out here. And below are my direct responses to questions:Part 1The redevelopment of Fairfax Boulevard is critical to the city’s future. Following are candidate responses to questions on the redevelopment of Fairfax Boulevard and the development review http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/04/responses-to-your-questions-downtown.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-2504929534011689661Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:47:00 +00002012-04-06T22:03:59.207-04:00As many of you know by now, the Hon. John Petersen passed away this week. A former City Councilman, GMU professor, economist, columnist, community leader, husband, father, grandfather and so many great things to so many people, John lived life to the fullest. I had the privilege of knowing John both personally and also serving with him on the City's Economic Development Authority. He is going to http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/04/john-petersens-passing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-22413055422141217Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:15:00 +00002012-03-30T14:32:13.623-04:00The British Parliament has a unique way of putting people on the spot. Actually, it's usually just one person - the Prime Minister - who must, during "question time," answer some very pointed questions asked at often times high decibels by Members of Parliament. Sometimes the questions are serious, while others are meant to "poke" the Prime Minister. To see what it's like click here.In the Unitedhttp://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/03/city-council-candidates-version-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-1770503304138548919Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:24:00 +00002012-03-21T15:27:21.686-04:00The City Manager's budget for Fiscal Year 2013 (starts July 1, 2012) is now getting a full review and the City Council continues to need your input. Last night we held an outreach session at City Hall and then set the advertised tax rate. Additional opportunities for the public to weigh in (in addition to letters, emails, calls) include:March 27 City Council meeting and work sessionApril 10 City http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/03/update-on-city-budgetadvertised-tax.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-6348087986104087429Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:29:00 +00002012-02-27T17:37:12.331-05:00Tomorrow evening (February 28) the City Manager will be presenting his budget for FY 2012-2013 (starting July 1, 2012) at the beginning of our City Council meeting (starts at 7:30 - a 1/2 hour later than usual). We are expecting that this is going to be one of the toughest budgets the City has ever faced. That said, I like to think that the Mayor and Council are up to the challenge of crafting ahttp://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-budget-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-8585606155492615832Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:36:00 +00002012-02-12T23:01:54.254-05:00The City is currently undergoing a review, update and eventual drafting of a new comprehensive plan. This is the document that serves as a guide for what we want the City to be over the next several years. You can access the draft document and learn more about the process by clicking here.In addition to being required under Virginia law, laying out a long-term strategy through the comprehensive http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/02/planning-citys-future.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-2631236042490468209Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:23:00 +00002012-01-18T09:30:14.592-05:00Since being elected to the Fairfax City Council in 2008 I have had the distinct honor of working together with my colleagues to make the City of Fairfax the best place to live, work and raise a family. Our next election is May 1, 2012 and I want to continue these efforts and serve my community and that is why I've decided to run for re-election to the City Council. Living in a City that http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/01/some-news-to-share.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-2388519123125849192Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:15:00 +00002012-01-15T11:29:27.033-05:00After hearing from almost two dozen residents and business representatives at last week's public outreach meeting on the Kitty Pozer Park/George Mason Square redevelopment, the City Council directed staff to draft a new concept for the area that would expand the park, have no net loss of parking for the small businesses and help pay down some of the $2.3 million debt that the City and Economic http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/01/latest-concept-for-george-mason.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-8010124672115853163Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:25:00 +00002012-01-09T21:52:15.087-05:00Tomorrow night (January 10, 7 p.m., City Hall) the City Council will be holding a public outreach meeting and later a work session on the future of the property known as George Mason Square and Kitty Pozer Garden/Pozer Park (between Old Lee Highway and University/by Old Town Hall). More information about the outreach meeting and work session, including documents and renderings can be found here. http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2012/01/future-of-kitty-pozer-parkgeorge-mason.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-2022600407053276595Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:33:00 +00002011-12-22T13:29:55.823-05:00<!--[if gte vml 1]> <![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->The City of Fairfax is known by residents and visitors alike as having a special "sense of place." People know one another, we care about our neighborhoods and neighbors and have great City services coupled with low taxes. It's fair to say that we are very blessed to live here.This "http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-mayor-rob-lederer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958759078887577321.post-8789355583571838935Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:09:00 +00002011-09-11T12:06:19.587-04:00Today marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. Everyone has a story and memories from that day - where they were, how they felt, what they wanted to do to help.I saw the horror and heroism of that day up close and personal. At the time I was a reporter for The Washington Times. September 11th was my second day back from paternity leave as Kerry and I had just http://councilmandan.blogspot.com/2011/09/remembering-september-11th-reporters.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dan Drummond)0